Manic Monday | Let's make some noise!!!!

The world is on the move and means great things for our Tourism Industry.  No longer languishing behind oil and gas, the lumber industry and even the automobile sector, Tourism, has gained its rightful place on the podium.

Provincially the numbers are impressive with British Columbia realizing approximately 19.7 million visitors annually, contributing $15.7 billion in revenue to the provincial economy and providing nearly 19,000 tourism-related businesses that employ more than 127,500 people.

The Thompson Okanagan is a significant contributor to those provincial numbers with over 3.5 million visitors travelling annual to the region, generating nearly $2 billion in direct economic impact and providing 15,000 full time equivalent positions.

Economic benefits to communities, cities, regions, provinces and the country notwithstanding Tourism creates cross cultural opportunities that can help lead the way in the truth and reconciliation process; provide an arena for presenting history in a way that captures the imagination and assists in elevating diversity that has created the mosaic of this amazing area.

So where am I going with this you may ask ....well next week is Tourism Week - May 28 - June 3rd and we want industry to get excited about what it is we offer the world..

We don't talk enough about ourselves, we don't brag enough about our uniqueness, we don't sing our own praises and we certainly don't boast.  But here is a tremendous opportunity for all of us to raise our collective voices and "make some noise about tourism". We want as many of our BC and Regional Tourism Industry Stakeholders show the world that #BCTourismMatters!

Please find a link to a letter from TIABC and Destination BC that outlines how you can join in tourism week celebrations or go to the TIABC website for more information.

We'll be making a lot of noise in the TOTA office and we will be watching and listening to you and helping amplify your messages.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Just stick to the facts...

Like everyone I have been closely watching the news of the flood situation that is currently affecting many parts of our region and province.

The information is extremely concerning and in some cases quite devastating and in the days and weeks to come we will all need to work together to assist friends, neighbours and fellow industry stakeholders to ensure their homes and businesses are protected.

This protection also takes the form of ensuring the accurate representation of the facts.  As often occurs, news stories can be sensationalized to heighten their effect and the dramatic delivery of the message becomes more important than providing clear concise details.  Overstating and speculation can have unintended and very negative consequences.

Each of us in the industry should ensure that our communication through any media outlet provides balanced reporting and we must demand our media partners to do the same. Fear, panic and yes unnecessary cancellations can be the result of creative writing and commentary and can result in damage to our tourism season in this key booking period.

TOTA will endeavour to have detailed information on our website as things change and we will ensure this includes that fact we are not all floating the down the river ...our houses have not been converted into houseboats.....and that we are open for business.

Supporting those affected will be our number one priority but making sure that there is limited collateral damage will be imperative in the process.  Stick to the facts folks...just make sure everyone sticks to the facts.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Is it about Millennials....??

We hear much about how difficult it is to work with millennials, however as I have frequently noted our experience in the TOTA office has been anything but challenging.  Our crew of energetic and enthusiastic under 35's never fails to surprise and engage us.  There is no lack of motivation and drive in this group that definitely keep us all on our toes...

All of that notwithstanding, this video by Simon Sinek on "Millennials in the Workplace" is not only thought provoking, relative to the new generation of employees, but it also may give you pause on your own actions and behaviors.

He references a number of issues which any generation has wrestled with to a  greater or lesser degree. Behavioral influences as a result of parenting, youthful impatience and the environment but the one that has altered behaviors more than ever before is technology

I freely admit to being the person with the cell phone on the table during meetings, luncheons and dinners. It is also true that I am well known for using any minute of downtime in conversation as an opportunity to read email, catch up on online news, check Facebook or messenger rather than engage in conversation at hand. Sadly, it is also true that my Apple 6 is located on the bedside table and is the first "person" that I "talk" to in the morning.

Simon has painted an accurate and very alarming picture of our increasing disconnection with human interaction and how it effects the workplace. He references the Millennials, but is it really about them? Is it really their issue, or is it something we all have to look long and hard at?

Most of you won't watch this video...most of you won't even have read this weeks Manic Monday but if you do take just 15 minutes to hear Simon's comments let me know your thoughts....after all, I will have my cell phone close by!

Video link ...https://youtu.be/hER0Qp6QJNU

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | I was taught never to vote!

Now that I  have your attention...

I was taught never to vote.... unless I had taken the time to understand what the issues were and where the government I was about to cast my ballot for stood in relation to my concerns. I was taught never to vote unless I had listened to the candidates in my own riding and knew which individual would best carry the important regional concerns and messages forward. I was taught never to vote unless I had done my homework and could defend my selection for the candidate and leader that best represented me.

Individuals that run for any government office be it municipal, provincial or federal are among some of the most selfless individuals you will ever meet. They certainly haven't chosen a political life for the fame, fortune or accolades; those all tend to be very scarce and fleeting. They are individuals prepared to take tremendous criticism, come under personal scrutiny and often personal attack because they believe they can make a difference.

On May 9th regardless of who you decided to select when you go to the polls, don't vote, unless you have given the respect to the process and those that have let their name stand. Invest your time, research and understand the issues, listen to the candidates and educate yourself on which individual best represents you.

I was taught never to vote without ensuring that I could defend my choice, but I was also taught that there was no excuse for not voting. It is one of the most important opportunities we have living in a democracy and it should not be taken lightly or without careful thought....

I have done my work and I will be voting....can you say the same?

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | A black zebra with white stripes or a white zebra with black stripes?

Creating a strong and vibrant hospitality industry in any seasonal tourism destination is dependent on industry partners finding ways to diversify and adapt their products and services throughout the changing seasons.

A tremendous example of this in action is evidenced in the work our ski resorts have done over the past several years in reinventing themselves outside of the winter months.

As we begin to close the book on 2016/17 and what can only be described as an outstanding season for our regional ski resorts with record breaking numbers of visitors and incredible snow conditions their teams are already looking forward and planning for the upcoming spring and summer season.  A season which sees long white snowy runs give way to challenging downhill cycling courses and picturesque walks through vibrantly coloured trails courtesy of natural wildflowers.

Full days of on mountain recreation can often be followed by unique concerts and outdoor entertainment; the music literally vibrating off the mountain peaks. Festivals and special events bring world class chefs and wine makers to the forefront changing the often quoted verbiage of "ski in and ski out" to "dine in and dine out".

There was a time when our resort mountains lay dormant through the summer season, the staff having to find alternate employment and the owners often struggling to maintain a healthy business venture on very minimal weeks of operation. Today through the foresight and entrepreneurial ingenuity of a brave few our mountain resorts are realizing new and expanded visions for themselves that are resulting in a healthier and more vibrant year round tourism industry economy and enhanced visitor experiences.

Ski mountains with summer recreation or Summer mountains with winter skiing.... ??

Is the zebra white with black stripes or black with white stripes

Only time will tell.....

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Heading to the Net...

"I skate to where the puck is going to be, not to where it has been" - Wayne Gretzky.

These thought provoking words are often quoted by Destination BC's President and CEO Marsha Walden as our provincial tourism team strives to ensure that travel to British Columbia is elevated from consideration to selection by both domestic and international travellers.

It is no small challenge in 2017 to continue to anticipate where the puck is going in tourism with so many variables effecting travel decisions but it is critical to ongoing success in a highly competitive arena.

One area where Thompson Okanagan Tourism has adopted this thinking is in our focus on the development of Regional Rail Trails. Our team envisions the potential; the future product and the extraordinary opportunity that our communities have to embrace the Rail Trails. They are focused on the end result which can and will ultimately bring international attention and visitors to our region along with the economic benefits to our communities small and large.

Without question, there is much work to be done; special interest groups to be aligned; conflicts to be solved; funds to be raised and consistency and quality concerns to be addressed however staying focused on where this puck is going is critical to ensuring ultimate success. With a collective focus placed on the development of this tourism experience, moving toward the desired outcomes is not only possible but almost impossible to stop. This puck is in motion ...and the goal ....placing it firmly in the net.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | An International Perspective for our Region

This past week TOTA welcomed another bright young individual to the team, Theresa Schroeter! Visiting us for six months from Germany, her international perspective, propensity for languages and ambition for education make her an amazing addition. It is another example of the way in which millennials worldwide are taking new and unique approaches to learning, education and the advancement of the careers. Please join us in welcoming her to Canada, the Okanagan and TOTA.

Please see a brief introduction from Theresa below:

Hey

My name is Theresa Schroeter and I am a 21-year-old student from Germany. Traveling and exploring other cultures is one of my passions, which lead me to studying “International Cultural and Business Studies”, a Bachelor Degree Program at University of Passau in Germany.  Recently I completed a semester abroad in Italy and now join TOTA’s team for 6 months to gain work experience in the tourism sector while also enjoying the beautiful Thompson Okanagan Region. A big fan of outdoor sports, especially skiing, wake-boarding, climbing and hiking - all activities this region has to offer and that I hope to have the opportunity to enjoy during my time here. Never one to turn down a*white* wine I am also very excited to tour some of the many wineries and vineyards in the region during my days off.

In the coming weeks and months I hope to successfully contribute to TOTA’s projects and believe my experience with leading a university group, dealing with different cultures during my stays abroad and being fluent in English, German, Italian and (with some practice) in Spanish will be an asset.

Thank you to TOTA for allowing me this opportunity I look forward to meeting many of the stakeholders and touring their businesses during my stay.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Oh those kids have been at it again!!

This is not the first time that I have mentioned the outstanding group of young people that joined the TOTA team last May as a result of federal funding but yet again they have absolutely shown me how very talented they are.

While throughout our region there is a backdrop of spectacular scenery and incredible vistas it is through their collective talented efforts that we have once again been able to elevate that beauty and amplify our tourism message in captivating and emotive video.

As you watch this most recent production, consider the maturity of work that continues to be brought forward by our next generation ....our young millennials. They are rich with creativity, see the world in refreshing and unique angles  and connected online like no group that has come before them.

We can't wait to see what is coming in the future but we are certain that it will captivate the interest of our potential guests, inspire all of us to see more of our region and cause us to take great pride in the world class quality of experiences available.

Oh those kids have been at it again and we couldn't be more proud.

......and remember to share

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Going Over-Board

Remember some of the wild questions from when you were a kid, like "what has 7 legs and is covered in hair"? I'm not sure but is it crawling up your back...!!!

Here is one for the adults...

"what has 30 legs, 15 heads, represents 3,500 tourism stakeholders operating in excess of 15 of them and sleeps on average less than 5 hours per night"?

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Board of Directors!

It amazes me that when you look at almost any volunteer board it is always comprised of some of the busiest individuals you will meet.

This statement could not be more true of those that have let their names stand for the board of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.

Representing the diversity of tourism product and geography within this region they bring the voice of industry to the table ensuring all aspects are heard, considered and ultimately acted upon in the best interest of tourism.

These are individuals from the passion sectors including ski, golf, wine/culinary and outdoor adventure; Indigenous partners; accommodation providers from resorts to bed and breakfasts; the airline industry;  touring and guiding operators; as well as community associations, who are collectively concerned for the health of the tourism industry region wide and focused on ensuring the Thompson Okanagan is a leader in the province of British Columbia.

To be sure these are also the people that are never just at TOTA Board meetings, as without exception they each work with committees and boards of other regional, municipal and special interest groups. They are the people you will find attending meetings with the Airport Authority or Ministry of Transport discussing access or signage concerns, reaching out to government officials on topics such as foreign worker policies, employment issues as well as sourcing funding and grant opportunities. Without fail they are also a group of individuals who always make themselves available to me as the CEO when I need support, direction, input or simply encouragement.

This very active and engaged board has traveled the region from Valemount and Mount Robson to Osoyoos and everywhere in between meeting with stakeholders, visitor centers staff and guests. Celebrating with you when you have success and always listening to the concerns and challenges that come with delivering on a world class tourism product.

They have held formal meetings in airports, buses, boats and even had an in camera meeting on a hydrofoil, and yes, once in a while, they even get together in a regular boardroom. As recently as March 15th the board met in West Kelowna at The Cove for their annual two day retreat which provided them with a very full and demanding agenda. Topics and presentation highlights included: TOTA's three year strategic direction and priorities, Destination BC's marketing plan presented by Vice President Maya Lange, go2HR's Arlene Keis updates on the past year's partnership activities,  AtBC's Will Harding shared their strategic plan, the 2017/18 TOTA Business plan was reviewed and adopted and the year in review from each of the TOTA departments. There was even time set aside for a governance workshop. In addition they toured some of the surrounding area  meeting with a few local stakeholders enjoying the hospitality of Quails' Gate Winery and experiencing an in-depth presentation at the Westbank First Nation Sncəwips Heritage Museum.

This board works for all of us tirelessly and they do so willingly and with enthusiasm and by the way for free.  They show up and participate and take their board work very seriously while at  the same time running their own businesses which is not always an easy balance.

The next time you are in the company of  one of our board members...or any individuals who you know to be on any board...take the time to consider the important role they have, the time and energy it takes to be involved and please take them time to thank them.....they will be surprised and more than a little energized from your comments.

TOTA Board of Directors

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good bye....

Okay stop what you are thinking...... for all of you that were about to wish me well and thinking thank goodness that Mandziuk is gone...I have some very disappointing news...I'm still here!

However we are sad to announce that a very familiar voice on the phone at the TOTA office is leaving us and tourism industry after a tremendous six years as part of our team.

Our very own Australian transplant Meaghan Racine, who worked at Big White and then the Capri Hotel after arriving in Canada joining us in June 2011, is saying farewell.

Meaghan quickly became a well known voice to our stakeholders working in the area of marketing, assisting program and campaign sales and leading the sales process for our regional guide. Over the past 3 years she also championed our Visitor Centre on the Coquihalla Connector during the summer months, elevating the quality of merchandise available and the overall visitor experience.

Our TOTA team will have a million memories of Meaghan not the least of which will be the  joys of eating Vegemite and that the letter "h" as in CHBC is in fact more accurately pronounced "heytch"!

It isn't often over my tenure that we have had to say farewell to one of our team and we will certainly miss her energy and enthusiasm but we know that her move to Valley First Credit Union will provide her with new challenges and experiences and that they better be ready to be kept on their toes....

Farewell Megs.....it is definitely so long and not good bye.....

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Go ahead... Google me wrong!

What do all of the following names have in common.....Android, Blogger, Chromebook, Froogle, Gmail, Myactivity, Doubleclick and Youtube?  If you answered that they all are Google products you would be correct.  Of course that is only a small sampling when compared with the more obvious additional Google services that most of us use daily including Google Maps, Google Calendars, Google Trips, Google Alerts, Google Analytics, Google Books, Google Photo's, Google Earth and plain old Google Search....and the list goes on.

Standing back from a week of incredible online training and information it is simultaneously staggering, exciting and yes somewhat frightening to realize how much of our daily life and activities occur not only online but in the online world of Google.

Whether we are reading our online news, organizing our week, checking for directions, searching for places to eat or destinations to visit Google is along for every step of our journey and in some circumstances actually leading us on that journey.  We are being tracked, evaluated and served up content to meet our needs and address our interests in less time than it takes you to read 1/3 of what has been written on this page. Amazingly all of this change and innovation has taken place in less that 20 years.

We can embrace this rapidly advancing technology, learn to harness and use it to our advantage both in business and in streamlining our daily lives or we can choose to do things as we have always done them.  We can watch others and their businesses move forward strategically, marketing and driving new business with less cost or we can lead that movement.

In embracing all of the options and opportunity that Google and all of its many tentacles can offer to us, we have the potential to speak to more potential customers than ever before, providing them with better and more targeted  information about our products and services offering up information they actually want to have and giving it to them at times of the day and night when they are actually listening. If we invite this new world and build our research base with timely relevant data and work collaboratively we can achieve tremendous results at a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing activities.

One of the often quoted phrases by the Google team is "Winning the moments that matter means" the right person, getting the right message, at the right time....Every time!  There is the power and technology for us to do this together now......

But go ahead...Google me wrong.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | One Ringy Dingy.....two Ringy Dingy....

If you remember those words it will likely conjure up a picture in your mind of Lily Tomlin as the telephone operator "Ernestine" which she brought to life on Rowan and Martin's break out comedy show Laugh-In.

Well we have definitely come a long way Ernestine! From party lines to land lines to mobile devices; from operator overseas calls to direct international dialing to the world of Skype quickly followed by FaceTime. A lot has changed in the world of communication and the "phone" or "mobile" has taken on a spectrum of roles that few could have ever foreseen.

For someone who considers himself an early adopter and fairly techno savvy the past couple of weeks have definitely left me feeling more than just slightly overwhelmed.

While some people may be resisting the facts there is no question the world has not only gone digital but mobile is definitely ruling and running our lives. In 2015 online mobile usage eclipsed laptop and desktop and by all indications there will be no turning back. Ensuring your business is mobile friendly is no longer just important... it is imperative.

Our consumers are streaming, searching, buying, banking, texting and yes sometimes we are even still talking on mobile devices. Studies from 2015 indicate that the average mobile usage was over 2.8 hours per day representing 51% of our total online activities and that was 2 years ago.....

We are referencing mobile devices on average between 100 to 250 times per day depending on which studies you read and for the majority of us our mobile is the first thing we look at in the morning and the last thing we check at night. The mobile world has even coined a new phrase, no-mo-phobia;  "the irrational fear of either not having your mobile with you or being unable to access it due to battery life or signal issues".

There is however one area where mobile is still lagging behind; conversion and purchase rates. Due largely to a poor user experience on mobile platforms this important stage of the buying cycle still sends consumers running to their laptop or desktop; a fact that provides business owners with both risk and an opportunity.

When mobile users change devices to make their purchase, companies risk customers being served up other online options prior to the sale and ultimately buying from the competition. Those businesses that recognize and understand this and are able to adapt their mobile experience to make purchasing easy and seamless will find themselves realizing significant rewards.

Today we really do have "the whole world in our hands" and it appears it is going to stay there for a very long time.....but if you are feeling a bit nostalgic you can always keep the memory of Ernestine alive by downloading her Ringy Dingy voice as your mobile ring tone!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | We can't out spend them but that doesn't mean we can't outwit them!

The message at the BC Tourism Industry Conference put on successfully this past week by the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) was clear; "we don't have the financial resources to outspend our competition but working collectively we do have the ability to out perform them!"

Key to a winning strategy has long been "the right message at the right time in the right place to the right person", and this has become increasingly possible and measurable through today's ever adapting technologies. Working closely with technology partners like Google, coordinating tourism resources at every level, tagging, targeting and re-targeting potential online visitors;  Destination BC's #explorebc channels are already outpacing the likes of states such as California and the journey has only just begun!

I truly appreciated the outstanding presentations delivered by our industry leaders Marsha Walden, Maya Lange, Grant Mackay, and Jon Mamela of Destination BC and Destination Canada respectively.  In the coming weeks, TOTA will be working closely with these organizations and our community DMOs to ensure that regional stakeholders are similarly poised to benefit from the power and possibility of data driven digital and social initiatives that will assist to not only inspire visitation but connect products and services closely to guests that are ready to book.

Further, with double digit growth in national and provincial tourism numbers and strong projections for 2017, it was welcome news that Minister Shirley Bond and the BC Liberal Government delivered a message of support for the industry. Going forward, the Minister announced that the provincial funding for Destination BC will not only be set at a baseline of $50 million but a further $5 million will be available over the next 6 years based on certain Key Performance Indicators. Based on what I saw I believe these additional funds once earned will be allocated in new and exciting ways.

With confirmed funding and a strong and focused national and provincial tourism direction there has never been a better time in our industry to build market share to grow a loyal customer following.

Congratulations Walt Judas and the TIABC Board for putting on such a successful Conference!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | The Right Partnerships are Powerful

Over decades we have seen countless examples of how partnerships between individual organizations, that share a like minded vision, can make significant impacts that might otherwise not have taken place.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), together with go2HR has seen first hand how beneficial partnerships can be.  In 2016, Arlene Keis CEO of go2HR, shared our vision to join forces to assist our regional tourism operators in dealing with the ongoing challenges in Human Resource specifically as it relates to recruitment, retention and training.

Vancouver based go2HR has always provided services to the entire province but there was an opportunity for us to join forces to amp up the services for our region.  The vision included jointly funding an HR position in the Thompson Okanagan that would develop deeper connections with our regional tourism industry and educators. Ultimately, the goal is to assist in uncovering key regional employment issues and challenges as well as identifying and implementing strategies to mitigate or greater reduce the identified concerns.

Leading the regional initiative for both organizations is Ginger Brunner,  who many of you will have met over the course of the past several months  Ginger is based in the TOTA office in Kelowna, and has been instrumental in taking on this daunting role realizing some tremendous success in this first year.

From the launch of a Regional HR Advisory Committee,  hosting and co-hosting events throughout the region,  promoting, coordinating and delivering Tourism Career Awareness  Presentations, encouraging the utilization of the go2HR job board and conducting one on one meetings with regional employers, Ginger's first 12 months have accomplished all that was envisioned and more.

In the coming year, you will see this role develop further taking on some very specific action items while continuing to broaden the reach of services provided to our stakeholders.

Partnerships work....partnerships are the key to advancement and partnerships highlight the necessity for collaboration in order to solve some of the most fundamental yet difficult challenges faced by the tourism industry.

If you are struggling to recruit, retain or train employees, please contact Ginger Brunner directly  gbrunner@go2hr.ca  or 250-860-5999 ext. 210

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | RAK it up next week! You will be all the healthier for it...

February 12th - 18th is RAK Week 2017.  I am certain most of you are asking yourself what in the world is this Manic Mandziuk talking about now!

Formally recognized in 1995 "RAK" or Random Act of Kindness Week is a short seven days set aside annually to demonstrate that kindness is in fact contagious.

The RAK foundation operated by a group of five individuals out of Denver Colorado and lead by President Gary Nixon is founded on the premise that even the smallest gesture of kindness can change not only the person receiving but almost more importantly improves the health and well being of the person giving.

Their website outlines numerous benefits of extending kindness including improved energy, increased personal contentment and even a suggestion of lengthening life span while noting that it has been scientifically proven that acts of kindness can help to lower stress, anxiety, depression and even blood pressure; all this while making the world a little better place.

Over the past several weeks and months our news world more than ever seems to be delivering an on slaughter of  dark and often difficult information from every corner of the world. So RAK Week seems the perfect moment to take a break from all that is wrong, take things into our own hands and make life a little better for those around us.

Random Acts of Kindness start with each and every one of us stepping outside of our own challenges, conflicts, concerns and worries and for a brief moment lightening the load for a friend, relative or stranger. Opening a door, carrying a bag, offering an unexpected smile or word of support, paying for a muffin or coffee; no gesture of kindness is too small.

Why not take it one step further and go online to randomactsofkindness.org and become a RAKTAVIST (the best kind of activist). You can sign up as an individual, group/company or team. There is no cost, just a website full of ideas that will help to inspire you to take on the one week challenge, and perhaps keep the movement going for months to come.

I am definitely going to partake in RAK this week so watch out, I may be in a community near you and what a great opportunity for the region.

"Thompson Okanagan - the Kindest (and healthiest) Region in Canada"

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | A Three Nation Staycation Vacation...say that 10 times fast!!!

The "Staycation Vacation" has been a term that has been used loosely for many years but we think 2017 may just have all the right ingredients to really see this type of travel soar!

Together with all our First Nations, BC and Washington State partners, there are a wealth of activities, festivals and events that you could add to your bucketlist without the need to travel too far from home.

Our Route 97 website has launched not only a "things to do" page but a "festivals and events" site to to assist our stakeholders and communities in promoting what's happening and to help visitors to the region make their plans and even stay a bit longer.

It is 100% free to post upcoming festivals and events which in turn TOTA will assist in getting into the hands of all our visitors; those "staycationing" and otherwise.

Go to Route97.net/events to post upcoming activities and to plan your own travels around the region...we think you might find a wide variety of "jewels" happening that you never imagined and will make staying closer to home that more fun this year.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Lights... Camera... Action!

In previous years our region may not have liked being referenced as "Napa North" but I don't think anyone is upset at the prospect of quickly becoming known as  "Hollywood North".

More and more the movie world is finding their way to the Thompson Okanagan thanks to the hard work of our Regional Film Commissioners including Jon Summerland, Victoria Weller and Robyn Cyr.

Over the years we have played host to many big stars and feature films including the likes of Steve Martin, Anthony Hopkins, Jack Nicolson, Dakota Fanning, Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Owen Wilson, Robin Wright, Benicio del Toro, Elizabeth Berkley, Matthew Modine, Dylan O'Brien and the list goes on and on.....

Most recently, Nicolas Cage wrapped filming in Osoyoos on a feature film, "Humanity Bureau" and scheduled to be released on March 3rd is "Tomato Red" with Julia Garner and Jake Weary filmed last year in Ashcroft, Merritt and Kamloops.

The movie industry has the ability to drive strong economic benefits to our region outside of typical peak periods and can continue to build and drive visitor interest in the region.  Expanding the opportunity for film making we are seeing entrepreneurs and investors such as Tim Bieber who recently transformed 50,000 sq ft of what was a clothing factory into a film studio in Vernon with multiple sound stages and announced just 2 days ago Eagle Creek Studio with a parent company in Burnaby is ready to break ground for another new sound stage in Kelowna ready in 2017.

The film industry is knocking.......let's all be sure we are ready to open the door to this immense opportunity and become the best region in British Columbia to lay claim to the title of "Hollywood North".

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Some may "find their kicks on Route 66" but we believe "Heaven is traveling Route 97"...

Meeting the visitor demand head on is our Route 97 - Be Curious campaign poised not only to attract visitors to the region but to keep them here longer and move them around the area once they have arrived.

Blog posts, itinerary suggestions, top tens and featured products all contribute to the success of the Route 97 website which has quickly been gaining notoriety.

In December alone we saw in excess of 7800 visitor sessions, +12,000 page views and 31,000 social impressions and growing monthly at a rate of over 2.5%.

The online success is on the heels of this past years Route 97 print publication which was one of the most sought after pieces TOTA has ever produced and was fully subscribed by our guests at the end of September.

Be part of this year's Route 97 regional campaign as we work together to expand the destination stories and continue to build momentum for what is shaping up to be another tremendous year in Tourism to the region.

For more information and to be involved contact Meaghan Racine: marketing@totabc.com

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Hibernation or Highlighting Our Winter?

Not everyone wants to escape winter with its crisp cold air and the cozy warmth that blankets you as you relax by an outdoor bonfire after a day of snowshoeing adventures.

We learned firsthand through our friends at Southern Queensland Country Tourism in Australia the enormous marketing potential that snow and cold weather can really be.

Whether promoting to visitors from the Lower Mainland, more accustomed to rain in the winter, or speaking to our Alberta and Saskatchewan guests, who find our Thompson Okanagan winters a little milder, there is ample opportunity to create and build the business through this season.

TOTA has never been more serious about uncovering and promoting all of the tourism opportunities that are available throughout this magical season and in assisting our stakeholders in bringing these activities top of mind with our potential guests and visitors.

Winter is not all about hibernation and we want to elevate awareness around special events, unique accommodations and packages, personal learning options and rejuvenation experiences (to name a few) that make our Canadian winters a source of fun.

We can't do it without you!  If you know of, have participated in, or have your own winter tourism program or package our TOTA team needs to know.  Our Wonder of Winter portal, part of the Route 97 website, will be linking all winter products free of charge and our Digital Team will be developing social media outreach to promote these products…

Are we hibernating or are we going to be highlighting Winter in the Thompson Okanagan? The choice is really in the hands of our stakeholders........your call.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | What Legacies will be remembered?

Whose foot doesn't tap along when they hear the words ....

CA-NA-DA
(One little two little three Canadians)
We love thee
(Now we are twenty million)
CA-NA-DA
(Four little five little six little Provinces)
Proud and free
(Now we are ten and the Territories sea to sea)

There are many of us, myself included, who weren't yet born when Canada celebrated its 100th birthday on July 1st, 1967, but these words and the accompanying tune from the Centennial theme song written by Bobby Gimby have certainly lived on.

Much has been written about that period in Canadian history, but without question it was a time that the country, now fully detached from Britain, began to feel more nationalistic, right down to the new flag which had been unveiled two years earlier. The economy was in full swing and there was a resurgence of music, literature and the arts. Montreal hosted Expo 67 and, as hard as it is to believe, the Toronto Maple Leafs won their fourth Stanley Cup in six years (of course they have not won one since)!

So here we are on the eve of another milestone in our country's history with the marking of our 150th birthday. What legacies will be remembered from this year?  We are definitely off to a good start with the New York Times naming Canada (the entire country) as the #1 place to visit in the world out of a list of 52 locations. Our economy is starting to pull forward cautiously, we are launching a national trail, the maple leaf is recognized world wide as the symbol of Canada and our young men have just won silver at the World Juniors. We have definitely come along way, well all of us except those "Leafs".....

On February 1st it will be exactly 150 days until Canada's 150th birthday....and if you haven't already done so, it is time to start thinking about how you, your business and your community can help mark the occasion. TOTA will be compiling a list of things big and small that are going on around the region and inviting our guests and our residents to take part in making this a very memorable year.

Send your plans to experiences@totabc.com and we might feature you in our Manic Mondays going forward from February through July.

Happy Birthday Ca-Na-Da - everybody sing together!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO