Thompson Okanagan Tourism News Summary | 2023-05 (2)

Updates, webinars, events, opportunities to get involved, resources, and research to support Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals.

Hi there, Have a great photo for a TOTA newsletter or social post? Submit images and get featured → Highlights TOTA Golf Tournament August 24 Top Traveler Motivators Revealed Effective HR Strategies for Staffing Vote for Conde Nast Traveller Awards Industry Spotlight - Enter to Win! Read on to learn more... Quick Links Post a Job Industry Training Resources Industry Events Calendar Know Before You Go Travel Trade & Media Opportunities About TOTA News & Events Up Fore Some Fun? TOTA Golf Tournament: Aug 24 Have fun, network with peers, and raise funds to support industry at Big Horn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops. Mingle with CEOs, hospitality pros, and a variety of people that form the heartbeat of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry. This event is sure to sell out. Save the date, early bird registration opens soon; stayed tuned. Top Traveller Motivators Revealed The latest Thompson Okanagan Tourism Sentiment Index revealed what visitors are seeking on their next trip: Restaurants & Dining; Biking & Cycling; and Festival, Events, & Concerts. Are they already important parts of your tourism offering? Are they part of your promotions? Perhaps they should be. View the full report → Industry Resources Webinar Highlights TOTA rounds up the most useful resources to support tourism professionals have a successful season. Human Resource issues? Here’s some help: Onboarding and Offboarding 101 Managing Absences Due to Sickness Dark Side of HR: Employee Theft in the Workplace And more A digital marketing strategy is essential for reaching target customers. eLearningU offers great resources at a discounted price, such as: Tourism & the Creator Economy Creating Events and Experiences that Inspire Travelers Job Posting Alert - Please Share The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre on Hwy 97C has created a unique new role to better serve visitors: the part-time Indigenous Cultural Ambassador. Be a Resource - Support the Industry You have the unique ability to support the industry, through surveys such as: State of Gender Equity for BC Women Survey Women in recreation, tourism and hospitality are invited to take research survey on gender equity initiatives by WORTH Association.  TOTA Industry Communications Feedback We asked, you answered. Learn what industry had to say and how TOTA is streamlining its communications to better serve industry. As we make changes to the content and format, we appreciate your feedback. Feel free to share feedback by emailing News@TOTABC.com. Marketing Final 7 Celebrations Event in West Kelowna The final event in the 7 Celebrations - Reconnect in the Thompson Okanagan series is happening Saturday, May 20 at Memorial Park in West Kelowna, hosted by TOTA, Canadian Heritage Fund, Visit Westside, and Sncewips Heritage Museum. Highlights include live performances from Indigenous storytellers and drummers; Canadian Jazz singer KINGA; Folk Musician Dan Tait; Kelowna Bhangra Academy; Reggae artist GoldMynd; Indie rock band Gary Saturday; Juno Nominated family act, The Oot n' Oots; Rock Steady Classic Rock Tribute Band; and country group The Prairie States. Vote Now! Thompson Okanagan Businesses Nominated in Renowned Conde Nast Traveller Reader's Choice Awards A handful of exceptional hotels, resorts, and destinations have the chance to earn a world-class honour, and all the business and buzz that follows. Thompson Okanagan Businesses include: Naramata Inn Burrowing Owl Delta Grand Okanagan Resort Lake Okanagan Resort Sparkling Hill Resort Spirit Ridge Resort Watermark Beach Resort Hearthstone Lodge  Penticton Lakeside Resort The Coast Sundance Lodge Big White Ski Resort SilverStar Mountain Resort Sun Peaks Resort Please vote and share. Your support could make all the difference. Cast your Ballot → Get the Word Out Great photo? New product? Exciting announcement? Tag @Thompson_Okanagan on your Instagram posts so we can help spread the word! Strengthening the Destination Provincial Tourism Funds to Boost Thompson Okanagan Infrastructure Communities and tourism operators in the region received nearly 8 million dollars as part of the province-wide program to keep building British Columbia as a world-class tourism destination.  TOTA Tourism Inspiration Centre Funding The Tourism Inspiration Centre received $550k to update exteriors and interiors, creating an inviting visitor experience, as well as a living roof with native flora, natural light, and a rooftop viewpoint with stunning views of Okanagan Lake. The inspiration centre is striving to become a net zero building, utilizing solar power and passive heating and cooling. Proactive Crisis Communications Support to Communities Around the Province CDMOs have been asked to send their crisis communications plans to the TOTA team at CrisisMgmt@TOTABC.com. Hatch Comms can provide templates for a basic plan. Take the 7 Generations Regional Pledge to uphold sustainable tourism The Thompson Okanagan regional pledge was created out of a need to encourage sustainable tourism and conscious travel. It is based on the Seven Generations Principle, rooted in Indigenous philosophy that the decisions we make today will have an impact for as many as seven generations to come. Industry Spotlight + Enter to Win Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort: New Things Coming to Enhance Eco-Friendly Commitments Learn more about this Biosphere Commitment Program member's journey towards overcoming a devastating fire and rebuilding with a strong environmental focus. Plus, enter to win a $150 Gift Certificate. Corporate Sponsors & Official Suppliers: Connect with TOTA: Subscribe to TOTA News Updates Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), 2280-D Leckie Road, Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 6G6, Canada Unsubscribe Manage preferences