Manic Monday | Winter isn't just coming ...winter is here...

Well, maybe winter isn't quite here yet, but it is definitely coming and our ski resorts in this region are ready! With ski runs opening around the region it was great to see Sun Peaks open to record crowds, November 17 while Big White Resort opened last Thursday with a nod to American Thanksgiving.  Silver Star's Nordic runs saw their first skiers mid-month and downhill followed this past Saturday. Our other regional ski hills openings are not far behind and we hope to see region-wide skiing in full swing (isn't that a golf word?) by the first week of the December.

I did have the opportunity to visit the Big White Resort with Michael J Ballingall just prior to their opening last week and was amazed to see the tremendous growth and development that is taking place over the past few months.  Among the many new additions and changes are staff accommodations, a new chairlift, added grooming machines, bike paths and even a new bridge, all totaling well in excess of $16 million dollars. These are important infrastructure investments that show a strong commitment for the future and do not even factor in their new housing startups and focus on the implementation of sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

We are very proud of all the winter product around the entire Thompson Okanagan Region and it is outstanding to see the leadership our mountain resorts are taking in not only growing and developing their winter business, but building products and services that can be enjoyed in the summer months and beyond.

Winter is coming....winter soon will be here...I encourage you to get out and enjoy all of the many fresh air activities that our ski hills, large and small, have available. You won't be disappointed and it will make you love winter more and more.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Resilient, Committed and Determined to Grow

This past week, more than 200 stakeholders took the time to join us in Osoyoos for the Annual TOTA AGM and Summit. It was encouraging to see every area of our region represented and inspiring to realize the resiliency of our tourism industry and operators. Both 2018, and in turn 2017, presented our industry in many parts of the Thompson Okanagan with difficult challenges, challenges that ranged from natural disasters; in the form of floods and fires, to air quality and smoke concerns, highway closures and even the aftermath and fall out of cross-province politics.

In the past few days following the Summit, many in the media have been asking what our industry is doing or planning to do overcome the effects of these events in the future. Our response has been unwavering; our long-term success and sustainability as an industry and our continued position as the #1 economic driver in this region, rely solely on our ability to create new product and experiences that extend visitation outside of the traditional 45 days.  This priority, which has been the focus of our attention since the launch of the regional strategy in 2012, has resulted in the visitor economy now extending to 110 days with our long-term goal to achieve 200+ days in the years to come. We cannot control Mother Nature, nor can we predict when fires and floods may occur anymore than we can anticipate rain or snow volumes. What we can continue to do is to adapt our product offering and promote the breadth and depth of experiences available in this region throughout many months of the year.  The Thompson Okanagan will always be known as a place to enjoy summer sun and fun, however it is so much more. As we grow and expand our story, we will continue to grow and expand our industry!

This is a strong and vibrant industry with an incredible future. Working and listening to all of those in the industry and those that have been through difficult times over the past few years it is so encouraging to hear the continued determination to build a world-class tourism industry in this region. There is no question the strength of this industry is in the people and they continue to show they are Resilient, Committed and Determined to Grow.

In this regard, I would also like to introduce you to your new TOTA board for 2018/19. We welcome and congratulate each of these individuals who have generously given of their time as well as all of those that let their name stand.

Meet Your Board

• Frank Antoine – Chair

• Michael J Ballingall – Vice Chair

• Christine Latimer – Secretary / Treasurer

• Bryan Pilbeam – Past Chair

• Kathrin Von Andrian

• Don Brogan

• Erik Fisher

• Glenn Grant

• Lyndie Hill

• Kevin Howlett

• Brad Pelletier

• Steve Rice

• Thom Tischik

• Andy Schwaiger

• Liz McKinney

• Beverley Desantis

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | This year we all need to do more than just Remember

As I watched the commemoration activities this November 11th, marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, I was proud to bear witness to the number of Canadians who took the time to take part in Remembrance Day events, held from coast to coast to coast.

It was reassuring to see the continued recognition of the efforts of so many who served this country in the "war to end all wars", which sadly was followed by so many other battles, battles that continue to this day.

It is hard to believe the selflessness of these individuals who fought on our behalf for a future we take for granted and a future so many of them did not live to see. Their willingness to leave behind family and friends and the comfort and safety of home;  to realize horrific carnage, put themselves into harm's way,  march shoulder to shoulder with strangers, for the ideals of a nation,  is a truly sobering thought and one that must never be forgotten.

I am also however reminded that we must do so much more than just show up on Remembrance Day. If as a nation we are truly committed to the memory of those brave men and women who fought our battles and won our freedoms, then we have an obligation to show up for them every day.

We need to truly reconcile our differences and build that Canada that most of them could only have imagined. We have to take it upon ourselves to get involved, to get educated on our countries issues and to work together to better the lives of all Canadians. Whether you choice to take on homelessness, hunger, access to clean water, education, mental health, ensuring inclusiveness, or the host of other challenges plaguing our country each of us taking responsibility can make a difference and only then will we truly honour our soldiers.  Volunteer, vote, learn, get involved.

This year we all need to do more than just Remember

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | We can make history, we will make history, we are making history, together!

After 2 years of working in collaboration, we could not have been more proud than hearing Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) CEO Keith Henry announce that Kelowna and the Thompson Okanagan as next year’s location for the International Indigenous Tourism Conference. While Kelowna will play host to the meetings make no mistake this will be a regional initiative that will see our three Indigenous Nations of the Syilx, Secwepemc, and Nlaka’pamux showcasing the history, culture and most importantly the future of their communities going forward. Working closely with Chiefs and Councils, Indigenous Tourism BC, Tourism Kelowna and of course the entire team at ITAC we believe we can showcase to the world the importance of a unified and progressive approach as we build a tourism product and the associated experiences that are inclusive, authentic, respectful, and build economic strength and sustainability for our collective tourism industry.

We all have a lot of work ahead in the coming year to ensure that this conference not only highlights the region and our Interior Salish people but brings together an insightful and inspirational program that will set the tone for the future.

Plan to be in Kelowna next November, or better yet join us over the next 12 months, as we prepare to welcome upwards of 1,000 delegates to the 2019 conference. We can make history, we will make history, we are making history - together!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO