As we reflect on 2021 and look forward to new opportunities in 2022, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association team sends you our warmest holiday wishes. We hope you find moments of joy, relaxation, and reflection this holiday season.
The past two years have brought many changes, challenges, and key learnings for many of the tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region and our partners. As we move forward together we continue to work with many partners to provide you with new opportunities, resources, and advocacy efforts to support the tourism industry in 2022 and beyond.
Reflecting on the past year, TOTA team members shared messages of appreciation and gratitude:
"2021 has been a year of many challenges for tourism and the world as a whole. I am grateful for the dedicated tourism professionals that I have been privileged to work with to assist our industry and for the support of my family and friends. My wish this holiday season is that you have the opportunity to spend time with family or close friends and that their presence will bring you the comfort and strength to help move you through whatever lays ahead in the New Year." - Ellen Walker-Matthews, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
"I am grateful for all the amazing tourism businesses in our region and their unwavering commitment to providing excellent products and services." - Mike Overend, Director of Destination Development
"I appreciate how much everyone cares about one another and supports local stakeholders within the region. It's been so needed to get everyone through and will continue to be. We are so fortunate that the communities and businesses offer so many wonderful things to see and do throughout our vast region that we can enjoy supporting each other through local travel!" - Kelly Galaski, Managing Director, Symphony Tourism Services
"I have been reminded of what the tourism industry and the people in the tourism industry are made of. I have gained a greater understanding of what is most important in our lives. I am honoured to be part of building back a stronger tourism industry." - Jamie Bourne, Tourism Resiliency Program Advisor
"This year, once again, I am inspired by the resiliency of tourism professionals in the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry. I'm grateful for the dedication of tourism leaders, who continue to take on and overcome challenges for the benefit of our communities, now and in the future." - Chelsea McGonigal, Communications Specialist / Board Liaison
"I am grateful for the opportunity to work with our tourism stakeholders in the Thompson Okanagan region on their sustainable practices through the Biosphere Commitment Program." - Kavan Vijayakumar, Event & Industry Relations Specialist
"The Thompson Okanagan has proven to be a region of resilient tourism operators throughout the pandemic." - Rob Grifone, Travel Trade & Media / Crisis Management Coordinator
"I'm grateful to see how our team and other tourism stakeholders have been able to support one another through the rollercoaster of 2021." - Amy Kneller, Sustainability Experience Coordinator
"The Thompson Okanagan tourism industry is the heart of the economy, in one of the greatest industries in the world." - Jeff Bourne, Tourism Inspiration Centre Ambassador
"I appreciate how resilient everyone can be through the challenges." - Alison Steward, Office Manager
"I am very grateful that even through this entire pandemic I have still had the ability to do and see the many great things the Thompson Okanagan has to offer. There are immense amounts of outdoor recreation that you are still able to do while keeping safe." - Chyan Lloyd, Financial Controller
"I appreciate the grit and determination that Thompson Okanagan tourism stakeholders have demonstrated over the past year and their "never-give-up" attitude, despite facing numerous challenges." - Kaitie Worobec, Director of Destination Stewardship
"I am grateful for those travellers who stopped in to see us at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre and knowing there were many local residents who supported the industry as best they could during a very challenging year! All of the travellers that we met were in good spirits and happy to be able to experience the region and support tourism businesses." - Barbara Bonnough, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre & TOTA Training Centre Manager
"I appreciate the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry's resiliency. We live in such a beautiful part of the province, and the pride of our region is apparent in the work that we do. As a newcomer to this industry, it is amazing to see everyone stand together to support each other." - Donna Sellin, Senior Executive Assistant
"Thank you to many of our stakeholders who have made accessibility a key priority - ensuring that full participation is possible for everyone to enjoy and experience what you have to offer." - Sonja Gaudet, Regional Access & Inclusion Liaison
"The Thompson Okanagan is a leader for tourism, with a wide range of sustainable tourism opportunities. I am grateful to be able to live in a community with so many wonderful people and businesses who are committed to sharing this beautiful place with others." - Eve Layman, Destination Stewardship Coordinator
"I am grateful to work in an industry full of amazing people and am constantly in awe of our stakeholders, their resiliency, creativity, and compassion for one another." - Shelby Campbell, Research Specialist, Symphony Tourism Services
"I appreciate the continuous resiliency the Thompson Okanagan Tourism industry never fails to show and am so grateful to be apart of this community." - Jenna Labossiere, Consumer Communications Coordinator
"I'm grateful for the resiliency displayed by the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry over the course of this year. It's been a difficult year for most businesses but seeing the perseverance displayed by many stakeholders is inspiring." - Darnel St. Pierre, Digital Marketing Coordinator
"I love how so much of the industry is centered on the land and nature. From wineries, to parks, camping and cultural events, I really think it describes the people of the Thompson Okanagan and the goal towards sustainable tourism." - Amber Rabe, Administrative Coordinator
Note: The TOTA office is closed from December 20 to January 4, 2022. However, if you are feeling uncertain, feel free to email Recovery@TOTABC.com so we can provide support as soon as we return.
News Highlights
Coquihalla Hwy Reopened for Commercial Traffic
The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) has reopened between Hope and Merritt to essential commercial vehicles only following a month of extensive repairs, well ahead of the previously announced timeline.
Effective today, Highway 5 is available to commercial vehicles with a minimum licensed gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 11,794 kilograms.
With most commercial vehicles moving to Highway 5, travel restrictions will be lifted from Highway 3 at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, allowing the route between Hope and Princeton to be used for non-essential travel.
Travel restrictions have also been lifted from Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet. However, vehicles over 14,500 kilograms GVW are still not permitted on this section of Highway 99.
When travel restrictions are lifted from Highway 3 and Highway 99, these routes become available for general use. For drivers travelling these highways, the ministry urges preparation and patience. Drivers can expect delays and congestion and are encouraged to consider alternate options or avoid highway travel unless necessary.
Travellers are reminded to visit the DriveBC website for updates on BC road conditions and advisories.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry delivered an announcement that included revised orders aimed to address the rising COVID-19 cases. This order takes effect on Monday, December 20, 2021, and will be extended through to January 31, 2022.
Highlights of the extended measures include:
limiting indoor, personal gatherings, including in rental and vacation properties to the household/residents plus 10 individuals or one additional household maximum if all are aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated;
requiring the BC Vaccine Card for organized events of all sizes and ensuring the QR code is scanned at events;
seating requirements and restricting movement between tables at food and liquor-serving premises, and reinforcing the need to wear masks when not seated;
limiting venues of 1,000 individuals or more to 50% of the seated capacity with reinforced masking requirements and scanning of the BC Vaccine Card QR code;
pausing all sports tournaments while the order is in effect; and
all New Year’s Eve organized gatherings and events will be restricted to being seated-only events, with no mingling or dancing allowed.
In addition to the provincial health orders, British Columbians are also reminded to follow the travel advisories issued by both the federal and provincial governments this week that include avoiding all travel if not fully vaccinated and to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.
Today, on The Current, Matt Galloway spoke with Michael Ballingall, senior vice-president of Big White Ski Resort and the chair of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, about what the highway’s reopening means for the tourism industry.
B.C.’s tourism associations have developed a toolkit to guide operators in advising the public to plan travel in British Columbia this winter, with the unique challenges caused by the 2021 floods and road closures. Operators can share this document, include the information in their communications, and provide links on their website.
B.C.’s tourism associations have developed a toolkit to guide operators in advising the public to plan travel in British Columbia this winter, with the unique challenges caused by the 2021 floods and road closures. Operators can share this document, include the information in their communications, and provide links on their website.
The Reopening Fund is a one-year funding initiative through the Celebration and Commemoration Program to support initiatives that will:
increase opportunities for Canadians to participate in various commemorative activities and celebrations to mark Canada’s emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic; or
build a sense of pride and belonging to Canada by holding celebratory and commemorative activities that recognize people and achievements in the response to COVID-19 ; and / or
support the revival of local economies through in-person events.
Canadian not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations with non-commercial projects, educational institutions, and government institutions are eligible to apply.
Women in B.C. with a desire for training in the culinary, beverage, or hospitality fields are invited to apply for Les Dames d’Escoffier BC Scholarship Program to receive partial funds to an educational institution/course of their choice.
All scholarships are awarded based on merit, ability, commitment, and passion, and may range in value anywhere between $1,000 – $2,000 depending on funds available, program requirements and approved applicants.
Apply by January 31, 2022. Scholarships will be awarded in March 2022.
The TOTA team is here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program tourism companies can access the following free supports:
Support the B.C. hospitality and tourism community by purchasing tickets to the Holiday 50/50 Lottery benefiting the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF).
This licensed lottery is being promoted ONLY to the local hospitality and tourism community, so someone in or related to industry will be the big winner!
Funds will support industry workers in a time of need.
The BCHF receives funds from a variety of corporate initiatives initiated by friends and colleagues in the hospitality industry, including partial proceeds from product sales. By purchasing these products, you can support the supporters and help boost the BC economy at the same time!
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