News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
DBC Learning Centre - How to work with Receptive Tour Operators
This video from DBC will explain how Receptive Tour Operators (RTO’s) open your business up to new markets.
Destination Canada Traveller Segmentation Program
Destination Canada has released the Traveller Segmentation Program.
Destination Canada has released the Traveller Segmentation Program, which allows stakeholders to discover visitor behaviors and preferences to see what motivates, inspires, and drives travellers. This tool will enable more meaningful, targeted, and impactful marketing and destination management strategies.
Explore all the segmentation tools available in the new program.
Increasing Wealth and Wellbeing for Canadians
Destination Canada provides a Wealth & Wellbeing Index Report which provides a summary of Tourism’s Wealth and Wellbeing Index. This index aligns with the United Nations’ Measuring Sustainability in Tourism (MST) framework, ensuring that all values align with sustainable tourism and the 17 sustainable development goals.
Resources for Navigating Trade and Tariff Issues
The Government of Canada recently announced $6.5 billion in liquidity, advisory and other supports for Canadian workers and businesses including:
New financing and advisory services through the Business Development Bank of Canada Pivot.
Financing through Farm Credit Canada’s Trade Disruption Customer Support program for the agriculture and food industry.
Support for eligible Canadian exporters.
Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) has also launched a new intake of the CanExport SME program.
PacifiCan is currently accepting expressions of interest for our Business Scale-up and Productivity program, which supports high-growth companies in B.C. to scale-up operations, commercialize technology, improve productivity and/or diversify markets.
DBC Learning Centre - Who are the Travel Trade?
This is part three of nine in DBC’s Learning Centre series “Working with the Travel Trade”. This short video helps tourism operators learn who the travel trade is, why and how to work with them, and how your local and regional DMO can help you start your journey working with the travel trade.
BCRFA Introduce Industry Training & Development Fund
The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA), along with Uber is launching a new training and development fund to help empower the next generation of their industry through education and opportunity.
The BCRFA Development Fund will support members with incoming talents. The grant program will help employers finance education and professional development for people interested in pursuing long-term careers in the industry.
The first opportunity to apply begins on April 1st!
Resources for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Small Business Branch is offering business advisory services for entrepreneurs and business owners to start, manage, and grow their businesses at no cost.
These services include:
Free one-on-one consultations with expert advisors,
Access to resources designed to help businesses start, grow and thrive,
Guidance on navigating government programs and funding opportunities.
Webinar: Wildfire Resilience - April 8, 2025
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is hosting a webinar on wildfire resilience on April 8, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM PT. This is a free to attend webinar, that will involve a panel based discussion.
This webinar will highlight the importance of preparation and mitigation, how recreation groups can get involved, and information about possible funding sources.
$3,500 Hiring Incentive from B.C. Youth in Manufacturing Initiative
Are you a winery, brewery, or outdoor gear manufacturer looking to grow your workforce while reducing hiring expenses? The B.C. Youth in Manufacturing Initiative provides a $3,500 hiring incentive per youth placement, helping you bring fresh talent into your organization at a lower cost.
What’s in It for You?
$3,500 per hire to help offset wages and training costs.
Industry-specific training included at no cost to you:
Manufacturing Foundations – Teaches adaptability, problem-solving, communication, and accountability.
Lean Fundamentals – Equips participants with Lean Thinking to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Who’s Eligible?
Youth aged 16-24, residing in B.C., and eligible to work in Canada.
Positions available across production, service, and administration.
Employers can hire multiple participants.
How It Works:
Quick & Easy Application: Apply online in just 5 minutes.
Consent Forms: Our team will guide you through the required paperwork.
Online Training: Participants complete training modules to enhance their skills.
Employment & Incentive: Once youth fulfill work-hour requirements (240 hours for high school students, 320 for others), employers receive the $3,500 incentive.
Take advantage of this opportunity to reduce hiring costs while shaping the future of B.C.’s manufacturing industry.
Resources for Canadian Workers and Businesses
The Government of Canada has put in new measures to help Canadian workers and businesses navigate the impact of the recently imposed tariffs.
This includes:
Launching the Trade Impact Program through Export Development Canada.
Making $500 million in favourably priced loans available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support impacted businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, as well as companies in their supply chains.
Providing $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry.
Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples Workshop
Sign up for the “Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples Workshop” designed for tourism professionals in the BC tourism industry. These free sessions focus on strengthening relations and community connections.
Sessions will:
Build Stronger Relationships: Learn key strategies for respectful, effective collaboration.
Enhance Cultural Awareness: Gain insights into Indigenous history and contemporary issues.
Practical Learning: Interactive content focused on real-world applications.
Register now for sessions on March 20, 2025
Take the Canadian Tourism Data Collective Utilization Survey
The Canadian Tourism Data Collective (CTDC) was launched in May 2024, and Simon Fraser University is running a survey to assess the awareness and usage of the CTDC tool.
Participant feedback will help improve data accessibility for industry stakeholders and support research on tourism resilience.
This anonymous survey will take 5–10 minutes to complete. Complete the survey by March 27, 2025, for a chance to win a $200 Amazon gift card.
Destination Events Program - New Province of BC Grant
The Destination Events Program (DEP) in British Columbia offers funding to support tourism, arts, culture, and sport events across the province. Eligible organizations—including Indigenous communities, not-for-profits, businesses, and local governments—can apply for up to 10% of their total event budget, with a maximum of $200,000 per event.
Open for applications on April 7 - May 5, 2025
Rogers Youth Grants: Supporting Education and Workforce Development
Rogers Communications has announced the 2025 call for applications for their Youth Grants, supporting organizations delivering educational and employment programs to underserved youth.
Applications open on March 24, 2025, for grants of $10,000 or $25,000. This initiative prioritizes programs focused on mentorship, academic training, and career readiness to empower youth ages 12-29. For more details, visit their website.
ORCBC Grants & Funding Page
ORCBC has organized a webpage to help recreation organizations stay on top of opportunities to access funding for their recreation initiatives.
A new directory of fundraising sources is now available to help recreation organizations access funding for outdoor recreation initiatives, accessibility programs, trail maintenance, supply purchases, and professional development for volunteer crews.
Explore the resources at the bottom of the page, including 'Tips for Quality Grant Applications in Outdoor Recreation' and a grant tracking template.
Webinar: Recreation and Indigenous Tourism
Register for an upcoming webinar on March 11 at 1:00pm PT, where a panel of experts will discuss how recreation groups can support and collaborate with First Nations and Indigenous-owned businesses. The discussion will explore ways to further nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation initiatives that highlight Indigenous culture, history, and stewardship.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Inspiration Centre is now Biosphere Certified!
The Tourism Inspiration Centre is a regional hub that supports activities, experiences, and stakeholders across the Thompson Okanagan. Located on Highway 97C (Okanagan Connector) above Peachland, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre is a visitor service centre that offers a place to take a break while catching the first glimpse of the breathtaking views of the Okanagan Valley and lake.
This visitor services centre is the first stop after the City of Merritt and is the gateway to the Central, North, South Okanagan and beyond. The Centre welcomes visitors, provides valuable information and education, fosters visitor engagement, and promotes sustainable tourism practices. The staff at the Centre are inspired by the region's unique experiences and sharing those with visitors. Encouraging travelers and locals to adopt sustainable habits will safeguard these resources for future generations to appreciate.
Sustainable Initiatives
The centre aligns with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association’s (TOTA) strategy and dedication to responsible, sustainable tourism. Through its sustainable operations, the centrenurtures a collective sense of responsibility for the health of both the region and the planet. For the centre, the Biosphere Certification is more than a certification, it is a testament of TOTA’s dedication to sustainable practices and our part in responsible travel in the region. The team at the centre took this journey together and gained valuable insights into minimizing its environmental footprint, creating a space for accessible and inclusive travel, and fostering a culture of conscious decision-making with the visitors and the staff and summer students who work at the centre and contribute to sustainable activities.
The Tourism Inspiration Centre is excited to share their commitment to the 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations Regional Pledge. This pledge promotes mindful and sustainable travel and is shared by the centre with visitors, encouraging them to respect the region’s natural beauty, Indigenous culture, and local communities. This works alongside Biosphere initiatives to preserve the environment, support local economies, and foster meaningful cultural connections.
Most recently, the centre has introduced two sustainable initiatives that will encourage sustainable travel and the reduction of energy consumption. The centre has installed solar panels on its pergola to provide power to the building, and it has recently installed EV chargers, which are available to travellers free-of-charge.
When asked about the TOTA Biosphere Commitment Program, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre Manager Barbara Bonnough had this to say: “Many times, we think about sustainability initiatives as activities to mitigate climate change. However, following the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the Biosphere Committed program, organizations are given the roadmap to address a wide range of issues, such as poverty and hunger, quality education, gender equality, clean water and energy, economic growth, as well as mitigating climate change. The program and the SDGs aim to create a world that is more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable in social, economic and climate related activities. We would encourage businesses to begin their commitment as they may be contributing so much to these areas already and this is a great measuring tool to show your progress.”
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
Vernon Youth Job Opportunity with Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) - Applications Closing Soon
There are some exciting youth climate action job opportunities coming to Vernon this summer! Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) is hiring 5 youth (aged 17-30) to mobilize community climate action in the Vernon area. One Program Lead, one Program Coordinator, and three Community Climate Action Mobilizer positions are available.
The following positions are now open for application. Click the links below to access the job postings:
Program Lead, Vernon (deadline to apply: March 6)
Program Coordinator, Vernon (deadline to apply: March 6)
Community Climate Action Mobilizer, Vernon (deadline to apply: April 6)
Community Futures British Columbia Workshops
Community Futures BC offers free, on-demand workshops for businesses in British Columbia.
These workshops can be accessed by signing up for a free myCommunityFutures account.
DBC Learning Centre - Are you Travel Trade Ready?
This is part two of nine in DBC’s Learning Centre series “Working with the Travel Trade”. This tool will provide a set of criteria and standards to help BC’s tourism industry assess whether they are ready to work with the travel trade.