Accommodation Plastic Use and Reduction Survey

Accommodators in the Thompson Okanagan are invited to take the BC Hotel Association’s (BCHA) short survey on plastic use and sustainability.

Results from this survey will be used to assess the current landscape of plastic use and reduction efforts among accommodators, contributing to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) annual reporting commitment.

Take the Accommodation Plastic Use and Reduction Survey.

Jasper Employees Seeking Work & Staff Accommodation

The wildfires in Jasper have displaced many residents and caused significant job losses in the tourism and hospitality sectors. These people will be searching for work during the recovery; many are currently living temporarily at campgrounds or in hotels.

Anderson Vacations is supporting affected employees by compiling a list of employment opportunities *that include staff accommodations* across BC and Alberta to help these displaced workers find new homes. Pet-friendly accommodations are in dire need.

If you are currently hiring for immediate (or soon) start AND have staff accommodations available, share your opportunity in this form: https://forms.gle/sq4AAGSmNRhd53zj8

If you know of places that have staff accommodation available, please share the form with them. Any information or connections you can share to help those find their next home and job would be invaluable.

This list of information will be shared on the Jasper Evacuees Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/499022265946978

The individuals will be directed to apply on their own to these listings through the contact information provided.

Please feel free to forward this email to your colleagues and peers who may have contacts within the industry to call upon. 

Note: This information has been shared with go2HR and TIABC.

Call for Tourism Companies - ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses

UN Tourism and the University of Oxford are inviting tourism businesses to join a collaborative project on sustainable tourism and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting.

Tourism businesses will have the opportunity to help create a standardized framework for ESG reporting by participating in brief interviews, surveys, focus group discussions, and field visits carried out between June and August 2024 by a team of experts from UN Tourism and the University of Oxford.

Interested businesses can read more about the ESG Framework or sign up to participate.

TOTA Awarded North America's Responsible Tourism Award 2024

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

The World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

TOTA has received the North America’s Award for Responsible Tourism for six consecutive years, in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024 (there was no NA competition in 2021) and is honoured to win once again in this category.

As well, TOTA received the World Travel Award for Responsible Tourism in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Achieving this recognition helps TOTA spread the word on how the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry and our organization are working to offer tourism services in a responsible and sustainable manner.

As the winner of the North America award, TOTA is nominated for the World Travel Award for Responsible Tourism contest in autumn 2024. Voting information will be shared then.

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Background

About the World Travel Awards™

World Travel Awards™ was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards™ brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

Learn More

About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia and the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.

TOTA is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.

Learn More

TIABC's One Minute Monitor (OMM)

TIABC's One Minute Monitor (OMM) is a short survey deployed as necessary to help us better understand members' views on pressing issues and to help inform policy development and prioritize advocacy activities.

QUESTION: Is your projected business (i.e. bookings, revenues) for the months of July, August and September up, down, or the same compared to the same period in 2023?

BC Workplace Accessibility Standards: Business and Industry associations virtual feedback session on July 4

The Province, in collaboration with the Provincial Accessibility Committee, is inviting British Columbians to comment on how the government can best address barriers that restrict people with disabilities from participating in the workforce and accessing community services. The public engagement on the draft accessibility standards is open from May 31 to July 31.

The public and organizations can share their input/feedback on the draft standards through:

• The public consultation on draft accessibility standards is open and you are invited to provide input on BC's draft accessibility standards recommendations.

• PAC is hosting a virtual workshop on July 4 - share your perspectives on the draft accessibility standards.

• If you are unable to attend the Workshop, but would like to provide feedback, complete the Online Survey, or submit your written feedback to: AccessibleBC@urbansystems.ca

Learn more

WORTH Seeking Candidates for 2024 Board of Directors by June 30

WORTH is seeking candidates for its 2024 Board of Directors, to help advance their vision to develop a community of confident, connected women who accelerate their leadership ambitions. 

This year, the Board of Directors has a minimum of three volunteer director positions to be filled. Board terms are two years long and the commitment is about eight hours per month with quarterly board meetings.

WORTH represents all individuals who identify as female and encourage men to join in the efforts. They welcome trans, cis, genderqueer, and non-binary people.

Interested candidates can contact WORTH’s Nominating Committee via email at nominees@worthassociation.com no later than 5:00pm PT on June 30, with a 200-250 word bio statement outlining their pertinent expertise and interest in joining the WORTH Board of Directors.

Learn more about the 2024 Board of Directors opportunity and requirements

Partnership Opportunities: 2024-25 Resident Perceptions of Tourism Research Survey

There are partnership opportunities available for Regional and City Destination Management Organizations in BC to better understand how residents view tourism in their communities.

RDMOs and CDMOs can contact DBC’s research and analytics team leads to confirm their participation and get more information on the following partnership opportunities.

Learn more about partnership opportunities and contact information at DestinationBC.ca

People invited to test drive the next DriveBC website

The popular DriveBC website is being revamped and people are invited to provide feedback on the improvements.

Drivers use the site to plan safe and efficient trips, get the latest information on road incidents, construction and maintenance, and view hundreds of highway webcams. The new DriveBC will be easier to use, more reliable and more personalized, allowing drivers to focus on their routes.

Learn more and view test site →

Township 7 Winery launches Annual Support, Ship & Sip campaign to support industry members in need

Township 7 Winery has announced the launch of its fifth annual Ship, Sip & Support charity campaign, benefiting the BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF). Dedicated to assisting hospitality and tourism workers facing unexpected health challenges, BCHF has provided critical support to over 300 individuals since its inception in 2006.

In the month of May, Township 7 will donate $10 from every online purchase to the BCHF, in addition to collecting direct donations on behalf of the charity. These contributions will directly aid BCHF's mission of providing essential financial assistance to those in need within the hospitality industry.

Supporters can join Township 7 Winery in their efforts by visiting Township 7 campaign page during the month of May to make a purchase or make a direct donation.

Add tags:

• Related sub regions and companies

• Survey, Auction, Donate

Online Auction Benefitting Care Camps Foundation | Donate by May 10, place bids by May 20

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) supports the Care Camps Foundation. Over the past two years almost $15,000 has been raised through the annual auction, donations and other fundraising events.

The auction is now open for bidding through to May 20. Tourism business can participate and/or donate to these fundraising efforts to support the Care Camps Foundation get/share a fantastic holiday, a new product or gift cards, and more.

Learn more

BC Wine Month - Here's how to get involved, including free online certification

The provincial government proclaimed April 2024 as BC Wine Month for the seventh year.

Wineries are excited to welcome guests this spring and summer and share an abundance of 100% BC wines.

Wineries are hosting tastings, tours and paired dining experiences, as well as yoga, painting and concerts. View winery events and start planning a visit at WineBC.com.

Restaurants and wine shops that serve BC wines are listed on the Pour More BC webpage.

Wine Growers BC are offering the Wines of BC Ambassador Program first level, complimentary for the month. Level One is an online certification course with valuable information on BC wine history, varieties, styles, unique climate, and food pairing expertise. Get certified now – $99 value offered complimentary (promo code BCWINE24) for BC Wine Month.

Want to spread the word? Follow along all BC Wine Month on social media @WinesofBC and tag #BCWineMonth in your BC wine adventures this season.

See Wine Growers BC announcement →

Vote TOTA for North America's Responsible Tourism Award 2024 | Voting Closes April 7

Voting is open for the World Travel Awards North America categories until midnight April 7, 2024.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been nominated for North America's Responsible Tourism Award in the annual World Travel Awards.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to register and vote for TOTA in the category North America's Responsible Tourism Award.

The World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

TOTA received the North America Travel Award for Responsible Tourism in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 (five consecutive years) and is honoured to be nominated once again in this category. 

Achieving this recognition again would help TOTA spread the word on how the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry and our organization are working to offer tourism services in a responsible and sustainable manner. TOTA would then be in the running to compete in the World Travel Award for Responsible Tourism. TOTA received the global award in 2018, 2019, and 2020; and was nominated in 2022 and 2023.

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How to Vote

To support TOTA and spread the word about the Thompson Okanagan region, please take a moment to register and vote for TOTA in the category North America's Responsible Tourism Award.

Votes can be cast by travel professionals, media and tourism consumers, with the nominee gaining the most votes in each category announced as the winner.

Votes cast by industry voters will count as two votes (if you check the Travel Industry box when you register, provide your company details, and submit a minimum of 10 votes).

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Responsible Tourism Initiatives

TOTA's focus on responsible and sustainable tourism has been guided by the Regional Strategy: Embracing Our Potential since 2012, updated in 2020 with a continued focus on:

• Sustainability

• Regional Development projects

• Accessible Tourism

• Indigenous Tourism

• Crisis Management

• Trail Development

• Partnerships

Learn more about these and other initiatives at TOTABC.org.

Vote TOTA for World's Responsible Tourism Award 2023 by November 17

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been nominated for the World's Responsible Tourism Award 2023 in the 30th annual World Travel Awards.

The World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

TOTA has received the World Travel Award for Responsible Tourism four consecutive years and is honoured to be nominated once again in this category.

Achieving this recognition again would help TOTA spread the word on how the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry and our organization are working to offer tourism services in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Voting is open for the World Travel Awards Caribbean and Americas categories until midnight November 17, 2023.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to register and vote for TOTA in category 277. World's Responsible Tourism Award.

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How It Works

Votes can be cast by travel professionals, media, and tourism consumers, with the nominee gaining the most votes in each category announced as the winner.

Double Your Votes

Votes cast by industry voters will count as two votes. When you register, check the Travel Industry box to provide your company details, then submit a minimum of 10 votes.

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Background

About the World Travel Awards™

World Travel Awards™ was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards™ brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

Learn More

About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia and the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.

TOTA is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.

Learn More

Share your input on new provincial disaster financial assistance regulations

British Columbians are invited to provide input to help shape and improve new emergency-management regulations.

Public engagement is open until Dec. 31, 2023, to gather input on the development of two new regulations under the recently introduced emergency and disaster management act.

Individuals, communities and small businesses are invited to share written feedback or take part in virtual workshops in November.

Participate in the public engagement

Virtual Workshops for Businesses

• Wednesday, November 1, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

• Friday, November 10, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

• Friday, November 17, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Register

Background

A post-emergency financial-assistance regulation will replace the existing Compensation and Disaster Financial Assistance Regulation. The Province is also seeking feedback on new regulations to supplement and complete provisions under the new legislation for local authorities.

The emergency and disaster management act, introduced on Oct. 3, 2023, incorporates lessons learned from recent emergencies and reflects modern risks and realities, including climate change. The legislation adheres to the United Nations’ best practices for disaster-risk reduction and incorporates all four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

View announcement

Travel Order Impact Survey

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) are working together to assess the immediate and long-term impacts on Thompson Okanagan tourism stakeholders from Accommodation Travel Restrictions (Southern Interior Areas) Order by the Province of BC, originally effective August 19 - September 4, 2023.

TOTA and BCHA are conducting a survey to collect details on the impacts of the order on tourism operations to present a summary of the findings to the BC Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture, and Sport (MTACS) to share with the other ministries.

Survey

The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Your input is critical to understanding the impact of the order on businesses.

If you represent more than one business, please complete additional surveys for each business so that we have a better understanding of the impact of the order.

To complete the survey, go to https://TOTABC.org/Survey

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Additional Support

We understand this is a challenging time for businesses. The TOTA team would like to help. If you have any questions or concerns to discuss, please email Recovery@TOTABC.com.

Thompson Okanagan Wage Survey by go2HR | Submit by April 14, 2023

go2HR is conducting a confidential wage survey for tourism and hospitality employers in the Thompson Okanagan region. The survey aims to compile current, region-specific wage information to help Thompson Okanagan employers make informed decisions about their business planning for the upcoming summer season and beyond.

The survey is open until April 14, 2023 and participants will receive a report in May 2023 with region-specific wage information to assist employers in making informed business decisions. Results will not be shared publicly.

The goal for this survey is to provide results in a timely manner so that employers can use real-time data to inform their business planning the upcoming summer season and beyond.

If successful, the survey will be repeated on an annual basis.

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Background

Why a wage survey?

The go2HR Regional HR Advisory Services team recognized a need for current, region-specific wage information through go2HR's ongoing work with employers in the Thompson Okanagan region and many requests over the past years.

Credible wage surveys are valuable in any economic environment. They provide statistical insights into the markets in which you compete for employee skills. A better understanding of current salary ranges in the region allow you to build your own compensation structures more effectively.

Many large companies complete these salary surveys for different occupations, such as for sales and marketing, accounting, and human resources. The results are typically broken down by large[r] geographic areas like cities across the country (Vancouver, Calgary, etc.). They do not allow for, or typically poll, smaller centres like the Thompson Okanagan tourism region.

This survey is intended as a truly regional solution in a similar way that the go2HR Employment Tracker provides region-specific data to track changes in employment and major trends in our industry and to monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19. 

Why now?

As part of the HR Advisory Services initiative that began early in the summer of 2022, wages have emerged as a key theme for businesses several regions. By conducting a regional wage survey, Thompson Okanagan employers will have data that can be used to inform their practices and prepare for the upcoming summer season and beyond.

This Regional Wage Survey began as a 2-year pilot project in the fall of 2022 in the Kootenay Rockies Tourism region. Building on its success, the survey, and methodology, go2HR is now offering the survey to employers in the Thompson Okanagan region. If successful, this will be repeated on an annual basis.

What’s in it for my business?

When you sign up to participate, you get access to all the results. These results will not be shared with the general public or any non-participating businesses, and could give you a ‘leg up’ in this highly competitive market for talent.

The “ask” of participating businesses:  

After you sign up to participate, you will be asked to provide the following information:

• Sector and size of business

• Sub-region within the Thompson Okanagan in which the business is located

• Entry level wages for each position on the list that you have in your business.  

• Employment type - seasonal, year-round, or if both

• Seasonal bonuses and, if so, the amount

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Positions to Be Surveyed

Leadership

• Housekeeping supervisor

• Executive housekeeper

• Front Desk Supervisor

• Front Office Manager

• Accounting Supervisor

• F&B Supervisor

• F&B Manager

• Chef de Partie

• Sous Chef

• Executive Chef

• Retail Manager

• Activities Manager or Operations

• Manager

• Golf Supervisor

Entry Level

• Room attendant or housekeeper

• House person or room checker

• Laundry attendant

• Front Desk Agent

• Night Auditor

• Server

• Bartender

• Dishwasher

• Line or Prep Cook or Cook

• Retail attendant or associate

• Activities attendant

• Activity Coordinator

• Activity Guide

• Turf care specialist

• Golf Services Agent or Specialist

• Beverage Cart Host or Server

• Maintenance Worker

• Bus Driver

For more info, please email HR@go2HR.ca.

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Spread the Word

Please share this opportunity with HR and management team members at your company and with other tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region.

7 Celebrations Thompson Okanagan Event Sponsorship Opportunities | Express interest by Friday, November 25

TOTA is seeking sponsors for the Canadian Heritage Reopening Event Series, “7 Celebrations - Reconnect in the Thompson Okanagan” being hosted in seven communities around the Thompson Okanagan region.

The events celebrate Thompson Okanagan communities and their culture through live events featuring storytelling, local performers, artisans, and activities that engage audiences through hands-on and culturally immersive experiences.

These multi-day events will draw locals and visitors to reconnect in the region and enjoy a weekend of entertainment and educational experiences within each community. The events will take place throughout the winter season, beginning in October 2022 and ending in March 2023.

You can sponsor one event in your target community or sponsor several (or all) events in the series for maximum exposure throughout the region.

The upcoming events are:

Reconnecting in the South Okanagan
Summerland
February 18 - 20, 2023
Expected audience - 1000 attendees

Reconnecting in Sun Peaks
Sun Peaks
March 3 - 5, 2023
Expected audience - 1000 attendees

Reconnecting in Gold Country
Cache Creek
March 24 - 26, 2023
Expected audience - 2500 attendees

Reconnecting in the South Okanagan
Oliver and Osoyoos
November 25 - 26, 2022
Expected audience - 4000 attendees

Reconnecting in the North Okanagan
Vernon and Silver Star

February 3 - 5, 2023
Expected audience - 20,000 attendees

Reconnecting in the Boundary
Christina Lake
January 27 - 29, 2023
Expected audience - 1000 attendees

For events details, visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/7-celebrations

For more information, contact:

Brad Krauza
Publisher, Promoter, Sales & Marketing
brad@gonzookanagan.com | 250-899-2112

Barbara Bonnough
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre Manager
Barbara@TOTABC.com | (778) 752-5877

Winery & Cidery Sustainability Research Project | Get Involved by November 22, 2022

Share Your Sustainability Journey in a Short Interview to Support UVIC MBA Students to Guide Provincial Policy

A team of University of Victoria Gustavson School of Business MBA students are conducting research to better understand sustainability concerns of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry.

Wineries and cideries at all stages in their sustainability journey are invited to share their experiences in a 1-hour journey mapping interview.

The journey mapping interviews will focus on the experience of tourism operators from when they initially consider environmental sustainability services and products, through to the purchase (or not), service delivery, and outcomes and expectations.

Responses will support the BC Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture, and Sport (MTACS)’s policy approach to environmental sustainability by providing an understanding of the experience of tourism operators in adopting environmental sustainability practices. The report will be shared with TOTA and other regional DMOs in B.C. in 2023.

Interview data will be anonymous and the process is governed by Gustavson School of Business’s Business Standards of Professional Behaviour.

Interviews must be completed by November 22, 2022.

To schedule an interview, please contact the team liaison, Jagdeep Bawa, at JagdeepB@UVIC.ca.

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Industry Sustainability Survey | Closes December 2

Take the Survey by December 2 and Enter to Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is conducting an industry-wide survey to understand the current sustainability practices of tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region, and how to best support sustainability efforts in the coming years.

Thompson Okanagan tourism company owners and senior managers are invited to submit the survey. Every survey submission will be entered into a draw for an opportunity to win one of two $100 Amazon Gift Cards as a thank you for your time. The draw is limited to one entry per company.

Survey responses will provide a better understanding of current tourism industry sustainability health, efforts, and appetite, which will guide the development of the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program in 2023.

The Biosphere Commitment Program helps tourism companies make continuous progress toward the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by establishing collaborative synergies within the regional tourism industry (Learn more). The program enables TOTA to continuously work with tourism businesses to create a more resilient, healthy, and regenerative tourism industry in the region.

The survey will take 5-10 minutes and will close on Friday, December 2, 2022. Winners will be notified the following week.