Emergency Preparedness Week is May 5 to 11 in 2024, and is a great time to learn about getting prepared for emergencies, such as reviewing the updated resources from the Province of BC and Destination BC.
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The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has announced the development of the Emergency Management Central Booking Portal. This portal will enhance the booking efficiency for Emergency Support Services (ESS) evacuee support in B.C.
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May 6 to 11 is National Safety & Health Week. Create a safe and strong workplace by accessing free resources and training from go2HR.
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Tourism Kamloops has recently announced a new RFP funding opportunity, the Destination Events Support Fund. They are seeking proposals from businesses and organizations who want to develop annual destination events in Kamloops between October and April.
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Small companies can get rebates for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs or to implement eligible preventative measures and covers expenses incurred between January 2023 to December 30, 2024.
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Learn from experts from around the world who will go beyond the need for sustainable practices to define the business opportunity and the ways that we can all take steps to develop, attract, and grow sustainable travel for your business/destination. Early bird pricing is available. Use discount code BC300 to receive a $300 discount.
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Destination BC released a on report on the 2023 Resident Perceptions of BC’s Tourism Industry survey, launched in November 2023 to understand the perceptions BC residents have of the tourism industry on both community and provincial levels. The survey found that the majority of BC residents continue to value the impact that tourism has on their communities.
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Thompson Okanagan tourism companies are invited to share adventures and experiences at the Tourism Inspiration Centre on Highway 97C above Peachland, which receives 35,000+ visitors per season.
Promotion Opportunities for the season (May-October)
Outdoor Billboard Space: $500+GST / year
Brochure Racking Space & QR Code Link to Website: $125+GST / year
On-Site Exhibit Space: $150+GST / weekend
Biosphere Commitment Program members will receive a 25% discount on listed prices.
Availability is limited and offered first come, first serve. To secure your promotion space, contact Visit@TOTABC.com.
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April is BC Wine Month! To celebrate, Wine Growers BC has shared several resources, including winery, event, and restaurant listings, free Wines of BC Ambassador Program level one course and certification, and a social media campaign. #BCWineMonth
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The Safety Basics Orientation Course is a free, online, asynchronous health and safety training for new and young workers, designed to meet the WorkSafeBC regulatory requirement to provide a health and safety orientation.
This newest addition to go2HR's training portfolio will also help employers deliver a positive onboarding experience, showcasing your commitment to creating a healthy and safe work environment.
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Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals are invited to an online training session on March 1 to start a conversation about how your team can contribute to a work environment that empowers 2SLGBTQI+ colleagues, guests, and other stakeholders.
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The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has increased calls for action after the announcement of invasive mussels in a tributary to the Columbia River, which connects to the Okanagan. The OBWB began calling for a temporary moratorium on watercraft coming into BC. Support for the moratorium has been gathering steam with letters coming in from BC municipalities, chambers of commerce, TOTA, and others.
The Don't Move a Mussel campaign website has resources to learn more about risks and prevention, and to raise awareness.
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BC-based events can apply for one-time grants, up to about 20% of the total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000 per event.
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A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas along the Rainforest to Rockies iconic route across southern British Columbia was announced by Destination BC, in partnership with Tourism Innovation Lab, TOTA, and other tourism partners.
The Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants with a tourism mentor and provide a $3,000 grant and additional partner support to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development.
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Through the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI), BC's tourism industry can apply for sustainability adaptation planning support and micro-grants from Destination BC.
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TOTA is offering free food waste prevention training for Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals through BetterTable.ca. The online program is about reducing food waste and industry best practices and is available on demand until February 29, 2024.
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PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program (TGP) will provide up to $250,000 in funding to businesses, tourism organizations, and local communities to develop tourism products and experiences that create lasting prosperity in BC communities. Info sessions will be held on December 6 (virtual) and 7 (in Kelowna). Apply by February 2024.
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The B.C. Employer Training Grant is a cost-sharing grant program that provides employers throughout B.C. with skills training funding for their workforces, including prospective new hires. Employers can receive 80% of the cost of training up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount per employer of $300,000.
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Vancity is offering an incredible funding opportunity to receive a Food Audit by Better Table, worth $1,500. The Food Audit takes 3 days to complete and can help restaurants save $1,000 or more per month.
And, once the food audit is completed you will be entered to win a grand prize worth $10,000.
Availability is limited so be sure to apply as soon as possible.
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In honour of International Bat Appreciation Day on April 17, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the BC Community Bat Program (BCCBP) are pleased to announce a partnership to assist and educate accommodators throughout the region on the importance of protecting the bat populations in the Okanagan. TOTA and the BCCBP have created a resource for accommodators with bats on their property that details the importance of bats, how to protect them, and how best to manage them at your accommodation whether you are looking to incorporate them into your operations or relocate them somewhere else.
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