Winter Is Coming

Fall is definitely upon us and to quote Game of Thrones: "Winter is Coming."

There is no one who knows what to expect in the weeks and months to come but there is also no question that we will all have to continue to adapt and support each other as we maneuver through these uncertain times.

It is true that some tourism businesses, in some parts of the region did well over the summer period, however, that is not the case for the vast majority of the region's stakeholders. Uncertainty remains the only constant and as we wait for the second wave of the virus there is speculation, worry, and fear that many tourism operators will not be able to make it through to next spring.

Funding programs are being announced and/or renewed both federally and provincially and a variety of other programs will be available to provide support to both individuals and companies. We know that it is difficult to navigate this ongoing information and we want to reinforce that the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program (TRP) is designed to help you find ways to assist you.

Through the TRP, TOTA together with our regional partners, has been offering one-on-one meetings with Program Advisors, a variety of Webinars, and ongoing access to experts if required. We have put in place the opportunity to access Micro Loans through Community Futures, Human Resources, and Mental Health supports, and the newly announced Ideas Labs. Through a partnership with Okanagan College, we will soon be able to offer one-on-one Expert Business Mentorship coaching sessions in specific specialty areas.

There is no cost to be part of the Tourism Resiliency Program, simply register online and a member of our team is in contact with you. If you have any questions, call us at 1-877-431-8489 (ext 8).

Finally, on November 25th and 26th, TOTA will be co-hosting our annual AGM and Summit (virtually) together with the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association. We hope you will save the date and join us for an important dialogue on "building forward better."

"Winter is Coming" and we will continue to focus efforts with our many partners on bringing industry the resources necessary to get through it. We will all need to be creative, coordinated, cooperative, and to communicate our needs with a collective voice to ensure our issues are fully understood.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO