News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Manufacturing Excellence Forum - Kelowna
Join EMC for a dynamic in-person event tailored to tackle today’s manufacturing challenges while unlocking opportunities for future growth. Designed to spark ideas, foster collaboration, and drive innovation, this forum will leave you energized, informed, and ready to lead with confidence.
Monday, May 12, 2025 8:00 am PST
Hear presentations from industry and industry partners on sustainability in manufacturing and productivity and join a tour of local manufacturing facilities. For more information and to register, click here.
WORTH Beneficiary Fund for Single Moms in the Industry
Single moms within the food, beverage, tourism, or hospitality industry are juggling more than most, and they deserve more than applause.
With support from Cause We Care and in partnership with BCHA, WORTH is pleased to launch a dedicated Single Moms Cohort in May 2025, a supportive space for women navigating both leadership and parenthood.
Through personalized coaching, practical tools, and a strong community of peers, this cohort honours the realities of single motherhood while helping women thrive in their careers.
Destination BC Thompson Okanagan Regional Profile
Destination BC has released 6 regional profiles that detail the overview of the region’s tourism industry. This profile includes:
Resident perceptions about tourism
Top regional markets
Regional comparisons
Top regional activities
and more
Please download the full profile to learn about the tourism research and region.
2SLGBTQI+ Newcomer Entrepreneur Initiative
The Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) offers the Advisor Access Program, a specialized initiative designed to support 2SLGBTQI+ newcomer entrepreneurs in Canada. This program provides structured sessions and personalized networking opportunities with expert advisors, focusing on common business challenges and tailored to the unique needs of 2SLGBTQI+
Applications are open now.
TOTA Honours Michael J. Ballingall
At the recent Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Board Retreat at Sun Peaks Resort, Michael J. Ballingall was honoured for his extraordinary service and leadership as outgoing Board Chair.
With over 25 years of involvement on the TOTA Board and six years as the Chair, Ballingall’s influence was essential as he helped guide the region’s tourism industry through the COVID-19 pandemic.
TOTA celebrates his legacy of collaboration, innovation, and community building. Though Ballingall is stepping down as Chair, his commitment to the region endures as he assumes the role of Past Chair, continuing to lend his expertise and passion to support TOTA’s mission.
Save the Date: BC Outdoor Recreation Conference 2026
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is celebrating 50 years of advocacy in 2026, and they’re marking it a big occasion! Join them at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC, for this milestone event.
This conference will bring together outdoor recreation leaders, advocates, and enthusiasts from across British Columbia to reflect on our past, celebrate our achievements, and shape the future of public recreation.
BC Tourism Week 2025 - April 7 - 11
BC Tourism Week is an annual celebration of the tourism industry in BC and across Canada. This week celebrates and showcases the destinations, businesses, and employees that make up this industry.
This year, BC Tourism Week takes place from April 7 to 11, 2025. The Tourism Industry Association of BC and Destination BC have created resources for businesses to celebrate and showcase the value of tourism.
Tourism Kamloops is seeking a candidate for the Director of Brand & Marketing
Tourism Kamloops is seeking an enthusiastic leader for the Director position of their brand & marketing department.
Applications are open until April 20, 2025, and interested candidates can send their resumes and cover letters to careers@tourismkamloops.com.
Camping reservations now open for Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Park
On April 2, 2025, people can begin reserving camping. Tent pad rentals will be available at any of the seven backcountry campgrounds along the Berg Lake Trail for arrivals starting June 26, 2025, the same day the entire trail is scheduled to reopen. Reservations will open for the entire season and are required to stay at campgrounds along the trail until Sept. 29, 2025.
Visitors are encouraged to check the park webpage for updates about the final phase of construction: https://bcparks.ca/mount-robson-park/
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