News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
WestJet announces new flights from Seattle to Kelowna
WestJet will connect Kelowna and Seattle with a new daily service starting in January 2025.
WestJet will connect Kelowna and Seattle with a new daily service starting in January 2025. This route will enhance connectivity between these regions and a wide network of U.S. destinations via Seattle, thanks to WestJet's partnership with Delta Air Lines. WestJet's Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill emphasized that this service will offer convenient and affordable travel options for both business and leisure throughout the year.
WestJet will serve 12 destinations from Kelowna this winter with up to 20 daily departures out of YLW during peak winter travel.
Read the full announcement from WestJet.
Destination Development Case Studies
Destination development case studies showcase the positive impact of tourism's social, cultural, and economic advantages through destination development initiatives.
Destination BC has put together 12 case studies that showcase the positive impact of tourism's social, cultural, and economic advantages through destination development initiatives.
Read the case study about how Larch Hills Nordic Society and Overlander Ski Club have improved trails and added lighting to bring in more people to cross-country ski at night.
Read the case study about how Big White Ski Resort, SilverStar Mountain Resort, and Sun Peaks Resort answered the demand for more accessible mountain bike infrastructure.
Call for insights to support SFU study on advancing tourism resilience through big data and smart destination practices
TOTA is seeking tourism business owners and operators to share knowledge and insights in the study From panic to planning: Advancing tourism resilience through big data and smart destination practices by participating in a short one-on-one interview in February to April 2024.
To schedule an interview, please contact Scott Peters at Scott_Peters@SFU.ca or +1-778-878-2557
TOTA is seeking tourism business owners and operators to share knowledge and insights in the study From panic to planning: Advancing tourism resilience through big data and smart destination practices by participating in a short one-on-one interview in February to April 2024. This study, in partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU), looks to better understand the role of data for decision making in tourism related organizations.
By participating you will help TOTA to understand the specific data needs of the regional industry and to better tailor data programs and services to fit these needs.
Participants will receive a report highlighting the findings of the study for use in their own organization.
Individuals that wish to participate are invited to reach out to Scott Peters from SFU, who is focusing his PhD on tourism resiliency in the Thompson Okanagan region and will be conducting the interviews.
Interviews are typically 20-40 minutes in length depending of the level of insights the participants wish to share.
There are three interview options:
Video call interviews: February 7 - April 30, 2024
Email interviews: February 7 - April 30, 2024
In-person interviews: April 15 - April 30, 2024
The interview questions serve as a guideline and conversation can be tailed to your specific industry and insights.
How to Get Involved
Expression of interest to participate or any questions regarding this study can be sent to Scott_Peters@SFU.ca
Before your interview, please fill out the study consent form HERE and email Scott_Peters@SFU.ca
We look forward to the opportunity to learn from your insights.
Share Your Insights to Enhance Resilience Planning Using Big Data
Thompson Okanagan tourism business owners and operators are invited to share their perspectives on how the region can advance tourism resilience through big data and smart destination practices. Insights will be collected through an in-person or video interview.
To schedule an interview, please contact Scott Peters at Scott_Peters@SFU.ca or +1-778-878-2557
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is supporting a study called “From panic to planning: Advancing tourism resilience through big data and smart destination practices,” which looks at the utilization and adaptation of tourism-specific, data-driven decision support systems in British Columbia.
The research is seeking Thompson Okanagan tourism business owners and operators to share their perspectives on the following questions:
Can a combination of big data, smart destination practices, social-economic resilience based systems thinking, and decision support technology enhance a tourism industry’s emergency preparedness and resilience planning?
Can access to big data, awareness of smart destination thinking, and access to real-time decision support technology help shift a reactive industry planning culture to one of proactive preparedness?
Share Your Insights
Insights will be collected through an in-person or video interview, over 20-60 minutes, depending on the number of insights and thoughts you wish to share.
Interviews will consist of a combination of offset questions and a free flow conversation. A list of these questions can be sent to you upon request.
To schedule an interview, please contact Scott Peters at Scott_Peters@SFU.ca or +1-778-878-2557.
About the Study
The research is being conducted by Prof. Peter Keller and PhD student Scott Peters of the Simon Fraser University Department of Geography, and is partially funded through a Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship Grant.
The information collected through stakeholder engagement will enable better understanding of local needs and priorities related to tourism planning and decision-making. The research will expand the utility of the Tourism Impact Portal, a data-driven decision support platform that integrates stakeholder feedback. This process will enhance the foundation of the system as well as fill in data and knowledge gaps, and allow for the development of a blueprint for scaling the program.
New Highway 3 Trip Planning Website
The Highway 3 Tourism Alliance - a collaboration led by three regional destination marketing organizations (Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains) - launched a new website Hwy3BC.ca encouraging travellers to take the ‘winding route to adventure’.
Highway 3 from Hope, British Columbia to the Alberta border is soon to be known as the best-loved touring route in BC, thanks to a unique multi-regional partnership to help market the route to visitors. The Highway 3 Tourism Alliance - a collaboration led by three regional destination marketing organizations (Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains) - launched its new website Hwy3BC.ca encouraging travellers to take the ‘winding route to adventure’.
The website showcases all the BC communities along Highway 3 like a ‘string of pearls’ and curates itineraries and stories from the road that have been themed to engage traveller passion for adventures, like Arts & Culture, Historic Highway 3, Food, Craft Beer & Wine, Lakes & Rivers, and Outdoor Adventure.
This collaborative regional initiative activates the vision of the Destination BC led Destination Development Strategy and action-planning for Highway 3, co-created with tourism partners from the entire length of the route. This 2016 strategy identified the opportunity to feature the many adventures along Highway 3 and encourage travellers to slow down and enjoy a classic road trip, touring from community to community at all times of year with the intention of driving visitation and spending in more places, across more seasons.
With support from both the Provincial Rural Dividend Fund and PacifiCan Tourism Relief Funding, the three regional destination management organizations (DMOs) together with community DMOs worked with Victoria-based creative agency, The Number, to create a new brand identity for Highway 3.
The new brand features a bold, modern take on the crow, inspired by the history of the Crowsnest Highway. Market research informed the website design and a digital campaign subsequently launched on September 5, 2023 to encourage autumn travel.
A corridor-long Festivals and Events strategy is also underway and the group hopes to continue their work together to secure funding and implement branded signage and wayfinding at key gateways and stops of interest.
Learn more and start exploring Hwy3BC.ca
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kootenay Rockies Tourism
Wendy Van Puymbroeck
Wendy@kootenayrockies.com
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Mike Overend
Mike@TOTABC.com
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
Allison Picard
Allison.Picard@destinationbc.ca
Okanagan Crush Pad Switches to 100% Renewable Natural Gas
Okanagan Crush Pad Group of Wineries Transition to 100% Renewable Natural Gas
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Initiative Significantly Reduces Industry Carbon Footprint
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Initiative Significantly Reduces Industry Carbon Footprint
Kelowna, B.C. - In an industry leading shift towards a more sustainable future, Summerland’s Okanagan Crush Pad Winery, parent company to Haywire and Garnet Valley Ranch Winery, has joined forces with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and FortisBC to transition to 100% Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). This partnership underlines an ongoing and unwavering commitment to sustainability, adding another chapter to its legacy of responsible winemaking.
Owned by Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie, Okanagan Crush Pad’s group of wineries have long been a beacon of sustainability and land stewardship. Okanagan Crush Pad has been an organic winemaking facility since 2011 and was the first Canadian winery to join International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) in 2022. By partnering with TOTA and FortisBC, the wineries are taking their commitment to sustainability further by integrating RNG into all aspects of their business.
“TOTA’s RNG initiative takes meaningful and measurable steps to reduce the region's carbon footprint. It enables stakeholders like Okanagan Crush Pad to make an immediate change to a more sustainable fuel source, and is a practical step towards a cleaner future for British Columbia,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, TOTA CEO. “In the face of escalating climate crises, RNG is a vital tool that businesses and individuals can adopt today to lessen their current carbon footprints.”
By embracing RNG, Okanagan Crush Pad is putting their climate change goals into measurable action. And in this one move alone, they are drastically reducing their C02 emissions from 30,000 kilograms to 100 kilograms.
This huge reduction in CO2 emissions also contributes to the province’s commitment to the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030. With results like this, the team at Okanagan Crush Pad seeks to inspire industry leadership and actively encourage the entire region to reduce their harmful emissions.
“We are proud to make the switch to RNG and are especially excited to see an immediate positive impact that is very much in line with our commitment to reduce our greenhouse gas footprint,” said Craig Pingle, General Manager, Okanagan Crush Pad Winery, the parent company to Haywire Winery and Garnet Valley Ranch Winery. “This simple action supports our commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Making the move to RNG required no new infrastructure and yields an enormous drop in our annual emissions.”
To inspire action and raise awareness about this crucial climate action initiative, Okanagan Crush Pad is offering a two-night stay at the new Garnet Valley Ranch Winery. Learn more and enter to win.
Signing up for RNG is a straightforward process that does not require any new equipment, upgrades, or installations. Existing FortisBC customers can log in to their account, navigate to 'manage services,' and choose the percentage of natural gas to be switched to RNG (5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or 100%).
Tourism businesses interested in learning more about the benefits of making the switch have been invited to schedule an energy audit with TOTA’s Energy Analyst, Harshit Srivastava at Harshit@TOTABC.com
Funding provided by Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) is the department of the Government of Canada responsible for natural resources, energy, minerals and metals, forests, earth sciences, mapping, and remote sensing. NRCAN is committed to improving the quality of life for Canadians by ensuring the country’s abundant natural resources are developed sustainably, competitively, and inclusively. NRCAN develops policies and programs that enhance the contribution of the natural resources sector to the economy and conducts innovative science in facilities across Canada to generate ideas and transfer technologies. Natural Resources Canada has provided TOTA with funding to spread awareness about the benefits, availability, and accessibility of Renewable Natural Gas to regional tourism stakeholders.
- 30 -
About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society that represents a geographic area nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The region’s name is derived from two major geographic features: the Thompson River and Okanagan Lake. TOTA plays a support, leadership and growth role in the tourism industry for this region. It aims to stimulate ongoing sustainable growth by embracing the value of tourism through community engagement, innovative leadership in promoting authentic experiences, and inspiring creative collaboration. Key TOTA initiatives include: Biosphere Certified Gold Destination, 7 Generations Pledge, and Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
For more information about TOTA visit TOTABC.org, or visit the consumer facing website ThompsonOkanagan.com. Connect socially on Instagram at @Thompson_Okanagan
Media Contact:
Krista Lochhead
778.227.2396
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
The Thompson Okanagan Indigenous Tourism team has compiled information resources for Indigenous tourism operators to reference and share.
For events happening throughout the region in honour National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/indigenous.
September 30 marks the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, honouring the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis survivors of the residential school system.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gives everyone in Canada a shared time to commemorate children who lost their lives at residential schools – and to recognize the hardships of those who survived, as well as the Inter-generational trauma passed on to their families.
For events happening throughout the region in honour National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/indigenous.
More Information & Resources
Government of Canada Resources
Information on how and why the holiday was created, how the day relates with Orange Shirt Day on the same day, mental health supports, and how people can learn more about Indigenous peoples, culture, and history throughout Canada.
Orange Shirt Day Website
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.
BC Museums Association (BCMA)
The BC Museums Association urges Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast to use September 30 as an opportunity to learn, reflect, make connections, and take action in redressing more than 150 years of injustice.
This webpage discusses the history of September 30/Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and share resources to help institutions plan for the day.
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) - 6 Ways to Effect Change
Indigenous Tourism BC shared a list of ways for Canadians to accept personal responsibility and take action on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. ITBC recommends that this day be a time of reflection that Canada is responsible for the deaths and suffering of Indigenous children at residential schools across the nation. This is a time to step forward as a witness to the hard truths, and accept responsibility to learn and change. Reconciliation is not just the responsibility of government–it is a responsibility that belongs to all Canadians.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday, 13 September 2007. Today, the Declaration is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of indigenous peoples. It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of indigenous peoples.
Work Towards Climate Action Goals by Switching to RNG & Enter to Win a Two-night Stay at Garnet Valley Ranch Winery
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is leading an initiative that takes meaningful and measurable steps to reduce the region’s carbon footprint. The campaign seeks to increase awareness on the simplicity of switching to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) to heat and power homes and tourism businesses - and to inspire action.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Initiative aids Province’s ‘CleanBC Roadmap to 2030’
Through a new partnership with Natural Resources Canada and FortisBC, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is working to take meaningful and measurable steps to reduce the carbon footprint in the Thompson Okanagan region. The partnership aims to increase awareness on the simplicity of switching to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) to heat and power homes and tourism businesses - and to inspire businesses and residents to take action.
The partnership has launched a campaign inviting FortisBC customers to make an immediate change to RNG, a more sustainable fuel source than other natural gasses.
What is RNG and its environmental benefits?
Conventional natural gas and RNG are chemically identical and interchangeable within existing infrastructure, but RNG is created through renewable sources, meaning RNG is a low carbon alternative which will reduce emissions and align users with the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.
RNG is a purified ‘biogas’ made from commonly found organic materials, plants, animal refuse, and waste. These materials are brought to a dedicated facility, such as the Glenmore Landfill in Kelowna and the Salmon Arm Landfill, where methane is processed and repurposed into the accessible fuel source.
FortisBC is the flagship utility company of British Columbia dealing in natural gas and Renewable Natural Gas.
For more information, visit TOTABC.org/RNG.
Make the switch to RNG
Switching to FortisBC’s RNG option does not require any new equipment, upgrades, or installations; or upgrades to existing appliances.
In just a few minutes, business and residential FortisBC customers can make an immediate move to reduce harmful climate change emissions and achieve sustainability goals.
The cost of RNG depends on the blend chosen. Customers can choose to switch to 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of their natural gas to RNG.
Simple Steps to Switch to RNG
Log in to your account at FortisBC.com.
Under the “Manage Services” menu, select “Renewable Natural Gas.”
Follow the instructions to enroll.
If you have any questions for your business, feel free to connect with TOTA’s Energy Analyst, Harshit Srivastava, at Energy@TOTABC.com or schedule a meeting for a free Energy Assessment.
Businesses Leading by Example + Contest
TOTA and FortisBC are pleased to partner with a Summerland-based business that takes their commitment to sustainability seriously: Okanagan Crush Pad and Garnet Valley Ranch Winery are adding Renewable Natural Gas into their energy portfolio, and also encouraging others in the region to take steps towards reducing climate-changing emissions by offering a two-night stay at the brand-new Garnet Valley Ranch Winery to bring awareness to this worthy climate action cause. Learn more and enter to win.
Funding provided by Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) is the department of the Government of Canada responsible for natural resources, energy, minerals and metals, forests, earth sciences, mapping, and remote sensing. NRCAN is committed to improving the quality of life for Canadians by ensuring the country’s abundant natural resources are developed sustainably, competitively, and inclusively. NRCAN develops policies and programs that enhance the contribution of the natural resources sector to the economy and conducts innovative science in facilities across Canada to generate ideas and transfer technologies. Natural Resources Canada has provided TOTA with funding to spread awareness about the benefits, availability, and accessibility of Renewable Natural Gas to regional tourism stakeholders.
About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society that represents a geographic area nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The region’s name is derived from two major geographic features: the Thompson River and Okanagan Lake. TOTA plays a support, leadership and growth role in the tourism industry for this region. It aims to stimulate ongoing sustainable growth by embracing the value of tourism through community engagement, innovative leadership in promoting authentic experiences, and inspiring creative collaboration. Key TOTA initiatives include: Biosphere Certified Gold Destination, 7 Generations Pledge, and Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
For more information about TOTA visit TOTABC.org, or visit the consumer facing website ThompsonOkanagan.com. Connect socially on Instagram at @Thompson_Okanagan.
New 3D Virtual Tours Highlight Accessible Features at Tourism Venues in the Thompson Okanagan
TOTA and Spinal Cord Injury BC have partnered to share 22 Virtual Venue Tours of Thompson Okanagan accommodation and attractions. The virtual tours showcase priority accessible features to help people easily plan a visit based on their specific requirements.
View tours: https://ThompsonOkanagan.com/virtual-tours
Kelowna, B.C. - Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC), and their Access BC program have launched Virtual Venue Tours, a mapping project to improve access and inclusion for people exploring the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. 22 tours are available on ThompsonOkanagan.com as of March 2023 showcasing priority accessible features of various accommodations and attractions in Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, Naramata, Keremeos, Cawston, and Chase.
The virtual platform is easy to navigate on desktop and mobile devices, allowing people to explore venues and determine whether accessible features meet their specific requirements. When planning a visit, trip planners can explore the venues virtually and make informed decisions about which ones to experience in person.
The Virtual Venue Tours project was created for the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, which supports businesses to improve access and inclusion for visitors and staff through various services; with support from the Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI) fund from the Province of BC.
"This project will help improve access and inclusion for all visitors to the Thompson Okanagan region. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the beauty of the region, and this program will make it easier for people to do so," said TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews.
At launch, these tours showcase the accessible features of the following venues who have participated in the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program or are committed to access and inclusion:
Chase:
Kamloops:
Penticton:
The 3D images were created by Jody Wall Photography, a BC-based photographer and are hosted on the TourMkr platform.
More virtual tours will be added as funding becomes available.
To view the tours, visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/virtual-tours
– 30 –
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.
As a Biosphere Certified Destination, TOTA is committed to working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including goals related to access and inclusion, such as “Reduced Inequalities” and “Sustainable Cities & Communities.” becoming a world-renowned accessible tourism destination and to promote “Access & Inclusion” in all aspects of community and tourism experiences, products, and services in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Learn more at TOTABC.org.
About Spinal Cord Injury BC:
Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) is a non-profit organization based in British Columbia, Canada, that provides support and resources for individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury, as well as their families and caregivers. The organization was founded in 1957 and has since grown to become a leading resource for those affected by spinal cord injury.
SCI BC offers a wide range of programs and services, including peer support, information and referral, community outreach, and advocacy. One of the key initiatives of SCI BC is the development of accessible technology and equipment for people with spinal cord injuries, with a focus on enhancing mobility and independence. The organization also provides education and awareness programs to promote understanding and inclusion in the community.
Learn more at SCI-BC.ca.
For more information, contact:
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
TOTA Access & Inclusion Liaison Tour of Boundary Country
In the summer of 2020, TOTA partnered with the Christina Lake Welcome Centre to visit Boundary Country on an Accessible FAM tour, and experienced many accessible and inclusive activities and attractions that this beautiful region has to offer.
In the summer of 2020, TOTA partnered with the Christina Lake Welcome Centre to visit Boundary Country on an Accessible FAM tour, and experience many accessible and inclusive activities and attractions that this beautiful region has to offer.
It was an adventure packed full of endless fun and possibilities, such as:
Gallery 2 in Grand Forks
Culinary experiences at the The Wooden Spoon, The Board Room Cafe, Christina Lake Marina Grill & Deli, and the Christina Lake Golf Course
Adaptive mountain biking adventures on the KVR with Wild Ways
Glow golf at Cascade Par3 Golf Course
Discovering Indigenous pictographs on Christina Lake on a boat tour
With so much to do and see in the Boundary Country, the team stayed for a while and rested between experiences in the comfortable and accessible accommodations at the New Horizon Motel in Christina Lake.
The positive vibes and inclusive energy and atmosphere that we felt on our journey through Boundary Country made it clear that tourism operators are striving to make their experiences and adventures accessible and inclusive for all.
With a team of passionate community leaders, and through the Enabling Accessibility Youth Innovation Component funding opportunity, a Mobi-Mat (wheelchair accessible beach mat) and beach wheelchair was acquired to create and increase accessibility on the beach and to the lake at the Christina Lake Provincial Park.
Beach Wheelchair
Mobi-Mat
To some degree and at some point in everyone’s life, we will all require an accessible feature to continue enjoying adventures alongside family and friends.
Although all of our physical environments may never be completely accessible, we can create an emotional connection where acceptance, integration, and inclusion can ignite the realization and the understanding of “why” our physical spaces and environments need to be accessible.
Let’s make it our collective responsibility to support and uplift everyone in our communities regardless of their age, ability, gender, or culture. This can simply begin with an inclusive attitude and mindset, allowing that to be the catalyst towards building and creating physical environments that are accessible for everyone to enjoy.
Whatever your level of adventure is, there are accessible and inclusive experiences waiting to be discovered in Boundary Country!