A Virtual Graduation Ceremony to Remember

Tourism Resiliency
Written By Guest User

Congratulations to the First Cohort of Graduates From TOTA's Tourism Skills Training Program

 
 

Last week, we celebrated the first cohort of graduates from TOTA’s Tourism Skills Training Program with an emotional, virtual graduation ceremony. After over two months of instruction, mentorship, employment coaching, and job placement support, we are extremely proud of the hard work, passion, and dedication of our 46 successful graduates.

Throughout the program, we came to discover that many of our students had recently lost jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were in search of next steps, resources, and connection. Within a virtual setting allowing for a large group of participants from all corners of the region, students learned about Tourism and Hospitality trends, regional experiences, and the delivery of day-to-day guest service, including an overview of Indigenous tourism, accessible tourism, and sustainable tourism from a diverse roster of tourism experts. A virtual job fair held last month introduced program participants to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism industry and 20 potential employers.

The training program was offered to participants free of charge, in cooperation with the University of Victoria-Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, and supported by the Province of British Columbia, in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and decline of international tourism.

We would like to express a heartfelt 'thank you' to all those who have supported this program - mentors, facilitators, partners, and members of our staff whose passion and commitment made it all possible. 

Congratulations to our graduates, we wish you all the best and trust you will be successful in all your future endeavours.  

Featured
Tourism Development in the Thompson Okanagan grows with StrongerBC investment
Tourism Development in the Thompson Okanagan grows with StrongerBC investment

Fourteen new destination and tourism infrastructure developments are underway in the Thompson Okanagan tourism region with support from the Province. The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in partnership with community destination management organizations, local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits and other partners have worked together to identify initiatives that will enhance the region’s tourism amenities and experiences.

Legislation for Paid COVID-19 Vaccination Leave Now in Force
Legislation for Paid COVID-19 Vaccination Leave Now in Force

Amendments to the Employment Standards Act providing workers with up to three hours of paid leave to get each dose of their COVID-19 vaccine are now in effect, retroactive to April 19th. Bill 3 is now law and ensures that no employee will lose pay if they need time away from work to get vaccinated. Both full-time and part-time employees can take up to three hours of paid leave.

Increased funding & expanded eligibility for BC Circuit Breaker Relief Grant
Increased funding & expanded eligibility for BC Circuit Breaker Relief Grant

The BC government announced additional funding for the BC Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant

The grant is now also open to hotels, motels, and other short-term accommodations impacted by the April 23 emergency order to restrict travel between BC's regional zones

Additionally, the grant remains open to bars, pubs, restaurants, breweries, wineries, gyms, and fitness facilities impacted by the March 31, 2021, provincial health officer's orders. The orders remain in place until May 25.

Guest User
Previous

2021 Tourism Week May 23 - 30 | Pledge to Travel Canada When the Time Is Right, Support Local & Show that #TourismCounts
Next

The Good News(letter) | May 7