TOTA News

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Okanagan College are thrilled to announce the Accelerated Beverage Industry Training Program 2025 - Tier 2 at the Vernon Campus.

Learn more about Eve’s dedication to sustainability advocacy.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and the Okanagan College Salmon Arm and Vernon campus are thrilled to introduce the 2025 Accelerated Beverage Industry Training (BIT) Program, held at Okanagan College's Salmon Arm and Vernon Campus.

Save the date for the 2025 AGM & Summit!

The TOTA Travel Media team works with Destination BC, Communities Destination Management Organizations, and businesses to host media in the Thompson Okanagan Region. This effort results in the region being highlighted in worldwide outlets that will attract visitors. Please find the coverage as a result of hosting opportunities below.

Listen as TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews chats with TIABC’s Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas about her career path, her work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges tourism business owners & operators are facing in the Thompson Okanagan.

A study of the results from the Inter-Community Transportation Survey, including the methodology, findings, and recommendations are available to download.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, on the traditional, unceded, and ancestral territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) People.

The meeting included an overview for the year ending March 31, 2023, the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Audited Financial Statement, Governance Report, TOTA Activities,  and the Board Election Results.

Please join us in congratulating the new and returning board of directors.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is thrilled to have once again completed its annual Biosphere Certification Audit.

The TOTA board director election will be open October 1 to 14, 2024. Learn about the candidates and how voting members can vote.

The "Beverage Industry Training" (BIT) program, a collaborative initiative between the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Okanagan College, and an independent consultant, recently concluded with notable success. This comprehensive, two-week program aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of 20 participants within the South Okanagan beverage industry, covering wine, beer, and spirits and providing essential industry certifications.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will hold the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 29, 2024, at 3:30-4:30 pm, in the Prestige Vernon Lodge & Conference Centre.

We invite Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association voting stakeholders to put their name forward or to nominate a qualified candidate to serve as a member of the TOTA Board of Directors for a two-year term, effective October 29, 2024, to the 2026 AGM.

This Carbon Inventory was done to get a comprehensive assessment of our Destination and Corporate carbon emissions and to set the stage for future coordinated action based on accurate data.

As the region continues to grow input from the public is crucial in shaping the future of transportation. The survey results will guide planning and advocacy efforts to enhance transportation options between communities, ensuring a connected and sustainable future for the Thompson Okanagan.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has joined over 100 member organizations across the province and is now an Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) member.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been awarded the 2024 North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in the annual World Travel Awards.

BetterTable created a shortcast series for hospitality leaders to learn about food, sustainability and diversity from some of the brightest minds in the tourism and hotel industry.

In the latest episode, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews shared insights about the Thompson Okanagan region and dives into how TOTA is leading the way in sustainability by supporting local food, farm to table experiences, and food waste training and audits for tourism stakeholders.

Listen to BetterTable shortcast episode

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a Rainbow Registered business. This accreditation, administered by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce(CGLCC), is a testament to our commitment to creating a safer, more welcoming, and inclusive space for the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

This year, the 30th on the 30th TOTA Annual Golf Tournament, will the biggest and best golf tournament yet - and there's still time to register and be entered to win 2 Air Canada Round-Trip economy tickets to anywhere Air Canada flies within North America including Hawaii.

Golfers registered by Friday, May 24 will have a chance to win 2 Air Canada Round-Trip economy tickets to anywhere Air Canada flies.

For 30 years, the TOTA Golf Tournament has brought together people of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry for a day of connection and comradery, and, of course, fun!

This year, Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops is playing host to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association’s 30th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 30.

TOTA continues its commitment to destination stewardship and sustainability through a partnership with GreenStep and its EcoFund program. Tourism businesses that join the EcoFund program, collect an EcoFee that helps their businesses to cut down on the consumption of energy, waste and water, by investing in more efficient technologies and renewable energy.

The BC Fairs Learning Exchange took place in Penticton on April 14-16, bringing together a diverse community of thought leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts from across the realms of business, culture, and innovation. TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews delivered the opening presentation and took part in a panel on crisis communications for BC fairs.

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.

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to benefit students in TRU’s tourism management program and support the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab.

Yes, there will be great golf on an award-winning course, but this annual tournament is really about bringing people of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry together for a day of connection and comradery, and, of course, fun!

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is launching the revamped Biosphere Commitment Program. The updated program has a new focus on the online Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle (BSL) Platform, which allows organizations to measure, manage, and report on their sustainability efforts that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).