As 2021 comes to a close, we hope you found time to enjoy the holidays with family, friends, and colleagues. It’s been a challenging year but, overall, the tourism industry has made progress towards building forward better. New connections and partnerships were formed, many Canadians discovered - and rediscovered - the Thompson Okanagan region, and we are more resilient than ever.
As 2022 draws near, we wish you a happy New Year!
Each of the TOTA team members shared what they are looking forward to this coming year:
"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 had 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 look forward to strong economic growth and continued collaboration on being a leader in responsible tourism practices." - Mike Overend, Director of Destination Development
"I'm looking forward to exploring even more throughout the region and meeting people in person and I wish everyone hope and joy through another challenging time. All the best for 2022!" - Kelly Galaski, Managing Director, Symphony Tourism Services
“I look forward to exclusive, cultural, and experiential tourism to be a part of building more exclusive experiences that will be tailored for guests, community, and culture, thus creating a more inclusive tourism industry." - Jamie Bourne, Tourism Resiliency Program Advisor
"In the coming year, I look forward to connecting with tourism professionals, online and especially in person. I'll continue looking for ways to support the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry and I know that by working together we can overcome the challenges, and bring joy to our visitors and communities." - Chelsea McGonigal, Communications Specialist / Board Liaison
"I am looking forward to the growth in sustainable tourism initiatives and partnerships to continue to support the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry." - Amy Kneller, Sustainability Experience Coordinator
"I am looking forward to creating a community of sustainable tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan by establishing the Biosphere Commitment Program as an incubator for tourism stakeholders in our region to embark on their respective sustainability journeys and begin aligning every department activity with their chosen Sustainable Development Goals to create their sustainability plans and begin tracking their progress. The Biosphere Commitment Program will help us create stronger tourism stakeholders who will have a higher resiliency to endure situations like the pandemic and establish themselves as the future pillars of the tourism industry in the Thompson Okanagan."
- Kavan Vijayakumar, Event & Industry Relations Specialist
"I look forward to continuing to celebrate and share the incredible tourism businesses throughout the region in 2022!" - Jenna Labossiere, Consumer Communications Coordinator
"I'm looking forward to seeing international travel try to return to the levels previously seen by our region and how that volume is enriched with newly implemented and mastered operations that came forth from the pandemic." - Darnel St. Pierre, Digital Marketing Coordinator
“I am looking forward to less COVID and extreme circumstances. I'm hopeful!" - Donna Sellin, Senior Executive Assistant
"For 2022, I am most looking forward to co-creating a vibrant and resilient tourism industry in the Thompson Okanagan, with sustainability at the core of our work." - Kaitie Worobec, Director of Destination Stewardship
"We look forward to all of the resilient tourism businesses being able to see a light at the end of the tunnel and welcome back both domestic and international visitors to the region. The funding that has been made available to enhance our outdoor offerings for trail use, mountain biking, and hiking adventures, as well as accessible trail use will be highly promoted for visitors in 2022!" - Barbara Bonnough, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre & TOTA Training Centre Manager
"I am looking forward to more tourism companies joining the Biosphere Commitment Program and demonstrating their commitment to the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals to the world." - Eve Layman, Destination Stewardship Coordinator
"I am most looking forward to supplying our industry with research and analytics to aid in their recovery efforts and to experience the many amazing things our region has to offer." - Shelby Campbell, Research Specialist, Symphony Tourism Services
"I look forward to continuing to support the tourism businesses in this beautiful part of the world in which we live, work, and play." - Rob Grifone, Travel Trade & Media / Crisis Management Coordinator
"I look forward to exploring more, and hopefully bringing friends and family along to enjoy the many adventures offered in the beautiful Thompson Okanagan." - Chyan Lloyd, Financial Controller
"I am looking forward to connecting with many more stakeholders in the new year and supporting you with your key accessible features - creating environments and experiences that are inclusive to everyone." - Sonja Gaudet, Regional Access & Inclusion Liaison
"I can't wait to see how strongly we rebound after COVID. I'm very excited to see international travellers back, in one of the greatest places on earth." - Jeff Bourne, Tourism Inspiration Centre Ambassador
"I am looking forward to seeing the partnerships with Indigenous leaders and communities come into fruition. It will be wonderful to see the industry reflecting and becoming more inclusive towards the traditions and cultures of the First Nations all over B.C." - Amber Rabe, Administrative Coordinator
"I am looking forward to the tourism industry getting back on track and doing what it does best." - Alison Steward, Office Manager
Note: The regular newsletter will return when the TOTA office reopens on January 5, 2022.
If you are feeling uncertain, feel free to email Recovery@TOTABC.com so we can provide support as soon as we return.
