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
