News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Okanagan Valley Nominated for 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards | Vote by July 18
The Okanagan Valley has been nominated for USA Today’s 2022 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards! An expert panel selected Okanagan Valley as a contender for Best Wine Region category, out of more than 250 North American grapegrowing regions.
Voting ends Monday, July 18 and winners will be announced on 10Best on July 29 at 9AM PT.
The Okanagan Valley has been nominated for USA Today’s 2022 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards! An expert panel selected Okanagan Valley as a contender for Best Wine Region category, out of more than 250 North American grapegrowing regions.
Voting ends Monday, July 18 and winners will be announced on 10Best on July 29 at 9AM PT.
BC Wine Industry Recognition Awards Nomination | Submit by May 31
Wine Growers BC (WGBC) is now accepting nominations for the BC Industry Awards in two categories:
Award of Distinction (winery)
Recognizes a winery representative for their outstanding leadership, commitment, and passion for the advancement of the British Columbia wine industry. Established in 2016.
Industry Recognition Award (non-winery)
The award honours a non-winery industry individual, business or organization for support of the BC wine industry and BC VQA Wine through media, research, policy, regulation, education, advocacy, or other means significantly contributing to the overall strength and long-term viability of the industry. Established in 2013.
Nomination Criteria
The criteria for both awards are based on the core values of Wines of British Columbia. As part of your nomination, you must be able to detail how your nominee:
Has promoted and enhanced the premium quality perception of BC wine.
Has demonstrated outstanding leadership with industry peers, fostering unity and community.
Is dedicated to offering excellence in BC wine hospitality and/or advancing sustainability.
Exhibits an unmatched passion reflected in their work through innovations or achievements.
Please take five minutes to submit a nomination by 5:00 PM Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
Wine Growers BC (WGBC) is now accepting nominations for the BC Industry Awards in two categories:
Award of Distinction (winery)
Recognizes a winery representative for their outstanding leadership, commitment, and passion for the advancement of the British Columbia wine industry. Established in 2016.
Industry Recognition Award (non-winery)
The award honours a non-winery industry individual, business or organization for support of the BC wine industry and BC VQA Wine through media, research, policy, regulation, education, advocacy, or other means significantly contributing to the overall strength and long-term viability of the industry. Established in 2013.
Nomination Criteria
The criteria for both awards are based on the core values of Wines of British Columbia. As part of your nomination, you must be able to detail how your nominee:
Has promoted and enhanced the premium quality perception of BC wine.
Has demonstrated outstanding leadership with industry peers, fostering unity and community.
Is dedicated to offering excellence in BC wine hospitality and/or advancing sustainability.
Exhibits an unmatched passion reflected in their work through innovations or achievements.
Please take five minutes to submit a nomination by 5:00 PM Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
Small Business BC Awards Thompson Okanagan Finalists | Attend the Free Virtual Awards Gala on April 28
The Small Business BC Awards finalists have been selected and winners will be announced at the Virtual Awards Presentation on April 28, 2022.
Register for a FREE ticket and secure your place to celebrate the best of BC’s small business community.
Thompson Okanagan finalists include Friendly Composting Inc. and Afrofusion, both in Kamloops.
The Small Business BC Awards finalists have been selected and winners will be announced at the Virtual Awards Presentation on April 28, 2022.
Register for a FREE ticket and secure your place to celebrate the best of BC’s small business community.
Thompson Okanagan Finalists
Business Impact Award
Friendly Composting Inc.
Kamloops
Friendly Composting provides weekly compost pick up and local product delivery in beautiful, Kamloops BC. Founders Katie Forsyth and Claire McLoughlin are on a mission to make it simple for you to make an impact and choose LOCAL!
Premier's Peoples Choice
Afrofusion
Kamloops
Afrofusion is a black-owned business that provides tasty African and western cuisine to the people of Kamloops and beyond. To the founders, Afrofusion is more than just food; it is a feeling and a representation of hopes, dreams, perseverance, and community service.
Small Business BC Awards - Vote for Thompson Okanagan Nominees
The Small Business BC Awards are open for nominations and voting until February 28, 2022. This year’s competition consists of two categories, the Business Impact Award and the returning Premier’s People’s Choice Award.
The Thompson Okanagan small business nominees are:
Click the profile links to cast your vote and support these outstanding small businesses!
The Small Business BC Awards are open for nominations and voting until February 28, 2022. This year’s competition consists of two categories, the Business Impact Award and the returning Premier’s People’s Choice Award.
The Thompson Okanagan small business finalists are:
Click the profile links to cast your vote and support these outstanding small businesses!
Once a small business is nominated, they must gain as many public votes as possible. The businesses with the most votes in the SBBC Business Impact Award category will be narrowed down to the top twenty, then judged by an internal panel of business experts to select the Top Five finalists. The Top 5 Finalists will be invited to present to a panel of judges.
The winner of the Premier’s People’s Choice award will be selected based on the most votes, after a normalization process to allow for regional populations.
On April 28, 2022, a virtual gala will be hosted by Small Business BC to announce and honour the winners.
Nominate a Business for Small Business BC Awards | Closes Feb 28, 2022
The annual Small Business BC Awards present an opportunity to showcase owners of small businesses and validate their efforts, highlighting the impact they make in our lives.
Nominations and voting for the 2022 SBBC Awards are open until February 28, 2022.
Winners and finalists split a prize pool of $15,000. Taking part is easy - nominate your business, or a business you love for a Small Business BC Award today!
The annual Small Business BC Awards present an opportunity to showcase owners of small businesses and validate their efforts, highlighting the impact they make in our lives.
Nominations and voting for the 2022 SBBC Awards are open until February 28, 2022.
There are two categories this year:
The Business Impact Award; goes to the business owner(s) that are truly making a difference. - Awarded to the Top 3
Premier’s People’s Choice Award; presented to a BC-based small business that can demonstrate they have the unwavering and loyal support of their community. - One winner
Note: Winners and finalists split a prize pool of $15,000. Taking part is easy - nominate your business, or a business you love for a Small Business BC Award today!
Nominations Open for 2021 Canadian Tourism Awards
If you have a business or an employee in mind that deserves to be recognized for their success in one of the 2021 Canadian Tourism Award categories, submit your nomination before August 31, 2021.
The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada to recognize success, leadership, and innovation in Canada's tourism industry.
This year the tourism industry has demonstrated true resilience and a remarkable commitment to continuing to provide top-quality experiences and services to travelers.
If you have a business or an employee in mind that deserves to be recognized for their success in one of the 2021 Canadian Tourism Award categories, submit your nomination before August 31, 2021.
Nominations Open for Lonely Planet Best In Travel Readers' Choice Awards: Cast Your Vote!
Lonely Planet is calling for nominations for the Readers’ Choice Awards, to share and celebrate your favourite destinations, organizations, products, or experiences. The Readers’ Choice Awards will be completely selected by users’ vote, which is open now until December 31. Voting is a free and all that’s required is an email address.
Lonely Planet is calling for nominations for the Readers’ Choice Awards, to share and celebrate your favourite destinations, organizations, products, or experiences. The Readers’ Choice Awards will be completely selected by users’ vote, which is open now until December 31. Winners will be announced in January.
Voting is a free and all that’s required is an email address.
New this year, Lonely Planet has created award categories to highlight key areas of how travel has grown and evolved:
Sustainability
Community
Diversity
Vote for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Businesses
You can share and celebrate your favourite Thompson Okanagan tourism industry businesses to help them jumpstart operations when the time is right. You can vote for multiple destinations, organizations, and/or experiences.
In particular, consider entering nominations for the following subcategories:
Sustainability
Storyteller
Walks
Wildlife Program
Food Destination
Cycling Route
Accommodation
City Stay
Community
Tour
Accommodation
Revitalization
Restoration
Storyteller
Small Business
Tourism Project
Diversity
Accessible Destination
Indigenous Food
Inclusive Tours
Cultural Diversity
Welcoming Destination
Click images to download and feel free to share.
Cast Your Vote For Thompson Okanagan as a Sustainable Destination
We would appreciate your nomination to showcase the collective efforts of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry to welcome visitors sustainably and responsibly. Guided by the 10-year regional strategy, Embracing Our Potential, developed with community input in 2012 and updated in 2019, the Thompson Okanagan region aims to be a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
For more information, contact:
Thompson Okanagan Wins World's Responsible Tourism Award for the Third Consecutive Year
Among the world's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) was named the 2020 World’s Responsible Tourism Award Winner for the third consecutive year at the 27th Annual World Travel Awards. This announcement follows TOTA’s win of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in November, and recognizes many years of continued leadership efforts to exceed global standards of sustainable tourism.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelowna, B.C. - Among the world's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) was named the 2020 World’s Responsible Tourism Award Winner for the third consecutive year at the 27th Annual World Travel Awards. This announcement follows TOTA’s win of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in November, and recognizes many years of continued leadership efforts to exceed global standards of sustainable tourism.
World Travel Awards Announcement Video
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is honoured to receive the World's Responsible Tourism Award from the 2020 World Travel Awards.
"We are honoured and grateful to be recognized for a third time with this prestigious global award for our continued commitment to responsible destination management and stewardship," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "I would like to sincerely thank the World Travel Awards for this recognition, as well as our board, staff, partners, and stakeholders, without whom this would not have been possible.”
The World Travel Awards is the international benchmark for recognizing excellence in the travel industry, with voting conducted by industry professionals from around the globe.
The concept of "responsible tourism" has gained new meaning this year and, alongside continued sustainability efforts, TOTA pivoted resources to support local tourism businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic by providing one-on-one support, training, education, and advocacy through the Tourism Resiliency Program.
"It has been a truly challenging year for the travel and tourism industry. Through new trials and tribulations, the well-being and resiliency of our natural, social, and cultural environment remains at the core of our efforts," said Mandziuk. "The tourism operators of the Thompson Okanagan region have displayed impressive resiliency."
The Thompson Okanagan looks forward to welcoming and hosting the World Travel Awards North America Gala Ceremony at Predator Ridge Resort in Vernon this Autumn 2021, marking the first time that the World Travel Awards will be hosted in Canada. The 2020 World Travel Awards were planned to take place in the Thompson Okanagan in November 2020, however were moved to a virtual stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
TOTA has achieved local and international recognition in the form of designations, certifications, affiliations, and awards. For a full list, visit TOTABC.org/Recognition.
For a complete list of 2020 World Travel Award Winners, visit WorldTravelAwards.com.
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Background
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. It 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. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.
About the World Travel Awards (WTA):
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit WorldTravelAwards.com.
For More Information:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
e: Industry@TOTABC.com
p: (236) 361-4433
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Receives North America’s Responsible Tourism Award from World Travel Awards for Third Consecutive Year
World Travel Awards (WTA) revealed 2020's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands in North America this morning via a virtual event. The World Travel Awards announced that the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been acknowledged with "North America's Responsible Tourism Award" for the third consecutive year.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelowna, B.C. (November 6, 2020) - World Travel Awards (WTA) revealed 2020's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands in North America this morning via a virtual event. The World Travel Awards announced that the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been acknowledged with "North America's Responsible Tourism Award" for the third consecutive year.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is honoured to receive the World Travel Awards 2020 North America Responsible Tourism Award for the third time.
"On behalf of myself the Board of Directors and our entire team at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association we are extremely honoured to once again receive this award for our ongoing commitment to Responsible and Sustainable Tourism," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "Never before in the history of our industry have we faced the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has only highlighted the need for all of us to work collaboratively on building back a more sustainable, resilient, and responsible tourism industry. We appreciate and thank the World Travel Awards for recognizing the dedicated work of our association for the third year running and can assure you that this will be a continued focus of our efforts in the months and years to come."
Over the past several years the Thompson Okanagan region has garnered attention for its collective efforts to support the tourism industry in a manner that respects its social, cultural, environmental, and economic foundations. This year the association pivoted their team and resources to support stakeholders through the initial and ensuing days of the pandemic by providing one-on-one support, training, education, and advocacy through the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) Tourism Resiliency Program designed to guide stakeholders through this unprecedented time.
"As we work to build a new and different future for the tourism industry, success will not be possible without continued strong leadership, support, and innovation by the Provincial Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Destination British Columbia, community tourism organizations, and First Nations partners, as well as over 4,500 member industry stakeholders from across the region," said Mandziuk. “We have a great team of professionals at TOTA who are a true reflection of the strong efforts that have been undertaken. To be recognized for these efforts is truly special for us all.”
““The unrivalled dedication to sustainable tourism of Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association was acknowledged with ‘North America’s Responsible Tourism Award’. Nestled in an idyllic corner of British Columbia, the Thompson Okanagan region is blessed with untapped natural beauty, a rich indigenous culture and a thriving culinary scene.””
The World Travel Awards™ acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence across key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. The 2020 World Travel Awards were planned to take place in the Thompson Okanagan this November, however were moved to a virtual stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Thompson Okanagan looks forward to welcoming and hosting the World Travel Awards in the fall of 2021.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a nominee for the World's Responsible Tourism Award 2020. TOTA was the recipient of the 2018 and 2019 World’s Responsible Tourism Award for work and commitment to sustainability. Voting has closed and the World Travel Awards will announce the winners in the near future.
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For More Information:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
e: Industry@TOTABC.com
p: (236) 361-4433
Background
ABOUT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit WorldTravelAwards.com.
ABOUT THE THOMPSON OKANAGAN TOURISM ASSOCIATION (TOTA)
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, & Sport. It 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. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.
17 Medals Awarded to Kamloops Wineries Including Best White Wine of the Year to Monte Creek Ranch Winery
Kamloops, BC, July 29, 2020 – Kamloops Wineries make a statement at the 2020 All Canadian Wine Championships winning a record breaking 17 medals including Best White Wine of the Year awarded to Monte Creek Ranch Winery for their 2018 Reserve Riesling.
Established in 1981, the All Canadian Wine Championships marks it 40th year judging the country’s top wines. 805 wines from 130 wineries across the country entered the competition this year. Using the 100-point scale, a panel of 11 esteemed judges assessed the wines based on sensory components, wine structure, varietal character, and overall quality.
Impressive scores bestowed upon three Kamloops Wineries; Harper’s Trail, Monte Creek Ranch, and Privato, resulted in the 17-medal showing including the region’s first ever Best White Wine of the Year Trophy going to Monte Creek Winery for their 2018 Reserve Riesling.
“We are beyond ecstatic to see the “Best White Wine of the Year Trophy” awarded to our very own Monte Creek Ranch Winery,” comments Trish Morelli, Executive Director, Kamloops Wineries Association. “This is a tremendous accomplishment and brings incredible honour and credibility to all of the wineries in the Thompson Valley. This recognition, combined with the 16 other medals won by our wineries, once again demonstrates the incredible quality, depth and skilled winemaking coming out of this region,” adds Morelli.
“I couldn’t be more of proud of our winemaking and viticulture teams,” says Erik Fisher, General
Manager of Monte Creek Ranch Winery. “It takes a tremendous amount of focus and precision to make great wine, and this recognition is a testament to the skill and hard work that goes into making a wine this special,” adds Fisher.
“The 2018 Thompson Valley Reserve Riesling is crafted from fruit grown on our two vineyard sites here in the South Thompson Valley,” comments Galen Barnhardt, Winemaker at Monte Creek Ranch. Riesling is well-adapted to our hot summers and cold winters, and we feel the future is bright for this variety in our region.”
The medal winning wines include:
• Best White Wine of the Year: Monte Creek Winery 2018 Riesling Reserve
• Gold: Monte Creek 2018 Varietal Series Riesling
• Gold: Monte Creek 2017 Hands Up Red
• Gold: Monte Creek 2018 Reserve Chardonnay
• Gold: Monte Creek 2018 Varietal Series Chardonnay
• Gold: Monte Creek 2019 Hands Up White
• Gold: Harper’s Trail 2019 Rose
• Gold: Harper’s Trail 2018 Cabernet Franc
• Gold: Privato 2017 Woodward Collection Merlot
• Silver: Harper’s Trail 2019 Pinot Gris
• Silver: Monte Creek N.V Split Decision Blueberry Grape Sparkling
• Silver: Monte Creek 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
• Silver: Monte Creek Winery 2017 Cabernet Merlot
• Bronze: Privato 2019 Gewurztraminer
• Bronze: Privato 2019 Pinot Gris
A Double Gold Medal also went to Privato sister company, Woodward Cider Co. for Hang Time Peach Infused craft cider.
These award winning wines can be found, while they last, in select retail outlets and restaurants
throughout BC, or ordered direct from the wineries at, montecreekranch.com, harperstrail.com, and privato.ca.
For more information on the Kamloops Wine Trail and members wineries visit kamloopswinetrail.com.
For more information on the All Canadian Wine Championships visit allcanadianwinechampionships.com
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES
Trish Morelli
604.788.8997
Trish.morelli@gmail.com
Monte Creek Ranch Winery Wins Best White Wine of the Year Award
Kamloops, BC – July 29, 2020: Monte Creek Ranch Winery is pleased to announce that nine wines were awarded medals at the 2020 All Canadian Wine Championships, including Best White Wine of the Year for their 2018 Thompson Valley Reserve Riesling in this national level wine competition.
Best White Wine of the Year: 2018 Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Reserve Riesling
Gold: 2018 Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Reserve Chardonnay
Gold: 2018 Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Varietal Series Chardonnay
Gold: 2018 Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Varietal Series Riesling
Gold: 2019 Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Hands Up White
Gold: 2017 Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Hands Up Red
Silver: N/V Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Fruit Sparkling ‘Split Decision’
Silver: 2017 Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Silver: 2017 Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Varietal Series Cabernet Merlot
Erik Fisher, General Manager of Monte Creek Ranch Winery, said: “I couldn’t be more of proud of our winemaking and viticulture teams. It takes a tremendous amount of focus and precision to make great wines. I see the dedication on a daily basis but this recognition is a testament to the skill and hard work that goes into making a wine this special.”
Winemaker Galen Barnhardt noted: “The 2018 Thompson Valley Reserve Riesling is crafted from fruit grown on our two vineyards here in the South Thompson Valley. Riesling is well adapted to our hot summers and cold winters here in the South Thompson, and we feel the future is bright for this variety in our region.”
About the 2020 All Canadian Wine Championships
The 40th annual judging of the All Canadian Wine Championship 2020 was completed on July 24, 2020. The field of entries included 805 wines from 130 wineries throughout Canada, including those in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Judges were comprised of the most experienced and unique pool of wine industry professionals including sommeliers, wine educators, bloggers, and members of the media. For more information visit: AllCanadianWineChampionships.com
About Monte Creek Ranch Winery
The Kamloops, BC area’s largest winery features award-winning wines, seasonal al fresco patio dining, and stunning river valley views. It was voted Kamloops’ Best Winery and Wedding Venue in 2020. Monte Creek Ranch Winery’s winemaking philosophy is to showcase the terroir of the South Thompson valley, where they produce Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other premium wines.
Wines are available at the winery, on the Monte Creek Ranch website, and at selected retail locations. The winery is also open for tastings daily until the end of September.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Marketing Manager
Danielle Belcourt
danielle@montecreekranch.com
MonteCreekRanch.com
Okanagan Valley A Winner in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 6, 2019
The Okanagan Valley has been named one of ten winners in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Destination – Fall Foliage.
An expert panel announced the nominees at the end of July where it was then up to the public to vote for their favourites to determine the winners.
The Okanagan Valley is in great company placing 6th after Door County, Wisconsin; White Mountains, New Hampshire; Finger Lakes, New York; Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania; and the Upper Peninsula, Michigan.
With the 10Best.com website averaging 5 million visitors a month, this level of exposure for the Okanagan Valley in fall is extremely exciting and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote. It is so greatly appreciated and a fantastic opportunity to share the Okanagan Valley with the USA TODAY audience.
Here’s a collection of fall foliage shots we love. Make sure to tag us or use #ThompsonOkanagan on social media to share your photos.
About USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. The Readers' Choice Award Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. 10Best.com averages 5 million visitors per month. It was acquired by USA TODAY in January of 2013.
USA TODAY is a multi-platform news and information media company. Founded in 1982, USA TODAY's mission is to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation. Through its unique visual storytelling, USA TODAY delivers high-quality and engaging content across print, digital, social and video platforms. An innovator of news and information, USA TODAY reflects the pulse of the nation and serves as the host of the American conversation — today, tomorrow and for decades to follow.
Source: 10BestAwards.com (Provided)
TOTA Wins Prestigious International Marketing Award
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 4, 2019
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been named the Tourism Laureate and winner of the International Place Marketing Award at the Place Marketing Forum in Lille, France for its leadership work in Sustainable Responsible Tourism.
The awards “recognize the most emblematic achievements of place marketing worldwide” and projects are selected based on the following criteria:
Innovation or idea bringing a major improvement in one or more areas
Remarkable Results with unquestionable qualitative and quantitative results
Emblematic Projects practice or realization that is emblematic of current trends and new practices in place marketing
The Forum is an annual 2-day event organized by the New Place Marketing and Attractiveness Chair (A&NMT) of the Public Management Institute (Aix-Marseille University) that brings together international leaders, elected officials, and decision-makers to exchange best practices in destination marketing around the globe.
As part of winning this award, TOTA CEO and President, Glenn Mandziuk, was recognized as a Laureate by the University and presented on the collective efforts of the Thompson Okanagan region to the over 500 in attendance. “Our team is so honoured to be recognized for our collective work in sustainable destination marketing and to have this opportunity to share the exciting initiatives underway in our region with the world”, says Mandziuk. “This would not be possible without the strong collaboration of our industry stakeholders, community Destination Marketing Organizations, corporate partners, Destination BC and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, whom we are so grateful for their support and innovative activities.”
TOTA is committed to creating a strong and healthy tourism economy while minimizing the impact on our natural and cultural resources by promoting sustainable business practices and responsible travel. The Association is guided by “Embracing Our Potential,” a 10-year Regional Tourism Strategy, working to strengthen seasonality, territorial cohesion, preservation of the environment, and enhancing local culture.
In the tourism category, TOTA was able to receive the award over some incredible international organizations and projects including:
Amsterdam Marketing, City of Amsterdam – Netherlands
America’s Musical Journey, Brand USA – United States
Comptoir des Loisirs d’Evreux – France
Culture Captcha – Kenya Tourism Board – Kenya
Made in Pic Saint Loup Association – France
Bisca Grands Iacs Tourist Office – France
Route of Industrial Culture, Ruhr Region – Germany
Biot Glass Factory – France
Visit Victoria – Australia
Wonderful Copenhagen – Denmark
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