Updates, webinars, events, opportunities to get involved, resources, and research to support Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals.
Midnight Musings from the TOTA Team
Hi there,
2023 is upon us, and with it, the opportunity for a fresh start, the chance to write a new story on the blank pages of the year that lies ahead.
Increasingly there is momentum, desire and focus on raising tourism and hospitality to new levels, creating an industry and experiences that are sustainable, responsible, and regenerative. But these cannot just be words on a page; 2023 must bring commitments, action, and real change.
Many people wonder: "What difference can I make as an individual"? Your actions may seem small; however, all of us changing behaviors collectively will lead to real positive impact.
Your 2023 New Year's Resolutions should include some that are focused on being more sustainable in all aspects of your life, at work and at home. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and within those goals many areas that can be addressed.
Take time to know the SDGs and decide which ones make the most sense for you to prioritize. The Biosphere Sustainable Platform helps companies manage their path towards sustainability, with customizable action plans, descriptions of SDGs, and examples of actions. This is a valuable tool available through the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
In the coming months there several industry events and programs that will help motivate and inspire change, including
As part of the TOTA 7 Celebrations - Reconnect in the Thompson Okanagan, Christina Lake will be hosting the annual Winter Festival January 27-29. Get involved with this free 3-day event as a sponsor to gain exposure while supporting the community, performers, artisans, and the tourism industry.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is hosting the 2022 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit on February 21 and 22 in Kamloops, BC at the Thompson Rivers University Campus.
Designed in partnership by Okanagan College (OC) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), this fully funded virtual program is open to students anywhere in the Thompson Okanagan region. This is an excellent opportunity to offer to seasonal employees to gain skills and advanced knowledge in preparation for full-time employment in the summer season.
Feel free to share this opportunity with potential employees of the Thompson Okanagan hospitality industry, particularly professionals looking to expand their career into full-time regular employment, such as a supervisory role.
We have provided sample content to easily spread the word through bulletin boards, email newsletters, website listings, and social media.
The Green Destinations Story Awards showcases and celebrates the most inspirational initiatives for sustainable tourism development from stories submitted to the annual Green Destinations Top 100 Stories. The destination that receives most votes will be awarded the People’s Choice Award at the Green Destinations Story Awards ceremony at ITB Berlin.
With a year-in-review and predictions for 2023, The Rundown is one of the most popular lessons of the year and an opportunity to come together and reflect on the wild ride that was 2022, celebrate some wins, learn from challenges, and get set up for an even stronger 2023.
What is Branded Content and How Does it Work?
With: Neil Malik, Director of Client Services, DailyHive In this lesson we learn what goes into high quality content partnerships, what to avoid, and how all of our content can learn from branded content partnerships. We hear about an unusual campaign that convinced west coast travelers to clean up after themselves, and how Travel Yukon is letting people in on some of Canada’s best kept travel secrets.
How to Register for eLearningU
These lessons and more can be accessed through eLearningU, a virtual platform that provides tourism marketing lessons to the Canadian tourism industry.
Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals get 50% off a three month subscription. Sign up with the link below to access weekly Webinar Lessons, the Recording Library, and downloadable presentations, resources, templates, and handouts.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is launching a sustainable tourism training program to build awareness and capacity for tourism to develop more sustainably. The program is complementary and is available to all Canadian tourism businesses, not only TIAC members.
The program includes specialized workshops, one-on-one coaching, and certification support around several topics, provided by industry experts.
Canada Digital Adoption Program: Access Grants and Expertise to Transform your Business
The Government of Canada is offering two programs for small and medium sized businesses to get access to expert advice on digital adoption, in order to increase online sales, reduce costs, better manage inventory, and more.
Boost Your Business Technology Grant: Up to $15,000 to get advice on technology, to reduce costs, speed up transactions, communicate quicker, and improve efficiency.
Want to learn more? Junction Consulting, an official supplier of the CDAP Boost program that specializes in BC tourism and hospitality, is now providing digital advisor services and available to help grant recipients.
Junction Consulting is hosting an virtual info session on Thursday, January 19 at 2 PM about the Canada Digital Adoption Program and how they can help you boost your business technology.
The Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is now open and accepting applications until January 18, 2023. Presented by Destination BC, sponsored by TD Bank and in collaboration with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), the Lab is inviting any Indigenous entrepreneurs, small businesses, and/or non-profits or community groups to apply with their new tourism idea.
Applicants could be selected to receive a $5,000 seed grant and mentorship to help get them started and push their ideas to the next level of development. All program applicants will be invited to join the “Spark" community of tourism innovators, partners, and supporters for special networking events, one-on-one's, and development workshops.
The TOTA Indigenous Tourism Specialist is hosting a 3-hour virtual workshop featuring Westbank First Nation Elders, Pamela and Grouse Barnes, to empower tourism professionals to engage with Indigenous neighbours, businesses, and communities within Canada.
The workshop will include:
A glimpse into the Syilx Indigenous world view
History from the Syilx perspective and the impacts of Truth and Reconciliation
IMPACT brings together a wide variety of leaders from travel and tourism, government, academia, First Nations, and NGOs to share knowledge and dive deep into the issues of tourism sustainability and innovation.
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 | Early Bird Rate $79 ends January 15
Location: Kamloops, BC | Venue: Thompson Rivers University
Register by January 15 to get the Early Bird rate and join the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry for interactive sessions, insights from global and regional leaders, and networking with industry colleagues. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and developments in destination management, climate action, access and inclusion, Indigenous tourism, and more..
March 1 - 3, 2022 | Prince George | Early Bird Rate $749 Ends January 19
Host: BC Hotel Association and Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC)
The 2023 conference theme is All Systems Go! After navigating through many pandemic-related challenges, the BC tourism and hospitality industry is ready to launch into a new season with strategies and tactics to build business, expand into new markets, develop new products and services, nurture relationships, and tackle issues such as sustainability, diversity/equity/inclusion, reconciliation, and other priorities as a strong, resilient and determined sector.
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