Thompson Okanagan Tourism Newsletter | December 15, 2023
Latest updates from the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, including announcements, webinars, events, opportunities to get involved, resources, and research to support Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals.
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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 HolidaysThe TOTA office will be closed for the holidays as of December 18, returning January 3. We look forward to seeing you in 2024! |
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Highlights of this newsletter include:
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Featured News |
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Free Food Waste Prevention Online Training Certificate by BetterTable.caTOTA 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 |
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Tourism Outlook 2023: Rebounding Stronger than Expected, Yet Challenges PersistDestination 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. |
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Destination BC Learning Centre Resource: Sustainable Tourism Case Study / VideoWhat 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 ResourcesMental 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. 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 CareersChefs' 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 ProgramSmall 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 OrganizationsAn 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 ResourcesYear 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 AssociationThe 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 ArrangementsIEC 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. |
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Kelowna International Airport (YLW) New Flight to Seattle-Tacoma International AirportKelowna 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 |
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Thompson Okanagan Tourism News | 2023-12 (1/2)
Latest updates from the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, including announcements, webinars, events, opportunities to get involved, resources, and research to support Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals.
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Highlights of this newsletter include: |
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Our Hearts Stand with TRU and Families |
Memorial Scholarship & Support for Thompson Rivers University Students Involved in Fatal CrashOn 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 |
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Apply for Tourism Growth Program: Funding up to $250,000 | Apply by February 2024PacifiCan’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 → |
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Destination BC Tourism Digital Academy January IntakeRegister 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. |
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Destination BC Learning CentreWe 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 GasHere 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.
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go2HR's Workplace Psychological Health & Safety Coaches Available to Employees for Holiday SupportAs 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, 2024Tourism 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:
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 ResourceTourism 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.
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. |
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Destination BC Launches First Iconic Brand, Rainforest to RockiesThe 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:
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 |
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Watch Kelowna Now Live Interview With TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-MatthewsTOTA 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 OkanaganQuality 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. |
Industry Highlights |
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🏆 Wells Gray Tours Roland Neave receives lifetime achievement award
Well done to the winners of the 2023 Kelowna Chamber Business Excellence Awards:
⛷️ Big White Ski Resort is celebrating their 60 year anniversary this year
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Have news to share? Email News@TOTABC.com |
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