Manic Monday | Kettle Valley Rail Trail Continues to be a priority...

The Thompson Okanagan is truly a world-class destination, however, we believe there is still much more that can be done to reach our full tourism potential and enhance the quality of life for visitors and residents alike.  One such opportunity is our rail trails network across the region and in particular the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVRT) system which connects to the "Great Trail" that crosses Canada.

TOTA and our partners are committed to developing the KVRT into a world-class export ready rail trail tourism experience.  The first priority in this effort is focusing on the segment of trail from Midway at Mile ‘0’ to Little Tunnel near Penticton.  Realizing the trail’s tourism potential will yield desirable tourism benefits (rural community development, economic growth and diversification, improved local recreation opportunities) to industry and local communities along the trail. Though the goal is clear, and despite the significant visitation on the trail already, there is a need to take a strategic and coordinated approach to enhancing the trail experience and improving management of the trail.

TOTA, in partnership with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, are moving forward with the preparation of a Master Plan for the Midway to Penticton segment of the KVRT over the next 6 months. The Master Plan will be focused on determining what needs to be done along the trail and with the management of the current trail use in order to optimize its tourism potential while also improving the recreational experience for local users.  Development of the plan will be a collaborative effort with trail user groups, stakeholders and local Indigenous communities along the trail.

McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. (MCSL) will lead the master planning process. They are experienced trail, outdoor recreation, and tourism planners and will help ensure the planning process is collaborative and lead to an outcome that will help see the fullest tourism potential of the trail.

Should you have any questions about this initiative, you are encouraged to contact Mike Overend – Destination Development Program Specialist at 778.721.5462 or via email at industrysupport@totabc.com.

The Rail Trails were a significant part of the past and we know they can play a major role in the future!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Bon Voyage and Welcome Aboard...

After almost seven years we said farewell to our friend and colleague Howard Grieve, who officially retired from TOTA and his role in Travel Trade and Media this past Friday, June 29th.  Howard was a dedicated tourism professional whom we all enjoyed working with and who will be missed by our entire team, his associates at Destination BC, and by all of our many tourism stakeholders around the region. We know in the coming weeks and months Howard will be found out travelling the region on his motorcycle and checking in on many of you to see how things are going. He may be retired, but we know tourism is in his blood and he will never be far away.

As difficult as it was to say our goodbyes to Howard we are also very pleased to be announcing two new members to our TOTA family who we know will continue to help move us forward not only Travel Trade and Travel Media, but in the Digital and Social space as well. Please help us in welcoming Carla Young, Travel Media and Digital Marketing Specialist, who has recently moved to the Okanagan from Regina where she had worked with Tourism Saskatchewan. Also joining our team is a face that many in the industry will be familiar with, Ingrid Dilschneider, who has accepted the position of Travel Trade and Digital Marketing Specialist. Ingrid, as some of you will know, has lived and worked in the region for many years and most recently was a business development manager at Predator Ridge Resort.

We know you will support both of these individuals in their new endeavors and look forward to watching them continue to develop relationships with our communities and stakeholders and to find new and innovative ways to bring our products and services to the Travel Trade, Travel Media and the online Digital and Social world.

And so we say.... "Bon Voyage ......and.....Welcome Aboard"

Howard Grieve

Carla Young

Ingrid Dilschneider

Carla Young, Travel Media and Digital Marketing Specialist

Carla comes to TOTA after 12 years at Tourism Saskatchewan.  Her roles have ranged from travel counseling, travel media, travel trade and digital marketing.  Her experience in Saskatchewan has given her a deep knowledge of the tourism industry and tourism marketing trends. Carla is excited to get to know the Thompson Okanagan region and to bring her skills to the team.

Ingrid Dilschneider, Travel Trade and Digital Marketing Specialist

From luxury resorts and wineries to one of the Thompson Okanagan’s signature golf resorts, Ingrid Dilschneider has worked with some of Western Canada’s best-known tourism products.

Ingrid’s 35 years of experience in hospitality, with such brands as Fairmont, Delta, and Mission Hill Family Estate, included positions in marketing, communications, special events, and operations. She’s probably best known for her eight-year tenure as the Director of Business Development at Predator Ridge, one of Canada’s top golf communities.  The Vernon-based development is home to two championship golf courses, a luxury resort, and more than 700 year-round homes.

In addition, Ingrid’s passion for tourism led her to be heavily involved in both Municipal, City and Provincial tourism boards where she worked hard to ensure tourism remained a top priority in all sectors. Her most proud accomplishment in this realm was being part of the Tourism Industry Association of BC Task Force, where they worked with industry to help mold what is now Destination BC.

In the summer of 2017, Ingrid began a new chapter in her life, launching her own marketing and special events company where she specialized in affordable marketing services for small businesses. Her company’s success reflects her hard work while helping her clients maintain their passion for their product while she navigated the mysteries of marketing for them.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Learn, Build, Open Up, Set an Example – Together

LEARN about Indigenous culture
BUILD new & better relationships
OPEN UP to new opportunities

Last Thursday throughout Canada we celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day. Several of our TOTA team attended celebrations that took place throughout this region.  The day weaved together ceremony with celebration, festivity with sombre reflection, timeless rituals with modern adaptations, and all were accompanied by various traditional foods, music, artistry and dance. These events, large and small, were joyful, poignant, at times solemn reminders of a history that has been anything but picture perfect. Our team took great honor and appreciation in having the opportunity to take part these gatherings.

Indigenous Peoples Day has many meanings for many people. For some, it is a celebration of culture.  For others, it is a time of reflection of tremendous loss as well as an opportunity to recognize some of the positive gains that have been achieved. Without question Indigenous Peoples Day carries an ever-growing importance that reflects the significance of the Indigenous role in this lands’ past as well as its future.

For the non-Indigenous, we have an opportunity now, more than ever before, to engage, to listen, to learn and to start a renewed relationship. These communities are rich with stories, anchored by spirituality, connected and respectful of mother earth, and driven by a resilience that has helped them endure a long history of struggle. Taking the time to discover and understand this culture and how it has survived will continue to bring us closer together as people and as a country.

The Thompson Okanagan region is home to three separate Indigenous nations: The Syilx, The Secwepemc, and The Nlaka’pamux. The relationship TOTA, in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), share with these nations continues to grow and deepen.  In 2017, our first Indigenous Board Chair was elected, Frank Antoine, who is a member of the Secwepemc nation and has played an instrumental role in guiding and mentoring our organization through his mindfulness and thoughtful approach to life.

As I reflect on Indigenous Peoples Day and the reports I received from the TOTA team’s experiences in attendance at the Day’s festivities, I am reminded of the tireless work that has been done by so many to bring us to where we are at this moment in time. The foundation is being laid for a strong, vibrant and healthy Indigenous culture and each one of us can play a role in helping to move this vision forward through education, engagement, support, participation and understanding. By taking the time to get to know your Indigenous neighbours through all of those avenues, you will find that not only are you helping to make positive change occur, but your own life will be greatly enriched.

Our Syilx people have an incredible Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos, and an amazing Sncewips Heritage Museum in West Kelowna. The Secwepemc people have the awe-inspiring Quaaout Lodge in Chase and the historic Secwepemc Museum in Kamloops. The Nlaka’pamux people have both the delicious Kekuli Café and the inspiring Nlaka’pamux Creations next door to one another in Merritt. No matter where you call home in our region, there is Indigenous culture for you to explore.

We are all better together, succeed together, and can set an example for the world together.

LEARN about Indigenous culture
BUILD new & better relationships
OPEN UP to new opportunities

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Beige on Beige or a Flash of Green

Tourism is one of the most unique and interesting industries in the world. It brings people together, improves communications, builds relationships, provides education, is an outlet for cross-cultural experiences, promotes understanding and in doing so creates a vehicle for peace.  And notwithstanding all of these lofty outcomes, Tourism can also bring tremendous fun and joy to those that choose to travel.

On the other hand, many of us that work in tourism are often seen as a bit beige on beige. While we have important work to do and we all want to be taken seriously, we tend to get caught up in the seriousness of tourism. Of course, it is important that we ensure the industry is seen for its tremendous impact to the GDP and that it earns its rightful place in the world business community - but sometimes we tend to lose our own vitality in all of that heavy lifting.

What drew us to this industry in the first place? Many will answer that question with a response that they "loved” to travel. Yet so many of us that are in the industry find little time to do that anymore. What is worse, when we do travel for business, we rarely, if ever, take the few extra days to explore the destination we are in.

I encourage you to take time this summer to start to make a change and to begin to do all those things you have put off for someday ... to this day.  We don't know the length of our journey, but we do know that it is not going to be as long as we think it should be. You live and work in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Find what drew into this industry and recapture the travel bug.  You won't be disappointed.

On that note, one easy way to have some fun this summer is to join us for the 27th Annual TOTA Golf Tournament taking place August 30th at Black Mountain Golf Club. Take off the business attire, leave the summer madness behind. Tourism folks can be so much fun and so much more than the beige on beige we can be known for ... let’s throw out the beige on beige and replace it with green on green!

Enjoy your summer and see you August 30th...

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | A Great Loss….

With the sudden and unexpected death of Anthony Bourdain this week it was once again brought home that no matter what one’s life circumstances are or appear to be on the surface, even the most unlikely of individuals can carry with them an intolerable weight and sadness.

To the world, this man lived a life that most of us can only dream of. He was the ambassador of food and travel.  Through his worldwide adventures he brought incredible stories to his viewers. His approach was far more than a travelogue or a culinary show, his was a story of the people, the communities, the authenticity of a unique and diverse world.

By breaking bread and swilling a vast array of beverages Anthony Bourdain was able to create camaraderie, a kinship with the people he visited which translated through to those that watched from the comforts of home. He appeared to be genuinely fascinated by everything, and everyone he came in contact with and this passion flowed through to the viewer.

Like others, however, this passion was not enough to carry him through his pain. Did people around him know, did they try to help, did they understand the challenges that would bring him to his decision to end his life? It is not something we will ever likely have answers to.

There is none among us that do not carry a tremendous burden. Some are better able to cope, some are better able to bury their challenges.  Individually we cannot fix the world but we can try to lighten the load of others. It can be as small as a kind word or even a smile, a thoughtful gesture or an offer of assistance.

I am not going to forget the passing of this travel industry leader and partner for a long time, but I am going to use him as a reminder to be a kinder and more compassionate to others.

There was an excellent video this week on a convocation speech by CNN Anchor Jack Tapper to the graduating class of UMASS AMHERST. His words seem most seems fitting to include here. It was a powerful and simple message, BE KIND, BE RESPECTFUL, MEAN IS EASY, THE HARD HEARTED ARE COMPENSATING. .Perhaps if we employ some of Dr Tapper’s message into our daily life we will be able to help each other in carrying the loads we bare.

Farewell to a man that did a lot for tourism and the world. I, for one, hope you find your peace.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Yes! Tourism Matters

There is a feeling that can best be described as awe-inspiring when you step into any one of our historical government buildings located across this country. Whether you are visiting the House of Parliament in Ottawa or in our own Provincial Legislature in Victoria the magnitude of the work that has taken place during this country's brief history, always causes me to take pause.

There has been incredible dedication by countless men and women to blaze a trail for our country, our provinces and our territories and it is something you can't help but feel as you walk through every hallway, corridor, office or public area in these monumental buildings. Individuals whose tenacity, perseverance and vision for what could be possible all helped pave the way for a Canada and British Columbia that has grown into a strong collective union over the past 151 years; this coming July 1st, 2018.

It was therefore very special to once again be in the BC Legislature this past week (watch video), invited with other members of our tourism industry, to speak to the important role of that Tourism plays in our Provincial economy.  With National and Provincial Tourism Week a focus across Canada, the opportunity to present the value of this industry to our politicians in both public and private sessions was a significant move forward in ensuring that government understand and engage with the needs and concerns of our stakeholders.

The Tourism Industry is big business, contributing well over $7.4 Billion dollars to the Provincial Gross Domestic Product and employing more than 128,000 British Columbians, and these numbers are growing at staggering rates. Yes, Tourism matters! Tourism provides new money into our communities and generates economic growth into all areas of our region both large and small. It employs our youth, our seniors and the wide spectrum of ages in between. Most importantly it helps all of us to better understand ourselves and our history; to appreciate our culture, natural beauty, diversity and what it truly means to be Canadian and it helps to develop and grow national pride and unity in a way that no other industry is capable of doing.  The benefits do not stop on our doorstep as the Tourism Industry helps to tell our story to the world.

Without question, our forefathers and mothers as they debated the future of Canada did not foresee tourism as a critical component of the nations future. That vision has changed and our collective efforts are helping to make that change possible.  We may not have had a large part in the past but we know that those who will come after us will one day learn of the pioneers that helped shape this future and we know that it will be our hardwork and dedication that will make up part of the that new history.

#TOURISMMATTERS. #BCTOURSIM MATTERS

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | #BCTourismMatters - Get Involved

This week, May 27th to June 2nd we celebrate National Tourism Week in Canada.  This initiative, hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and supported, in our province, by the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), is an important opportunity to bring attention to, and raise awareness of, the valuable role tourism plays in our national, provincial, regional and local economies.

In the Thompson Okanagan alone, the tourism industry is our number one economic driver delivering more revenue and employment than our more highly profiled counterparts such as forestry, oil and gas and high tech.

Our message needs to be loud, proud and collaborative. Through a coordinated approach, we can work to ensure policy decisions and regulations recognize the importance of tourism and consider impacts on the industry before governments make changes.

There are multiple ways to take part in events this week to elevate the tourism message to our residents, politicians, visitors and potential guests; starting with the hashtag #BCTourismMatters.  The following are a few of the ways you can help spread the word and for more information go to:

• Take and share images of your community taking part in Tourism week activities

• Follow Thompson Okanagan, Route 97, TIABC, go2HR, Destination BC on our collectively social channels; share and retweet

• Engage with local media and encourage them to become involved in expanding the tourism message

• Forward your videos and stories on the tourism initiatives to TOTA, TIABC and Destination BC

• Share exceptional customer service stories with go2HR

• Use these resources to help explain Tourism Week to industry and media:

  • Fact sheet

  • Share the Destination BC infographics on social media:

  • Letter sent to TIABC members and local government – Tourism Week letter to stakeholders May 22, 2018

For more information and details on all the ways you can become involved, go to our website.   We have the power to shape our destiny as an industry.  Tourism Matters; BC Tourism Matters - Get Involved.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Thompson Okanagan firmly on the International Radar

At the risk of sounding like my parents, I cannot believe that we have just completed another successful Rendezvous Canada Tradeshow. It feels like only weeks ago that our team returned from last year’s event in Calgary, and we have now once again completed a remarkable week of meetings and networking in Halifax.

For those that may not know, Rendezvous can best be described as speed dating with our Travel Trade operators over 3 lengthy days. It is 15 minute back-to-back appointments with Tour and Travel buyers from around the world, looking to showcase Canada in the tours and itineraries they offer to their customers.

To say it is a busy week does not even begin to tell the story.  It is enlightening, exhilarating, and quite frankly exhausting. It is the largest show of its kind in Canada and a tremendous opportunity to elevate our Region’s Export Ready Products to the world.

We were joined by many of our Industry Stakeholders from our Region who are well seasoned at this event as well as having several new faces in attendance bringing an ever expanding list of options for buyers to consider.

Our congratulations and heartfelt thank you goes out to the Province of Nova Scotia and the City of Halifax who played host to the record 1,500 plus delegates and to Destination Canada, Destination BC, and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada for organizing such a first class event.  Our maritime friends certainly know how entertain a large audience and everyone left feeling well looked after.

A special note of deep appreciation to TOTA’s Travel Trade Specialist Howard Grieve who, as always, represents our organization and industry with the utmost class and integrity.  Despite my efforts to encourage “4 more years” from him, Howard will be retiring in June and it was special to watch how many in this industry from around the globe approached him and paid tribute to his amazing efforts and career.  Thank you Howard from our entire TOTA team for representing us so well!

Canada, BC and the Thompson Okanagan is firmly on the radar screen of our international partners and the bookings are very strong for the coming years and growing.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | It's all in the messaging

We have been here before and not that many months ago. Our lakes, rivers, and streams are rising and many of our communities throughout the Thompson Okanagan are facing significant challenges with high water, road closures, and evacuations. These are real and serious situations and we all need to help and support our friends and neighbours in any way we are able. Safety of all concerned is everyone's first and foremost priority.

It is also a priority that we provide accurate and succinct reporting of the current situation through all of our various modes of communication.  Ensuring business websites, social channels, media messaging, and day to day conversations with guests, colleagues and friends provides clear, concise details and information benefits us all.

We are once again on the cusp of an important and very busy spring and summer season for our regional tourism operators. Sensationalizing stories and overstating the facts will negatively impact many of our businesses - both small and large. Key messaging should continue to invite visitors to the region, reconfirm all there is to take part in throughout the area, and identify the many access routes that are unaffected by closures.

Quite simply we can do this right or we can fail, it is all up to our collective abilities to communicate!  It is all in the messaging; the appropriate use of language always with a priority to keep visitors safe, present the facts, stick to the truth and understand the power in words and photos.....your words, your photos and those of the media.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Take the time to notice your difference makers...

In tourism we talk a lot about what differentiates us from other locations in the world. Our Iconic products, the authenticity of our story and shared history, the activities which provide opportunities to expand personal horizons, and of course, our culinary offerings which bring the bounty of our land to our plate and glass.

I was, however, reminded once again this week that none of this matters without the most important ingredient — our people. Those individuals who, day in and day out, deliver the tourism products and services to our guests and weary travellers. They are the difference maker between a visitor that leaves satisfied, fulfilled, or even grateful, and those that leave disappointed.

Many of our communities celebrate their tourism and hospitality employees for exemplary service in the face of often difficult challenges. We applaud this type of initiative and encourage other communities and areas to see how they might do the same.

At the Kelowna Hotel Motel Association (KHMA) Heart of Hospitality Awards this past week, I listened to the stories of front line staff members going above and beyond guest expectations.  From replacing a young lady's converse sneakers after she walked into construction cement; another taking a guest shopping for important and urgently needed medical supplies after their car had broken down; to another employee that had the foresight to recognize a potentially tragic and fatal situation before it happened and in so doing ultimately changed the course of someone’s life, and by extension, that of many of the lives of their friends and family.

Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transportation companies all fall short when the positive and proactive interaction with staff is lacking. Take the time to notice your difference makers in your business or organization!  Thank and encourage them to continue to care, notice, and help whenever and wherever they are able to.

You will be rewarded with having visitors that will remember, return, and talk about their experiences in new and meaningful ways and you will have team members that understand and appreciate their critical role in delivering exceptional tourism experiences.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Criticism is Always Louder than Applause

TOTA was pleased to once again be in attendance as one of this year’s sponsors of the Southern Interior Local Government Association Conference (SILGA) which took place last week in Revelstoke.  This event is attended by municipal and Regional District government mayors, councils and Directors working collectively on issues and challenges that are common to all and identifying ways to work together in building strong regional partnerships.

2018 being an election year some of our current politicians will be moving on, most of them out of politics, and we wish to express our sincere appreciation for all of their hard work and long hours they have devoted to their communities.  For all of those who will continue to let their names stand or add them to this year’s slate of candidates, we applaud you for your desire to take on these demanding and often difficult roles.

Whatever your own politics, we are all very fortunate to live in this country and province where our elected officials are passionate and dedicated to their positions and the health and well being of the areas they represent. It is often thankless work and criticism is always much louder than applause.

SILGA 2019 will be held in Penticton and TOTA will definitely be in attendance to help support and inform on issues that are critical to our Tourism Industry to this very important stakeholder group!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Believing it is Possible - We are all Winners!

On behalf of all the Board and Staff at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, we are so very proud to let you know that  at the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in Argentina late last week, the Association was named the 2018 Tourism for Tomorrow Award Winner in the category of Destinations for our Region’s work on Destination Management practices and Sustainable Tourism initiatives.

Not taking heed of those that said it was not possible, our Association embarked on a journey in 2010 to develop what would ultimately become the region’s 10 Year Tourism Industry Strategy. Together with all of our industry stakeholders and communities, the dream of a collaborative, cohesive and aligned strategic direction for the Thompson Okanagan became a reality under the banner "Embracing Our Potential”.

Since its adoption in late 2012, this industry-led strategy has provided the roadmap for all of the activities of our association and supporting partners.  With a focus on tourism initiatives which supported - Building Authenticity, Expanding Personal Horizons, Identifying the Iconic, Enriching Local Flavours and Revealing the Story, and all underpinned with a commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism development.

This commitment was further elevated in late 2017 with the successful achievement as the first destination in the America’s to achieve the Biosphere Sustainable Tourism Destination designation (one of only 21 world-wide) through the Responsible Tourism Institute. This designation commits the Thompson Okanagan to achieving the 17 Sustainable Tourism Development Goals as outlined by the United Nations and supported through the Paris Climate Accord. These initiatives collectively assisted in moving the region forward in a distinct direction and with a strong mandate of Sustainability under the pillars of Economic, Social and Environmental Priorities.

When the WTTC acknowledged the Association was selected as one of three finalists for the awards was already a huge achievement.    Originally, there were over 175 contenders from 63 countries for this prestigious award and TOTA was advised in early January that we had been shortlisted together with the Riverwind Foundation in Jackson Hole Yellowstone, Wyoming and Corporacion Parque Arvi, Columbia for consideration. Ultimately, we were the proud award recipient!

Throughout the process, there were many who believed that what this region was trying to achieve was impossible. That others worldwide were more capable, more advanced, more progressive, more knowledgeable, and in fact, more worthy.  We refused to believe those comments then, as we refuse to believe them now!  A huge thank you to all the community and industry leaders in this region that truly led the way for this recognition - but more importantly to all the tourism operators in this region that rise to the challenge each and every day to deliver a quality experience in a sustainable way. We truly are all winners and share this recognition together.

Believing it is possible, we are half way there......and we are collectively determined to go the full distance to make this region the best tourism destination in the world in every way possible.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Spring is slow to arrive, but not so for our new developments

While spring does not seem to want to arrive to our region, there are a lot of other exciting developments taking place all over the Thompson Okanagan that are giving us a lot to talk about.

The construction of new hotels throughout the region is a tremendous sign that our industry is continuing to grow and expand, enabling us to welcome more domestic and international visitors to the area in the months and years to come.

Here is a brief update on a number of projects currently in planning or near completion.

In 2018 there are 4 new hotels scheduled to open including the Wingate by Wyndham in Kamloops; an 80 room Coast Hotel opening in May in Oliver and two hotels 120 room hotels in Kelowna including the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in June as well as the Courtyard by Marriott later in the year.

Clearwater will be seeing a Best Western Plus open in June of 2019 while construction is scheduled to start as well this year on hotels in Salmon Arm (Fairfield) and Vernon (Best Western Premiere and Sheraton Four Points).

Penticton has two, as yet, unbranded hotels announced but not yet under construction and Kelowna has a further 147 hotel rooms announced in a mixed-use condominium development that are as yet pending a construction start date.

I am sure that I have missed some of the other proposed and pending developments taking place in and around the region and encourage you to let me know if there is a new tourism development going forward in your community.

Spring may be taking its time, but that is not true for our regional development plans. With Tourism continuing to be the #1 industry British Columbia and in the Thompson Okanagan, we are thrilled to see the continued increase in new product that enable us all to welcome our visitors from around the world and ultimately benefit all of us who are fortunate enough to call this part of the world our home.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | It is always the busiest that volunteer!

Have you ever noticed that those that are the busiest are also the ones that never fail to raise their hand when asked to help out? Whether coming together during a time of crisis or emergency or simply volunteering to pitch in for a person in need, it is always those with more than enough on their plate that rise to the occasion.

I am reminded of this as I watch the work of our TOTA board of Directors this week. Each of them with full personal and work lives and yet ready and willing to participate fully in our annual board retreat which takes them away from their regular routine and "to do" lists for 2 nights and 3 days.

Without the commitment and hard work of our volunteer Board, there would be no Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. They continue to support the day to day efforts of our team, provide guidance, and are always available on those occasions which from time to time may present challenges or concerns. They are a knowledgeable and engaged group who work hard to understand the issues of the entire region and provide thoughtful and insightful feedback.

I would like to take this opportunity as we begin our new year, which commenced April 1st, to thank each and every board member over the years for their continued efforts and look forward to a strong and prosperous 2018/19 for the entire region.

As a side note, a heartfelt thank you to the entire team at Echo Valley Ranch for hosting our Board Retreat these past few days. You have built an incredible and most hospitable visitor experience and you truly offer a remarkable regional experience as you welcome your guests as part of your family. Thank you so much again for all that you did to accommodate the TOTA Board Retreat 2018!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Pursuit of Slow Food and Travel

After what felt like a long and unrelenting winter, the Easter Weekend actually held the promise of spring. There were signs around the region of buds that will soon be blooms, grass finding its first tinge of green and people actually making their way out of hibernation. It is one of my favourite times of year.

It is also a perfect time to reintroduce our relationship with Slow Food and the new related Slow Travel movement. The Thompson Okanagan Slow Food Community started a chapter in the region in 2012 and has been building a presence for themselves since that time.  There have been a number of programs and conferences leading to their most current announcement of what they now refer to as a “Land to Table” approach to our relationship with our food. This initiative helps to engage all people in a better understanding of the source of their food, and highlights that long before the farming community it was our indigenous peoples who extracted all of their nourishment from the Land. It promotes and encourages better understanding and awareness of how our approach to eating can save and enrich our lives in multiple ways.

In the coming weeks, TOTA will be tying some of  our Biosphere Destination Sustainability initiatives closely to the Slow Food Movement encouraging locals and visitors alike to take time to appreciate the bounty available to us in this region and the Importance of not only buying local, but understanding what the land has to offer.  We will be highlighting the health benefits that come from taking time to prepare food properly and the mental stimulation from engaging with friends, families, and strangers as you dine. Ultimately, we hope to help people consider a wholistic approach to what the experience with food can be and the tremendous outcomes from making these changes to your lifestyle.

I hope that perhaps over this past Easter Weekend you may have already started a journey toward slow food dining and will continue to incorporate this way of living into your life in the coming spring and summer as we watch our lands awaken, our gardens grow, our farmer’s markets open and the new season of growth is upon us.

Head out to your garden and start planting; put down the cell phone and talk to the person next to you...the change will be incredible

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Big Data - Big Trouble or Big Opportunity?

As we watch the world unfold around the Big Data and the use of technology to track our every move, the debate will continue to swirl with companies like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat as well as businesses we don't think of as collecting our information such as Uber or even SkipTheDishes.

There is no question in today's world that all that we do, and even don't do, is being tracked, analyzed and used to market to us in ways we had never imagined.

We have long been romanced by our cell phones and iPads which through the magic of apps have helped to provide us with everything from our favourite songs, to maps, even recipes, all the while storing data that was painting a picture of us in the background.  The resulting marketing intelligence and predictive indexing has enabled organizations to serve us up advertising and messaging tailored to our needs, wants and interests.

The question becomes when this kind of intelligence is used for "good" instead of "evil", how much of an issue does this tracking really create.

For myself, I would far prefer to be provided with a selection of information based on my personal preferences. Imagine the idea of watching television or listening to radio that only offered up commercials based on what your interest are.  You might actually read, listen to or watch the commercial and the advertiser could much more effectively spend their resources.

Obviously the line between market intelligence and market manipulation such as the discussion currently taking place around election tampering is something we should all be concerned about.

However in this time when we truly have a new Information Age upon us, let’s not be too quick to condemn Big Data, but rather find appropriate ways to regulate and control its use to the mutual benefit of all.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Events expose us to our country

With the start of spring break, I could not help but reflect on the many times over my life that I helped pack up the family car with my dad and we headed out of town on an "adventure".

More often than not these so called adventures were not a "spring break" as we know them today nor were they a vacation or even a holiday, but rather these trips tended to center around events and activities that dad had a keen interest in.

We might have been heading out to a fall fair, Folklorama, Expo, car show, or travelling to a rodeo. What I remember clearly is that they were almost always activities he needed or wanted to do and the rest of us were along for the ride.

Not surprisingly, these trips often turned out to be some of the best of times as we discovered parts of the country that we otherwise may not have travelled to, partook in activities that taught us something new, and enabled an opportunity to interact and engage with the local community in a different and unique manner.

This glimpse into my past is simply to remind us all just how important the many festivals and events are that take place throughout the region. Whether we are hosting a Granfondo or a Giants Head Grind; a Shakespeare Workshop or a Routes and Blues Festival - all provide amazing opportunities to attract guests to our region throughout the year.   Welcoming many visitors to the region who may be enticed to visit us for the first time, based on special interests and some who may only have been brought along for the ride.

As a community we need to make sure that we support these initiatives large and small to ensure their long term success and continue to attract those moms and dads with reluctant children in tow who will become the foundation of our tourism visitation in the years and decades to come.

On a final note we are very excited to congratulate Big White in its successful bid to host the 61st Annual World Airline Ski Championships which will take place in March of 2020. Indications are we will see between 450 - 500 ski enthusiasts from around the world who will visit our region, many for the first time, but we believe not for the last time.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Congratulations TIABC and the BC Tourism Industry!

There is always a level of energy and enthusiasm when a group of tourism industry colleagues gather that I have yet to see duplicated in other type of conference or event.

Thanks to the hard work of many industry partners and sponsors including Tourism Industry Association of BC, Destination BC, Indigenous Tourism BC, Tourism Kelowna, Big White Ski Resort and countless others, too numerous to mention, the Thompson Okanagan region was fortunate to have played host to this year’s Tourism Industry Conference in Kelowna last week.

With well over 350 delegates it was by all accounts a tremendous success. This year there was no shortage of challenging topics to discuss that ranged from proposed Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) funding changes, to Airbnb taxation, the speculation tax, labour and housing shortages and disaster management, to name but a few.

Aboriginal Tourism BC hosted a vibrant opening reception, where they announced their new name, "Indigenous Tourism BC”, aligning with the changes in the Federal Government and other National agencies. On the second evening Big White took the conference up the mountain to try their hand at snowshoeing, sleigh rides, night skiing or just a bit of dining on local food and beverage.

Destination BC laid out their road map for the future as they work collectively with all provincial stakeholders to build a content commonwealth and continue to create a powerful marketing network. As a province we are working smarter and using technology to ensure that we are gaining the edge and building on a philosophy that the "whole is greater than the sum of its parts".

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Lisa Beare closed the conference with a number of new initiatives including  the establishment of a new tourism advisory committee and a wine and culinary marketing initiative to be launched this spring.

It was a week of dialogue that ranged from informative and educational to challenging and emotional. There were moments of great laughter, followed by stories and messages that brought tears.

One final thought that will stay with me long after this week is behind us were the closing words of retired Fire Chief Darby Allen who lead the community of Fort McMurray through their devastating wildfire in 2016. Shortly after the fire Darby and his family were visiting Bowen island where they came upon a chalk board with these words which sum up so much of the journey for all of us:

"It's Impossible" - said pride
"It's Risky" - said experience
"It's Pointless"- said reason
"Give it a Try" - whispered the heart.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | A week of reminders and gratitude!

A Big Thank You to Southern Queensland Country Tourism Region!

A number of us from the TOTA region are returning this past weekend from an absolutely wonderful "Business On Tour" in Australia where we were hosted over the past 10 days by our “sister region” in Southern Queensland Country (SQCT).  I cannot begin to thank SQCT CEO Mary-Clare Power and her entire amazing team for putting together such an extensive itinerary which was both enlightening and exhausting!

We have all come away with information and insight that we will be able to put in practise as we continue to grow our region and our tourism products. We hope we have also left behind a few thoughts and ideas that they too may want to consider or implement.  We are worlds apart and right next door, we share so much in the way of opportunities and challenges and we hope that in the not too distant future we will be able to reciprocate by hosting a "Business on Tour " for our colleagues from Australia. Again, a big thank you to all that hosted us and to Air Canada who without their support this trip would not have been possible.

Now to the reminders!

This is a big week for our region as the Tourism Industry Conference hosted by TIABC starts in Kelowna on Wednesday, March 7th. We look forward to welcoming industry partners and stakeholders from around the province to several days of robust and constructive dialogue. There are many critical issues effecting our industry at the moment and this is an important forum to bring those concerns to the forefront and assist Walt Judas and his team in moving them forward in government.

One final reminder about the upcoming Thompson Okanagan Regional Job Fair hosted by TOTA and go2HR taking place on March 15th in Kelowna. If you have not yet booked a booth there are a few spots left. We are anticipating a large turnout of potential employees as this event has been promoted not only to our post secondary institutions but to the general public.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Mobility is a Human Right

It is hard to believe the 2018 Winter Olympics have come to an end. Canadian athletes certainly did our country proud and while we had some unexpected losses we certainly had a tremendous number of wins.  However, this is not going to be a review of the Winter Olympics but a commentary on what I believe was an outstanding advertising campaign that ran extensively by Toyota during this year’s Games.

What you may or may not know is that Toyota is now in its 8th year as a sponsor of the Olympics and Paralympic Games and they have taken their role very seriously.  Fundamentally, Toyota made the decision that they are no longer a car company, but rather a mobility company.  Their messages are clear, concise, and make you pay attention; they make you want to stay in the room when the commercials come on; and they made you want to see them again and again and share them with others.

Their resounding commentary of "Mobility is a Human Right" and "Start Your Impossible", underscores the importance of our need to participate and enjoy the freedom of movement by all persons. They ask that we change our mindset of what is possible by anyone at any age and reinforce that physical challenges touch many lives, be they from birth, as a result of injury, or as part of the aging process. Giving human kind the ability to participate fully in life, through whatever supports can be made available, changes the quality of life for everyone.  Toyota have done a masterful job of creating stories that are engaging, inspirational, evoke emotion and are definitely memorable. They have successfully used their brand to make an important social commentary; they have used their brand for good.

Accessibility needs to be an important conversation for the Tourism Industry. As an industry we can make a difference to the lives of our residents and visitors by embracing the ideal of Access for All.  To this end, TOTA is pleased to have recently announced our partnership with Spinal Cord Injury BC and together have launched Access BC. Through this relationship we will be endeavouring to identify and promote tourism products and services that are accessible to all and encouraging tourism stakeholders to identify the changes they can make that will make their services welcoming to a wide array of abilities.

We may be "Starting our Impossible" as an industry, but if an Automotive Company can recognize its role in advancing accessibility, there is no question in my mind that Tourism can take on this important commitment and be a part of inspiring moments for all.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO