The Good News(letter) | Remarkable Stories

Through all the changes and uncertainty, we have been continuously inspired by the resiliency and innovative spirit of the people behind the headlines, numbers, and figures. The Good News(letter) features a remarkable story from our region, plus a snapshot of regional and global good news. Brought to you twice a month.

---

This Good News segment is brought to you from Giant's Head Mountain by Ellen Walker-Matthews, TOTA Vice President:

---

Feature Story:
"The Match Has Been Lit, the Fire's Back at Chute Lake Lodge." 

Over the past few years, a lot of hard work and dedication has gone into bringing Chute Lake Lodge, located just above the Naramata Bench between Kelowna and Penticton, back to life. With a history dating back about a century, the lodge has seen many hardships over the years and almost fell of the map.

2020 has come with a new set of challenges, but through all the changes, new guidelines, and regulations - the team at Chute Lake Lodge has created a well-rounded, four-season destination and experience for every sense of adventure. If you haven't visited in a while, you'll notice a lot has changed this year, including "glamping" tents, beautiful cabins, a sauna, and rentals for any outdoor activity you can think of.

The brand and experience the team at Chute Lake Lodge has created is all about cultivating connection - with nature, those closest to you, and with oneself. Following a mid-autumn hike through the changing trees, snowshoe excursion, or quiet paddle on the lake, guests can warm up at the restaurant serving handcrafted cocktails and Canadian lodge food. Wide-open spaces offer an added sense of safety and ability for locals to get away, disconnect, and (re-)discover the magic of what's been close to home all along.

---

• Despite some major curveballs, it's been a surprisingly good year for many wineries on Naramata Bench - some of the COVID-19 related changes have had a positive effect!

• The South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce is preparing to launch their Shop the South Shuswap Campaign - encouraging residents to shop local and support small businesses.

• Igloos in the Okanagan! Junction 3 Coffee House in Osoyoos has added cozy igloos so guests can enjoy their patio through the colder months!

• Global CO2 emissions show biggest ever drop for a half-year period (8.8%) in the first six months of 2020!

• Singapore Airline's pop-up restaurant inside one of their grounded A380 double-decker superjumbo jets - serving menus according to cabin class - sold out within 30 minutes!

---

Do you have good news or a remarkable story you'd like to share?

---

B.C. Election Results

I have always found that immediately after an election, there is a sense of letdown. I'm not referring to the results or who the winners and losers are, rather a feeling similar to the experience after a major championship such as the Stanley Cup or Super Bowl when you suddenly realize the season is over. 

Elections bring a sense of energy and focus on essential matters that often slip away in the days that follow. We talk about issues; we ask questions; we pay real attention to what is happening in our communities and our province. We are invigorated by dialogue and exercising our right to vote. 

I applaud every person who puts their name forward to take a stand and run for any political party. Whether you were on the winning side of the ballot or not this past Saturday, you did something that most of us would never be brave enough to consider... You took the time to run for public office. Thank you!

To those who were successful and will be part of the new provincial legislature, we know that it is difficult and often thankless work. It certainly does not get any easier when the election is over. You will always have those that agree with your decisions and many, who are generally more vocal, that do not. These are difficult days as we continue to deal with the continued fallout from the pandemic. Our citizens look to the government to make decisions that will help us stay safe and keep the economy strong and healthy.

We will all have to work cooperatively, collaboratively, and seek innovative ways of thinking to collectively move forward. It will be a formidable time and I wonder what we will be reflecting on the next time this province goes to the polls.

As well, I would like to congratulate Lisa Beare on her re-election. Minister Beare has been a tremendous support to the tourism industry over the past three years. While she may or may not be once again our Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, I would personally like to thank her for all of her work and unwavering attention to this critically important industry in our province.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Skills Development Survey

Not Another Survey...

I can hear the words as I sit to write this week's Manic Monday: "Glenn, we don't want to do another survey!" Well, like my mother often said to me when she would give me a bad-tasting dose of medicine, "Trust me, this will make you feel better."

Repeatedly we hear that a critical area of concern is in building the employee base in this region. Our team at TOTA is working to solve this issue, including the development of a specialized Tourism Professional Skills Training Program.

You may not feel better right away but this survey will definitely help us to support you in the near future. We believe this initiative will help to build a much needed base of trained employees.

Participants will receive training to develop specialized in-demand tourism skills, followed by a work placement to gain on the job experience to enhance the participant’s employability skills. The training will be delivered in a group environment, supported by a range of activities which may include counselling, vocational and/or learning assessments, work experience, job search skills, mentorship, referral to community resources, and post-project follow up.

Hiring graduates with these specialized skillsets will enable hospitality and tourism employers to focus on delivering high quality guest experiences and growing a sustainable and resilient business.

This unique program will focus on the areas of need that you as Tourism Stakeholders provide to us in the Skills Development Survey. Please take the time to complete this brief survey to help us better understand the employment needs of the industry.

If you are interested in hiring program participants for the 2021 peak season, you have the option to include your contact details and an Expression of Interest at the end of the survey.

It is another survey but one that can directly support the growth of the industry and your business in the future.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

The Good News(letter) | Remarkable Stories

Through all the changes and uncertainty, we have been continuously inspired by the resilience and innovative spirit of the people behind the headlines, numbers, and figures. To share the remarkable stories of resiliency and community, as well as leadership in sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion - the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is proud to introduce:

The Good News(letter)

Featuring a remarkable story from our region, a snapshot of some recent good news, and a little throwback from our archives. Brought to you twice a month.😊 

---

Maeghan and Jared Summers are the proud owners and operators of the Noble Pig Brewhouse and its sister property, Forno on 5th, both located in Kamloops. With a true passion for supporting their community in any way possible, they have turned the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic into opportunities to give back, re-invent, and inspire. 

The Noble Pig has re-opened to serve guests with guidelines in place and a smaller menu - maintaining integrity by continuing to work in a scratch kitchen, with as many local suppliers as possible while maximizing flavour and minimizing food waste.

Maeghan and Jared temporarily closed their fine-dining inspired restaurant, Forno on 5th, due to challenges with limited capacity. A re-brand is currently in the works - stay tuned! Throughout the process, they have been continuously inspired by the support of fellow Kamloops restaurant owners. The hospitality community is coming together like never before to work toward a common goal.

"How Do We Support Each Other?"

After making the difficult decision to close their restaurants back in March, Maeghan and Jared's first thoughts centered around what could be done to support their team and community. They decided to give away over 800 meals to feed their team, their team's families, and the Kamloops community. Along with other restaurants, they donated large amounts of fresh produce and food products to the local Kamloops Food Bank, which "opened the floodgates" to more donations and, in turn, created opportunities for the food bank to provide healthy and wholesome options to the community.

Maeghan and Jared, your kindness and generosity is not only inspiring, but key to rebuilding a strong, resilient community and industry - Thank you.

---

• Canada is taking big steps toward banning single-use plastics - some hard-to-recycle plastics including plastic grocery store bags and straws will be out of use nationwide by the end of 2021.
   

• Hoodoo Adventure's events coordinator Nathalie Long will be climbing 8,848 meters (the equivalent of Mount Everest), within 24 hours - with the goal of raising enough funds to take 100 kids on canoe expeditions next season.

---

Throwback: Remarkable People

Here's a little something we found in our archives and thought was too good not to re-share (2-minute watch):

---

Winter Is Coming

Fall is definitely upon us and to quote Game of Thrones: "Winter is Coming."

There is no one who knows what to expect in the weeks and months to come but there is also no question that we will all have to continue to adapt and support each other as we maneuver through these uncertain times.

It is true that some tourism businesses, in some parts of the region did well over the summer period, however, that is not the case for the vast majority of the region's stakeholders. Uncertainty remains the only constant and as we wait for the second wave of the virus there is speculation, worry, and fear that many tourism operators will not be able to make it through to next spring.

Funding programs are being announced and/or renewed both federally and provincially and a variety of other programs will be available to provide support to both individuals and companies. We know that it is difficult to navigate this ongoing information and we want to reinforce that the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program (TRP) is designed to help you find ways to assist you.

Through the TRP, TOTA together with our regional partners, has been offering one-on-one meetings with Program Advisors, a variety of Webinars, and ongoing access to experts if required. We have put in place the opportunity to access Micro Loans through Community Futures, Human Resources, and Mental Health supports, and the newly announced Ideas Labs. Through a partnership with Okanagan College, we will soon be able to offer one-on-one Expert Business Mentorship coaching sessions in specific specialty areas.

There is no cost to be part of the Tourism Resiliency Program, simply register online and a member of our team is in contact with you. If you have any questions, call us at 1-877-431-8489 (ext 8).

Finally, on November 25th and 26th, TOTA will be co-hosting our annual AGM and Summit (virtually) together with the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association. We hope you will save the date and join us for an important dialogue on "building forward better."

"Winter is Coming" and we will continue to focus efforts with our many partners on bringing industry the resources necessary to get through it. We will all need to be creative, coordinated, cooperative, and to communicate our needs with a collective voice to ensure our issues are fully understood.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

New TOTA News Centre Launches

I am very pleased to announce the launch of the newly designed TOTA News Centre. Several members of our team have been working hard to create a more streamlined look that will make it easier to access the information you are looking for. 

Not only will you find articles and information on the latest news affecting the tourism industry, but this site will also house the Manic Monday CEO Message, TOTA Press Releases, Friday Fast Facts biweekly research overview, Breaking News, and the regular weekly Research Spotlight.

I encourage you to take the time to view the information available and to let us know if there are other things that you would find useful and that should be included or added to the site.

We know that now more than ever it is important to stay informed and have the resources you need to continue to move your business forward. Through the TOTA News Centre and the Tourism Resiliency Program Portal, we endeavor to provide access to timely and accurate information in a variety of areas.

Should you have questions or feel you want to have more direct assistance and a one-on-one meeting with one of our Tourism Resiliency Program Advisors please contact us at recovery@totabc.com.

- Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

TOTA CEO Appointed to Provincial Tourism Recovery Task Force

Last week I was very honoured to have been asked last week by Tourism Minister Lisa Beare to serve on the BC Tourism Recovery Task Force together with nine other business and industry leaders from around the Province.

Our focus will be on reigniting BC's Tourism Sector and enhancing its long-term competitiveness. The Province has allocated $50 million for the economic recovery measures to be directed by this Task Force. One of the goals for this group will be to identify gaps in other funding programs to ensure that the tourism industry will be supported at the broadest level.

As a group, I know we fully appreciate the magnitude of the work ahead. The additional industry leaders appointed to this Tourism Task Force include:

• Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO, Vancouver International Airport (Chair);

• Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC;

• Brenda Baptiste, Chair, Indigenous Tourism BC;

• Nancy Small, Chair, BC Destination Management Organization Association, Tourism Richmond;

• Ingrid Jarrett, President & CEO, BC Hotel Association;

• Rod Harris, adjunct professor, Royal Roads University;

• Richard Porges, Interim President and CEO, Destination BC

• Amy Thacker, Chair, BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, and CEO, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association; and

• a representative from the Labour sector, to be named.

As everyone is aware, recovery will be a long process; however, it will help to steward us through future crises if done effectively. In addition to working with this new task force, I am proud to actively engage with many other groups representing tourism in this region over the past several months, including acting as vice-chair of the Minister's Tourism Engagement Council, a representative on the Destination BC Tourism Marketing Committee, Chair of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, and Director on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, to name just a few. All of these organizations and many more are striving to create thoughtful and meaningful initiatives to assist in bringing tourism back with a forward focus on sustainability and resiliency.

We will keep all of our stakeholders updated through regular communications as we work to utilize all available resources in the most effective manner and keep tourism viable and solvent for today and well into the future.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Hospitality Professional Program to Support Okanagan Tourism Businesses through Additional Skilled Workers

The Tourism Resiliency Program (TRP) has now been in place for almost five months. Started as an initiative to assist stakeholders to navigate funding during the early days of the pandemic and to ensure their concerns were elevated to the government, the TRP has continued to grow and develop in scope. Today, over 780 stakeholders are engaged with TOTA’s TRP and our team continues to look for new ways to address the issues you are raising, and to source unique and innovative solutions where possible.

One message we have frequently heard is the desperate need for more skilled workers to assist the tourism industry on its road to recovery. While it will take a variety of initiatives to fully address this challenge, we are very pleased that the Province of British Columbia has announced just over $600,000 in funding for a new Hospitality Professional Program.

Based on identified needs within the hospitality sector, participants will be prepared for a variety of positions, including supervisory roles as well as training in computer software, marketing and sales, soft skills, industry certifications, HR/Management, project management, and accounting. The program includes 16 weeks of online training offered to eligible candidates through Okanagan College, further supported by 10 weeks of work experience with all costs covered.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses within the tourism and hospitality sector to temporarily or permanently lay off employees, greatly impacting both the business and individuals. This program serves as an important opportunity in the rebuilding process and is another step in developing more resilience within the industry. We are proud to promote this valuable resource through our regional Tourism Resiliency Program.

For more information on participating in the program, please contact your local WorkBC Centre.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Airline Industry Working Hard to Instill Confidence

The airline industry has been working tirelessly to instill confidence in travellers to book flights and once again travel by air.

We are fortunate that many airlines have indicated they see the Thompson Okanagan region as one of the first areas in Canada where air travel will resume more quickly than other locations. We have already seen increased capacity from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, and recently Air Canada reintroduce direct flights between Toronto and Kelowna, which other airlines are now looking to do. These are important routes for our region, however they will only continue if they are supported and the bookings are there.

Without question, it will take time before many people are comfortable flying and it is important that we help by providing information on the steps airlines and airports are taking in order to instill confidence in travellers.

Recently I received two videos, one from Air Canada and the other created by the Kelowna International Airport (YLW), outlining what to expect at airports and on flights and what each of them is respectively doing to ensure passengers’ safety and comfort. These videos assist in providing a thorough understanding of the protocols in place for flying during the COVID-19 pandemic and may help to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that people are feeling.

I encourage you to take the time to watch these videos and, if you have the ability to do so, please share them on your own social channels.

The long term health of the airline industry is critical to tourism and we thank all of our airline and airport partners for the many steps they are taking to ensure the health and wellbeing of their guests, who ultimately become our guests.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

UN Policy Brief: COVID-19 Transforming Tourism

Today, August 31st is the last day of what many of us consider to be the “summer” season. It certainly has not been one for the record books, unless you consider the pandemic’s devastating effect on the tourism industry.

At TOTA, we have been working collectively to keep the industry updated on the facts and figures as they become available. Since March, the stats have been presented online through our weekly Research Round-Up and, more recently, the bi-weekly Friday Fast Facts. While a few of our communities and small pockets of the region reported relatively strong BC Restart Phase 3 visitor numbers in July and August, the Thompson Okanagan region in its entirety reported -25% domestic overnight visitors for the week ending August 23, compared to last year.

This week, the United Nations (UN) released the Policy Brief: COVID-19 & Transforming Tourism and a visual summary of findings on how the pandemic has impacted global tourism. The findings indicate that COVID-19 has adversely impacted the economies of numerous countries worldwide and will ultimately change the face of the tourism industry for years to come.

After almost a decade of staggering tourism growth, the dramatic downturns of this past six months could never have been imagined. The United Nations is now projecting dramatic impacts for the industry in 2020, with upwards of $1.2 trillion in revenue losses and more than 120 million tourism jobs at risk. The UN further indicates that, while many are not aware, the tourism industry employs 1 in 10 persons worldwide and, as a result, the unemployment rate in some countries may reach as high as 20% this year.

These are sobering numbers but it is critical we all know the facts and collectively understand the situation we are facing, including the industry and economic impacts. We can each raise awareness of these impacts to ensure support is in a place where it is needed. More than ever, we must work as one unified voice to drive the tourism industry forward.

TOTA continues to advocate on behalf of the industry and to provide programs and initiatives to assist our stakeholders through this crisis and through the difficult days yet to come. If you haven’t done so yet, we encourage you to sign up to our Tourism Resiliency Program and connect with our TOTA team to access programs and opportunities to assist your business.

Your success is our only goal and our only measure.

Make Sure You Have All the Facts

A lot has been written and discussed as it relates to the state of the Tourism Industry in British Columbia. Much has been misunderstood, inaccurately represented, or misleading. It is critical that we develop a shared understanding of the current facts.

The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) together with the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) are coming together to co-host a webinar to present detailed and accurate information on the present realities, challenges, and concerns faced by our tourism industry.

This presentation will provide clarity and important data, as well as outline the work these associations are doing to assist and steward the tourism industry to move forward. They will offer key messaging for the industry to better articulate and amplify the needs of our industry and will conclude with a Q&A session to answer any questions.

Tourism has been dramatically and negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. While there are isolated stakeholders and locations in B.C. that have experienced an upturn in business over the summer, this is not widespread. More importantly, it does not negate the losses of the spring and the losses anticipated to continue into fall and winter.

The future of Tourism in British Columbia rests with all of us. This is our industry and it is our responsibility to ensure its long term viability for ourselves and those to come. One key component is to ensure we work collectively, speak knowledgeably, and present a unified voice.

Please make a point to attend this Webinar on September 2, 2020 at 1 p.m. Register below today and a zoom link with meeting details will be forwarded prior to the event.

Watch Recording

Finding New Ways to Assist Tourism Stakeholders

It is hard to believe that we are almost at the midpoint of August and more than halfway through summer. The heat can still be intense, but there are moments when it is clear we are slowly edging toward cooler nights, chillier mornings, and while fall may not yet be in the air, it is also not far off.

Summer has been much different this year as we are all too aware. While some businesses have flourished, the effects of COVID-19  continue to dramatically and adversely affect much of the tourism industry. As our research data and surveys indicate, visitation to the Thompson Okanagan is still down over 30% compared to last year, restaurants while busy are running at 50% capacity, and business insolvency continues to be in the range of 21% and climbing.

The Provincial and Federal support programs have been vital in keeping the tourism industry going through during the economic challenges of the past five months; however, this support will be even more critical as the year continues. Despite the brief summer reprieve, the losses, for the most part, are far greater than the gains, and many are unable to find a way through.

TOTA is continuing to provide information to the government on industry needs, highlighting concerns, challenges, and gaps that you have communicated to us directly.

We have also developed partnerships and opportunities to further address your expressed needs. The most recent program, announced last week is the THOMPSON OKANAGAN TOURISM MICRO LOANS initiative. Our Tourism Resiliency Program Advisors are assisting in coordinating this effort through the Community Futures offices in the Thompson Okanagan and can assist you in determining your eligibility for this funding.

To learn more about the new flexible Micro Loans available to Tourism Stakeholders in the Region, please connect with us through the Tourism Resiliency Program by registering online at TourismResiliency.ca/TOTA or register by phone by calling 1-877-431-8489 (ext 8).

The coming weeks, months, and years will present new and different challenges as we move into fall and winter, and our team at TOTA will continue to look for new ways to provide assistance. If you have any questions, feel free to connect with the TOTA team at recovery@TOTABC.com.

- Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

New TOTA Video captures Accessibility in a New Light

We are very proud to be releasing our newest Video "Accessibility in a New Light," this 2020 BC Day long weekend.

For several years, TOTA has been working closely with Spinal Cord Injury BC and Access BC to bring information and attention to the importance of "Access for All." We are honored and proud to have 3-time Paralympic Gold Medalist Sonja Gaudet to guide our work as our Accessibility Specialist. In more recent months, we have signed formal partnerships with CRIS Adaptive, Kootenay Adaptive Sports Association, Access Revolution, and Travel for All, with a goal to build inclusive and accessible tourism experiences in the Thompson Okanagan region.

As you watch this video and listen to the heartfelt comments, it is my hope that what you take with you is the importance of creating region-wide experiences that everyone can enjoy. Each of us has varying levels of ability, whether aspiring athletes, small children, aging seniors, or gold medal contenders. Whether we have a child in a stroller, use a walker, a cane, or a wheelchair, we all have a need that must be met so that we can fully take part in all aspects of life and engage with everyone around us.

We need to learn to appreciate that all that we are, and all that we have, is fragile and can quickly, and without notice, be altered. Abilities should not define opportunities, nor should they prevent any one of us from having the chance to participate and enjoy.

The tourism industry can help make a difference by thoughtfully working to create accessible experiences. To build hotels, restaurants, outdoor adventures, transportation, and so much more, designed to make it easy for those with ability challenges to take part.

The quote that I take away from this video is from Shelley Buchanan Gilmore, who so accurately notes: "We need to stop labeling how we are different and start to create a system where we are all the same."

I hope you will take time to watch this new video, share it with others, and think about how your business might make small changes to be more welcoming to all persons, regardless of ability.

Learn More About TOTA's Accessible Tourism Program

Happy BC Day Long Weekend, Be Safe, Be Healthy, and above all Be Kind.

- Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Building Team in a Time of COVID

There is a lot that each of us can learn about teamwork, trust, being together, and the importance of breaking down barriers.

This past Friday was the first time in months that the entire TOTA team was together for a physically distanced day of meetings and activities. Since mid-March, we have been together on video chat every morning and evening to set goals and provide updates on the day's activities. We have had virtual performance reviews, managers meetings, interviews, new hires, and discussions. We created and delivered the entirely new Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program and have had more one-on-one time with each other and regional stakeholders than ever before. We have even had our staff retreat online, complete with breakouts, and none of this would have been possible without tools like Zoom or Meetings. However, on Friday, we were actually together, and I have to say that there is no substitution for the quality of interaction that takes place in person.

The TOTA team met in person at Mission Creek Regional Park in Kelowna.

Having the opportunity to meet our summer interns in person and to be together as a team demonstrated to all of us the importance of direct human connection.

We were also able to take part in an "Amazing Race" group challenge hosted by our partner, CRIS Adaptive, a pioneer in adaptive recreation. This organization enables individuals with any level of ability to experience the many tremendous outdoor adventures available in this region utilizing specialized equipment. They have worked hard to make sure hiking, paddling, kayaking, and other great outdoor sports, that many take for granted, can be accessed by all.

Delivering on their promise means teamwork, and this notion was at the center of the day's activities. Our group was broken into five teams that had to work together to complete a circuit course that would test them on various levels. The only way to successfully complete the activities was by working together, supporting each other, and drawing from each person's individual strengths. In addition, each team had one member take part by being carried in a Trail Rider, while two others were responsible for maneuvering the equipment. This provided us with a much deeper appreciation for all that is entailed in engaging in regular activities while dealing with a mobility challenge. There is no question, we all learned to lean on each other, trust each other, and depend on each other a little more through the course of the afternoon, with many moments of laughter along the way.

There is a saying I have appreciated for a long time, and it is befitting of Friday's activities as it is of the current situations we find ourselves living:

"If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together."

Thank you to CRIS for all the work you do to make a difference in the lives of others, for your hard work and dedication, and for all that you did to make Friday such a unique and memorable event. And to the team at TOTA, thank you, for your commitment to the tourism industry and its future, to each other and to the work we are doing.

We will go far if we all continue to go together.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Cost Saving Measures Assist Industry Stakeholders

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program has now been in place for just over two months. Our team has worked with over 700 stakeholders since the program launched on April 27th. Through that time we have heard alarming and ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 crisis. We have gained an understanding of the many issues that continue to challenge the tourism industry today and will continue for weeks and months to come.

While the summer has brought a small reprieve to some business owners and some locations, we are deeply aware that this is not common to all and the current increase in business being experienced by few does not replace the loss that has occurred since the lockdown began in early March.

We are continuing, with our industry partners, to monitor occupancy, average rate, revenues, visitor volumes, and spending patterns to ensure our government officials have the facts to take necessary action to support ongoing tourism operators in the Thompson Okanagan and throughout the province of British Columbia.

At the same time, we are also looking at cost-saving measures to help the industry and one of those initiatives was announced late last week. Through a partnership with Fortis BC, GreenStep Solutions, and the BC Hotel Association, we have launched an Eco Efficiency Program to help tourism businesses save money through assessments.

To get started with the Eco Efficiency Program:

• TOTA Biosphere Committed Companies are eligible for a full assessment (energy, water, waste, and carbon footprint) at no cost through the Eco Efficiency Program and can register their interest at totabc.org/eco-assessment.

• Tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region can sign up for a complimentary energy assessment at totabc.org/eco-assessment.

• BCHA members can apply through the BC Hotel Association GoGreen Analysis Program at bcha.com/gogreen-analysis.html.

For more information on the Eco Efficiency Program, see the news release.

In the weeks to come, we will announce other initiatives to assist and support tourism businesses through this evolving situation. Please continue to follow us online and watch for regular updates on the TOTA News Centre.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Enjoy the summer - But...

We are all desperately craving a bit of normal after the past several months of lockdown, so it comes as no surprise to see people starting to relax their behaviors.

Social distancing is not as easy as it sounds. Shaking hands and hugging friends, especially those that we haven't seen for a while, happens almost without thinking. Thorough hand washing and sanitizing and not touching your face can quickly be forgotten. There is no question the new "norms" are difficult to continuously maintain, and it is easy to fall back into old habits... But now is not the time to drop our guard.

Everyone has worked hard for months to keep the curve of the virus low and those efforts have resulted in our ability to leave our homes, enjoy more activities, and travel more places. Now more than ever, it is important to remember that a few important things got us to Phase 3 and these practices will help to continue progress in this positive direction.

COVID-19 is not gone. Many other countries know that all too well. We have the opportunity and the ability to keep the virus levels low and enjoy our summer by living a slightly altered lifestyle. Maintaining our healthy status this summer is as simple as remembering Dr. Bonnie Henry's rules:

• Wash your hands frequently

• Don't touch your face

• Keep a distance from others

• If you are sick or showing symptoms: Stay home, no exceptions

And of course, as you head out to enjoy this summer, be sure to follow Dr. Henry's other rules:

Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Wherever you are... Celebrate Being Canadian this Canada Day!

It is hard to believe that as we come together to celebrate this year's Canada Day, July 1st, 2020, most of us have been in some version of lockdown since mid-March, a three and a half month period that has at the same time devastated us and yet brought us closer together as a country.

I was asked last week why I thought Canada had, for the most part, been able to flatten the curve on COVID-19 and been recognized as one of the countries in the world that has managed the situation better than others. While we are a long way from being in the clear, my answer came easily: for the most part, Canadians do what we are told. When our Prime Minister said it was time to come home, we came. When our Provincial Premiers and Medical Officers said to stay inside, we stayed; and when we were told to social distance, we did it, we didn't like it, but we did it and continue to do so.

Without question, we are far from perfect, and there are those that definitely break or bend the rules, but by and large, we have worked as a country from Coast to Coast to Coast to help each other manage our way through this crisis.

I am always proud to live in Canada and have always been proud to be a Canadian, but never as much as I am this July 1st. There may not be large gatherings and parties this year, no parades or concerts, but from our homes and within our bubbles, we should all take the time to celebrate, raise a glass, and toast each other on a job well done so far.

This crisis is far from behind us. While we have cautious optimism, we must continue to pay close attention to guidelines and protocols and not let ourselves get lulled into a false sense of safety; I do not doubt our collective ability to do this.

Enjoy the summer, stay safe, look out for each other, and have a very Special and Happy Canada Day.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Thompson Okanagan Ready to Welcome Visitors... Safely

It is encouraging to learn that indications from recent surveys, online traveler sentiment research, and direct one to one telephone canvassing strongly suggest a global desire for travel post "lockdown."

While some individuals may already be starting to take short trips and make regional travel plans, others are actively planning and preparing to continue to explore farther afield as soon as it is possible.

What I specifically see as the "encouraging" part of these findings, is that while we all continue to be concerned with health and safety for ourselves and others, we have not let fear prevent us from dreaming, planning and even beginning to take steps to once again connect with places and people all over the world.

Understanding this innate need for travel the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), representing over 200 CEO's and Company Presidents from major travel and tourism organizations globally, has been working to ensure that travellers ready to begin to experience the world again are directed to those areas where it is safe to do so.

SAFE TRAVELS, is a recently launched initiative by the WTTC recognizing regions, destinations, and areas who are at a minimum following the guidelines and protocols that developed by the WTTC for many sectors of the tourism industry. The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association made an application us as region to be part of this program and because of the diligence of the Province of BC, the Provincial Health Authority, and Worksafe BC our protocols exceed those of the WTTC and we as a region have been approved to use this International Designation.

The Safe Travels branding is available for all communities in the Thompson Okanagan as part of the approval received by TOTA. There is no cost to participate in this initiative and you are able to apply your own branding to the logo.

Communities and DMOs can contact Ellen-Walker Matthews, Vice President of Market Stewardship, TOTA to learn more about using this branding as a message to travellers near and far that when it is time to come and when they are able to come, we are collectively providing the experiences and memories they are looking for, and we are doing so SAFELY.

Housekeeping - First Line of Defense for Business

I had the opportunity to be part of a very interesting dialogue last week, with a number of senior tourism leaders on the ways in which this industry has been affected by COVID-19 and some of the outcomes that may result in permanent transformations.

One specific comment that has remained top of mind was:

"COVID-19 will do for the housekeeping and cleaning teams what Open Kitchens did for chefs and their culinary crews."

It was not that long ago when the restaurant kitchen was considered very much a back of the house department. However, when the curtain started to be pulled back and dining rooms began to feature and showcase the meal preparation as part of the overall experience, this team was elevated and respected in ways not previously experienced.

Today as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic and begin to slowly welcome back guests, their comfort will be closely tied to our ability to make them feel safe and secure with cleanliness and hygiene a top priority. Housekeeping teams are now at the forefront of this challenge and it is their presence, visibility, and diligent efforts that will provide part of the assurance that the business is going above and beyond. No longer in the "shadows," there is growing respect and admiration for this hard-working department that until now has largely gone unappreciated. Much like our learning to properly wash our hands as the first line of defense against the virus, housekeeping and cleaning staff are now an important first line of defense for our businesses.

In the days to come, it will be interesting to watch as our industry adapts and adjusts to new ways of providing services and guest experience. However, if the housekeepers and cleaners garner growing admiration for all they do and all that they have always done, then there will have been at least one very positive outcome from these past very difficult weeks.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO

Finding Human Harmony

If we cannot get the human factor handled correctly the end result will be inevitable and no one will be the better for it.

We are living through an interesting and most unusual moment in the world's history. As we begin to reopen our economy and open our world, some of us are very ready to get back to work and back to a version of normal, while others are anxious and worried about reconnecting, concerned for their personal safety and there is every spectrum of those two opinions in between.

This week layered onto an already broken world the issues of discrimination have erupted globally. We are watching as community after community takes to the street, some in peaceful demonstrations and others escalating into riotous behaviors, social disobedience, destruction, and divisiveness. This outpouring of grief and anger, cannot be concealed as the actions taken against one person but is quite clearly the result of a history of inequalities that can no longer be suppressed or contained.

Change is happening, change is upon us. We are changing how we move forward in our day to day lives, how we interact with our friends and neighbors, how we explore the world, and how we learn to live in harmony. Harmony with the land, harmony with the animals, harmony with the environment. But the first and most important step is to achieve harmony with each other, acceptance of each other, love for each other no matter our race, religion, or other personal differences.

If we cannot get the human factor handled correctly the end result will be inevitable and no one will be the better for it.

COVID has proven our fragility, it has heightened our awareness of our inability to control the future and the importance of focusing on the immediate. We need to take the positive outcomes and behaviors that we started to see during the virus; people helping people; reaching out to strangers, focusing on kindness, working together, and transfer this learning and behaviors into all we do.

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO