News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Wellness Travel BC Creates Online Wellness Travel Directory
Wellness Travel BC has created an online directory featuring 60 partners that showcases wellness tips, trends, and experiences to wellness travellers.
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.
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
Register today for the free virtual Decarbonization and Climate Action workshop on October 16, 2024.
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
Read about the Sustainability Commitments that cements Destination Canada's position as a global leader in business event sustainability and positions Canadian destinations toward the industry's 2050 net zero targets
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 Thompson Okanagan is featured in the National Climate Leagues 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 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
Local Escapes explores the Similkameen Valley in partnership with DBC.
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.
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Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Showcasing Grand Forks Recovery From 2018 Floods
In 2018, severe flooding occurred in Grand Forks, B.C. but the community has made significant strides in recovery and resilience. This video from the Government of BC highlights the efforts.
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.
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 looking for a Marketing Manager for a 12-15 month contract starting October 2024.
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
Tourism Marketing Committee: Call for Applications 2025-2027 Term
Destination BC is seeking representatives for its Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) beginning on January 1, 2025.
Destination BC is seeking representatives for its Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) beginning on January 1, 2025.
There is one available, three-year term position in the Thompson Okanagan, running until December 31, 2027.
Interested applicants should possess the following experience and skills, to complement those of the current members:
Understanding of the tourism industry, its issues, trends, and opportunities.
Experience with destination marketing on a global, national, and/or provincial scale demonstrating a thorough understanding of the tourism industry.
Experience with destination management with a focus on industry development/training, cooperative programming, sustainable tourism development, visitor management strategies, resident engagement and familiarity with provincial, regional, or local destination development strategies.
Plus, at least one of the following, as an area of specific expertise:
Sector knowledge – representative of one of our 2025 priority industry or experience sectors or stakeholders including wine, culinary, golf, fishing, camping, transportation, etc.
An owner/operator/senior manager of a tourism business based in BC.
Learn more about the TMC and read the full Terms of Reference.
Visit the TMC homepage for more information.
BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops “Conservation Minutes” YouTube Series on Fire Prevention
The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops hosts educational YouTube series called "Conservation Minutes." This month's episode is on fire prevention.
The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops hosts educational YouTube series called "Conservation Minutes." This series offers practical, actionable, advice on how people, businesses, and organizations can make changes to take care of the planet's ecosystems and wildlife.
From water conservation tips to poisonous plants for pets, these videos are designed to educate and inspire. The most recent installment is a fire prevention segment to help individuals and organization be more fire smart.
Learn more and watch the "Conservation Minutes" series on YouTube.
New Accessible Viewing Platform at Helmcken Falls
A new fully accessible viewing platform has opened at Helmcken Falls.
A new fully accessible viewing platform has opened at Helmcken Falls, ensuring visitors of all abilities can experience the iconic waterfall while also enhancing the park’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Wells Gray Provincial Park invites visitors to plan their trips as they offer the beauty of the park to a broader audience.
Learn more about the newly opened platform from the full press release.
Indigenous Tourism BC Job Opportunity: Indigenous Tourism Specialists
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is looking for candidates for an Indigenous Tourism Specialist position.
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is looking for candidates for an Indigenous Tourism Specialist position in four of the province’s regions including the Thompson Okanagan.
This is a full-time position and the Indigenous Tourism Specialist will support the advancement of Indigenous Tourism by providing responsible and respectful regional-specific support through meaningful engagement with local communities and tourism partners.
Interested candidates can submit a cover letter, resume, and references to gail@IndigenousBC.com by August 9, 2024.