News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Is Biosphere Certified
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is thrilled to have once again completed its annual Biosphere Certification Audit.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is thrilled to have once again completed its annual Biosphere Certification Audit. This annual reporting provides the opportunity to review and confirm continuous improvement against the 17 Sustainable Development Goal Measures.
"The time to consider making change is behind us; our industry must work together to adopt practices and policies now that will protect and preserve the very experiences our residents value and that we invite visitors to enjoy," notes Walker-Matthews, "The responsibility is ours, individually, collectively and urgently."
Tourism businesses within the region can participate in the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, which equips tourism businesses with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts.
Sustainable Companies in the Thompson Okanagan Now Listed in Biosphere Search Engine of Sustainable Consumer Choices
The BiosphereSustainable.com website is now available, which allows people to learn about the good practices and sustainable efforts of companies and destinations around the world, showing how they contribute to the fulfilment of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Biosphere has launched a new website, BiosphereSustainable.com, allowing people to easily learn about the good practices and sustainable efforts of companies and destinations around the world. The website has listings of companies participating in the global Biosphere Community and transparently shows contributions to the fulfilment of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Companies that are part of the Biosphere Community, including companies in the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, can showcase their sustainability efforts through the new website so people around the world can quickly and easily search and discover their work to improve local life, environment, economy, employment, education, ecosystems, and other sustainability issues.
The Biosphere system is an independent, objective, impartial, and transparent verification methodology with an external auditing team of professionals to validate the sustainable efforts implemented by each entity, based on the indicators, criteria, objectives, and sustainability goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The website is adapted for those with general knowledge in sustainability, to help people make responsible, ethical, and sustainable consumption decisions. With more informed and aware societies, it will become easier for each person's consumption decisions to reflect their values, achieving a real involvement on the part of society to act more responsibly and adopt more sustainable models.
For more information about the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, visit TOTABC.org/biosphere-commitment or email Biosphere@TOTABC.com.
Interested in Joining the Biosphere Commitment Program?
Book a Biosphere Introduction Presentation →
For Biosphere Committed Companies:
Book a Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform Walkthrough →
Monte Creek Winery Invests 10 Million Dollars
Monte Creek Winery in the Thompson Valley has been making big moves in the BC wine industry. Determined to offer one of the best wine experiences in BC, they recently completed a refinement to their brand packaging, and finished construction on two stunning new buildings. All the enhancements are intended to improve and better reflect the team’s commitment to quality, ongoing innovation, and sustainable practices
On June 15, Monte Creek Winery hosted media to unveil and celebrate the winery’s new commitments to the Thompson Valley.
Monte Creek shared their new state of the art gravity flow production facility with media at the event. The new custom 15,000 square foot facility boasts 52 feet of vertical space, allowing gravity to process fruit gently, instead of pumps. The belief is that this enables the winery to produce more elegant, premium red wines. The new facility allows Monte Creek to have a more delicate handprint on the wines, but it will also triple the number of cases the winery can produce.
“Today is about celebrating the success of wine in the Thompson Valley, and about unveiling Monte Creek Winery’s commitment to this amazing valley with the addition of 10 million dollars in infrastructure,” said Erik Fisher, General Manager of Monte Creek Winery. “The inspiration behind our core values which are quality, sustainability, and innovation transcend from each and every person on this dynamic team.”
How to Make Easter More Sustainable
As a Gold Certified Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to hop on the sustainability path this Easter for a more eco-friendly holiday weekend.
Traditions such as Easter Egg Hunts produce unnecessary waste and there are sustainable alternatives.
TOTA has compiled the following tips to make Easter celebrations more eco-friendly
As a Gold Certified Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to hop on the sustainability path this Easter for a more eco-friendly holiday weekend.
Traditions such as Easter Egg Hunts produce unnecessary waste and there are sustainable alternatives.
TOTA has compiled the following tips to make Easter celebrations more eco-friendly:
Buy local products or experiences for Easter baskets
Recycle - where ever possible, egg foil from your Easter egg chocolates is recyclable
Buy organic or fair trade chocolate and look for local chocolatiers
Buy local, free range, organic eggs and decorate with natural dyes
Try eco-friendly alternatives to Easter basket grass and plastic eggs
Compost egg shells
Avoid food waste - be aware of gathering numbers and share leftovers
Reduce Single Use Plastics
Choose reusable decorations, baskets, and outfits
Buy local produces and vegetables to balance out sweets
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast and Kootenay Rockies Tourism Regions earn Biosphere Certified Destination Designation
Congratulations to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast and Kootenay Rockies tourism regions on earning the internationally recognized Biosphere Certified Destination Designation from the Responsible Tourism Institute.
Biosphere Destinations are committed to continuous improvement guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, which include combating climate change, protecting the environment, supporting decent work and economic growth, and respecting cultural and social values.
Congratulations to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast and Kootenay Rockies tourism regions on earning the internationally recognized Biosphere Certified Destination Designation from the Responsible Tourism Institute.
Biosphere Destinations are committed to continuous improvement guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, which include combating climate change, protecting the environment, supporting decent work and economic growth, and respecting cultural and social values.
How to Make St. Patrick's Day Eco-Friendly
St. Patrick’s Day is annual celebration of Irish culture on March 17, featuring green outfits, decorations, beer, and food. Like other holidays, celebrations may result in consumerism and unnecessary waste.
As a Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to make St. Patrick’s Day more eco-friendly and greener this year, and every year.
TOTA has compiled tips to make St. Patrick’s Day even greener with a few eco-friendly activities or actions.
St. Patrick’s Day is annual celebration of Irish culture on March 17, featuring green outfits, decorations, beer, and food. Like other holidays, celebrations may result in consumerism and unnecessary waste.
As a Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to make St. Patrick’s Day more eco-friendly and greener this year, and every year.
TOTA has compiled the following tips to make St. Patrick’s Day even greener with a few eco-friendly activities or actions:
Eat green - make food and beverages with local produce, reduce food waste, and compost what can’t be used.
Drink green local and/or organic beer.
Decorate green - use biodegradable or reusable decor, rather than single-use plastic decorations. If needed, Recycle paper, cardboard, and hard plastic decorations.
Host events outside in the fresh air to improve health and wellness.
Plant something green in the garden.
Encourage guests to use green transportation options, like bikes, buses, shuttles, or carpooling.
Dress green - Sell green clothing made of responsibly sourced and sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and wear reusable outfits.
2021 Biosphere Awards - Nominations Close December 1st
The 2021 Biosphere Awards are open until December 1st for nominations. Only Biosphere Committed Companies are eligible for the Biosphere Awards. However, if you know a Biosphere Committed Company and want them to win an award - nominate them today through the very easy process! Self nominations are encouraged! If you want to become a Biosphere Committed Company book a meeting with us today.
Biosphere Hall of Fame
The Biosphere Hall of Fame was created by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) to recognize and celebrate the organizations that make the region a more sustainable destination.
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program recognizes tourism organizations within the Thompson Okanagan region and gets them involved through TOTA’s Biosphere Certified Gold Destination status.
Biosphere Committed Companies are already taking steps to participate in the value-added programs to working towards the Sustainable Development Goals and are working together to make the destination more sustainable and resilient.
The Biosphere Hall of Fame recognizes Biosphere Committed Companies that have gone above and beyond.
2021 Awards Are Open for Nominations
We want to acknowledge the hard work and sustainable efforts of our Biosphere Committed Companies.
We have created the three awards to further recognize Biosphere Committed Companies:
Do you know a Biosphere Committed Company that has gone above and beyond? Nominate this business so their work can be recognized.
Winners will receive an award certificate, featured blog post, additional marketing coverage on TOTA social channels, and a feature in the monthly Biosphere Commitment Newsletter.
Nomination Details
There are no entry fees.
Self nominations welcomed.
Nominations are anonymous.
Nominations close December 1, 2021
Tourism Kelowna Earns Platinum Certification through the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Program
After four years of dedicated commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism practices, Tourism Kelowna has earned a Platinum Certification through the Sustainable Tourism Program offered by GreenStep. The achievement recognizes Tourism Kelowna’s commitment to sustainable initiatives that align with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
After four years of dedicated commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism practices, Tourism Kelowna has earned a Platinum Certification through the Sustainable Tourism Program offered by GreenStep.
The achievement recognizes Tourism Kelowna’s commitment to sustainable initiatives that align with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key practices include solar panels added to the roof of the Kelowna Visitor Centre, and work with the Biosphere program alongside over 30 tourism businesses in the community.
Key practices that align with several SDGs and have supported Tourism Kelowna in achieving the Platinum category of the certification include:
Solar Panels
Recently, 30 solar panels were added to the roof of the Kelowna Visitor Centre, for a total of 50. The original 20 panels generated approximately 10% of the energy required for the building, and now about 26% of the building’s energy needs will be generated through this clean and renewable source.
One Tree Planted
As of April 1, 2021, every online or in-person purchase of retail products from the Kelowna Visitor Centre results in one tree being planted in British Columbia. To date, nearly 5000 trees have been planted, contributing to environmental sustainability in our province.
Water Bottle Filling Station
Since it was built, the Kelowna Visitor Centre has offered water-bottle filling stations, and since measurements began in September of 2020, the stations have saved over 2200 plastic water bottles.
Biosphere Commitment Program
Tourism Kelowna has been committed to the TOTA Biosphere Commitment Program program for four years and has worked with over 30 tourism businesses in our community to join, too. This sustainable tourism system aligns with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to balance social, cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability.
Achieving this rating demonstrates the actionable commitment that Tourism Kelowna has made by benchmarking against the highest set of standards and best practices.
New Business Supports Now Available for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Businesses
The TOTA and BC Tourism Resiliency Network teams have prepared several new business support programs to assist tourism businesses. The programs are available free of charge for Thompson Okanagan tourism companies.
We encourage you and your team members to register as soon as possible, to take advantage of these programs while they are available.
Supports include:
Thompson Okanagan Wildfire Resilience Roundtable this Tuesday, October 5
Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism - Apply by Friday, October 8
Business Mentorship Sessions with Okanagan College Instructors
BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 - November 3 & 4
Hospitality Professional Program - Apply by November 28
TOTA Complimentary Energy Assessments & FortisBC Equipment Rebate Support
Change Management Webinar Recording & Skill Building Exercises
Happy autumn and welcome to October. With the changing of the seasons, the TOTA and BC Tourism Resiliency Network teams have prepared several new business support programs to assist tourism businesses. The programs are available free of charge for Thompson Okanagan tourism companies.
We encourage you and your team members to register as soon as possible, to take advantage of these programs while they are available.
Supports include:
Thompson Okanagan Wildfire Resilience Roundtable this Tuesday
Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism - Apply by October 8
Business Mentorship Sessions with Okanagan College Instructors
BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 - November 3 & 4
Hospitality Professional Program - Apply by October 29
TOTA Complimentary Energy Assessments & FortisBC Equipment Rebate Support
Change Management Webinar Recording & Skill Building Exercises
Read on to learn the details of the support programs and how to register your company. Feel free to forward this email to anyone who may benefit from these services.
- The TOTA Team
Upcoming Opportunities
Thompson Okanagan Wildfire Resilience Roundtable
Virtual | October 5, 10 AM - 11 AM
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is hosting a virtual Wildfire Resilience Roundtable for the Thompson Okanagan region on Tuesday, October 5 from 2 PM to 3 PM. The session will begin with a wildfire scenario developed from the guest perspective, tailored to reflect the realistic and relevant needs of the region.
In this roundtable session, you'll learn more about:
Developing a shared understanding of the impacts a wildfire may have on guests
How messaging can influence guest confidence and safety
Generating a repository of solutions or resources that either currently exist or could be developed to support guests and tourism operators
Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism
Virtual | Apply by October 8, 2021
The Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism through the UN Sustainable Development Goals is a virtual capacity-building program to support businesses across B.C. to create a Sustainable Development Goal Strategy and Decade of Action Plan.
Decade of Action Seminar (Tuesday, October 19, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST)
Business Action Planning and One-on-One Coaching Calls (October - December)
Decade of Action Showcase (Thursday, November 18, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST)
Learn how to align your sustainability efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, set targets for the future, and drive meaningful results for your guests, company, and community.
Free Business Mentorship Sessions with Okanagan College Instructors
Virtual | One on one
Okanagan College instructors are available to deliver virtual, one-hour individually tailored business counselling sessions based on expressed areas of need.
This service is offered free of charge through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, for a limited time. Mentors can provide support on a variety of leadership soft skills, business administration, and hospitality topics.
To access the service, register for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program and schedule a Discovery Call with a TOTA Advisor.
If you have already registered for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, you can sign up for Expert Business Mentorship and schedule your first meeting with an Okanagan College mentor.
BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021
Virtual | November 3 & 4, 2021
On November 3 and 4, come together as a tourism community to learn from everything we've been through and think differently about how we can co-create a vibrant and resilient tourism industry in BC. The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 is a joint virtual event, in collaboration with the five regional destination management organizations of the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 is open to all tourism stakeholders and GSTC members at no cost.
Hospitality Professional Program - Fully Funded Training for New & Underemployed Tourism Professionals Hosted by TOTA & Okanagan College
Virtual | Winter 2021/2022
Application Deadline: November 28, 2021
Do you know current hospitality professionals looking to build on their hospitality management career by further developing their skills, knowledge and connections? Someone eager to develop the tools and resources necessary to thrive in the evolving world of hospitality?
TOTA, in partnership with Okanagan College, is offering the fully funded Hospitality Professional Program to unemployed, seasonal, part-time, and casual workers.
This 28-week LIVE online learning program pairs practical, unique and intensive hospitality skills training with key industry certifications so participants can jump into a supervisory position in 2022.
Ongoing Opportunities
Tourism Resiliency Business Support Services
The TOTA team is here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program tourism companies can access the following free supports:
Register for 1:1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor.
Submit a Voice Your Concerns form so TOTA can share the impacts on the tourism industry with government.
Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to share challenges faced by your business.
TOTA Complimentary Energy Assessments & FortisBC Equipment Rebate Support
TOTA is offering complimentary virtual energy assessments and free one-on-one equipment rebate consultations to Thompson Okanagan tourism companies that are serviced by FortisBC. The goal is to help businesses reduce their energy-related operating and capital expenses, energy consumption, and carbon footprint.
TOTA’s Energy Analyst can assist in choosing the right equipment eligible for rebates, submitting a rebate application to FortisBC, and guide you throughout the process.
To book your complimentary virtual energy assessment or to find out if your business is eligible for rebates, book a free appointment with TOTA's Energy Analyst.
Accommodation Accessibility Features Survey
Accommodators (resorts, hotels, motels, B&B) in the Thompson Okanagan region are invited to share information about the accessibility features of their venue.
Please take a few moments to fill out this survey to better help us identify the accessible accommodations available in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Change Management Webinar Recording & Skill Building Exercises
COVID-19 and climate change have caused frequent disruptions and major changes to the workplace for tourism and hospitality businesses. As this trend of change will likely continue, business leaders can prepare by developing a dynamic and resilient team.
Watch the webinar recording by Angela Pomeroy, Engagement and Leadership Development Consultant and Okanagan College professor, for insights on the principles of Change Management, followed by a pre-recorded video with exercises to develop change management skills for individuals or teams.
Introduction to Sustainable Tourism Presentation
TOTA’s Destination Stewardship team offers 30-minute virtual presentations to share how tourism businesses can work towards sustainable tourism through TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program.
Applications Open for Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism | Apply by 12:00 October 13, 2021
The Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism through the UN Sustainable Development Goals is a virtual capacity-building program to support businesses across B.C. to create a Sustainable Development Goal Strategy and Decade of Action Plan. Learn how to align the SDGs with your existing sustainability efforts, set targets for the future, and drive meaningful results for your guests, company, and community.
The Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism through the UN Sustainable Development Goals is a capacity-building program to support businesses across B.C. to create a Sustainable Development Goal Strategy and Decade of Action Plan. Learn how to align the SDGs with your existing sustainability efforts, set targets for the future, and drive meaningful results for your guests, company, and community.
Facilitated by the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, in partnership with Synergy Enterprises, this pilot program will support up to 40 tourism businesses across B.C. through two workshops and one-on-one coaching for each participating business.
In the program, participants will:
Connect with passionate business leaders and discover how tourism can create a better world
Receive coaching to identify the SDGs that most align with your organization, and actions that promote resiliency, cost reduction, and access to talent
Identify key metrics to track your progress towards the SDGs
Integrate the SDGs into your messaging and communications
Develop an SDG Strategy and 10-year Action Plan for your organization
Help position BC’s tourism industry as a leader in sustainability
This Program consists of three parts:
Decade of Action Seminar (Tuesday, October 19, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST)
Business Action Planning and One-on-One Coaching Calls (October - December)
Decade of Action Showcase (Thursday, November 18, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST)
Spaces are limited. Apply by October 13, at 12:00pm
New Biosphere Committed Member - August
Learn more about the newest Biosphere Committed Company, Manteo at Eldorado Resort!
Manteo is constantly seeking new ways to enrich their local community by creating a safe and healthy environment for all, with an emphasis on diversity and equality.
We are pleased to welcome Manteo at Eldorado Resort to the Biosphere Commitment Program!
Manteo at Eldorado Resort features 102 guest rooms, suites & villas on the shores of Okanagan Lake. At Manteo, they believe it is their duty to set the precedent for sustainability practices through their leadership in the tourism industry.
The team is constantly seeking new ways to enrich the local community by creating a safe and healthy environment for all, with an emphasis on diversity and equality. Manteo is proud to take part in environmental initiatives such as Adopt-A-Stream, Neighbourhood Clean-Ups, Bike to Work Week, and the eradication of invasive species, replacing them with native plants.
Giving back and fostering a strong sense of community is extremely important to Manteo. They focus on farm-to-table dining, partnering with local vendors and organizations, as well as raising funds for local charities.
Learn more about Manteo at Eldorado Resort.
Watch Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform Webinar Recording
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) hosted a virtual info session on the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform and how it can help B.C. tourism companies track progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and develop a Sustainable Tourism Plan.
Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle is an easy-to-use digital platform that recognizes your commitment to sustainability and links your organization with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its 169 targets, through the development of a custom sustainability plan.
Members of TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program receive a 1 year free trial for the platform.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) hosted a virtual info session on the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform and how it can help B.C. tourism companies track progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and develop a Sustainable Tourism Plan.
Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle is an easy-to-use digital platform that recognizes your commitment to sustainability and links your organization with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its 169 targets, through the development of a custom sustainability plan.
Members of TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program receive a 1 year free trial for the platform and can now access the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform.
Municipalities Empowered to Ban Single-Use Plastics
Municipalities throughout BC can now move more quickly to prevent plastics from polluting their communities. Under the new rules, local governments can institute bans on plastic bags and certain single-use plastics (such as polystyrene foam containers and plastic utensils) without provincial approval.
Municipalities throughout the province can now move more quickly to prevent plastics from polluting their communities.
Under new rules, local governments can institute bans on plastic bags and certain single-use plastics without provincial approval.
The Province has amended a regulation under the Community Charter to allow local governments to ban single-use plastics, including plastic checkout bags, polystyrene foam containers and plastic utensils, which includes stir sticks. Previously, municipalities required ministerial approval to implement a plastics ban.
More than 20 municipalities in B.C. are developing bylaws banning single-use plastics. Under the previous regulation, bylaws were approved for the municipalities of Esquimalt, Nanaimo, Richmond, Rossland, Saanich, Surrey, Tofino, Ucluelet and Victoria.
This change is one part of the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan. The Province is also expanding the number of products to be recycled through residential recycling programs by adding milk and milk-alternative containers to the deposit-refund system effective February 2022, and more single-use items to the packaging part of the Recycling Regulation effective January 2023. It is also piloting new projects to use reclaimed plastic waste in new manufacturing through the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund.
Since last year, more than 127 tonnes of plastic have been removed from B.C.’s coastline under the Clean Coast, Clean Waters initiative. It is estimated that in 2019, more than 340,000 tonnes of plastic items and packaging were disposed of in British Columbia. This equates to more than 65 kilograms of plastic waste landfilled per person in one year.
New Biosphere Committed Members - July
We are very pleased to welcome five more amazing companies to the Biosphere Commitment Program: Clos du Soleil Winery, Tightrope Winery, Sperling Vineyards, Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Resort, and Le Vieux Pin Winery.
We are pleased to welcome Clos du Soleil Winery, Tightrope Winery, Sperling Vineyards, Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Resort, and Le Vieux Pin Winery to our Biosphere Community!
Clos du Soleil is a tightly-knit team with a common philosophy: our land and the life it contains is a gift, and as stewards of the land it is our privilege to produce wines which are a reflection of this land. Based in the Similkameen Valley, Clos du Soleil is a small artisan winery and estate vineyard. Managing Director and Winemaker Michael Clark states, “Organic certification is really central to our whole approach at Clos du Soleil. We put a great deal of effort into producing wines of place; wines that speak of the land on which they were grown. Organic practices are a crucial part of that process by encouraging healthy soils, and healthy vines, which make for more expressive wines”.
Learn more about Clos du Soleil here.
From the beginning, Graham & Lyndsay knew they wanted Tightrope Winery to be a sustainable business. After all, the property was also to be the home to their young family, and they wanted to ensure it would be a healthy environment for their family for generations. Graham embarked on a journey to create a framework for sustainability and became one of the founding Directors with Sustainable Winegrowing BC (SWBC). Tightrope’s sustainability efforts go beyond environmental stewardship and they also focus on social equity, economic development and how the greater community is affected.
Learn more about Tightrope Winery here.
Sperling Vineyards has been four generations in the making and they have been certified organic since 2017. Sperling Vineyards also recently became a member of Regeneration Canada, a movement supporting soil regeneration. Ann Sperling explained, "We are part of this organization to help get the word out about farmers who are committed to grasslands, permanent cover crops, and farming that benefits the environment. Our treed perimeters, bushes and permanent cover crops sequester carbon from the atmosphere unlike conventional agriculture with tillage that releases CO2."
Learn more about Sperling Vineyards here.
Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Resort is proudly owned by the Little Shuswap Lake Band. The Resort sits on Skwlax Territory and is home to the Secwepemc people. Little Shuswap Lake Band members conceived the idea of a hotel to spur economic development with a sustainable business venture, offering employment and long term security for the band and its members. Guests can reconnect with nature and the culture of the land, with Secwepemc culture woven into each experience.
Learn more about Quaaout Lodge at Talking Rock Resort here.
Named for the solitary majestic old growth pine of their Oliver estate, Le Vieux Pin sits perched amidst the famed vineyards of the Black Sage Bench. Since releasing their first vintage in 2005, Le Vieux Pin has captured the essence of traditional French winemaking, along with the bold New World character distinct to the region. Le Vieux Pin uses low input viticulture and non-interventionist winemaking to make exclusive vintages that carry with them a sense of time and place. They believe that engaging in sustainable and organic practices should be done for the good of the land for the good of those who work it.
Learn more about Le Vieux Pin here.
Moccasin Trails and Indigenous World Winery Selected to Receive Indigenous Tourism Grants
WestJet and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) are providing nine, $10,000 grants to Indigenous tourism businesses across Canada, including two Thompson Okanagan Indigenous tourism businesses: Moccasin Trails and Indigenous World Winery.
WestJet and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) are providing nine, $10,000 grants to Indigenous tourism businesses across Canada that have been devastated by the shutdown of the tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants were originally earmarked through the WestJet/ITAC strategic national partnership, signed in November 2019.
Congratulations to the Thompson Okanagan Recipients of the 2020/2021 WestJet/ITAC grants!
Moccasin Trails: Kamloops
Indigenous World Winery: Kelowna
The grant recipients will be spotlighted on WestJet’s social channels and its newsroom over the next year.
The recipients of these grants were given the news in March 2021 and their reactions were captured in a new WestJet/ITAC video. The video features Robert & Bernice Louie of Indigenous World Winery and Greg Hopf of Moccasin Trails.
The WestJet/ITAC strategic national partnership is a three-year commitment that outlines how the airline will foster opportunities for Indigenous tourism by showcasing Indigenous People’s culture and history while bringing global audiences to take part in Indigenous tourism experiences.
For the full listing of the grant recipients, visit westjet.com/en-ca/best-of-travel/indigenous-tourism.
For more information about Indigenous experiences across Canada, visit DestinationIndigenous.ca
A Tasting of Indigenous Cultures Workshop
In partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive, you will be guided through an exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in B.C.
Join this National Indigenous History Month workshop to immerse yourself in authentic Indigenous food & beverage in British Columbia.
In partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive, you will be guided through an exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in B.C. Meet Paul Natrall, a second-generation chef and owner of Vancouver’s successful Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock, and Ryan Widdup, manager and sommelier of the Okanagan’s picturesque Indigenous World Winery. Viewers will learn how to make authentic bannock from the comfort of their homes, and learn about the history and practices behind Indigenous wine. When you taste Indigenous World wine, you are tasting fruit from the land that has supported the Syilx people for over 10,000 years.
Regional Tourism Associations Mark Earth Day by Taking First Steps Toward Biosphere Certification
To commemorate World Earth Day, The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) came together with four other regional destination management organization counterparts under the B.C. Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), including the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern B.C. and Tourism Vancouver Island, to support their signing of a letter of commitment to pursue the Responsible Tourism Institute’s Biosphere certification. TOTA successfully received this designation in 2017, and is proud to work with regional partners to help further collective initiatives and make a far-reaching positive impact.
(Kelowna, BC) - To commemorate Earth Day, The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) came together with four other regional destination management organization counterparts under the B.C. Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), including the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern B.C. and Tourism Vancouver Island, to support their signing of a letter of commitment to pursue the Responsible Tourism Institute’s Biosphere certification. TOTA successfully received this designation in 2017, and is proud to work with regional partners to help further collective initiatives and make a far-reaching positive impact.
“The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is in very select company and has distinguished itself as a leader among destination management organizations across the globe,” says Anthony Everett, Chair of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat. “The ultimate certification of five regional associations is one that will resonate with visitors around the world, when it is safe for them to travel and once again visit our province which is home to many of the most beautiful destinations found anywhere.”
Since achieving the status in November 2017, the team at TOTA has been working with regional communities and tourism stakeholders to broaden the reach of this initiative. Through the certification, the Biosphere Commitment Program was created to assist regional businesses in their efforts to become responsible, sustainable tourism operators. One example of this is the Eco-Efficiency program, whereby TOTA works one-on-one with stakeholders to provide guidance for reducing energy, water, and waste outputs through an onsite assessment program as well as carbon software training.
“Now more than ever, destination management organizations must address challenges such as social license, safety and responsibility in a way they never have before,” said TOTA Senior Vice President and Acting CEO Ellen Walker-Mathews. “These efforts will also communicate to travellers that we adhere and are committed to ideals that parallel their own.”
Guided by the certification and by working in collaboration with industry, TOTA is able to collect data pertaining to key tourism issue areas. This baseline data assists us in better understanding the positive and negative impacts tourism has on our community systems and social well being, and to work to make adjustments accordingly. Sustainable and regenerative tourism are critical long term goals. Our ongoing efforts will help direct us towards making lasting improvements that will benefit generations to come.
About the Biosphere Certification:
The Biosphere certification is based on established standards in areas that include climate change, environment, social, economy and culture – and guarantees compliance and continuous improvement through a private, voluntary and independent certification system – which is evaluated on an annual basis. The certification allows a region to showcase how they take sustainability seriously, but also ensures they are accountable to make necessary and ongoing improvements, in alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
About the Responsible Tourism Institute:
The Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) has been leading the contribution of tourism to Sustainable Development for more than 20 years. The mission of the RTI is the promotion of the principles of the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism and all the guidelines and precepts on Sustainable Development promoted by United Nations.
About the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat:
The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) is a collaboration between five regional destination management organizations Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern British Columbia Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Tourism Vancouver Island representing more than 8,000 tourism businesses and organizations. The BCRTS is leading a ground-up approach so local voices and knowledge shape programs and compliment local and regional tourism strategies. This focus is also reflected in destination development to help tourism operators offer the most desirable and sustainable tourism experience for visitors
Upcoming EARTH DAY Announcement
To commemorate Earth Day on April 22nd, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association together with the our Regional Partner under the BCRTS including the Cariboo Chilcoton Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC and Tourism Vancocouver Island will be joined by a number of guest speakers to announce their collective journey in Biosphere Tourism Certification, a major step in committing to a more sustainable tourism future.
To commemorate Earth Day on April 22nd, The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association together with the our Regional Partners under the BCRTS including the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC and Tourism Vancouver Island will be joined by a number of guest speakers to announce their collective journey in Biosphere Tourism Certification, a major step in committing to a more sustainable tourism future.
You are invited to join us, the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), and our regional partners for this important virtual announcement.
Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, 2021.
1:00 PM Pacific Time / 2:00 PM Mountain Time
Guest speakers will include:
Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada of the Responsible Tourism Institute
Dr. Dirk Glaesser, Director of Sustainable Development Program of the World Tourism Organization
Dr. Paul Rogers, Co-founder and Director of Planet Happiness
Frank Antoine, Co-founder of Moccasin Trails and Tourism Ambassador
Anthony Everett, Chair, BC Regional Tourism Secretariat & CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island
Ellen Walker-Matthews, Senior Vice President and Acting CEO, Thompson Okanagan Regional Tourism Association
Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter (March)
We are very excited to announce that we will launch the Biosphere Academy in April! The Biosphere Academy is a new online platform that integrate questionnaire, tutorial, sustainability hub together to help to streamline the onboarding and implementation process. Join us on April 21st, 10:00am - 11:00am on zoom.
This month, we are celebrating SDG 5, Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The UNWTO released an inclusive recovery guide for women in tourism on March 8th, International Women’s day, data confirming that 54% of the tourism industry is represented by women — “Tourism is a proven driver of equality and opportunity”.
Kamloops really shined this month with their efforts towards sustainability. Congratulation to Tourism Kamloops for wining the Marketing Innovation Award for their Luv’n the Loops Passport. We are pleased to announce the 2020 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award winner BC Wildlife Park! Read the news below to learn how they adopted the Eco-Efficiency Assessment recommendation to reduced their waste and energy consumption.
As spring awaken and our tourism businesses are busily preparing for the summer season, we summarized some sustainability resources to help you become more resilient. The city of Kelowna has entered the final refinement phase of updating its Official Community Plan (OCP), read the news below to see how sustainability is adopted to the plan. Last but not least, don't forget to review your COVID-19 Safety plan, go2HR is now offering the support to ensure your safety plan meets all the requirements.
Register Now | Biosphere Academy Launch Event
We are very excited to announce that we will launch the Biosphere Academy in April! This new online platform integrates the Biosphere questionnaire, tutorials, and sustainability resources in one place to help streamline the onboarding and implementation process. Join us on April 21st, 10:00am - 11:00am on Zoom.
This month, we are celebrating SDG 5, Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The UNWTO released an inclusive recovery guide for women in tourism on March 8th, International Women’s day, data confirming that 54% of the tourism industry is represented by women — “Tourism is a proven driver of equality and opportunity”.
Kamloops really shined this month with their efforts towards sustainability. Congratulation to Tourism Kamloops for wining the Marketing Innovation Award for their Luv’n the Loops Passport. We are pleased to announce the 2020 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award winner BC Wildlife Park! Read the news below to learn how they adopted the Eco-Efficiency Assessment recommendation to reduced their waste and energy consumption.
As spring awaken and our tourism businesses are busily preparing for the summer season, we summarized some sustainability resources to help you become more resilient. The city of Kelowna has entered the final refinement phase of updating its Official Community Plan (OCP), read the news below to see how sustainability is adopted to the plan. Last but not least, don't forget to review your COVID-19 Safety plan, go2HR is now offering the support to ensure your safety plan meets all the requirements.
News Highlights
A few Biosphere Updates from this month:
A New Look · Carbon Training Workshops
This month we have a new look to our Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter. With the majority of the communication and engagement moved online, you might found it overwhelming to read all the great contents, sometimes it is just impossible to read them all. That's why we are launching a new format that summarizes the content into four major categories
Biosphere Member Highlights
Sustainability News
Industry Trend
Education & Training
Another exciting update is our upcoming workshops, in collaboration with GreenStep Solutions, we are excited to deliver to Carbon Training Workshop Sessions on March 4th and March 25th at 10 am PST. See details in the post below.
Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter
A New Look
Our Biosphere Commitment Program Newsletter has a new look this month! With the majority of communication and engagement moving online, you might find it overwhelming to keep up with all of the industry newsletters you receive. That's why we are launching a new format that summarizes the content into four major categories:
Biosphere Member Highlights
Sustainability News
Industry Trends
Education & Training
Click on Read More below each section, which will direct you to our News Centre to read the content that interests you.
Another exciting update is our upcoming carbon workshop sessions. We are excited to deliver two Carbon Training Workshops in collaboration with GreenStep on March 4 and March 25. See the post below for further details.
Stay up to date on the latest news about the Biosphere Commitment Program by subscribing to our Biosphere Monthly Newsletter below.
TOTA Carbon Training Workshop
An emission reduction opportunity you don't want to miss!
For many small and mid-sized businesses, measuring your carbon footprint is easier than you may think. In partnership with GreenStep, TOTA will be hosting two carbon training workshop sessions in March to outline the key steps to measure the carbon footprint of your business, and then uncover opportunities to both reduce emissions and save money. These sessions will be highly interactive, engaging, and leave you with actionable steps. The two sessions build on each other, as outlined below.
1st session - Thursday, March 4 - 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Open to all TOTA stakeholders
Overview of the Carbon Challenge and how to select emissions sources that apply to your organization
Identifying data you need to collect and how to collect it
Brief intro to EcoBase carbon software
2nd session - Thursday, March 25 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Requires a subscription for EcoBase carbon software (1 year subscription included with the Biosphere Commitment Program).
A deeper dive into how to use EcoBase to calculate your footprint, and how to identify opportunities, set and achieve emission reduction targets, and offset your remaining carbon footprint
The sessions will also be recorded in case you are not able to attend live.
News Highlights
A Few Biosphere Updates Highlights from this month:
