The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Noble Ridge Vineyards & Winery has achieved Biosphere Certification, the first winery within the Thompson Okanagan region to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability management by aligning business operations with each United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Read MoreJoin TOTA in welcoming Watermark Beach Resort to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. The team at Watermark Beach Resort is implementing sustainable practices to minimize environmental impacts while contributing to the well-being and longevity of the region.
Read MoreJoin TOTA in welcoming Sharpe Distillery to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. Situated in Cawston, BC, this family-owned distillery crafts locally sourced spirits paying homage to their heritage. Becoming Biosphere Committed marks a significant milestone in their journey towards sustainable business practices.
Read MoreThe Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has increased calls for action after the announcement of invasive mussels in a tributary to the Columbia River, which connects to the Okanagan. The OBWB began calling for a temporary moratorium on watercraft coming into BC. Support for the moratorium has been gathering steam with letters coming in from BC municipalities, chambers of commerce, TOTA, and others.
The Don't Move a Mussel campaign website has resources to learn more about risks and prevention, and to raise awareness.
Read MoreKelowna International Airport (YLW) will welcome the Sutton Place Hotel and a new parking structure next to the airport terminal.
Read MoreTourism Kamloops is on the hunt for a new CEO, someone who is a passionate leader to champion and drive the visitor economy in Kamloops - to be a spokesperson for this vibrant community.
Please help spread the word about this amazing job opportunity.
Read MorePacific Coastal Airlines has recently added additional flights to the Thompson Okanagan. The additional routes expand their services to every day of the week.
Read MoreThe first Iconic brand to launch from Destination BC’s Invest in Iconics strategy is now live for the world to see. Rainforest to Rockies, is an iconic Canadian journey along ever-changing landscapes, inspiring travellers to visit more places in the province.
Read MoreQuality Inn and Suites Vernon has achieved Biosphere Certification, becoming the first hotel within the Thompson Okanagan region to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability management. With the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform, the certification was completed in six months. TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program is available to help organizations.
Read MoreOn November 29, a Thompson Rivers University (TRU) student, Owyn McInnis, died and two others, Owen Waterhouse and Riley Brinnen, were seriously injured after a crash near the school’s campus in Kamloops.
This is a tremendous tragedy in the region and our hearts go out to everyone involved. Those that wish to support can make a donation to Riley’s GoFundMe page, Owen’s GoFundMe page, or the TRU Owyn McInnis Memorial Men's Volleyball Athletic Award.
Read MoreThe Highway 3 Tourism Alliance - a collaboration led by three regional destination marketing organizations (Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains) - launched a new website Hwy3BC.ca encouraging travellers to take the ‘winding route to adventure’.
Read MoreOkanagan Crush Pad Group of Wineries Transition to 100% Renewable Natural Gas
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Initiative Significantly Reduces Industry Carbon Footprint
Read MoreThe Thompson Okanagan Indigenous Tourism team has compiled information resources for Indigenous tourism operators to reference and share.
For events happening throughout the region in honour National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/indigenous.
Read MoreThe Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is commending Thompson Okanagan businesses and those that service the region for offering solutions for residents and visitors in response to the ongoing Highway 97 road closure between Peachland and Summerland due to the August 28th landslide.
Read MoreThe BC Regional Tourism Secretariat shared a statement on how provincial, regional, and community organisations are working to improve outcomes for destinations in a crisis situation.
Read MoreMoon Curser Vineyards is a boutique, family-owned winery on the East Bench of Osoyoos with a focus on making premium wines from old-world grape varieties not previously planted in the Okanagan, such as Tannat, Dolcetto, and Touriga Nacional.
Read MoreThe BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops has recently made significant upgrades to its facilities to increase accessibility and inclusivity. The park’s next focus for upgrades is the children’s playground, with plans to add inclusive equipment and sensory stations to allow children to play together.
Read MoreGet to know the communities of the Thompson Okanagan region, such as the vibrant Village of Valemount, situated along the Yellowhead Highway just twenty minutes from Mount Robson. Tourism Valemount is a Biosphere Committed Destination and participates in sustainability initiatives such as releasing salmon into waterways.
Read MorePacifiCan funding for 17 projects in the Thompson Okanagan through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and the Tourism Relief Fund. Communities benefiting from funding include Kelowna, Penticton, Peachland, Vernon, Summerland, Keremeos, and Osoyoos.
TOTA received funding to conduct sustainability assessments for tourism businesses to help them implement sustainable and environmentally responsible operational practices. More details will be shared shortly.
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