Thompson Okanagan Tourism News Summary | Week of November 1, 2021
Updates on BCRTS Tourism Summit, Shop Local, COVID-19, Free Flu Shots, Industry Surveys, New Cabinet Members + more
The Good News(letter) | October 29th
Through all the changes and uncertainty, we're continuously inspired by the resiliency and innovative spirit of the people behind the businesses. The Good News(letter) is brought to you twice a month by the TOTA team for a little bit of good news from around the Thompson Okanagan and globe.
Through all the changes and uncertainty, we're continuously inspired by the resiliency and innovative spirit of the people behind the businesses.
The Good News(letter) is brought to you twice a month by the TOTA team.
Thompson Okanagan
The Okanagan and Kettle Valley Rail Trail were featured in German cycling magazine RADtouren, after Destination BC hosted journalist Christine Neubauer (now editor-in-chief) in 2018. The Kettle Valley Trail route took centre stage in a double-page spread in the September/October issue, which teased the October special edition on cycling tours worldwide. This edition included a six-page article on cycling along the Kettle Valley Trail, and featured BC businesses like Giro Okanagan and Hoodoo Adventures.
Big White Ski Resort recently dropped off a set of gift baskets to Kelowna General Hospital's intensive care unit. "We will continue to support and acknowledge the ongoing tireless work that our ICU and frontline workers face every day," says Big White's Michael J. Ballingall.
Trail upgrades along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, in the Central Okanagan have been completed. The upgrades were performed along a 16 km section between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Chute Lake in the hopes to improve trail users experience. TOTA is pleased to have undertaken this work through the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure (CERIP) program funding, received through theMinistry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development.
Around the Globe
Swiss International Airlines has partnered with Too Good To Go to offer unsold service items at reduced prices. Partnering with Too Good to Go to sell off unused stock is a way of shifting that stock, so it doesn’t end up in a landfill or the compost bin.
ZeroAvia completed the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered flight of a commercial-grade aircraft.
With its Piper six-seat plane, ZeroAvia’s achievement is the first step to realizing the transformational possibilities of moving from fossil fuels to zero-emission hydrogen as the primary energy source for commercial aviation.
Do you have good news or a remarkable story you'd like to share?
Biosphere Commitment Newsletter | October 2021
Updates from TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program and sustainability news.
Webinar Roundup - Week of October 25, 2021
Upcoming webinars and recent recordings for Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism News Summary | Week of October 25, 2021
BCRTS Tourism Summit, COVID-19 Updates, Proof of Vaccinations, US-Canada Border Updates, Newest Webinar Recordings, Updated Resources + more
Thompson Okanagan Tourism News Summary | Week of 10/18, 2021
Updates on BCRTS Tourism Summit, Upcoming Webinars, Pledge to Measure, "Be Open to More", BC Parks Investing, Oliver Barrel Signage and more.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism News Summary | Week of October 11 2021
Updates on BCRTS Tourism Summit, COVID-19 Resources, Upcoming Webinars, Winter Driving Tips, Upcoming Industry Events and More.
The Good News(letter) | October 8th
Through all the changes and uncertainty, we're continuously inspired by the resiliency and innovative spirit of the people behind the businesses. The Good News(letter) is brought to you twice a month by the TOTA team for a little bit of good news from around the Thompson Okanagan and globe.
Through all the changes and uncertainty, we're continuously inspired by the resiliency and innovative spirit of the people behind the businesses.
The Good News(letter) is brought to you twice a month by the TOTA team.
Thompson Okanagan
TOTA's very own Sonja Gaudet was recently added to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Sonja is a three-time Paralympic Gold Medallist in wheelchair curling. She continues to raise funds and awareness to improve accessible environments, recreation and experiences for all.
Sonja is TOTA's Regional Access & Inclusion Liaison and can be reached her at accessibility@totabc.com.
Tourism Kelowna wanted to spread a little joy among the amazing people that make up the tourism industry and personally thank them for the great service they provide by participating in the 10 Million Acts of Kindness initiative. Over 10 days in September, the Tourism Kelowna team hand-delivered over 100 hundred gift bags to front-line staff of Tourism Kelowna stakeholders.
Trail upgrades along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, in the Central Okanagan have been completed. The upgrades were performed along a 16 km section between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Chute Lake in the hopes to improve trail users experience. TOTA is pleased to have undertaken this work through the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure (CERIP) program funding, received through theMinistry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development.
Around the Globe
Earlier this year, GOOD Travel and Eco Villa launched their Go Electric Eco Tour eGuide, a free, online guidebook designed to inspire New Zealand visitors and residents to try an electric vehicle and experience sustainable accommodations and tours in the South Island.
Through the partnership with Go Rentals, it’s now possible for guests to do the eco tour in a Tesla. Go Rental’s Tesla Model 3.
One region in Belgium is developing a series of imaginative biking projects to cement its place as the cycling tourism capital of the country. The latest is a forest cycling trail called Cycling through the Trees that runs through Bosland, the largest adventure forest in Flanders. The trail gradually rises 32 feet in the air to then propel cyclists through a canopy of trees, offering a 360-degree experience.
Do you have good news or a remarkable story you'd like to share?
Thompson Okanagan Tourism News Summary | Week of October 4 2021
BCRTS Tourism Summit, Wildfire Resiliency Roundtable, Decade of Action, Business Mentorship Sessions with Okanagan College Instructors and more!
Biosphere Commitment Newsletter | September 2021
Updates from TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program and sustainability news.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism News Summary | Week of September 27, 2021
World Tourism Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day, a land acknowledgement page, business resources, and more.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism News Summary | Week of September 20, 2021
Updates on collaboration with Destination BC, COVID-19 and Tourism Resiliency Resources, Free Training by TOTA & Okanagan College and more
The Good News(letter) | September 17
Through all the changes and uncertainty, we're continuously inspired by the resiliency and innovative spirit of the people behind the businesses. The Good News(letter) is brought to you twice a month by the TOTA team for a little bit of good news from around the Thompson Okanagan and globe.
Through all the changes and uncertainty, we're continuously inspired by the resiliency and innovative spirit of the people behind the businesses.
The Good News(letter) is brought to you twice a month by the TOTA team.
Thompson Okanagan
TasteFull Excursions is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as a 2021 Travellers’ Choice Award winner by Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor awards celebrate businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to both locals and visitors from around the globe, having earned great traveller reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, TasteFull Excursions stood out by continuously providing service excellence for their guests
After producing a full season of predominantly digital content, the Kamloops Symphony is excited to reunite with in-person audiences in Sagebrush Theatre for the first time since March of 2020. Though the numbers will be limited, the KSO is thrilled to announce the first two concerts of their 2021-22 Season: Out of the Silence taking place on September 25 and 26, and Windscapes taking place on October 23 and 24. Both concerts will have a mix of in-person and live-streaming viewing options.
Uncorked Okanagan Wine Tours’ has been awarded a 2021 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for Travel Experiences. “This is an incredible honour and we sincerely thank all of our guests for sharing their tour experiences on Tripadvisor,” says Deb Harris, company owner. This award signifies that Uncorked Okanagan Wine tour's has consistently delivered fantastic experiences to travelers around the globe and have earned great traveler reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months.
Around the Globe
The Portuguese island of Madeira is looking to capitalize on the rise in numbers of a unique kind of traveler—digital nomads—by building a town entirely specialized for their residency. Realizing that the rise in telecommuting, and that the staggering beauty of the island would be deeply appealing to digital nomads, Madeira has created Digital Nomad Village, a place with fast internet, exclusive hotel property, community events, and a free office space.
Velas Resorts has given 100 healthcare heroes a free spa vacation at their resort in Mexico to say thank you for their great hearts during the worldwide pandemic. During April the public voted for their favourite stories among 350 nominations. The chosen workers received an all-inclusive stay of 4 days and 3 nights in the luxury resort, with food and drinks prepared by its premiere chefs and restaurants
Do you have good news or a remarkable story you'd like to share?
Thompson Okanagan Tourism News | Weekly Update
Updates on the BC COVID-19 vaccine requirement taking effect today, Canada Welcoming Back International Travellers, business resources, and more.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism News Summary | Week of September 6, 2021
The latest good news stories, industry resources, sustainable tourism updates, and market research.
News Highlights
The Good News(letter) | September 3
Through all the changes and uncertainty, we're continuously inspired by the resiliency and innovative spirit of the people behind the businesses. The Good News(letter) is brought to you twice a month by the TOTA team for a little bit of good news from around the Thompson Okanagan and globe.
Business Resources
The TOTA team is here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program, tourism companies can access the following free supports:
1:1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor
Submit a Voice Your Concerns form so TOTA can share the impacts on the tourism industry with government
Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to share challenges faced by your business
Apply for DER3 Digital Resiliency Free Program Before September 14
Innovate BC's DER3, or Digital Economy: Rapid Response + Resiliency program, provides free advisory services and mentorship to B.C. businesses outside of the Lower Mainland. The DER3 program helps businesses expand or create their digital presence, with the help of a business coach. Register for this great opportunity before program intake ends on September 14.
Free Virtual Learning Sessions for Tourism Businesses - Destination BC + Small Business BC
Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to provide tourism stakeholders across the province with free access to Small Business BC’s webinars and online education to support COVID-19 recovery and help mitigate ongoing impacts. There is no charge to tourism stakeholders. Services are delivered online, by phone, email, webinar or in person (if available).
Sustainable Tourism
TOTA’s Destination Stewardship team offers presentations over Zoom to share how tourism businesses can participate in TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program. Learn more about:
How to become a Biosphere Committed Company
How to participate in the Eco Efficiency Program
How to use the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform
Exclusive training opportunities & other benefits
How businesses can take the Thompson Okanagan Regional Pledge
Biosphere Awards and how to earn recognition for your commitment to sustainable tourism
Schedule a Biosphere Presentation →
New Biosphere Committed Member - August
Learn more about the newest Biosphere Committed Company, Manteo at Eldorado Resort. Manteo is constantly seeking new ways to enrich their local community by creating a safe and healthy environment for all, with an emphasis on diversity and equality.
The Ripple Effect
The ripple effect is real and it matters. What is most important to realize about the ripple effect is that action is required. The IPCC report is not only a reminder of the dire situation we find ourselves in but also an invitation to remember that small actions taken by individuals and within companies matter — but only if real action exists and is visible and shared with others.
Research Spotlight
Fast Facts Thompson Okanagan Tourism Research Summary
A bi-weekly roundup of B.C. tourism research to provide an ongoing snapshot of the tourism industry over time.
Measuring Canadian Travel Patterns - Thompson Okanagan
Research data created by Environics Analytics to help the travel and tourism industry understand the impact of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to Domestic Overnight Visitors within Canada.
COVID-19 Tourism Impact Report - June
Report on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism businesses gathered through industry surveys by tourism businesses around the Thompson Okanagan and British Columbia.
The Good News(letter) | September 3
Through all the changes and uncertainty, we're continuously inspired by the resiliency and innovative spirit of the people behind the businesses. The Good News(letter) is brought to you twice a month by the TOTA team for a little bit of good news from around the Thompson Okanagan and globe.
Through all the changes and uncertainty, we're continuously inspired by the resiliency and innovative spirit of the people behind the businesses.
The Good News(letter) is brought to you twice a month by the TOTA team.
Thompson Okanagan
The Globe Café & Tapas Bar was proud to collect and deliver over 20 boxes of staple food and personal care items this summer from the supportive residents of Big White for the Kelowna Community Fridge.
The 24/7 accessible Community Fridge downtown offers barrier free, stigma free access to those who need a helping hand during this pandemic and beyond. The Globe has become an official drop off location for donations at Big White.
The Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) celebrated it's 20th anniversary in August.
Founded in 2001 by Troy Becker and Lynnette Legrandeur, CRIS Adaptive Adventures began as a small organization of friends operating out of the founders' garage, to a large scale community of staff and volunteers with multiple operating locations around Kelowna offering trips and experiences from Osoyoos to Vernon and beyond.
In celebration of front line workers and first responders, Big White Ski Resort is offering a complimentary scenic chairlift ride tickets and 50% off MOO-Lix ice cream at The Globe Café & Tapas Bar in the village all Labour Day Long Weekend (from Thursday, September 2 to Monday, September 6). If you're a frontline worker, simply present an ID or paystub at the ticket window in the Big White Village Centre Mall.
Around the Globe
A new train ticketing startup in the UK offers an even more green incentive to ditch the car and travel by rail.
Trainhugger pledges to plant a tree for every journey booked through the business. The investment in nature comes at zero cost to the passenger as tickets cost the same as their competitors.
Berlin is a city renowned for its radicalism, and, in true form, activists from the Berlin Autofrei campaign are taking things one step further. They are demanding a complete ban on private automobile use in the 88km2 area within the S-bahn ring—a train line that circles much of the city’s urban area.
If they succeed, it will be the largest car-free urban area in the world.
Do you have good news or a remarkable story you'd like to share?
Thompson Okanagan Tourism News | Weekly Update
Updates on new Fairs, Festivals, and Events Recovery Fund, the B.C. Proof of Vaccination Requirement Program, Thompson Okanagan tourism news, and business resources.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism News | Weekly Update & Request for Industry Impact Feedback
Updates on how to voice your concerns on COVID and wildfires, federal election, business resources, opportunities, and more.
The Good News(letter) | August 20
Through all the changes and uncertainty, we're continuously inspired by the resiliency and innovative spirit of the people behind the businesses. The Good News(letter) is brought to you twice a month by the TOTA team for a little bit of good news from around the Thompson Okanagan and globe.
This summer has presented the Thompson Okanagan with much uncertainty. We're continuously inspired by the resiliency and kindness the communities, stakeholders, and businesses have showcased during these times.
The Good News(letter) is brought to you twice a month by the TOTA team.
Thompson Okanagan
The kitchen at Pizzamoreh is the new headquarters for producing hundreds of meals for people pushed from their homes by fires all over the region.
Dave Johnston began the process at the Peachland 50 Plus Activity Centre when Patsy Guest from Pizzamoreh offered up the kitchen to increase capacity. Donated foods are put together as meals that are brought to where they're needed in refrigerator trucks.
On August 16th Bright Jenny Coffee kicked off a pay-it-forward program for first responders and anyone displaced or affected by the wildfires. Customers have the opportunity to donate whatever amount they want to go toward buying someone a coffee. Donations are also being accept online at www.orderbrightjenny.ca.
To start things off, Bright Jenny's added $50.00 to the fund.
To support fellow British Columbians impacted by devastating losses and evacuations due to wildfires, Tantalus Winery donated all the proceeds raised from tasting fees on August 14/15 along with any additional donations to the Canadian Red Cross Fire Appeal.
On August 17th Karat Chocolate + Pastry donated and matched all proceeds from sold cupcakes to the Red Cross British Columbia Fires Appeal. Proceeds will be used for immediate and ongoing relief efforts, long term recovery, resiliency and preparedness for future events in British Columbia and impacted regions, including consequential events related to the fires.
Around the Globe
The Taoyuan Slow Food community, combined with the Tienmu Slow Food community, are announcing a new project in the North of Taiwan! By building connections between farmers and chefs, the “Pick Here!”project wants to create a new selling system in agriculture and increase awareness about good, clean and fair foods in the local area.
A huge thank you to everyone fighting the fires across the Thompson Okanagan region including those helping evacuees and residents in whatever way they can. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been evacuated and affected by the fires.
Would you like to be featured in the next Good News(letter)? Fill out our submission form and tell us your good news!
Do you have good news or a remarkable story you'd like to share?
Thompson Okanagan Tourism News Summary | Week of August 16, 2021
Industry messaging guidance, news, resources, and more.
Without question, the tourism industry has faced an extremely challenging summer. The B.C. provincial state of emergency has been extended to September 1, 2021, there are a number of travel warnings for parts of the Interior of B.C. due to wildfires, availability of labor continues to be an issue, and we continue to deal with rising COVID-19 numbers.
Destination BC has worked with Emergency Management BC to prepare Messaging Guidance for tourism companies.
Find the latest emergency resource information for BC's Tourism Industry, including updated messaging guidance on Destination BC's Emergency Preparedness page.
Advocacy for Government Support
The situation is gravely impacting the tourism industry and as such, there continues to be an ongoing need for advocacy. It is important that we continue to convey real-time feedback that explains the actual state of tourism relative to what might be considered recovery.
Organizations like TOTA, TIABC, TIAC, and many others will use this information to further advocate for the needs of the industry, particularly for additional government assistance through the course of the pandemic.
We invite Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses to share any challenges with so we can compile information on the evolving situation and share it with the appropriate parties, such as:
What challenges is your business currently experiencing?
How is this impacting your business?
What would help to improve the situation?
Feel free to share your current experiences at any time through the form at TOTABC.org/recovery or by emailing Recovery@TOTABC.com.
Canada Vaccine Updates
Canada to Require Vaccination of Federally Regulated Transportation Sector
As soon as possible in the fall and no later than the end of October, the Government of Canada will require employees in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors to be vaccinated. The vaccination requirement will also extend to certain travellers. This includes all commercial air travellers, passengers on interprovincial trains, and passengers on large marine vessels with overnight accommodations, such as cruise ships.
Canada Moving Forward with Proof of Vaccination for International Travel
The Government of Canada is collaborating with the provinces and territories to develop a proof of vaccination that will facilitate cross-border travel, while reducing the risk of spread and importation of COVID-19.
TIAC Federal Election Advocacy Push
TIAC will be running a proactive tourism advocacy and media campaign. This will include direct TIAC activity, as well as TIAC’s leadership of the Hardest Hit Coalition fighting for business survival support for the tourism suite of sectors. For more information, check the TourismVotes.ca microsite, a one-stop shop for election information for tourism businesses, including detailed Platform Analysis for impact on tourism, messaging guidance, email updates, and more.
As well, TIABC is in the process of developing an election toolkit to support decision-making for the 2021 Federal election.
Watch Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform Webinar Recording
TOTA hosted a virtual info session on the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform and how it can help B.C. tourism companies track progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and develop a Sustainable Tourism Plan.
Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle is an easy-to-use digital platform that recognizes your commitment to sustainability and links your organization with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its 169 targets, through the development of a custom sustainability plan.
Members of TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program receive a 1 year free trial for the platform and can now access the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform.
Learn More About Biosphere Commitment Program →
CRIS Adaptive Rentals Launches New Adaptive Bike & Pop Up Rentals in BC Parks
CRIS Adaptive debuted the newest addition to the fleet of rental equipment, the Hase Bike, a modular adaptive bike that gives clients significant options for supported and independent riding. CRIS is the first adaptive service provider in the Interior of BC to put a Hase system into service. As well, CRIS is offering a mobile rental program for accessible recreation equipment in various BC Parks. The schedule for rental "pop ups" is available on AdaptiveRentals.ca.
Nominations Open for 2021 Canadian Tourism Awards
If you have a business or an employee in mind that deserves to be recognized for their success in one of the 2021 Canadian Tourism Award categories, submit your nomination before August 31, 2021.
Business Resources
Resource Roundup | Advocacy, Funding, and Training Opportunities
A roundup of resources for tourism businesses, including opportunities to share your experience, apply for support funds, and train employees.
Free Support for FortisBC Rebates
TOTA’s Energy Analyst is helping Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses to find and apply for FortisBC rebates. To find ways to save on new equipment purchases, book a free appointment to learn more.
Free Online Resource: Tourism Business Builders
Tourism HR Canada team has launched Tourism Business Builders, an online learning program developed specifically for tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs. This “how-to” resource contains nine comprehensive modules on business fundamentals and dozens of practical tools, including Excel templates and PDF worksheets, available free until September 1, 2021.
Free Digital Marketing Skills Training Program
The Alacrity Canada Digital Marketing Bootcamp is a virtual skills-training program valued at $6,000 per seat and offered to eligible B.C. small and medium-sized businesses at no cost by the Province of B.C. The eight-week course covers 40 key topics offered by 10 expert mentors to provide a foundation of digital marketing, search-engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising, analytics, content marketing, and other skills.
Emergency Support Fund for Canada’s Live Music Sector
Funding is available to support Canada’s live music sector, including live music venues, booking agents, concert promoters, festivals, artist managers, artist-entrepreneurs, and service companies.