Highlights of this newsletter include:

Funding up to $250,000
Tourism Digital Academy January Intake
Destination BC Launches Rainforest to Rockies
Interview With TOTA CEO
And more...

Quick Links

Our Hearts Stand with TRU and Families

Memorial Scholarship & Support for Thompson Rivers University Students Involved in Fatal Crash

On November 29, three Thompson Rivers University (TRU) students were involved in a tragic car collision near the school’s campus in Kamloops. Owyn McInnis, died, while Owen Waterhouse and Riley Brinnen were seriously injured.

This is a tremendous tragedy in the region and our hearts go out to everyone involved. Those that wish to support can make a donation to Riley’s GoFundMe page, Owen’s GoFundMe page, or the TRU Owyn McInnis Memorial Men's Volleyball Athletic Award.

Industry Resources

Apply for Tourism Growth Program: Funding up to $250,000 | Apply by February 2024

PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program (TGP) will provide up to $250,000 in funding to businesses, tourism organizations, and local communities to develop tourism products and experiences that create lasting prosperity in BC communities.

Info sessions will be held on December 6 (virtual) and 7 (in Kelowna at 10 AM). Register →

Destination BC Tourism Digital Academy January Intake

Register for this free online Digital Marketing Program for tourism businesses. Beginning in January and held over 8 weeks, participants will learn practical, actionable guidance through video recordings, live sessions, one-on-one coaching, and audits.

Destination BC also offers a self-guided version of the Tourism Digital Academy to complete at your own pace.

Destination BC Best Practices for Inclusive Visuals

Destination BC Learning Centre

We know it's important to consider diversity and inclusion in tourism marketing. But how do we build equity into every aspect of business? How do we uplift underrepresented voices and challenge the dominant culture lens?

Learn how in Destination BC's new Learning Centre resource, Best Practices for Inclusive Visuals, which shares the key principles, overarching goals, and tangible steps to help businesses make travel marketing more inclusive.

TOTA Webinar Recap: Introduction & Future of Renewable Natural Gas

Here is a quick recap of the “An Introduction and Future of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Webinar” run by TOTA’s Energy Analyst, Harshit Srivastava in November:

The webinar introduced Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) as an immediate solution for reducing carbon footprints of tourism businesses, residences and the transportation sector. With 22 attendees and plenty of questions, the session was engaging and informative. Participants learned about RNG's environmental benefits and how they could communicate with Harshit if they had further questions.

For more information or to inquire about RNG, please connect with Harshit at Energy@TOTABC.com.

go2HR's Workplace Psychological Health & Safety Coaches Available to Employees for Holiday Support

As the holiday season approaches, go2HR emphasizes the importance of connecting with their Workplace Psychological Health & Safety (PH&S) Coaches. Employers are encouraged to seek assistance for all mental health needs, especially during a time when working through the holidays may pose challenges for individuals. Ensuring that workers and seasonal staff receive the necessary psychological support is a key focus, promoting a workplace environment that prioritizes psychological health and safety.

Employer Registration Open for Virtual Tourism Job Fair: February 1, 2024

Tourism HR Canada, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Baxter Media have partnered to connect tourism operators and job seekers from across the country with a new, virtual event: the National Tourism Job Fair. This free event will offer networking and learning opportunities

Led by TIAC, the virtual platform will launch in January 2024, allowing job seekers to explore career options and network with industry leaders. Attendees can look forward to expert-led sessions on industry trends, skill development, and strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of travel and hospitality

Training Programs

Employer Webinars by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

A free virtual learning series to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. Each week will feature a new topic and provide employers with an opportunity to ask questions. The next session, Addressing Permanent Labour Needs, in on December 6.

Fast Track Your Future Education Series by BC Hotel Association

Elevate your team's potential by registering for the following training programs:

Financial Leadership & Resiliency - January 10-February 14
Property Operations & Maintenance - February 21-March 27
Leadership for Hospitality Professionals - April 3-May 8

New go2HR Joint Health & Safety Committee Training Course

This self-paced course shares how joint health and safety committee members can effectively carry out duties. Completion of this course meets the 8-hour training requirement for new committee members and worker health & safety representatives, as per the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

Be a Resource

Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) Survey

TIABC is seeking input from both members and non-members to assess the level of satisfaction with its leadership and to solicit valuable input to help shape the organization's future direction, ensuring effectiveness as advocates for the tourism sector. Please complete this 10 minute survey by December 8.

Hotel Workforce Survey

The BC Hotel Association is conducting a short four-minute survey to advise on hotel hiring, training, and retention needs for 2024. Please complete by Wednesday, December 20.

Marketing

Destination BC Launches First Iconic Brand, Rainforest to Rockies

The first Iconic brand to launch from the Invest in Iconics strategy, Rainforest to Rockies, is an iconic Canadian journey along ever-changing landscapes, inspiring travellers to visit more places in the province.

On HelloBC.com/Rainforest-to-Rockies, travellers can choose their own adventure and enjoy the journey from Vancouver on the Pacific Coast to the Canadian Rockies through several routes to various communities, including destinations in the Thompson Okanagan, such as Kamloops, Mt Robson, Osoyoos and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.

The TOTA team looks forward to promoting this iconic route through the region.

Shout Outs

Congratulations to the Thompson Okanagan restaurants that made it onto OpenTable’s Top 100 restaurants in Canada for 2023:

Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery – Kelowna
Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Winery – Kelowna
Terrace Restaurant, Mission Hill Family Estate – West Kelowna
The Restaurant at Phantom Creek Estates – Oliver

Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country Featured in Travel & Leisure Magazine as: "This Under-the-radar Canadian Wine Region Has North America's First Indigenous-owned Winery, 4,000 Acres of Vineyards, and Great Hiking and Biking"

Strengthening the Destination

Kelowna Now Live with Ellen Walker-Matthews

Watch Kelowna Now Live Interview With TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews

TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews was invited to discuss Thompson Okanagan tourism on Kelowna Now Live with Jim Csek and Jason Mann.

Quality Inn and Suites Vernon Becomes First Biosphere Certified Hotel in the Thompson Okanagan

Quality Inn and Suites Vernon has achieved Biosphere Certification, becoming the first hotel within the Thompson Okanagan region to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability management. With the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform, the certification was completed in six months.

TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program team is available to help organizations.

Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program or book a Biosphere Presentation.