News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Community Meets Adventure in Blue River
Community meets adventure in Blue River
Where Community Meets Adventure – Discover Life in Blue River!
Imagine waking up to breathtaking mountain views, endless outdoor adventures, and the warmth of a welcoming community. Blue River, BC, isn’t just a place—it’s a lifestyle.
Why Blue River?
Nestled in the heart of untouched wilderness
Endless opportunities for outdoor recreation: hiking, skiing, kayaking, and more!
A tight-knit, supportive community
The perfect balance of tranquility and modern conveniences
Whether you’re seeking a fresh start, a new adventure, or a place to grow, Blue River is calling!
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 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. Applications will open in January 2025.
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
Nominate organizations and individuals for BC Tourism Industry Awards by January 8, 2025.
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 registration for the Tourism Industry Conference is now available.
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.
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 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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