Manic Monday | The UNWTO Takes On Plastic... You Can Too

Plastic is often attributed to the 1960s, a bi-product of the space program, it was once considered a practical and necessary application that quickly found its way into our everyday life. Yet you might be surprised to learn that first plastic, "polyethylene", was created in 1898 and it wasn't long after that, in 1907, as a result of a number of breakthroughs that the product advances resulted in plastic began being mass-produced.

Its popularity grew as it became apparent that plastic was versatile, durable and efficient and most useful in keeping our food supply safe and sanitary. The use of plastic has enabled us to enjoy many products we take for granted but as we know all too well has resulted in disturbing and devastating unintended consequences.

One of the big issues is that plastic lasts; not just years or decades but centuries, and as we know all too well today, it is gravely affecting many aspects of our environment, most critically our oceans and marine life.

This past week the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), together with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, officially announced the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative.

With a priority to reduce the amount of plastic waste produced by the tourism sector, the initiative has laid out the following actionable commitments to be achieved by 2025:

• Eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging and items;

• Take action to move from single-use to reuse models or reusable alternatives;

• Engage the value chain to move towards 100% of plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable;

• Take action to increase the amount of recycled content across all plastic packaging and items used;

• Commit to collaborate and invest to increase the recycling and composting rates for plastics;

• Report publicly and annually on progress made towards these targets.

This program is now a focal point of the Sustainable Tourism Programme and One Planet Network. This network currently unites 450 businesses, governments, stakeholders and other partners in a sophisticated and thoughtful approach to the use of plastics.

Eliminate entirely where possible, implement recycling and reusable techniques where appropriate and utilize compostable solutions.

TOTA is committed to this program and you and your business can be too!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Thinking With Your Mind and Your Heart

I was both honoured and grateful to have been invited by the Outlook Group, in partnership with such organizations such as Incredible India, to participate and speak at India’s Outlook Responsible Tourism Summit and Awards event held this past week in New Delhi.

It was my first time in India and it was truly a full sensory experience. I could not have been more warmly welcomed, nor found a more gracious and engaging people whether through interacting in meetings or those on the streets.

For very good reason this great place is branded ‘Incredible’ and if you have never had the opportunity to travel to this country, it is a destination you should try not to miss.

While being there alone was very special, it has been a life long dream of mine to visit the Taj Mahal and I was fortunate that during this quick trip it was able to happen. This Mausoleum is considered one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in the world and in 2007 was named the winner of the New Seven Wonders of the World (2000-2007). It was commissioned and construction started in 1631 by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, following the death of his beloved wife shortly after giving birth to their 14th child. The building took 12 years to complete and the gardens another 5, but without question, as you experience it today, centuries later, you can feel the enormity of care and thought that went into its creation. As the story is told and as is apparent when you are there, the Emperor poured his heart and soul into it, intending to create a symbol of their life, love, and marriage and intentionally designed to both celebrate and share their story with the generations that would follow.

It made me wonder, when did we stop making wonders, pushing our limits and not settling for just enough? How do we challenge ourselves to think more long term as we build the legacy of our tourism industry, products, and experiences? How do we change our mindset from a disposable society to one that appreciates and wants to be part of history, culture, and generational thinking?

One step for the Thompson Okanagan is the commitment to the regional tourism pledge entitled “7 Affirmations for 7 Generations." It is a small step down that path to help broaden how we approach things and pushes us to begin to understand the cause and effect of what happens today and the positive or negative effects for generations to come.

There is nothing wrong with quick thinking and thinking with our heads; it makes us agile, adaptable and strong. But what if we combine that with thinking into the future by thinking from our hearts — thinking with forethought, passion, and care.

The two together may just make us wiser, cause us to create things that last, that make people think beyond themselves, that may be here long after we are gone. It takes courage and risk to combine these thoughts, of moving away from what is known, what is easy, what is cookie-cutter, but it might just be the recipe for the development of the extraordinary and many, many more wonders in this world to come.

I would also like to make special mention and thank our Royal Roads practicum student Anirudh Kukrety for showing me some of his favourite spots in and around New Dehli. Anirudh was back visiting his family and I really appreciated the local experience and knowledge. We look forward to having him back at TOTA in February.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | How Ever You Need Us - We Are Here to Help

We start this New Year with heavy hearts as we watch our friends and colleagues in Australia suffering the horror of extreme wildfire.

All of us in British Columbia and the Thompson Okanagan have an appreciation for the effects of wildfires but those in Australia are experiencing conditions that we can only pray we will never have to experience.

The loss of 27 lives and more than 2000 homes is devastating as the estimated 17.9 million hectares have burned so far. The toll it is taking on the wildlife is completely unfathomable. As of today, it is estimated that where they had thought approximately 480 million animals had been lost scientists are now saying that number is more likely closer to 1 billion. At least 25,000 koala bears are believed dead and many more burned and seriously injured and there is a real concern for the survival of the species. Counts are not even in yet for the loss of kangaroos and wallabies, and with such a diverse ecosystem the toll on many species will be unprecedented.

Our thanks to the enormous number of brave men and women fighting these fires from all over the world including many from right here at home. We are with you in our hearts.

There are many ways to help the cause and we encourage you to assist as you are able. Near or far we are in this together and in the months to come, we must all work to find ways to slow and prevent this type of devastation.

As a tourism industry, we also know that this type of catastrophic event can cause long term damage for tourism as a whole and travellers often cancel plans to visit even unaffected areas. This is a fact we understand all too well. We came upon this article by Amanda Wood outlining a number of ways to provide help and support including the importance of supporting the travel industry.

We are with you all the way Australia we will be there in whatever way you need us.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | A Little DIP Anyone?

This is it, the last few days of 2019 and more importantly the last few days of the decade. There will be a lot of celebrations taking place over the next few days and many a New Year/New Decade resolution to be made and possibly to be broken.

One phenomenon that has continued to grow in popularity over the past many years is the January 1st annual polar bear dip. While there may be other similar swims originating in other parts of the world, my limited research has found that the first swim in this province took place in Vancouver in 1920 when a gentleman by the name of Peter Pantages dared or rather encouraged a group of his friends to join him in taking the plunge. As time has shown, more and more places and more and more people have continued to take part in this "breathtaking" activity and there are polar bear swims almost everywhere you go.

Those that make the effort are said to feel refreshed, revived and invigorated afterward; a perfect start to any new year.

This year CRIS Adaptive Adventures in Kelowna is hosting their 5th annual fundraising dip on January 1st and you can register and help support this very worthwhile organization by registering at this link: https://trellis.org/crispolarbeardip

If you can’t make it to Kelowna you can always help by supporting a “dipper” with an online donation. And you should look for a polar bear swim in your community to join in the frigid fun.

However you choose to start the year, I hope that sets the tone for the next 12 months and the next 10 years.

Happy New Year, and Happy New Decade...

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | The Difference in a Decade

It is now less than 10 days until Christmas is upon us and 2 short weeks until we begin not only a new year but a new decade.

It seems a fitting moment to reflect on the last 10 years and the changes in the conversation that have occurred since we were poised on brink of 2010.

The end of 2009 marked a time for celebration as we anxiously awaited the 2010 Winter Olympics which were about to take place in Vancouver and that were ultimately an unprecedented legacy for British Columbia.

That event changed us all, drew us together and saw the province and the tourism industry come into its own, truly come of age. The spotlight shone brightly as we welcomed the world and we basked in the afterglow for months and years thereafter.

Today as we await the arrival of 2020, we are less celebratory and the entire world is much more pensive. Political unrest is a global phenomenon as is the dialogue on climate change reaching an intensity where even non-believers are having to concede the situation must be addressed.

In British Columbia and the Thompson Okanagan Region, we are once again poised to play a significant role on the world stage as we continue to move forward, make important decisions and changes ultimately embracing new ideas and concepts that will we believe will make positive impacts.

Outdoor experiences and our natural, authentic beauty is our product, it is the feature that motivates people to live here or visit and one that we all must work to preserve and protect. In 2020 we will also set the stage by welcoming the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Conference to our region, a first for Canada. We know when that day arrives we will be ready to assist in having the critical conversations necessary, helping to set new directions and focus, and collaborating on global agreements that will be beneficial to all.

The world has changed quite dramatically in a short 10 years and with it, our responsibilities have also changed, grown and become much clearer.

On behalf of myself, our Board of Directors and all of our team at TOTA we look forward to working with you in 2020 and beyond and we are confident that as we move forward toward 2030 we will collectively make the right choices for the best possible future.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2020 - Coming to the Thompson Okanagan

It was truly an emotional moment, last Friday, when the announcement was formally made that the 2020 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference would take place November 19th - 22nd in Kelowna, BC.

This decision is a direct result of the dedicated work that has taken place across the Province by communities, tourism stakeholders, and partners who have recognized the importance of responsible and sustainable tourism practices, management, and development. It is a recognition of the importance we collectively place on these issues and the leadership work that is taking place in this area. A huge thank you also goes to our host partners including Tourism Kelowna and Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort - this would not have happened without them.

Not only is this the first time for this conference in our Thompson Okanagan region but the first time for this event to take place in Canada!

We hope you will consider taking part in this global event taking place in our backyard. Tourism industry leaders from around the world will come together to discuss critical issues, important trends, and best practices focused on ensuring the long term health and wellbeing of the tourism industry.

Special thanks go to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council for having the confidence in us to host such an important event.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | The World Travel Awards is coming to the Thompson Okanagan... in more ways than one!

Without question, it was an exciting moment last week when for the second year in a row the Thompson Okanagan has been presented with the award for Responsible Tourism Destination at the 26th Annual World Travel Awards (WTA).

It was a tremendous honour to be recognized once again for all of the work the region and tourism stakeholders are undertaking in the area of sustainable and responsible tourism management and development.

This year however we are also very pleased to note that the Thompson Okanagan has been selected to host next year's North America Awards Gala presented by the WTA. These awards will see more than 300 delegates join us in the region next October 2020 thanks to our partnership with the City of Vernon and Predator Ridge.  This will also mark the first time in the 27 year history of this event that it will take place in Canada.

We all win when the Thompson Okanagan region is recognized on the world stage and that is further enhanced when we are selected to play hosts. We hope you will find ways to get involved as we begin to make plans for next year's gala. The World Travel Award is once again the Thompson Okanagan's but this time in more ways than one!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | The Largest Indigenous Tourism Conference in the World

Left to Right: Frank Antoine, Brenda Baptiste, Hon. Lisa Beare, Glenn Mandziuk at the launch of the IArT Mobile Gallery

It is hard to believe it has already been a week since the Thompson Okanagan Region played host to just shy of 800 delegates at the 2019 International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Kelowna, BC; the largest event of its kind ever held.

It was also the first time that three Indigenous Nations have come together to host this conference. The Syilx, Nlaka’pamux, and Secwépemc Nations together with Tourism Kelowna, Indigenous Tourism BC, Indigenous Tourism Canada, and ourselves at Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association were the collective hosts for an inspiring, engaging and, at times, emotional week.

What struck me the most personally was the tremendous uplifting nature of the entire event. Collaboration, cooperation, understanding, and a sense that there is a strong willingness and desire by all parties; Indigenous and Non-Indigenous, to work together to build a unique and authentic tourism experience and life together that we can all be proud of.

Many important activities took place throughout the entire week however, it was also a very meaningful week for our association. TOTA not only hosted its Annual AGM on the first day of the conference but was instrumental in two other very special announcements that took place.

On Wednesday evening, we could not have been more proud to launch the first Indigenous Artisan Trail Mobile Gallery together with our major partners at ITBC,  Western Economic Diversification (WED) and the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust (SIDIT).

This Gallery, which will travel throughout the Thompson Okanagan attending festivals, pow wows, markets, and special events, will promote and retail the work of the Interior Salish Artisans. It will also serve to elevate and educate on the culture and history of Interior Indigenous peoples through dance, song, music, and art demonstrations.

Of course, a project like this does not happen without many strong supporters and we thank all those that have assisted in making this a reality. Watch for more on the location of the IArT Mobile Gallery early in the new year.

The second major announcement that took place for our organization last week was the unveiling of the Thompson Okanagan Regional Pledge - 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations.  Taking over two years to develop, with input from local indigenous communities, advisory committee members, resident surveys, and international scholars and colleagues, we could not be more honored and humbled by the final document. We believe this pledge sets the tone for the future and clearly expresses the importance of taking precious care of all that we have and all that we are.

More will be forthcoming on the pledge and the plans for its distribution in the coming weeks and months but I am very happy to share it with you today.

It was an emotional and important week for all that participated in the International Indigenous Tourism Conference. If you were in attendance, thank you! If you missed it, there is no doubt in my mind that you will be hearing a lot more about the outcomes and the importance of the discussions and work that is underway.

We are all stronger together, more interesting together, more enlightened together, and most importantly, able to show the world the way to be Better Together.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | New Measures for Success

By now many of you will have seen the Press Release that formally announced the Thompson Okanagan as the newest Observatory selected by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, for participation in their INSTO program. But I am sure that most of you are scratching your head and saying what does that mean?

The acronym itself "INSTO" means the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories, but that again that really clears up nothing.

INSTO was initiated by the UNWTO to help assess if work being undertaken to ensure the long term sustainability of tourism, is in fact, moving the needle.  It monitors the actions and initiatives by organizations, such as ourselves,  worldwide to determine if there is a measurable impact.

In the longer term, it has and will provide factual and relevant information, measured over time,  that can assist in implementing sustainable practices, policies, strategies, and management. It works to ensure that tourism is not only playing a role in the protection of the Earth but most importantly that what we are doing is working. The insights are further shared among the participating observatories.

Locations are selected based on a lengthy application process that TOTA undertook this spring and summer, the outcome of which was the acceptance of the Thompson Okanagan Region in this world-leading initiative.

We would love to talk to you more about what this means and how you can get involved in this as a stakeholder in this region.  Please don't hesitate to contact our office and set up a time to meet with our team.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | TOTA AGM & International Indigenous Tourism Conference

I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone in the region of the International Indigenous Tourism Conference that is taking place in Kelowna in just a short few weeks, November 12th -14th.

It is already the largest conference that the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has hosted and will be a tremendous opportunity to learn more about Indigenous Tourism and how to work more closely with the communities in the Thompson Okanagan while learning from others experiences both in Canada and Internationally. The conference is close to sold out but it is not too late to register and book your seat at this important event.

On Tuesday, November 12th following the pre-conference tours, the  Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will be hosting its annual AGM reviewing an overview of the many activities and initiatives that have taken place over the past year and a glimpse of things to come. As part of the AGM Marsha Walden, CEO of Destination BC will be providing a provincial overview. Register for the TOTA AGM now.

We look forward to seeing you in November!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | New Look for TOTABC.org

We are very pleased this week to officially launch the new TOTABC.org corporate website. This site has been designed and developed by our corporate communications contractor Niki Kennedy and supported by each member of the team.

It offers a fresh new look incorporating the organization’s refreshed brand and strong visual elements that are streamlined for an industry-first focus. The navigation has been remodelled to prioritize stakeholder tools and resources to help you as our industry partners find the information you need quickly and easily and will serve as useful, dynamic content that will evolve and develop over time.

There are interactive elements, videos, maps, high-quality imagery, and an industry events calendar. The site will also offer integrated purchasing functionality which will be utilized during specific events such as our Annual Golf Tournament.

With a clean aesthetic and intuitive navigation, we hope to provide our stakeholders access to valuable tools and insights to support the growth of their business and seamless user experience. I want to thank and congratulate everyone on the TOTA team for their work in pulling the content and design of the site together - in particular, Niki Kennedy for her leadership and amazing design talents on making the site the very best it can be for our industry.

TOTABC.org is yours to explore; we hope you will take the time to familiarize yourself with the content and continue to come back often.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | The Choice is Yours...

Voting is something that should be taken seriously. Sadly, as the numbers show, many people don't take the time to participate in the election process. This is true not just of Federal, Provincial and Municipal elections, but many other opportunities that present themselves where individuals have a chance to cast a ballot.

There are two elections happening this October. Of course, it is hard to miss the fact that there is a Federal Election taking place on October 21st, however, there is also a less well-known election happening in which a new TOTA Board of Directors will be elected by an online voting process by eligible stakeholders from every corner of the Thompson Okanagan.

In both cases, it is important to remember that it is not easy to let your name stand. Whether a polished politician or a business stakeholder ready to get more involved in their industry, it can be very challenging to put your name out there. It takes a commitment, passion, and desire to put in long, often thankless, hours of work knowing that there will always be strong opinions that support and reject your ideas. I applaud each and every individual for having the strength of character to commit to the process, dedicate their time and believe in their own ability to make a difference.

So now it is our turn. Time to research, understand the issues and set "politics" aside in order to make decisions that you believe are the best, based on the information at hand. This October, I hope you will take the time to participate. It is up to each of us to engage in the privilege of voting. The choice is yours...

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | TOTA's AGM Integrated into the International Indigenous Tourism Conference

The IITC taking place in Kelowna November 12th - 15th is a tremendous opportunity for tourism stakeholders in the Thompson Okanagan Region and beyond to hear the latest trends in our industry and connect with Indigenous Communities and Individuals to explore the conversations around collaboration.

Often we hear that industry is uncertain of how to approach potential Indigenous partners, afraid to make a misstep or mistake, wanting to be respectful in their discussions and unclear on how to begin. We know this hesitation and uncertainty leads to lost opportunities for all parties. This conference is an excellent chance to start the conversation, network with various business owners, community leaders, artists, storytellers, Chiefs, and Councils to begin to understand how best to make those invaluable connections.

This year's conference brings together the three Indigenous Nations in the Thompson Okanagan as well as national and international participants interested in building relations and creating opportunities, education, and understanding through tourism. It may be some time before it is ever hosted this close to our region again so we encourage you to take the time to take part.

The attendees for the event is expected to be close to 800 and if you are interested in taking part please register for the full conference here.

Please also note that on November 12th as part of the pre-conference activities TOTA will be hosting its Annual General Meeting from 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend the TOTA AGM but advanced registration is requested. Those stakeholders interested in attending the AGM can register here.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Life-Long Learning

For me, September always feels like a new year and this also means back to school for many making it the perfect time for industry workshops. "Life-Long Learning" is not only a great phrase but more importantly a reminder to us all that now, more than ever, each of us need to continue to keep up with rapidly changing trends, information and technology.

While it is never easy to find the time to remove yourself from your day to day work and focus on training, it is critical that each of us in the tourism industry ensures we take the necessary steps to stay and remain current.

There are a number of workshops taking place this fall and into the new year and registration is open for several of them. Please take the time to look for programs taking place in your area of the region and feel free to contact Ellen Walker-Matthews or Mike Overend in our Destination Development team at industry@totabc.com for more information.

Here is a brief overview as well as registration links to upcoming workshops:

Grow with Google

Providing resources and tools available through Google that can help your business thrive, including Google Analytics, Google My Business, Google Ads, and others through a series of free workshops. This program is intended to support small businesses grow and succeed online by providing training, resources, and support materials for a variety of Google products.

Includes: Three workshops (Reach Customers Online with Google, Get Your Business Online, and Using Data to Drive Business Growth) delivered in one 5-hour session. Learn tools and tips that your business can use and get answers to some of those burning Google questions you may have from our digital team.

• Clearwater on October 8, 2019. Registration deadline is October 1, Register here.

• Kamloops on October 10, 2019. Registration deadline is October 3, Register here.

• Penticton on October 29, 2019. Registration deadline is October 22, Register here.

• Osoyoos on January 22, 2020. Registration deadline is January 15, Register here.

Content Marketing

This is dedicated time to work on your content marketing strategy, away from your business and in the company of other industry members, giving you exposure to regional connection opportunities. The workshop will incorporate interactive, hands-on activities that will get you started on developing a solid strategy to engage and convert new customers.

This session is for business owners and/or marketing staff of tourism businesses, organizations, and community tourism and experience sector organizations who are already engaged in content marketing and want to rev up their efforts. A workbook is provided. Cost is $29/per person plus tax

• Kamloops on October 23, 2019. Registration deadline is October 16. Register here.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Sustainable Tourism on the World Stage

It is a tremendous honour to have been invited to attend the United Nations World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) 23rd General Assembly taking place this week in St Petersburg, Russia.

There is representation at these meetings from around the world with more than 150 countries taking part.

The focus will be on sustainable, responsible tourism development and delivery which is now considered to be fundamental to the well-being of the tourism industry for the long term. Best practices, challenges, issues, concerns, and debate should result in tremendous learning, and clearer approaches to forward-thinking in the managing of tourism assets.

I'm very excited to announce that later this week the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association will also be recognized at the UNWTO Awards as one of three finalists, among an original field of over 190 applicants worldwide, for the work that is currently being done in this critical area of sustainable responsible tourism.

There will be a lot to share in the days and weeks ahead to come from these meetings and we will be posting relevant information to the TOTABC.org website and News Centre so be sure to connect with us there for links and uploads.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Playing For A Cause

From all indications, our Annual Tourism Industry Golf Tournament was another great success and certainly, one of the hotter days we have had in years as over 120 participants attended the 28th Annual TOTA Golf Tournament and Dinner.

There was certainly no lack of fun, laughter, sunscreen, and beverages as teams came out to support many important causes.

As always, proceeds are used to help support the student bursaries which TOTA awards each year to students from TRU, UBCO, and Okanagan College. However, this year, as most of you are aware, our Chairman Frank Antoine and his family have a seriously ill young baby boy and some of the proceeds raised at the tournament are going toward their GoFundMe.

Our sincere thanks to all of our sponsors who make this event possible and to Fairview Mountain Golf Club in Oliver which not only provided a spectacular place to play this year's 18 holes but offered great hospitality and excellent food and beverage.

Last but not least, thank you to everyone who came out and participated. We know that life is busy and we are still in the midst of our summer season, but without each of you, this event would definitely not be possible.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Listening to the Tourism Industry

Last Wednesday the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Honorable Lisa Beare and Deputy Minister Shauna Brouwer joined us in Kelowna for an insightful industry round table.

With representation from tourism stakeholders in the immediate area as well as all of the regions various tourism sectors, it was an opportunity to share the concerns, challenges, and visions for the future.

In her own words, the Minister was here to listen and to gain a deeper understanding of the important issues that need to be resolved to ensure we continue to grow and enhance the tourism industry.

It is very clear that Minister Beare takes tourism seriously and understands the tremendous importance it plays in this region and the province. Tourism is and can be a strong economic driver for communities large and small and a resource to be appreciated, nurtured and protected.

Our thanks to all of those that took time to join in this conversation and to Minister Beare and Deputy Minister Brouwer for coming to the region.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Supporting One of Our Own

As many of you know it has been a very difficult summer for our colleague, my dear friend, and Chair of the TOTA Board Frank Antoine, his wife Bonnie and the entire family.

Several weeks ago, Riel, their 8-month baby boy was admitted into Vancouver's Children's Hospital where he was diagnosed with cancer and more specifically a malignant brain tumour. Surgery was able to remove some, but not all, of the tumour, and as a result, Riel is undergoing chemotherapy treatments which doctors have indicated will continue into at least January 2020. A long and difficult road.

To be sure, this is every parent's worst nightmare and extremely emotional and stressful time for the family. Frank has rarely left his son, spending each day with him and every night sleeping by his side. On the few occasions when he has left the hospital it is to briefly spend time with their other two young children, who are being cared for by family and friends, or to take a much-needed run to help cope with the overwhelming worry.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help support the family and take away at least part of the financial burden. If you are able to support the Antoines in whatever way you can, thank you... no amount is too small and every gift is greatly appreciated.

Go To: GoFundMe Antoine Family

Please keep their family in your thoughts and prayers.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | and the Research Says...

Our research team has been working closely with TELUS Insights for the past 2 1/2 years using aggregated cell tower data to more fully understand visitor volumes and travel patterns into our region.

We are very pleased to say their combined efforts have afforded us the ability to receive timely and relevant visitor data that enables us to compare and contrast regional information month over month and year over year. When we combine these findings with our Explorer Quotient and Prizm information, the market intelligence is some of the best we have ever had to work with.

Updated reports and research will be posted in the TOTA News Centre's Research Spotlight. We hope you will visit this site regularly as our team will be continually updating information and adding other articles of related interest. We hope the information will assist our tourism stakeholders in evaluating their own business volumes against what is taking place regionally.

It is important to note as you go through the findings that the figures are for visitation from out of the region. No travel by residents of the Thompson Okanagan within the Thompson Okanagan is included in these numbers.

If you are interested in more information or at analyzing your business further we encourage you to contact Simone Carlysle Smith in our Symphony Services.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Manic Monday | Regional Pledge Survey

Please take a moment to take this Regional Pledge Survey - Your comments are important.

All of us have made a choice to live in the Thompson Okanagan for a reason. Some people were born here and have come to appreciate that no matter where else they travel, no matter what exotic location they have explored or journeyed to, ultimately this area is their best choice to call home. While others have discovered the region on a first-time visit have been visiting the area for years only to have so embraced the lifestyle that they have finally decided to return as residents.

Unquestionably there is a rhythm to the Thompson Okanagan way of life that cannot easily be replicated in other places. We often hear locals and guests marvelling at how you can travel to far away, well known and admired locations, all over the world,  only to realize that you had all of that and more in this incredible region.

In the coming few months we want to better understand the values of our residents in order to help us communicate these priorities to our visitors. It is our goal to capture the essence of all that we hold dear and translate those into a pledge or commitment that we will ask our locals and guests to make to the region.

The first step is to hear from each of you. We ask that you take a few minutes to read through and answer the questions in this short survey. This is your opportunity to confirm in your own words what makes the Thompson Okanagan so special.

Go To: Regional Pledge Survey

As we continue to share all that we have with all that will come to know us, whether they choose to play here or live here, it will become more and more critical that these values are articulated, appreciated and protected for generations to come.

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback.

Happy BC Day Weekend...

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO