Reintroducing the Biosphere Commitment Program

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is launching the revamped Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program for all tourism companies within the Thompson Okanagan region.

The updated Biosphere Commitment Program builds from a foundation of sustainability programming with a distinct, new focus on the online Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle (BSL) Platform. The BSL platform empowers companies to continuously measure, manage, and report on their sustainability efforts that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while preparing for Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting standards. 

The new webpages for the Biosphere Commitment Program are now live. After carefully considering the community's feedback and analyzing how visitors interact with the site, TOTA has redesigned the Biosphere webpages and implemented changes that enhance navigation and improve functionality.

What’s new?

• The Biosphere Commitment Program Homepage - Discover what makes this program unique and quickly connect to key sections

• Program Overview - Learn more about the program and connect with one of TOTA’s Biosphere Program Success Advisors during your introduction and onboarding process

• Program Success Advisors - Do you want to learn how your actions align with the SDGs? The Program Success Advisors are available to answer any questions

• Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform - Your sustainable actions are uploaded and verified online through the Biosphere sustainability management software

Whether you are an existing Biosphere Commitment Program member or are interested in starting your organization's sustainability journey, TOTA invites you to explore the new webpages to learn more. Feel free to share any feedback with Biosphere@TOTABC.com. or contact a Biosphere Success Advisor to advance your journey towards Biosphere Commitment.

Get Started with the Biosphere Commitment Program

The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program developed by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with the necessary tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program aligns ongoing and future business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification to prepare businesses for a globally recognized certification. By accessing the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform, organizations can create customized sustainability plans and utilize dedicated support from industry experts.

Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
Book a Biosphere Introduction Presentation

Claim Your bookeco Sustainable Tourism Listing

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and bookeco have formed a strategic alliance and partnership to promote sustainable tourism products and services in the Thompson Okanagan.

bookeco is a fast growing, customer focused platform that connects customers to businesses that care about the planet. Launched in November of 2021 with an initial focus on the Canadian market, bookeco already has over 1,200 sustainability focused businesses listed on its platform along with a rapidly growing eco-conscious customer base.

bookeco will feature the Thompson Okanagan as a sustainable destination and home to many responsible places to stay, things to do, and places to eat and drink.

Tourism businesses who demonstrate sustainable practices can register to be featured on the bookeco website, which will increase bookings and revenue by attracting sustainability focused customers to their business.

TOTA encourages all businesses taking sustainable actions to create a profile on bookeco to help customers easily find sustainable tourism providers in the Thompson Okanagan region.

Register for bookeco listing

Businesses can register for the free Basic Plan and link customer bookings through external booking partners websites, or the Advantage Plan to eliminate external booking partner fees.

With the Advantage Plan, companies will:

• Drive bookings directly to your website.

• Stop paying high booking partner fees.

• Gain access to a sustainability focused customer base.

• Showcase your sustainability initiatives to the world.

• Add video content to your profile to increase booking conversion rates.

• Receive priority email support.

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bookeco Biosphere Discount

As part of TOTA’s partnership, Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies will receive a discount when they sign up for the bookeco Advantage Plan. The discount is 3 months free on the monthly plan or 4 months free on the yearly plan.

The Biosphere Commitment Program is open to Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses taking action towards sustainability and costs $250/year to participate.

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bookeco Plans

When registering for the Advantage Plan, companies can choose their business category and either a monthly or yearly subscription:

$9.99 CAD / month or $99 CAD / year

$14.99 CAD / month or $149 CAD / year

$24.99 CAD / month or $249 CAD / year

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If you have any questions or to receive the discount code, email Biosphere@TOTABC.com.

Free Business Energy Assessment

TOTA offers complimentary virtual Energy Assessments to tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region. Since beginning the program in July 2020 with FortisBC, TOTA has helped businesses identify annual cost saving opportunities ranging from $100 to $2,500, with additional cost savings available through rebates.

Whether you are a business owner or are a long-term leaseholder of a commercial building or industrial facility, the Energy Analyst can help you save on operating costs by improving the efficiency of your energy usage, furthermore reducing your environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions.

TOTA's Energy Analyst, Harshit Srivastava, has a Masters in Clean Energy Engineering from the University of British Columbia and relevant industry experience. Harshit is eager to work with regional tourism stakeholders to help reduce energy costs through energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.

Register for Free Energy Assessment →

Schedule an Introduction Call with Harshit →

Differentiate Your Hotel with Google’s Eco-labels

When being a tourist it is important to ensure that your actions are as respectful as possible, not only to the environment, but also the local population of the destination and its cultural and heritages resources.

At Biosphere they are aware that through their Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle methodology, they manage to involve all stakeholders with a sustainable lifestyle; called the Biosphere circle, where the commitment of destinations to sustainability is also assumed by their companies and clients, tourists, and citizens.

Google Ecolabels

Google’s new functionality ‘eco-labels’ is a tool that many are already talking about, hotels can share information about their good practices, including the option to publicize the environmental and ecological seals they hold. Such as Green Key or ISO 14001, sustainability labels such as Earth Check, as well as certifications that accredit business alignment with the sustainability of the United Nations (Agenda 2030). With Biosphere being the only sustainability certification tool capable of addressing the 17 SDGs in a comprehensive manner.

This is a great opportunity to add to your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), the “Google Travel” section. The Google ecolabels are currently only available to hotels. Those that have been recognized for their environmental and sustainable efforts will include the green label "Eco-certified" in their profile, accompanied by a leaf icon. Thus, by clicking on this label visitors will access all the information about the environmental and sustainable efforts that the hotel has included in its profile.

Steps to activate your eco-label on your Google profile:

In order to activate this icon on your profile, you must have a badge / certification that is recognised by Google. If you already have an accreditation from one of these certifiers, log in to Google and start reporting all the information about your sustainability efforts.

1. Go to your Google Business Profile

2. Select the "Information" tab and go to the "Hotel Attributes" field

3. Inside you will find the "Sustainability and Eco-certifications" section where you can communicate all your good practices.

2021 Biosphere Awards - Nominations Close December 1st

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:

• Sustainable Project of the Year Award

• Pioneer Award

• Eco Efficiency Excellence Award

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

FortisBC Rebates Available for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Businesses

Are you planning to purchase or upgrade lighting, HVAC equipment (boilers, furnaces, heaters, heat pumps, rooftop units, etc), or other business appliances? Have you purchased or installed any of these within the last 365 days? You might be eligible for FortisBC rebates if you are a FortisBC electricity or natural gas customer and meet their requirements for energy-efficient equipment.

Some of the FortisBC rebates that are available:  

• Commercial lighting rebates

• Natural gas boiler rebates

• Heat pump and electric water heater rebates

• Kitchen and laundry equipment rebates

If you are a tourism business operating in the Thompson Okanagan and would like to find out if you are eligible, book a free appointment with our Energy Analyst to learn more.

New Biosphere Committed Members - July

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.

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Workplace Accessibility Grant: Applications Now Open

The Workplace Accessibility Grant program provides up to $1,000 in support to small business employers in British Columbia by providing direct financial assistance towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons with a disability(ies).

The grant can be used for the following (but not exclusively for):

• Environment: ramps, lighting levels, accessible washrooms, adaptions to vehicles, etc.

• Attitudes: anti-bias training

• Practices: training to review and amend interview processes, ASL interpreting for new staff orientation, accessibility audit of workflow, etc.

• Policies: funding for legal and consulting advice in revising policies, time for staff to revise policies, etc.

• Information and Communication: job task checklists in pictorial form, ASL version of policies, application forms accessible to screen readers, reprinting hardcopies of material in large font, Braille versions of documents, update web-pages for accessibility, etc.

• Technologies: purchasing software that enables production of accessible documents, flashing fire alarms for Deaf employees, specialized headsets, tablet for communication, laptop to allow some one to work from home, specialized tools, etc.

This Grant Program is available for companies with between 1 and 50 employees (both part time and full time), including yourself. Businesses must be based in and operate within British Columbia, and have been registered in BC at the time of submission.

New Biosphere Committed Members

We are pleased to welcome Jojo’s Cafe and Mission Hill Family Estate Winery to the Biosphere Committed Member Community!

One of the philosophies of Jojo’s Café is to support local in everything they do. This means supporting local businesses, local art and artists and supporting the environment. Their dark roast is supplied by Rock Creek Trading Post, and the other roasts and espresso beans are supplied by Max Voets Coffee Roasting in Vernon.

Learn more about Jojo’s Cafe here.

The team at Mission Hill Family Estate relentlessly pursues quality at every turn. After being recognized as Canada’s only five-time winner of Winery of the Year and receiving multiple best varietal awards on the international stage, they continue to draw inspiration from the Okanagan Valley. The culinary team also works closely with local, sustainable farmers to source foods and create regionally-inspired dishes paired with wine cultivated from their estate vineyards.

Learn more about Mission Hill Family Estate Winery here.

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Pilot Project for Cork Recycling in West Kelowna

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“Cork is a great material. It’s natural and it’s actually a carbon-negative material. It can be repurposed, in this case into new consumer items like footwear, where it can replace petroleum-based foams and plastic.” ~ Allen Langdon, Return-It CEO and president

Not much can beat opening up a bottle of wine on a hot Okanagan summer’s day, and Return-It has found a unique way to save wine corks that are destined to go to the landfill each year. Now, indulging in the fruits of the valley is that much sweeter because of a pilot program resulting from a partnership between Return-It and SOLE, a company that makes eco-friendly cork footwear.

“This really hasn’t been done before, where you try to collect cork from the public on such a large scale,” said Allen Langdon, Return-It CEO and president. “We are going into it not knowing what to expect but I think at the end of the day, the ultimate objective is keeping this material out of the landfill.”

The pilot program will run until December 2021. If successful, it will be expanded across B.C.

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Sovereign Lake Nordic Club Commits to Living Wage

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Sovereign Lake Nordic Club becomes first ski area in Canada to guarantee a living wage

The Sovereign Lake Nordic Club is a not-for-profit ski club with more than 3,200 members operating within the Silver Star Provincial Park near Vernon, on the traditional, unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan People.

Sovereign Lake is the first ski area in Canada to make a commitment to help end working poverty, by paying all its staff and contracted workers a living wage. A living wage is the hourly amount a family needs to cover basic expenses. The calculation is based on a two-parent family with two children – the most common family unit in B.C. – with each parent working full-time.

“In placing our employees’ health and financial stability front and centre, we help to build long term sustainable employment opportunities for our community, while reducing training costs in this traditional high staff turnover industry. With an 80% annual return rate of our employees, it helps maintain a friendly and familiar atmosphere for our members and guests….By meeting and exceeding these minimum benchmarks for a living wage, we are creating a strong team more akin to a family than just a job”

- Troy Hudson, Sovereign Lake Nordic Club

Sustainability-Focused Events - June 2021

Every month, there are great events supporting different dimensions of sustainability. We’ve highlighted a few events below taking place in June 2021.

Being a Biosphere certified destination, we also want to ensure that we are supporting showcasing sustainable events hosted by Thompson Okanagan stakeholders. If you are hosting a sustainability-focused event and would like us to share it with the Biosphere community, please submit it at the bottom of the page.

GoByBike BC is celebrating Spring GoByBike Week from May 31 to June 6 and encourages British Columbians to ride their bikes as much as possible during that week. Whether it’s to work, to school, for fun, for exercise, to stretch your legs between Zoom meetings, to clear your mind… no matter the reason, just ride your bike! Participate as an individual, a team, or group and log your kilometres as there are prizes! Registration is free and any ride counts.

Women in Leadership (WIL) Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Forum

This full day forum and career fair will bring together C suite executives, public sector leaders, international speakers and thought leaders to have conversations on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how we can change the mindset and culture of an organization.

Learn more here. This virtual event takes place on June 2 from 7:00 am to 4:00pm PDT.

Webinar: Canada's New Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development

Jerry DeMarco is Canada’s new Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development. Join this virtual event to hear about his first few months on the job and recent Commissioner’s reports on the federal government’s performance in protecting the environment and fostering sustainable development. Jerry DeMarco will also discuss what’s on his agenda for the future, including planned reports and key areas of interest. The presentation will be followed by a facilitated Q & A session. Register here for the presentation on June 3 from 1:00-2:00 PM ET.

Mobilizing Business for a Better World: Accelerating Business Action on the SDGs

In 2021, the role for businesses to accelerate the SDGs is needed now more than ever. This year's SDG Inspiration Day will bring together innovators, thought leaders and sustainability professionals to catalyze business action on the SDGs. This virtual event takes place on June 22 and it is free to attend.

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Do you have an event that you think the Biosphere community would be interested in?

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Local Food Sustainability

Photo: Lindsay Peltz/Okanagan Bioregion Food System Project

“I’ve watched it 30 times and I still get shivers up my spine. It captured what we are doing here, and it’s fantastic to get the recognition.”

- Chef Chris Van Hooydonk, Backyard Farm

Van Hooydonk emphasizes that his main goal is for people to make an authentic connection with him, his farm and the community around them. Smith spent a day on the farm, hanging out in the kitchen while Van Hooydonk prepared the next menu. It wasn’t long before Smith observed a real passion that the chef demonstrated for sustainable agriculture.

Read what Chef Van Hooydonk had to add here.

British Columbia has what it takes to rival Napa Valley

Okanagan Lake (Photo contributed)

The Okanagan Valley is developing a reputation as one of the world’s best wine destinations. Fiona Sims of The Times writes, “You might not have heard of or tasted wine from the Okanagan Valley. Canadians, wisely, drink pretty much all of it themselves, exporting only 5 per cent, but it deserves to be more widely enjoyed. More than 80 per cent of British Columbia’s vineyards are in the valley, making a visit there every bit as rewarding (and delicious) as a trip to Napa.”

Lunch at The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry

‘British Columbia has what it takes to rival Napa Valley’

Fiona Sims raises a glass in the lake‑filled Okanagan Valley, weaving along the lakes, through country lanes, and past orchards of soft fruit trees and grapes ripening in the sun.

TOTA's Energy Analyst One Of 13 Energy Champions Across Canada

We are very proud to announce that Thivya Viswanathan, TOTA's Energy Analyst, was named one of thirteen #EnergyChampions from across the country by Efficiency Canada. Through the feature, Thivya shares her story, background, and passion for creating a greener, more resilient, eco-friendly future.

In her role with TOTA, Thivya works closely with tourism and hospitality businesses to help owners and facility managers understand their energy consumption patterns and identify opportunities for improved efficiencies and cost savings. She also offers virtual assessments of a business’s equipment and shares details about energy efficiency rebates.

“ Understanding where energy is consumed, and where efficiencies can be found, help us better understand our own emissions and our own energy costs. Through my position as Energy Analyst, I help businesses in the region reduce both their emissions and their operating costs.”

— Thivya Viswanathan

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Energy Champions from across the country are showing Canadians that the energy efficiency sector is already powering a resilient, just, and clean recovery. Our sector is dynamic, diverse, and purpose-driven, and these Canadians have found meaningful careers that not only help us meet our climate goals, but also make the spaces we live, work, and play more durable, comfortable, and affordable.

- Corey Diamond, Executive Director, Efficiency Canada

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About Thivya

Thivya Viswanathan always wanted to work towards creating a greener, more energy-friendly future. In her position as an Energy Analyst with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, she gets to do just that. The organization works with approximately 4,000 tourism-related businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region, from bed and breakfasts to wineries, keeping Thivya quite busy.

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Sustainable Project of the Year Award Winner for 2020

Best Western PLUS Kamloops selected as the 2020 Sustainable Project of the Year Award Winner!

The Best Western PLUS Kamloops Hotel was able to accomplish no small feat in their renovation refresh on their 4th floor. The goal going into the project was to repurpose, resell or recycle 90% of the materials being changed. They are very proud, and so are we, that they were able to beat that goal and achieve 95%!

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Jen Krohn - Best Western PLUS Kamloops

“At the Best Western PLUS Kamloops Hotel, owner John Hampel has been carrying on the passion his father started, building to a sustainable standard. The Hampel family were the first hoteliers in Kamloops to add solar and geothermal to hotels. When they started planning the Best Western PLUS, John Hampel took his father’s passion and experience and built the hotel to “Green Hotel” standards. We have geothermal heating for all public areas and pool, heat pumps, Power smart lighting, etc. to name a few items. Our footprint is 45% of a standard hotel of this size. This Biosphere award means a lot to the owner and the team who operates the hotel. We have always strived to be green, sustainable and give back to our community. This award shows our passion has been recognized by our peers. The Biosphere Commitment Program has allowed us to continue and grow our Green Programs. As Kamloops “Award Winning Eco-friendly Hotel”, the award shows we are maintaining a high standard in all areas of our operations, including sustainability!”

- Jen Krohn, Operations Manager, Best Western PLUS Kamloops

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Best Western Plus Lobby

Best Western Plus Kamloops Pool

Best Western Plus Kamloops Exterior

Sustainable Renovation Details

• Original window dressings and skirtings were sold to another local Kamloops property

• All hallway and room carpets were able to be recycled but they were able to repurpose 20% internally in storage areas, 35% was sold to local motels/hotels and the remaining carpet was donated to Habitat for Humanity. The only part of the project that was unable to be recycled or reused was the carpet bases due to the glue and other materials which only contributed to 5% lost in being a 100% sustainable project.

• The vinyl baseboards were purchased to allow them to recycled or reused in the future, while the hallway baseboards were made from 85% recycled material.

• The new carpet and vinyl planks were again ordered to the same commitment to be recycled at same end of life.

• 24 toilets were donated to Habitat for Humanity which resulted in all 24 being able to be resold locally. The new replacement toilets are 25% more efficient than the original toilets.

• Since choosing to replace the beds on the 4th floor earlier than needed, they were able to use 40% of the beds on another floor that had high use beds (ie. team rooms). The remaining beds were donated to Ask Wellness, where the beds were then stripped, recycled or reused 98% of the material. The new beds are made from a higher amount of recycled materials than the original beds.

• The room furniture is solid wood and granite toppings, thus being able to refresh them effectively.

TOTA Biosphere Team Introduction

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This month we are featuring the team members that make up the Biosphere Commitment Program team at TOTA, which consists of five key members who come from various backgrounds and skill sets. From business development, community engagement to program analyst, the Biosphere Commitment Program team has a passion for evolving sustainability throughout the Thompson Okanagan by connecting directly with TOTA’s stakeholders.

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"The Biosphere Commitment Program supports stakeholders to find a balance between the environmental, cultural and socio-economic dimensions of sustainability and attract visitors that value authentic, meaningful and sustainable experiences. I look forward to working with Biosphere Committed Companies and continuing to evolve this program to help measure your organization's sustainability performance over time."

- Kaitie, Director of Sustainability & Stewardship

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"Sustainability is a complex topic with various elements, indicators and metrics that can sometimes be overwhelming. The good news is that you are not on this journey alone. The Biosphere Commitment Program supports your organization to develop a plan to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals that is measurable and effective. Biosphere provides value-added programs to support you on your sustainability journey and TOTA is continually working with our partners to provide additional development opportunities through assessments, training, toolkits and more."

- Louisa, Technology & Communications Coordinator

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"Most of us don't realize that by simply reviewing our bills every month and just being aware of our daily energy use practices, we can cut down a lot on our utility costs. As TOTA's Energy Analyst, my job is to work with your business and identify those hidden low hanging fruits which could save you some dollars! All you have to do is let us know that you are interested!"

- Thivya, Energy Anaylst

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"Being able to connect with the Biosphere members and help evolve the program has been a really fun project for me. Through Biosphere communications I enjoy discussing sustainable tourism support in the region and hearing Biosphere members stories. I look forward to connecting more with Biosphere Members in 2021 and reveal what we have been working on these past months."

- Amy, Regional Brand Ambassador

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"Despite 2020 being one of the most challenging years for tourism businesses, we have seen Biosphere Committed Companies continue to make progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to making the Thompson Okanagan a more responsible destination."

- Kavan, Event & Industry Relations Specialist

TOTA and go2HR Partner to Support Businesses on Occupational Health & Safety Through COVID-19 Pandemic

Kelowna, BC (July 31, 2020) - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and go2HR are supporting Biosphere Committed Companies in the region with resources for occupational health and safety, including enhancements specifically pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the Biosphere Commitment Program, go2HR provides Biosphere Committed Companies with added value through the go2HR Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Biosphere Framework. The go2HR OHS Framework offers a roadmap for participating organizations to help them establish and maintain an effective health and safety program. Eligible businesses may choose to progress to the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program, a voluntary audit and incentive program.

"In the midst of a global Pandemic, occupational health and safety are of immeasurable importance for industry and community resiliency. Our partnership with go2HR has been of great value to businesses aligned with the Biosphere Adhesion Initiative," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "go2HR provides best practice training and resources for tourism businesses looking to enhance their workplace health and safety operations, which is now more important than ever. This partnership also helps our region align with several key Sustainable Development Goals as we continue to align with global sustainability objectives."

The go2HR OHS program includes one-on-one consultations, training sessions, online webinars, access to resources, and opportunities to complete certification programs.

“The importance of health & safety cannot be overstated, in the interest of workers, communities, and guests. go2HR is very pleased to partner with TOTA to support tourism employers in the region create and maintain safe workplaces, especially during these challenging times,” said Krista Bax, CEO, go2HR.

TOTA and go2HR have been in partnership for several years to enhance regional efforts and align tourism businesses with the Biosphere Destination Certification and the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

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To learn more about this program, please contact:

Mike Overend
industrysupport@totabc.com
(778) 721-5462

Ginger Brunner
gbrunner@go2hr.ca
(250) 469-1032

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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. 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 go2HR:
goHR is BC's tourism human resource and health and safety association and Certificate of Recognition (COR) certifying partner with WorkSafeBC. A non-profit, industry-led organization, go2HR provides health and safety and HR support and resources for industry employers as well as training and certification programs for prospective and current tourism and hospitality employees. For more information, visit go2.hr.ca.