ETSI-BC Has Been Approved for Over $800,000 in Funding for the Southern Interior

The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) has been approved for $804,230 in funding to support 26 projects that will help support the economic growth of the Southern Interior of B.C.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is among the 26 other approved projects that will receive funding from ETSI-BC.

Read the full press release for information about the project.

Global Sustainable Tourism Council Attraction Criteria Early Adoption Program

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has launched an early adopter program for the GSTC attraction criteria.

The early adoption program will begin in January 2025, interested parties can find more information about the program’s activities and applications here.

BC Tourism Industry Conference Award Nomination Open Until January 8

The BC Tourism Industry Conference Awards recognize and celebrate the leadership, innovation, and excellence in the BC tourism industry.

These awards will be presented at the conference Awards Gala evening on March 6, 2025.

Nominations are open until January 8, 2025.

Early Bird Pricing Available for BC Tourism Industry Conference 2025

Early bird rates are available until January 15, 2025, for the BC Tourism Industry Conference 2025.

Register for the conference on March 5-7, 2025 in Vancouver, BC.

UN Tourism Finds Travel Spending Growing Faster Than Arrivals

UN Tourism has found that global tourism is set to recover by the end of the year. Destinations are exceeding 2019 numbers, and the global tourism sector has recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels.

Read the full release by UN Tourism for full details.

The “Spark” Mentorship and Grants Program Brings Innovative Ideas to Boundary Country

Boundary Country has officially announced a new program to support innovative tourism ideas in the area.

The “Spark” Mentorship and Grants Program matches selected applicants with tourism mentors and provides a $3000 grant to develop and support new or current tourism ideas that encourage longer stays, address tourism needs, and enhance experiences in the region.

Interested applicants can apply by January 6, 2025.

For more information about the Boundary “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program and upcoming Info Sessions, visit https://www.tourisminnovation.ca/boundarycountry.html

ITBC Leads the Development of a BC First Nations-led Tourism Destination Fund

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has been appointed by the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) to lead the development of a BC First Nations-led tourism destination fund.

This fund will prioritize a distinctions-based approach in alignment with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act). 

Surfrider Bye Bye Mini Bottles Campaign

Surfrider has launched its “Bye Bye Mini Bottles” campaign to eliminate single-use amenities from accommodations and embrace reusable amenities in British Columbia.

Interested businesses can learn more about the campaign and sign the business support form.

Wellness Travel BC Creates Online Wellness Travel Directory

Wellness Travel BC has created a mobile-first online wellness travel directory that features 'wellness to transformative travel experiences' at award-winning hotels, resorts, attractions, and community destinations.

This accessible resource will feature easily searchable experiences, wellness trends, tips, reviews, blogs, contests, podcasts, videos, and wellness travel features, all in one place.

Explore the directory here.

Tourism Kelowna Destination Video Wins Cannes International Media & TV Award

Tourism Kelowna received the Silver Dolphin award at the 2024 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards in the ‘Tourism Films Destinations—Cities’ category.

The video, titled “Explore More of Kelowna in All Seasons,” showcases the tourism experiences available year-round in and around Kelowna.

Watch the award-winning video.

Register for BCTCRI’s 5th Workshop: Decarbonization and Climate Action

Join Synergy Enterprises on October 16, 2024, for a free virtual workshop that explores innovative strategies and initiatives for reducing carbon emissions in the tourism industry.

This workshop is part of the British Columbia Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI) Project Four: Community Destination Stewardship Initiative.

Destination Canada Launches Interactive Incentive Map

Destination Canada’s Business Events website now features an interactive map of incentive experiences across Canada. Potential clients are invited to explore awe-inspiring experiences in unique destinations from coast to coast to coast, with filters including Experience Type and Economic Sector.

Read the Destination Canada Sustainability Storybook

Destination Canada has released a national program to improve the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental sustainability practices of business events hosted in Canada.

Through its sustainability commitment Destination Canada invites you to read the Sustainability Storybook which presents practical solutions to implement sustainable changes to business events across Canada.

Thompson Okanagan Featured in the National Climate League 2023 Report

The 6th edition of the National Climate League Standings report by the National Climate League (NCL) is now available. Explore data collected from over 50 municipalities, including those in the Thompson Okanagan. This data features detailed policy scans, data visualizations, and in-depth analysis.

Download your copy today to see the latest municipal climate action in Canada and the region.

Get Involved: Help Shape the Future of the TNRD Parks and Trails System

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is inviting residents to take a short survey about their experiences at the park to help shape the future of TNRD parks and trail systems.

The Parks and Trails Strategic Plan will evaluate the existing assets, designate community or regional parks, identify opportunities for future development, and more.

The survey is open until October 7, 2024. Read more about the strategic plan and take the survey.

Local Escapes: Similkameen Valley

Join Liem Vu and Local Escapes and experience Keremeos fruit stands, The Grist Mill and Gardens, a horseback winery tour with Equines and Wine, and more in the Similkameen Valley.

Add tags for

• Any relevant companies: DBC, Destination Canada, TIABC etc.

• Any relevant sub regions: North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, South Okanagan, Similkameen, North Thompson, South Thompson, Gold Country, Boundary Country, Shuswap

• Sectors

• Wine & Spirits

• Accommodation

• Transportation

• Outdoor Adventures

• CDMOs

Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Showcasing Grand Forks Recovery From 2018 Floods

In 2018, the spring thaw caused intense flooding in Grand Forks, B.C. Many people lost their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Six years later, the community has come a long way towards recovery and built up resilience to handle extreme weather in the future. A video release from the Government of BC shows the extraordinary efforts, and stories on the path to future flood mitigation, and how far they have come, in the city of Grand Forks.

Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Business and Workforce Survey

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is inviting businesses, residents, and local workers to complete a short survey to understand the needs of local businesses and the workforce, as well as the perceptions of business owners and employee’s regarding working and doing business in the region.

Survey respondents can enter to win one of two $150 prepaid Visas or one of two $100 local business gift baskets.

The survey is open until September 30, 2024.

Tourism Kamloops Launches New Website & Brand Refresh

Tourism Kamloops has announced the official launch of the brand-new website and refreshed Tourism Kamloops brand.

The new website features images and videos as well as increased mobile optimization for more mobile-friendly browsing.

The refreshed branding, including colours, language, and logos, reflects the true nature of Kamloops - rugged landscapes, sunny skies, wide open spaces, and a vibrant blend of urban culture.

Learn more about the full Tourism Kamloops brand refresh.

Job Opportunity: Marketing Manager - Travel Penticton

Travel Penticton is searching for a full-time Marketing Manager for a 12-15 month contract starting in October 2024.

Please send your resume and cover letter to employment@visitpenticton.com