Updates, webinars, events, opportunities to get involved, resources, and research to support Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals.
Midnight Musings from the TOTA Team
Hi there,
The first intake of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN) is now open! This program provides one-on-one support and resources to tourism businesses looking to incorporate sustainability into their operations.
This opportunity to learn and plan for a more sustainable future is offered by the five regions of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), including the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA).
Implementing new sustainability practices can be a challenge for many businesses, but the BCTSN program is here to make it easier by streamlining the process of defining a clear roadmap to integrate sustainability into business strategy, operations, and storytelling, with a focus on the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
If you're interested in joining the first intake of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network, registration is free, quick, and easy - but space is limited, so make sure to sign up soon.
To get started, complete the registration form at TourismResiliency.ca/Sustainability and a Program Advisor will be in touch to guide you through the process.
Feel free to share the BC Tourism Sustainability Network with any tourism businesses you know who might be interested in participating.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is working with Hatch Hospitality to assess and revamp communications efforts with Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals, companies, and communities.
Share your feedback to help TOTA enhance industry communications and enter to win a SilverStar Summer Getaway (1 night accommodation, 2 bike park / sightseeing tickets, bike rentals), kindly donated by Destination Silver Star.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit: Biospherology Master Class was an immersive experience unlike any other Summit the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has hosted. 120 people from across the region and British Columbia attended the Summit at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), February 21 - 22, 2023.
Attendees had an action packed day on their feet, moving through the TRU Campus with industry leaders who are experts in their respective fields. Through the Master Class collaborative, “hands on" approach, attendees gained knowledge and inspiration to incorporate responsible, sustainable practices into their communities and workplaces.
go2HR is conducting a confidential wage survey for tourism and hospitality employers in the Thompson Okanagan region. The survey aims to compile current, region-specific wage information to help Thompson Okanagan employers make informed decisions about their business planning for the upcoming summer season and beyond.
The survey will run from March 9 to April 7, 2023. Results will not be shared publicly. Participants will receive a report in May 2023 with region-specific wage information to assist employers in making informed business decisions.
The Province of BC issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to obtain engineering reports on flood damage to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail from Princeton to Brodie. The 2021 flood event resulted in significant damage to a 67 km section of the KVR between the Town of Princeton and a former rail stop near the Coquihalla Highway known as Brodie Siding.
The 2021 flood event is eligible for funding under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program. However, the requirements for the RFP also include “complete a Class D estimate for de-activation of the entire 67 km segment of the KVR, located between Princeton and Brodie Siding.”
The government has not yet determined if they are going to commit to funding a deactivation cost summary, which means between now and June 1, 2023 is a pivotal time in their decision making process.
Destination BC shared strategic direction for the next three years and beyond, outlining intentions to focus on the following levers, to improve BC’s competitiveness and improve the quality of life for all people living in BC through tourism over the long term:
The plan and strategy outline the direction for marketing in 2023 and over the coming years. Distribution is limited to BC tourism businesses and BC destination marketing organizations only, as it contains proprietary information.
The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) announced the winners of the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards during the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference Awards Gala, presented by Indigenous Tourism BC, on March 2.
Congratulations to the winners, including the following Thompson Okanagan companies:
Big White has partnered with Protect Our Winters (POW) Canada to implement sustainable initiatives in all departments and facets of the resort. POW is a multi-faceted community of athletes, brands and outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to advocating for policy solutions to climate change, and Big White is ecstatic to be one of four Canadian resorts, and the first resort in the Thompson Okanagan to be involved in its Resort Program.
By recognizing our power and influence in the outdoor industry we can have a huge effect on the fight against climate change by supporting campaigns and initiatives that will lead to solutions from government and corporations that will help tackle climate change.
You can get involved as a partner, resort, athlete, scientist, retailer, creative, and donor.
PacifiCan announced over $2.5 million in funding for 16 projects across the Thompson Okanagan. This includes $240,000 for two projects funded through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and over $2.3 million for 14 projects funded through the Tourism Relief Fund.
This funding will help expand local events into multi-day festivals showcasing local Indigenous culture, music and art – attracting thousands of domestic and international tourists.
FortisBC is moving forward and making progress to meet BC’s diverse energy needs, such as increasing investment in energy efficiency and expanding supply of low carbon Renewable Natural Gas.
Are you seeking an energy efficient solution and looking to reduce hotel/tourism facility emissions? FortisBC can provide holistic solutions and support through the entire process!
Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses Program
FortisBC is offering FREE customized energy advice to small and medium-sized businesses through the Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses program. Connect with a Business Energy Advisor during a 15 to 30 minute consultation via phone call, video call, or an in-person visit.
The Business Energy Advisor will share energy advice on:
💡 Low cost/no cost tips to reduce energy use and operating costs
🔌 Information about FortisBC rebates on high efficiency equipment
💸 Support in getting quotes from contractors and applying for rebates
🗓 Applying for retroactive rebates on equipment installed in the last 365 days
go2HR is offering a discounted price of $47 for their SuperHost® Online Course until the end of March, after which the regular course price of $59 will resume. The course provides practical knowledge and skills for customer service and is suitable for workers and students. Employers can take advantage of group purchases and apply for the BC Employer Training grant for up to 80% course reimbursement.
Learn how to apply the circular economy to the hospitality industry, including:
How food service operators successfully control food costs with Better Table
How international organizations are supporting businesses in North America to be more profitable and sustainable with Commission for Environmental Cooperation
How Skål International Official, the largest global network in the travel and tourism industry, is promoting sustainability
How Xara Collection is leveraging innovation to upcycle food and close the loop to be truly circular in Malta
How to access free food waste prevention training tailored to the Canadian hospitality industry
These lessons and more can be accessed through eLearningU, a virtual platform that provides tourism marketing lessons to the Canadian tourism industry.
How to Register for eLearningU - 50% Discount
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.
Accessibility removes barriers so everyone feels welcome when they visit your business. North Americans with disabilities spend an estimated $19 billion per year on travel and that doesn’t include the friends and family they travel with.
Learn how to attract new and returning business from this important sector.
The go2HR job board is free for tourism and hospitality employers operating in British Columbia. Post jobs and hiring events to find quality employees in Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Entertainment, Transportation, and Travel Services.
The go2HR Job Board receives 20,000 monthly visits from qualified candidates looking for front-line, supervisory, management or executive positions.
The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting your goals, to building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more – you’ll leave the program with the confidence and knowledge to put that plan into action.
This two-day conference is an excellent opportunity for scientists, managers, business operators, students, and the interested public to network and learn about current thinking on increasing outdoor recreation activities and the effect on wildlife and ecosystems.
The conference will include speakers, posters, and various opportunities for dialogue on aspects of baseline monitoring, measuring disturbance, accessing cumulative impacts, understanding best practices, success stories, and field trip opportunities
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