Thompson Okanagan Tourism Newsletter | December 15, 2023

Greetings, As we near the end of 2023, on behalf of everyone at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our industry stakeholders and partners. Your ongoing support of our association and your steadfast commitment in continuing to nurture and grow the tourism sector in the Thompson Okanagan region and beyond is instrumental and deeply appreciated. This past year presented us with more than its fair share of challenges, and the much-anticipated smooth rebound from COVID has been elusive. However, it is your continued perseverance and dedication that moves us forward and helps in shaping and reimagining a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and thoughtful tourism landscape. Recognizing that this time of year can evoke a spectrum of emotions—wonder, joy, sadness, and pain—be sure to prioritize self-care, embrace gratitude, and weave precious memories that will accompany you into the year ahead and beyond. However and with whomever you celebrate the holidays, amid diverse traditions and beliefs, may the enchantment of this season touch your life, fostering peace, happiness, and immense joy. Wishing you safety, good health, and boundless kindness. Treasure laughter, share it generously, and pay it forward as you are able. Warm wishes for the holidays and a fulfilling 2024. - Ellen Walker-Matthews

TOTA Office Closed for the Holidays  The TOTA office will be closed for the holidays as of December 18, returning January 3. We look forward to seeing you in 2024!

Highlights of this newsletter include: Free Food Waste Prevention Training Destination Canada Tourism Outlook 2023 Grants and learning resources New YLW connection to Seattle And more...

Quick Links: Post a Job Industry Training Resources Industry Events Calendar Know Before You Go Travel Trade & Media Opportunities About TOTA

Featured News

Free Food Waste Prevention Online Training Certificate by BetterTable.ca TOTA is offering free food waste prevention training by BetterTable.ca for Thompson Okanagan food preparation professionals to reduce costs. This online certificate program is a cost-saving opportunity, with actionable tips and industry best practices for managers and kitchen staff to reduce food waste. The online program is available on demand for a limited time. Apply by January 31

Industry Resources

Tourism Outlook 2023: Rebounding Stronger than Expected, Yet Challenges Persist Destination Canada released its latest Tourism Outlook: Unlocking Opportunities for the Sector, showing total tourism revenue is set to exceed 2019 levels, generating $109.5 billion in 2023. This represents the recovery of the tourism sector from the pandemic, one year earlier than projected. However, recovery across regions and sectors has been uneven. The challenge ahead is creating profitable growth for tourism businesses given current debt loads and inflationary pressures.

Destination BC Learning Centre Resource: Sustainable Tourism Case Study / Video What does sustainable tourism look like in practice? The Destination BC Learning Centre has a case study on Eagle Wing Tours, a local whale watching company based in Victoria, that has made sustainable tourism an integral and meaningful component to their business.

go2HR Resources Mental Health Support for Employees The winter holidays can be a mentally challenging time for workers and seasonal staff. Employers can speak to go2HR's Workplace Psychological Health & Safety coaches to get advice and support for the mental health needs. Safer Spaces Holiday Toolkit Workers should feel safe and respected year round, including over the holidays. The Safer Spaces holiday toolkit includes downloadable resources to help employers train staff on how to recognize and respond to inappropriate behaviour at parties and during shifts as they work with guests. Labour Market Information: Employment Trends for November In November 2023, BC's Tourism and Hospitality sector confronted persistent challenges in employment and recovery, showing a 3.9% decrease in employment from October 2023, dropping from 343,250 to 330,000. The Thompson Okanagan region experienced increased employment.

Restaurant Culture Shift for Successful Teams & Sustainable Careers Chefs' Table Society of British Columbia is seeking restaurants (with 1-2 locations) to participate in a 1 month pilot program that will develop pathways to successful teams and sustainable careers. Participants will receive one-on-one support to develop tools that target recruiting, retention, staff development, equity, diversity and inclusion AND systems changes.

Digital Adoption Grant Program Small and medium businesses can get a grant and access to expert advice to increase online sales, reduce costs, better manage inventory, and more through the Canada Digital Adoption Program.

Outdoor Recreation Roadmap for Community Organizations An online course for community organizations, providing tools and understanding to invest in outdoor recreation that will create healthier communities, economies, and people. Weekly sessions begin January 24. Sign up before December 20 for the early bird rate, plus a 20% discount with the code "ORCBC", thanks to the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC.

BC Hospitality Association Resources Year in Review Advocacy Report The report details key advocacy wins and significant strides, including new regulations on short-term rentals to protect employee housing, major immigration adjustments to support access to talented workers across the globe, protection of the MRDT tri-party agreement to ensure hotels have a voice in destination development priorities, and emergency preparedness response. Webinar Recording: Implementing Hotel Cybersecurity and Cloud Advancements Learn about protecting guest privacy, the power of cloud-based telephony systems in enhancing guest experiences and optimizing hotel operations, and getting ahead through digital transformation.

“Return of the Market” Series by Canadian Inbound Tourism Association The Canadian Inbound Tourism Association (CITAP+) believes it is critical for all market segments to understand how to work together to support inbound travel. To bridge connections, CITAP+ introduced the Return of the Market Educational Series. This series kicks off with a focus on the China market.

International Experience Canada (IEC) Opens the 2024 Season to Welcome International Youth, Including New Arrangements IEC is a reciprocal program that allows Canadian and international youth aged 18–35 to work and travel in each other’s countries. Canada has established youth mobility partnerships with over 35 countries and territories, and in 2023, signed new arrangements or agreements with Finland, Iceland and Ukraine, and improved existing ones with South Korea and the United Kingdom.

Marketing

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) New Flight to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Kelowna International Airport (YLW) has welcomed back Alaska Airlines flight to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), with non-stop flights 5-7 times per week between Kelowna and Seattle, and connections to destinations such as Hawaii, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

In the News

COP28 Agreement Signals “Beginning of the End” of the Fossil Fuel Era Enderby-Splatsin rail trail construction phase completed 6 things you may not know about Big White on the resort's 60th anniversary Curiocity: 7 spontaneous road trips from Vancouver this winter (including Vernon and Osoyoos) Tourism Kamloops reports strong year for industry, signals uncertainty ahead Wines of BC honours three Kelowna residents who stepped up during the fires - read their stories Kelowna restaurants struggling after a tough summer

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