Updates, webinars, events, opportunities to get involved, resources, and research to support Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals.
Midnight Musings from the TOTA Team
Continued training and development is a critical component of building a strong and resilient tourism workforce. What if seasonal tourism employees could build and expand their tourism career over the winter months, building skills and connections that will set them up for success the next summer?
People in the Thompson Okanagan now have that opportunity, free of charge, offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association in partnership with Okanagan College.
The Hospitality Professional Program will commence October 24, 2022, and includes a 17 week training program followed by a 9-week Work Experience and Mentorship program, ending May 5, 2023.
This fully funded training program is a tremendous advancement opportunity for aspiring professionals, whether they are a seasonal employee laid off for the winter; entering tourism from another industry, or seeking to expand their role in the hospitality industry.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this training, feel free to share the link and connect with the TOTA Training Centre Manager to inquire about the details:
A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas in the Thompson Nicola area of the Thompson Okanagan tourism region in British Columbia was officially announced by local and provincial tourism partners.
The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants from the area with a tourism mentor and provide a $3,000 grant to supplement additional partner support, to help bring new tourism ideas to the next level of development.
Applications can be submitted from September 27 to November 4, 2022 and are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations based in the Thompson Nicola area.
TOTA is seeking sponsors and silent auction item donations to support the TOTA Annual Golf Tournament as a carbon neutral tourism industry networking event and fundraiser to support Thompson Okanagan post-secondary tourism students.
Little Straw Vineyards is the newest member of the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. Read on for information about Little Straw, including their rich history, new ownership, and motivation for joining Biosphere.
Thursday, September 29, 2022 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Host: Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is presenting a virtual walkthrough of the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform for B.C. tourism companies and how it can help to track progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the BiosphereSustainable.com platform, a sustainability management system for tourism companies.
Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies receive 1 year free access to the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform (~$500 CAD value). For more information about the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, visit TOTABC.org/biosphere-commitment or email [email protected].
WORTH's Empower Her event aims to connect a community of leaders who will expand their network and create meaningful relationships. The Okanagan's top female tourism and hospitality leaders will share inspiring ideas with the intention of sparking dialogue about issues that impact women in the workplace. Their perspectives will inform, inspire, and empower women as we collectively identify ways to accelerate women to senior roles in the industry.