Tourism and Sustainability Survey: GIS Applications in the Thompson Okanagan

Can maps help to support and monitor sustainability?

TOTA has partnered with Thompson Rivers University (TRU) to better understand the value of maps and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as tools to understand the distribution of tourism’s benefits and impacts in the Thompson Okanagan. This survey is conducted with funding support from MITACS.

Please share this with your coworkers as it is expected that more than one employee from each business completes the survey to make it valid. The results of this survey will be used to map tourism industry stakeholders’ perceptions and attitudes about the industry’s level of sustainability and about the use of mapping and Geographic Information tools to achieve this goal.

Survey participants will be entered to win 1 of 2 $100 restaurant gift cards.

DBC Learning Centre - Working with the Travel Trade

This is part one of nine in DBC’s Learning Centre series “Working with the Travel Trade”. This initial learning material will guide you through who the travel trade is, why to work with travel trade, and how to work with travel trade.

Tourism Digital Academy Spring Intake is Now Open

The Tourism Digital Academy, a free eight-week live virtual program is for tourism businesses looking to elevate developed marketing skills to an intermediate level.

The Spring Intake runs from March 18 - May 7, 2025.

Destination British Columbia’s Tourism Industry Dashboard

The 2024 data is now available on the Destination BC Tourism Industry Dashboard, which includes key tourism statistics such as international visitor arrivals data, provincial room revenue, regional occupancy rates, and more.

View Dashboard →

Tourism Industry Association of BC One-Minute Monitor: Impact of Cross-border Tariffs on Your Business

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is running a one-minute monitor regarding the impact of impending cross-border tariffs on businesses. This short survey will help them better understand businesses’ views on pressing issues and help inform policy development and prioritize advocacy activities.

Coast Capri Hotel is now Biosphere Certified

The Coast Capri Hotel is a long-standing accommodation in Kelowna, and the team feels that it will play an important role in maintaining the natural beauty and resources in the Okanagan for generations to come. The Coast Capri has also seen an increase in eco-conscious travellers. By aligning with these values, they have set out to create a good example of sustainable hospitality for the rest of the industry.

Sustainability Initiatives

Hotel Manager Todd Weitzel and the team worked closely with TOTA’s Biosphere Success Advisors during their journey to certification. These advisors provide guidance and best practices to tourism businesses to align their efforts with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, and, as an unexpected bonus, the team found that this process fostered collaboration across all departments of the hotel. 

Along with completing actions within the Biosphere program, the team at the Coast Capri has also signed the 7 Generations Pledge, which was created out of a need to develop guidelines for sustainable tourism and conscious travel. Based on the Seven Generations Principle, rooted in Indigenous philosophy: The decisions we make today will have an impact for as many as seven generations to come.

Some of the initiatives that the team at the Coast Capri Hotel is excited to share with the community are:

• Water conservation: Using eco-friendly washing machines, sensor faucets, and a robust preventative maintenance program to minimize their water waste.

• Local Sourcing: Collaborating with local suppliers (like Don-O-Ray Farms) to feature environmentally-friendly, locally grown ingredients in the hotel's food & beverage and catering operation.

• Energy Efficiency: Replacing incandescent lighting with LEDs, introducing HVAC occupancy sensors in guest rooms, and using energy-efficient appliances in the hotel's kitchens.

• Waste Reduction: Implementing aggressive recycling, composting, and repurposing programs, along with offering guests an opt-out housekeeping program to conserve resources.

When asked about working with the TOTA Biosphere Commitment Program, Todd had this to say: "Working with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) was instrumental in helping us achieve our Biosphere certification. Their guidance, especially from Eve Layman, was invaluable throughout the process. TOTA's expertise in sustainable tourism and their dedicated support made the journey much smoother, and we are grateful for their assistance in aligning our hotel with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving Biosphere Certification not only boosts our international visibility and competitiveness but also demonstrates our commitment to responsible tourism and sustainability. At Coast Capri Hotel, we actively engage our staff in learning about and executing sustainable practices through ongoing training and involvement in our environmental initiatives. I highly encourage other businesses in the region to take advantage of the resources and support TOTA offers to pursue certification.”

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

Book a Biosphere Introduction Presentation

Learn More About Community Futures BC with CF Boundary!

Community Futures British Columbia (CFBC) is celebrating 40 years in British Columbia. Check out the latest feature of Community Futures Boundary with General Manager, Jennifer Wetmore.

Free Beverage Industry Training Program - Tier 2

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and the Okanagan College Vernon campus are thrilled to introduce the 2025 Accelerated Beverage Industry Training (BIT) - Tier 2 Program, held at Okanagan College's and Vernon Campus. This second tier of the Accelerated Beverage Industry Training program builds on the past foundational skills and participants’ lived experiences to focus on business development and sustainability in the North Okanagan and the Shuswap.

Open to eligible Shuswap and North Okanagan residents, the program supports professional growth through mentorship, hands-on learning, and reimbursements for childcare, travel, and accommodations.

• The Tier 2 Program will run from February 24 to March 7, 2025, Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 4:00 pm with in-person classes.

  • Applications close February 16, 2025

Purppl’s Purposeful People series: Eve Layman

TOTA’s Destination Development and Stewardship Specialist, Eve Layman, sat down with Purppl to discuss sustainability advocacy and building a resilient tourism industry.

Small Business and Tourism Operator Preparedness Social Media Package

The Government of British Columbia has created a toolkit for organizations and associations that support small businesses and tourism operators, including Indigenous and local governments, that can be used to encourage followers to prepare for emergencies.

Congratulations to the Boundary Country Spark Program Winners!

Three finalists from Boundary Country who made winning pitches have been awarded a $3000 seed grant and mentorship to help them kick start their new tourism ideas.

The Boundary Country “Spark” Program winners are: 

• Lisa Houston – Christina Lake Sauna Experience

• Carissa Boynton – Hotel Midway as a Tourism & Community Hub

• Rocio Graham – Christina Lake Mushroom Festival

Okanagan College Women in Beverage Peer Mentor Program

Okanagan College’s Women in Beverage Peer Mentor Program offers participants valuable guidance and leadership insights directly from industry professionals.

The program kicks off with an online meeting on Feb. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. Following that, there will be eight weekly, two-hour sessions scheduled based on the group’s availability and location. Space is limited to only eight applicants, so applicants are encouraged to apply today online or by contacting bcbtac@okanagan.bc.ca.

Take the Tourism Climate Adaptation & Environmental Sustainability Business Survey

As a partner of Destination BC, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is excited to invite you to take part in the first-ever Tourism Climate Adaptation & Environmental Sustainability Business Survey. Your input will help shape a custom report for the region, so we can work together toward a sustainable future! Don’t miss out—complete the survey today!

New Short-term Rental Registry, Host Registration Required

The Province is launching a new short-term rental (STR) registry in order to give hosts who are operating legally to continue to welcome visitors.

Anyone operating a short-term rental will have to register with the province which must be displayed on all listings in BC, effective May 1, 2025.

Join WORTH for the 2025 WORTH Leadership Summit

Join WORTH Association for Western Canada’s only summit dedicated to women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality—an inspiring event designed to uplift women, elevate organizations, and drive progress across our industry.

The Summit will take place on March 11, 2025, at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Summit will bring together aspiring leaders and seasoned executives to address industry challenges and create actionable pathways for change. Participants will gain the tools and strategies to accelerate their careers and drive transformative change within their organizations. For companies, the Summit represents more than an investment in their people —it’s a commitment to shaping the future of the industry.

Highlights of the day will include:

• Melanie Mark in the welcome address.

• Amal Masri, founder of Fix the Broken Rung, in the keynote presentation. 

• Panels and Presentations featuring industry leaders such as Jen Murtagh (Maturn), and Talaysay Campo (Talaysay Tours).

• Breakout Sessions tackling real-world challenges for women in the industry.

• Networking at the closing reception.

Register today to take advantage of early bird pricing, available until February 1, 2025.

Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC is Accepting Applications

The Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC supports grants that help shape meaningful outdoor recreation and nature-based activities in British Columbia.

The second intake of this fund opens on January 20, 2025. Interested applicants can check out previous grant recipients, or apply directly by February 20, 2025.

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. This free session focuses 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 January 30.

DBC Tourism Digital Academy

The Tourism Digital Academy is a free 8-week course for tourism businesses in BC who are interested in developing their digital marketing skills.

These courses are designed for business owners or marketing team members and include self-directed learning and live interactive sessions on digital marketing planning, SEO best practices, content marketing, and more.

The Winter intake running from January 29 to March 19 is accepting applicants.

BCTCRI Workshop #6: Climate Resilience, Governance and CDMOs

Join DBC on January 22, 2025, for a one-hour workshop focused on government partnerships within the context of climate resiliency. The workshop will focus on the importance of provincial, regional, and municipal partnerships to enhance climate resiliency strategies.

Applications for BCTCRI Micro-Grant Program Open Until January 28

Applications for the BCTCRI Project 2 are open until January 28, 2025.

Eligible businesses can apply for funding up to $15,000 to build upon or implement a climate resiliency plan.