Manic Monday | A Strategic Framework for Tourism in BC

Attending last week’s Tourism Industry Conference in Vancouver, hosted annually by TIABC, it was apparent that our industry has come of age and is definitely being taken seriously. With record attendance, a tremendous line up of speakers and insightful, thought-provoking breakout sessions (many that were standing room only), things felt different.

And... the numbers don't lie.  Destination BC's CEO Marsha Walden and the Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Lisa Beare were both in attendance presenting the irrefutable facts. The BC Tourism industry contributed 9 billion dollars to province’s GDP in 2017, it employs over 137,000 people in over 19,000 tourism-related experiences and in 2018 welcomed over 6 million visitors from around the world. Tourism is the province’s 3rd largest industry with year over year revenues continuing to climb and to outpace the rest of Canada.

The most significant announcement of the week, however, was the release of the Provincial Government’s New 3 year Strategic Framework for Tourism in BC. This critical roadmap highlights the important role that tourism must play in supporting People and Communities; Sustainably Growing the Visitor Economy; and Respecting Nature and the Environment. Focusing on all three of these pillars will ensure that the tourism industry not only continues to grow but does so in a way that recognizes its responsibility to all British Columbians.

To read the full document go to: Strategic Framework for Tourism In BC

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Print is not Dead...in fact, it is actually back...

As we get ever closer to the near the end of the sales period for our Annual TOTA Regional Tourism Guide - Route 97, I am very encouraged by the support of over 100 of our stakeholders, large and small, who are committed to this program and recognize the long term and important potential of the Route 97 initiative.

For those who may still be of the opinion that "print is dead" others, such as online giant, Mediaplanet say not true. The sentiment that print is dying has been quickly changing and many well-respected media outlets suggest that print is not only back but it is also a better way to ensure your message is heard. Quite simply put, print had to find it's rightful place within the media spectrum, and it has done so and done it effectively.

In a direct quote from The Columbia Journalism Review, print  is now emerging as the “new media."  Their article sites that print has shown to be the right choice as it

1. Cuts through the clutter

2. Is tangible

3. Fits a  strong component of a diverse, cross-platform strategy

4. Is beautiful

5. and .... Print is now novel

We have definitely witnessed the resurgence of print with the Route 97 publication as it continues to be oversubscribed in our visitor centres not only in this province but throughout North Central Washington. In the words of many visitor counsellors ..." it flies off the shelf".

It is also important to understand why our region has this campaign. Route 97, is the longest north-south corridor in North America and the Interiors' north to Alaska option for travellers. Our Route 97 program encourages visitors to make the choice to travel through this area of British Columbia, providing suggestions to explore the region and providing many optional loops and routes that can and will enhance their trip. The intention is to continue to motivate travellers to move away from the more well known I5 corridor and offer up a multitude of reasons to travel inland instead.

For those that have made the choice to participate; Outstanding!  We believe in this campaign and its ability to drive traffic to our region. For those that are not yet involved we encourage you to relook at this opportunity before we go to print. Route 97 -  2019 will have a new look and feel with more area maps and suggested experiences and itineraries which we know is sure to have an even greater response from our travellers.

 Print is not Dead...in fact, it is actually back...

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Thompson Okanagan recognized as Top 100 Sustainable Destinations

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is very pleased to announce that the Thompson Okanagan region is recognized as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations Worldwide by Green Destinations and a finalist in the Best of the Americas Awards to be presented at ITB In Berlin, Germany in March.

I’m so proud of the tourism community Destination Marketing Organization leaders, Industry stakeholders, and partners in this Region who continue to pursue forward-thinking work to ensure the long term health of our visitor economy and the viability of the many natural and cultural assets that drive it.

Consumers of today, and into the future, are recognizing and expecting that all industries, including Tourism, act in a manner that is socially, environmentally, and economically responsible.   Rest assured, these consumers and travelers will vote with their wallets and travel and invest their dollars in places that take this movement seriously.

To be considered, the Thompson Okanagan was rigorously reviewed and required to demonstrate and provide evidence on how the Region complies with the 100 globally recognized criteria of the Green Destination Standard.  While each of the Top 100 Destinations worldwide on the list knows that there is much more work to be done, this list represents an ongoing and growing commitment by tourism destinations to acknowledge and act on the importance of Sustainability and Responsible Tourism development and delivery.

Green Destinations is a non-profit foundation for sustainable tourism, leading a global Partnership of expert organizations, companies, and academic institutions. The Sustainable Top 100 Destination Awards are supported by ITB Berlin, Green Destinations, TravelMole, Travelife, and ten other organizations.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Be thankful, be gracious and be patient

It was unbelievable to see so much rock came down on Highway 97 north of Summerland over the past 10 days and even more incredible that no one was injured.

The magnitude of the fault running 50 meters in both directions of the original slide location can hardly be fathomed. As someone who travels this route often, I am most grateful that the situation has been discovered and is being handled.

As such,  I wanted to take this Manic Monday moment to shout out to all of those individuals who have been working tirelessly, in some of our worst weather, on these dangerous and unstable slopes. While much of the talk and news is focused on timing for reopening, the inconvenience of the detours and the effect on local economies, all true points, very little is said about the truly courageous people who are scaling that mountainside and trying to deal with the situation at hand.

I can tell for certain that you would never see me doing that work, and I venture to say that most of you reading this feel the same way. So we should all be incredibly grateful that there are those that are not afraid to take on this challenge. Like our firefighters, in the summer, these crews get up each day and put themselves in harm's way for the benefit of the community, for the benefit of all of us. Left to me to do the work, the road would not be closed indefinitely it would be closed forever. So once again, thank you.

I would also like to take a moment to mention all those that worked to open the forestry access road 201. It is well marked, graded, sanded and was made passable very quickly after the slide occurred. This route, while definitely longer, is an excellent option and the only thing dangerous about it is some of the drivers who find it necessary to speed, pass, and put others in danger, not very impressive behavior.

To all those who have and continue to work on the detour access and the slide area, thank you so much for the work you do. To those traveling these routes, be thankful, be gracious and be patient. Don't be the problem.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Can you really afford to not attend...

It's almost unbelievable that it has already been a year since the TIABC annual conference was hosted here in our region. This year the conference is being held in Vancouver from February 27 - March 1st and there is still plenty of time to register.  While there is always a multitude of excuses as to why you cannot attend, there are some very important reasons that you should be there.

TIABC is our voice, they are the advocate for the Tourism Industry and it is critical that they are fully informed on the many issues that will shape our industry for the future. As a collective group, it is imperative that we get involved, participate, communicate and ensure that our thoughts and concerns are aligned with the Association and that they have clear direction from all industry sectors. This conference is one of those opportunities. While it is most certainly educational with excellent speakers and timely topics, it is also a prime opportunity to dialogue with colleagues, partners and government and TIABC itself.

This year's theme is "Maximum Impact. Endless Potential"  and it is sure to stimulate discussion and debate. Tourism is continuing to be challenged by a number of issues including how to best deal with the sharing economy, over-tourism, taxation, flood and wildfire mitigation, and management and the list goes on.  But you have a choice;  you can choose to stay home and keep your opinions to yourself or you can make sure your voice is heard, take a stand, take action. So again I ask the question..can you really afford not to attend?

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | What's your IMPACT?

By definition, the word IMPACT means "to have a strong effect on someone or something". Without question, Tourism does just that. It has a major impact on our residents, communities, wildlife, watershed, lands, and ecosystems.

Developed well, it can provide visitors and locals alike with a lifetime of memories, heightened knowledge of history and culture, unleash great emotion and can effect transformative change. Left unchecked, it can do all this but at great cost and great damage.

Our Association’s steadfast strategic journey into responsible and sustainable tourism development and delivery was undertaken to ensure that there was a focus on growing a healthy visitor economy for the long term. One that recognizes the tremendous economic opportunity and benefits that tourism brings to an area, coupled with an appreciation of the potential negative impacts.

This week, we gather as a Tourism Industry in Victoria to continue the dialogue on this critical topic.  As we watch the growing tourism demand worldwide it is more important than ever to take steps to manage our industry properly.  The annual IMPACT conference has been designed to help us do this.  Bringing speakers from around the globe and providing a forum for discussions that can and will help us make important industry decisions, decisions that will IMPACT us all well into the future.

I am honoured to be speaking - and TOTA is pleased to be a sponsor - at this year’s IMPACT event and I look forward to meeting with many colleagues.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | New Look, New Feel, New Year!

Two weeks into this new year and we already have a number of exciting changes lined up. The first, which you can see here, is a brand new look for Manic Monday. Of course, I will still be sending out my weekly musings along with a few highlights from the News Centre, but we wanted to freshen up things and start the New Year off right. Over the coming weeks, there will be other changes too, as we update our logo, launch a new corporate website and revamp the News Centre. Our goal is to make sure that all the information you need is easily accessible and our online sites are simple to navigate.

Keep watching as TOTA takes on many new and exciting initiatives in 2019

New Look New Feel, New Opportunities!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Eleven Years to Turn our World Around

Some of the smartest minds have made it very clear;  "We have 11 years in which we must make dramatic changes to our behaviors in order to keep our world alive"; literally.  As the earth heats up, glaciers melt and the oceans temperature increase the scientific world has stated that warming must be capped at 1.5 degrees.

In Canada, we may think we are protected from the predicted catastrophic events which some parts of the world may experience but be certain we will be affected.

What we can do as Canadians may seem to be minuscule when we look at the challenge that faces countries around the globe but the only way this works is if everyone takes responsibility.

One speaker I heard recently suggested we employ "World War II" tactics which would stress the seriousness of the situation. Canadians at home during this war took an active role in supporting the war effort even though they were far from the front lines.

For our part, TOTA's work in sustainable responsible tourism development and delivery is our first step in actioning on this critical issue. We are taking steps in our work with stakeholders and partners and in our own day to day activities. We encourage you to learn more and work with us on building awareness, changing behavior and showing support.

Take it seriously or ignore the warnings; either way, it appears the debate is going to be ending soon and we will all know how this story ends. 2030; it is just 11 years away and a very short time to turn this world around.

Here are a few things to consider as the world gets warmer;
https://news.sky.com/story/what-will-happen-as-the-world-gets-warmer-10336299

Staying Connected with TOTA….

With the New Year Upon us we want to take this time to thank all of our Tourism Stakeholders, Tourism Partners and Communities for all of your support in 2018. It has been a year of change, challenge, reward, and success for our tourism industry as we dealt with everything from politics to pipelines and floods to fire.

If you have been working with us in the past we once again want to thank you and invite you to get involved with TOTA in 2019. Here are but a few important opportunities that I encourage you to consider;

• Become involved in our Biosphere Program

• Participate in the Route97 Initiatives including both Print and Online

• Obtain and Utilize Big Data research through our Symphony Partner

• Nov 12-15, 2019 - Save the date for the 2019 TOTA AGM and Summit which will take place as part of International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia’s (ITBC)

• Put your business forward to our Trade and Media teams to host regional familiarization trips during the course of the year - contact Carla Young (media@totabc.com) or Ingrid Dilschneider (trade@totabc.com)

• Watch for news on regional events scheduled throughout the year

• We are all stronger together and we look forward to working closely with all of our stakeholders and partners in 2019

Keep following and contributing to TOTA’s Facebook and Twitter sites throughout the week; send us your stories, photos, events and remarkable experiences. Make sure the industry knows what is happening around our region and keep us updated on your road to sustainability, check out ThompsonOkanagan.com for more information.  Be sure to use #route97 and #explorebc when posting your tourism shots and stories.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Visitor Research Program Introduction

NEW Market and Visitor Research

Regional Information – Highlights FREE

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Research Program now includes Thompson Okanagan regional visitor counts using TELUS Insights for the period January-December 2018. For 2019 we will be providing monthly updates to compare visitation from 2018 to 2019. Highlights will be posted here on Research Spotlight. Note: These counts exclude residents of the Thompson Okanagan Region.

Thompson Okanagan Research Spotlight 2018 Year in Review

Regional District Area Level Information – Community DMO Paid Program – Fees Apply

The TOTA Community Research Program provides Regional District Level visitor counts benchmarked against the Thompson Okanagan Region as a whole. TOTA continues to invest in Environics Analytics data which can be customized to create visitor profiles using the TELUS Insights data for our Community Research Program. The combination of these two sources of data provide unpresented visitor insights to our region.

Market Information – Canada and US – Fees Apply - Businesses, Communities, Events, etc.

Custom research services use Environics Analytics to provide either market profiles or visitor profiles using your customer postal codes. This research is available for communities, businesses, events, visitor centres, etc.

Custom visitor or market profiles you can choose from include:

1. Destination Canada’s Explorer Quotient Market Segmentation Program (EQ Type)

2. Sector – Choose from many including Hike, Bike, Culinary, Specific activities such as Camping/RV; Festivals and Events, etc.)

3. Custom Variables – Tell us about your target markets and we will develop custom personas

4. Social Values – Choose from thousands of variables in the system

Digital Campaigns

As part of TOTA’s new research program we offer digital campaign services in partnership with WAR ROOM who will execute and report on programmatic campaigns using the Environics Analytics targeted marketing resources to hyper-target in markets throughout the US and Canada.

Data and Privacy 

TELUS recognizes that Big Data comes with big responsibility to protect the privacy of individuals. They have implemented industry leading standards to protect privacy every step of the way through:

• De-Identification of data meaning it cannot be traced back to an individual.

• Aggregation of data into large data pools ensuring privacy is fully protected at all times.

• Data extrapolation to be representative of the total Canadian Population.

• By de-identifying and aggregating the data, it is possible to preform geographic and movement analysis, while respecting privacy.

TELUS has implemented industry-leading Privacy and Design standards to ensure that privacy is not compromised.

• All the data analyzed by TELUS Insights is de-identified, meaning it cannot be traced back to an individual.

• It is also aggregated into large data pools to reveal mass-movement patterns and trends, and extrapolated to be representative of the total Canadian population as a further means of ensuring their privacy is protected at all times.

• For further information, please visit:
  • telus.com/insights
  • Or Email: telusinsights@telus.com

For more information on Research or Fees for Services Contact:

Simone Carlysle-Smith, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, 
Managing Director for Symphony Tourism Services
sts@totabc.com
778-721-5448

Manic Monday | Self Driving Hotel....anything is possible

Anyone who knows me has heard this before; a New Year means a New Blank page upon which to write new stories.

Tomorrow, January 1st, 2019, is another new beginning and with it the unveiling of exciting opportunities, more changes, and challenges in how we will live, travel and experience the world.

I thought I would share a link that I received shortly before Christmas which really started me thinking about the possibilities that can and will lie in our future. Maybe it won't be this year or even in the next several but as the past has proven, change comes quickly, the impossible becomes possible and overnight we are accepting things that seem to come straight from science fiction.

For all those who dare to dream and are told their vision is not possible, take on those words as your challenge. Prove to those that do not dare to believe that they are wrong. Create, innovate, break what isn't broken and rebuild it, never take no for an answer and push the envelope to the point where it is unrecognizable.

It is the innovators that can and do change the world and I dare all of you to be one of them.

For now...enjoy this article which is introducing us to a bit of the future. Watch out hoteliers and all of us in the Tourism Industry...if a "self-driving hotel is possible ...who knows what else is possible

Staying Connected with TOTA…

With the New Year Upon us we want to take this time to thank all of our Tourism Stakeholders, Tourism Partners and Communities for all of your support in 2018. It has been a year of change, challenge, reward, and success for our tourism industry as we dealt with everything from politics to pipelines and floods to fire.

If you have been working with us in the past we once again want to thank you and invite you to get involved with TOTA in 2019. Here are but a few important opportunities that I encourage you to consider;

• Become involved in our Biosphere Program

• Participate in the Route97 Initiatives including both Print and Online

• Obtain and Utilize Big Data research through our Symphony Partner

• Nov 12-15, 2019 - Save the date for the 2019 TOTA AGM and Summit which will take place as part of International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia’s (ITBC)

• Put your business forward to our Trade and Media teams to host regional familiarization trips during the course of the year - contact Carla Young (media@totabc.com) or Ingrid Dilschneider (trade@totabc.com)

• Watch for news on regional events scheduled throughout the year

• We are all stronger together and we look forward to working closely with all of our stakeholders and partners in 2019

Keep following and contributing to TOTA’s Facebook and Twitter sites throughout the week; send us your stories, photos, events and remarkable experiences. Make sure the industry knows what is happening around our region and keep us updated on your road to sustainability, check out ThompsonOkanagan.com for more information.  Be sure to use #route97 and #explorebc when posting your tourism shots and stories.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Take Time to Find the Joy in the Season

If you are reading this today December 24th, you are either likely very organized for the holidays and enjoying some well-deserved "relaxation"  or are ignoring the fact that you have so much to do before the events of tonight and tomorrow that you don't know where to start.

For many of us, this is the last day to get all the things done that we had planned to do for several weeks. This is the last minute shopping, which invariably means buying things that cost more than we intended as we realize we had forgotten that one person or one special item.  Usually, today involves trying to be in several places at the same time, trying to make any number of friends or family happy, and all the while not necessarily having much time or fun ourselves.

The Christmas Season is stressful for many, many people and emotional for so many others. This time of year brings out the very best and the very saddest of memories and few, if any of us, get through this life without experiencing both. The excitement and wonder that, in turn, can mean expectations and disappointment.  The ever-present financial concerns as we see our spending take on a "life of its own" and the fun that comes with handling the many family dynamics. There is the love of those around us and the memories of those who are here no longer.

This Christmas my wish for all of you as you go through the holidays is that you can find joy in the season in whatever way it presents itself.

And if by chance you find yourself taking part in the dreaded last minute shopping, remember a smile can mean so much not only to those around you but it will help your spirits be a bit merrier as well...

From all of us at the TOTA team to you - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Staying Connected with TOTA…

With the holiday season upon us we want to take this time to thank all of our Tourism Stakeholders, Tourism Partners and Communities for all of your support in 2018. It has been a year of change, challenge, reward, and success for our tourism industry as we dealt with everything from politics to pipelines and floods to fire.

If you have been working with us in the past we once again want to thank you and invite you to get involved with TOTA in 2019. Here are but a few important opportunities that I encourage you to consider;

• Become involved in our Biosphere Program

• Participate in the Route97 Initiatives including both Print and Online

• Obtain and Utilize Big Data research through our Symphony Partner

• Nov 12-15, 2019 - Save the date for the 2019 TOTA AGM and Summit which will take place as part of International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia’s (ITBC)

• Put your business forward to our Trade and Media teams to host regional familiarization trips during the course of the year - contact Carla Young (media@totabc.com) or Ingrid Dilschneider  (trade@totabc.com)

• Watch for news on regional events scheduled throughout the year

• We are all stronger together and we look forward to working closely with all of our stakeholders and partners in 2019

Keep following and contributing to TOTA’s Facebook and Twitter sites throughout the week; send us your stories, photos, events and remarkable experiences. Make sure the industry knows what is happening around our region and keep us updated on your road to sustainability, check out ThompsonOkanagan.com for more information.  Be sure to use #route97 and #explorebc when posting your tourism shots and stories.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | This doesn't even take 15 minutes!

Parks Canada last week released a survey, available to all Canadians, enabling them to provide input into the National Park Reserve planned for an area in the South Okanagan-Similkameen region.

In a meeting in our region this past August, Federal Minister Catherine McKenna was very clear that that Park development would be moving forward, however, the government was committed to inviting Canadians to share their thoughts and ideas of what the new park reserve should look like. The attached survey is one of those opportunities.

The National Park Reserve has long been a dream for many in our region and the input process has been strongly supported by TOTA and our Board of Directors. It was very important during the recent process that the Osoyoos Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Provincial and Federal Governments all came together to make this Park process a priority.

Take the opportunity to participate in the process and help shape the development of this Park. The survey takes less than 15 minutes, but I can ensure you it is time well spent.

Go to:  www.letstalksouthokanagansimilkameen.ca

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | A Year of Highs and Lows

It has certainly proven to be an interesting year for the Thompson Okanagan and as with all years, I suppose, it has had some good and bad moments.

One cannot reflect on the past year without recognizing the many challenges our stakeholders have coped with as a result of many natural occurrences ranging from severe high water, overland flooding, landslides as well as significant wildfire and smoke.

We have all worked together to try to mitigate the effects of these events and to draw attention to the many positive and unique aspects of the region that can be enjoyed outside of traditional high season periods.

Our marketing team has worked with some of the areas that have been affected this year and most recently produced an outstanding video for our Boundary Country who are still recovering from their floods this past spring.  This video is an excellent example of working in collaboration to assist an area and community with beginning to rebuild their messaging.  Please take the time to watch and share this video as we all continue to work closely to build a strong and successful tourism industry, which we know contains highs and lows.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Awards….Why Bother?

It has been a tremendous year for our region and Association, not only being nominated for but shortlisted and even winning several prestigious awards around the world, against some very strong and, quite frankly, much larger in terms of budgets competition.

Our region “Thompson Okanagan” is being recognized as a leader in strategic vision in Sustainable / Responsible Tourism operation and development and this recognition is coming from organizations who are themselves Leaders in Tourism.

It began last February, not long after the Biosphere Certification where the region received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s “Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Award”. This was quickly followed by the 2018 World Tourism Award as North America’s Responsible Tourism Destination and finally this past Saturday we were proud to be named as the World Tourism Award’s Responsible Tourism Destination World Wide for 2018.  Further, we have been Silver medalists or top finalists in a variety of award programs including SKAL, International Travel and Tourism Awards Planning Institute of BC, Land Awards finalist, and the list goes on.

Along the way I have been asked what all this means for the region, does it really matter, why bother, how can tourism stakeholders benefit and my answer is always the same:

“This is putting the Thompson Okanagan in the minds of industry partners and travellers worldwide and shows we are collectively heading in the right direction. These awards belong to our region, Province, and Country, and in turn to each one of you as tourism stakeholders. We are showing the next generation of guests that we are different, that we stand for something, and that we understand the value of the area we so proudly represent and do business in. These are difference makers for you and every resident who calls the Thompson Okanagan home.

Responsible / Sustainable tourism is what consumers both young and old are asking for at an increasing rate. Today’s research indicates that ¾ of all travellers say sustainability important in their travel decisions and in a 2015 report, 66 % of the US market indicated they would pay more for certified sustainable products ( a number that was from 55% the year prior).

Our guests are changing, but we are poised to meet that change and to let them know that these are issues we have been actively looking at for many years and more recently focused on everything we do and say. In the coming weeks, we will be launching a new and exciting initiative with organizations like the Responsible Tourism Institute and bookdifferent.com, which again we see as helping our stakeholders lead the way and communicate their commitment to long-term responsible thinking.

Awards…well you can say “well why bother” or you can get involved and get behind this movement to elevate the Thompson Okanagan on the world stage and invite them to visit.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

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

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

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

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

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

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Resilient, Committed and Determined to Grow

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

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

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

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

Meet Your Board

• Frank Antoine – Chair

• Michael J Ballingall – Vice Chair

• Christine Latimer – Secretary / Treasurer

• Bryan Pilbeam – Past Chair

• Kathrin Von Andrian

• Don Brogan

• Erik Fisher

• Glenn Grant

• Lyndie Hill

• Kevin Howlett

• Brad Pelletier

• Steve Rice

• Thom Tischik

• Andy Schwaiger

• Liz McKinney

• Beverley Desantis

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

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

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

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

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

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

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

This year we all need to do more than just Remember

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

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

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

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

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

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Why should you come to our AGM and Summit

We are just two weeks until this year’s TOTA AGM and Summit will be taking place in Osoyoos and we hope if you have not yet registered to attend that you will do so today!

Once again, we believe the lineup of speakers and panels will be informative and interesting and that you gain valuable information and insights to use in growing and adapting your tourism business.

As highlighted in our recent e-blast; we are honoured to have our BC Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lisa Beare, who will be speaking at the Summit on Tuesday afternoon November 13th, followed by a Question and Answer session.

As with any event, its success is a collective effort that starts with strong sponsors and we are very proud to have a committed group of organizations who make each years’ Summit possible. This year our Major Sponsors include: Destination Osoyoos, Mount Baldy, Air Canada, YLW, TELUS, go2HR, Green Step, Fortis BC,  Let's Go Transportation, Mobilize, Waterways Houseboats and the numerous generous stakeholders and partners who have donated to the live and silent auction.

Why should you register and take the time to join us?  The reasons are numerous, but in short;

• there are many key challenges and opportunities facing our tourism industry and this is an opportunity to listen, learn and question;

• the world of tourism is evolving quickly with research and big data playing a major role and our panels will shed some light on where things are headed;

• sustainable, responsible tourism is critical and as we move forward it is imperative to know that this means so much more than changing lightbulbs and managing waste and how you can get involved

• you might just have some fun, meet new colleagues and develop new partnerships 

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Don’t Forget to Vote….

With our municipal elections having taken place just moments ago I could not help but think about two interesting issues that surround all elections. Most importantly to applaud all of those individuals brave enough to be willing to put their name forward. Realizing the personal attack they will face, the scrutiny and the social media storm that will follow them around it is almost astounding that so many well-intentioned and clearly community-minded persons continue to come forward. At least 50% of the time most people will be opposed to something you are doing and at other times even more. Hats off for not letting that dissuade you.

And then there is the issue of voter turnout or lack thereof. If you have the opportunity and are eligible to vote in any election be it civic, provincial, federal or even our current TOTA election for a board and you have the chance to make a statement with your vote there is absolutely no good reason for you to choose to not do so.

To our slate of nominees for the TOTA Board, thank you so much for taking the time to put your name forward and to work collectively for the betterment of our industry. To our voting stakeholders, if you are eligible to vote in this year's TOTA elections, which can be from the comfort of your chair through our online voting system until Monday October 29; need I say more?

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO