News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Risk of Invasive Mussels to Okanagan Lakes & Waterways
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has increased calls for action after the announcement of invasive mussels in a tributary to the Columbia River, which connects to the Okanagan. The OBWB began calling for a temporary moratorium on watercraft coming into BC. Support for the moratorium has been gathering steam with letters coming in from BC municipalities, chambers of commerce, TOTA, and others.
The Don't Move a Mussel campaign website has resources to learn more about risks and prevention, and to raise awareness.
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has been stepping up calls for action after last September’s announcement of quagga mussels in the Idaho’s Snake River, a tributary to the Columbia River which connects to the Okanagan, and only an 11-hour drive to the BC and Alberta border.
Idaho’s desperate response was to spread toxic copper chelate into the river, killing almost seven tonnes of fish and poisoning a 26 km stretch of the river. The effectiveness won’t be known until this spring.
In October, the OBWB began calling for a temporary moratorium on watercraft coming into BC until results from Idaho’s efforts are known and the Province has closed any gaps in its Invasive Mussel Defence Program. Support for the moratorium has been gathering steam with letters coming in from BC municipalities, chambers of commerce, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and others.
Tourism businesses and residents can review the Don't Move a Mussel campaign website to learn more about risks and prevention, and access resources to raise awareness.
New Business Supports for Tourism Climate-Readiness: BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI)
Through the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI), BC's tourism industry can apply for sustainability adaptation planning support and micro-grants from Destination BC.
The BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI) is launching in January 2024 to help BC’s tourism companies develop sustainable practices and climate resiliency. The program aims to incentivize and empower tourism businesses and community destination management organizations to actively contribute to the development of a clean, sustainable, and regenerative tourism landscape in BC.
The BCTCRI is comprised of four project streams that invest in:
Practical climate adaptation and sustainability planning for tourism businesses,
Micro-grants to help with implementation of climate adaptation and sustainability plans,
Development of a data framework to enable better insight-driven decisions, and
New province-wide learning and training opportunities.
Applications for the first two project streams will open in January 2024 and will provide direct support to tourism businesses by offering personalized assistance for creating sustainability roadmaps to help:
Grow sustainable business practices
Address the challenges of climate change
Save on energy costs
Identify solutions to climate change related threats.
Additionally, businesses can receive financial aid for:
Joining accredited sustainability programs
Planning for and adapting to extreme climate events such as wildfires and floods
Funding for projects that reduce energy, waste, and water consumption, aligning with CleanBC’s climate goals.
Application Process
Free, tailored support to tourism businesses looking to incorporate environmental sustainability or climate adaptation measures into their operations. An experienced program advisor and supporting experts will work with you to develop a sustainability and climate adaptation road map and perform detailed assessments to identify the most impactful, customized measures for climate resiliency. Applications are open January 18 to February 23, 2024.
Project Two: Micro-Grants to Support Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation
Micro-grant funding of up to $15,000 for tourism businesses that are ready to build on their current sustainability or climate adaptation plan to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification. Applications are open January 29 to March 8, 2024.
An additional micro-grant intake is planned for Fall 2024 to provide future opportunities for tourism businesses that need time to prepare or enhance their sustainability and climate adaptation plan or road map.
Project Three: Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Data Framework and Project Four: Community Destination Stewardship Initiative will launch later this year.
Learn more about the BCTCRI and the four project streams, including intake periods and application deadlines for BC’s tourism industry, by visiting the program landing page: DestinationBC.ca/what-we-do/destination-management/bc-tourism-climate-resiliency-initiative
Background
This initiative builds on the achievements of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN) – a collaborative sustainability support program for BC’s tourism industry that was initiated in 2022.
This initiative will be delivered by Destination BC and the RDMOs and was created through a provincial partnership with:
BC’s six Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMOs)—the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region, and 4VI
This initiative is being funded through a $3 million investment from the provincial Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, over two-years, as part of BC’s Destination Development Fund.
Meet the Team: Harshit Srivastava, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Energy Analyst
Harshit Srivastava is TOTA's dedicated Energy Analyst, collaborating closely with FortisBC to introduce energy efficiency solutions to the tourism industry. Learn more about Harshit’s professional background and his work delivering opportunities that lead to cost savings and a reduction in carbon footprints.
Harshit Srivastava is TOTA's dedicated Energy Analyst, collaborating closely with FortisBC to introduce energy efficiency solutions to the tourism industry. In alignment with TOTA's commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the Thompson Okanagan tourism sector, the Energy Analyst role complements the Biosphere Commitment Program initiative. Harshit's specialization in energy allows him to support local tourism businesses by delivering opportunities that lead to cost savings and a reduction in carbon footprints.
Since joining TOTA two years ago, Harshit’s work has earned him the recognition of the FortisBC Energy Specialist Program Award - Achievement in Energy Efficiency Goals 2022.
Q&A with Harshit
Could you share a bit about your background and what motivates you to work with TOTA and FortisBC in the role of Energy Analyst?
“I'm a mechanical engineer specializing in renewables, particularly waste-to-energy and biofuels. With hands-on experience in various waste-to-fuel and energy technologies, as well as carbon cleaning and capturing, I pursued my Masters in Clean Energy Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC). For the past two years, I've been contributing my expertise at FortisBC, a forward-thinking company actively transitioning to low-carbon fuels like RNG. Working here enables me to apply my knowledge, aligning with my passion for renewables and commitment to combating climate change.”
What aspect of tourism are you passionate about?
“Tourism creates numerous jobs worldwide, especially evident post-pandemic with a surge in visitors to the Thompson Okanagan region. This allows me to collaborate with diverse businesses—wineries, hotels, restaurants, cafes, golf courses, museums, airports, and more. As sustainability becomes a priority for visitors, businesses are motivated to reduce their carbon footprint for sustainable tourism. My role involves aiding these businesses by offering sustainable solutions through energy-efficient measures, equipment upgrades, and transitioning to renewable options like Renewable Natural Gas (RNG).”
How do you leverage your expertise to support tourism businesses?
“Businesses use energy for various purposes like heating, cooling, lighting, and cooking. To minimize their carbon footprint, they should focus on two key actions:
First, they need to cut down on energy usage, achieved through energy-efficient measures and equipment. Second, they should switch from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives.
I support businesses by conducting energy audits to identify areas for improvement, reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, I assist them in accessing rebates available for energy-efficient equipment.”
What inspired your career in sustainable energy and lead you to work in Renewable Natural Gas?
“Waste is a growing concern, and if not managed properly, it can harm the environment. During my studies, I read about a landfill explosion caused by methane buildup, resulting in fatalities and injuries. This incident inspired me to focus on sustainable energy, particularly converting organic waste into RNG. This process addresses both waste management issues and provides a renewable alternative to Fossil Natural Gas.”
How easy is it to make the switch to RNG, and how does it help tourism businesses?
“Switching to RNG is straightforward, requiring no changes to appliances or equipment. FortisBC customers can easily make the switch by calling FortisBC or logging into their account. Customers have the flexibility to choose full or partial RNG adoption, ranging from 5% to 100%. For tourism businesses, transitioning to RNG can nearly eliminate their carbon footprint, as RNG's emission factor is 99.4% less than that of Natural Gas.”
Learn More about RNG
Learn more about the benefits of making this simple switch by scheduling an Energy Audit with Harshit at https://TOTABC.org/energy-assessment.
United Nations Sustainable Tourism Observatory Global Meeting
TOTA Destination Stewardship team members, Mike Overend and Eve Layman, joined 43 tourism observatories on November 21-22 at the UN World Tourism Organization headquarters in Madrid, Spain for the annual International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) meeting.
Mike and Eve are in the top, middle of the INSTO group.
TOTA Destination Stewardship team members, Mike Overend and Eve Layman, joined 43 tourism observatories on November 21-22 at the UN World Tourism Organization headquarters in Madrid, Spain for the annual International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) meeting.
Following the meetings, they joined numerous observatories for additional engagements in Malaga, Spain.
Eve and Mike presented in Madrid and Malaga on TOTA's work regarding resident sentiment and engagement with residents and industry through strategic planning.
The four days were filled with learning from observatories from Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia about their sustainable actions related to specific issue areas.
Highlights included discussions around:
Tourism Governance
Resident Sentiment
Net Positive Tourism
Data collection methods
In addition, four new observatories were introduced during the meetings.
About INSTO
TOTA became the first Canadian destination to join INSTO in October 2019.
Learn more about TOTA’s work as a sustainable tourism observatory at TOTABC.org/committed/insto.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Climate Action Plan Provides Guidance for Sustainable Development for Regional Businesses and Communities
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has introduced a new climate action plan to facilitate sustainable industry and community development in the Thompson Okanagan region. As part of TOTA’s signing of the Glasglow Declaration on Climate Action In Tourism, the plan outlines a series of strategies and initiatives to support the regional and global commitment to cut emissions in half by 2030 and reach Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050.
Kelowna, B.C. (April 18, 2023) - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has introduced a new climate action plan to facilitate sustainable industry and community development in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada.
TOTA has been committed to sustainable and responsible tourism since 2012 and became a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism in May 2022, which includes the development and implementation of an official climate action plan to accelerate and co-ordinate climate action in tourism.
The plan outlines a series of strategies and initiatives to support the regional and global commitment to cut emissions in half by 2030 and reach Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050.
"TOTA recognizes the critical role that tourism plays in the region's economy and is committed to ensuring that the industry grows in a sustainable way," said Ellen Walker-Matthews, TOTA CEO. "By implementing this Climate Action Plan, we can work to reduce tourism’s carbon footprint while also enhancing the visitor experience and supporting local communities."
The five pathways of the plan are:
Measure: Measure and disclose all travel and tourism-related emissions. Ensure methodologies and tools are aligned to UNFCCC-relevant guidelines on measurement, reporting and verification, and that they are transparent and accessible.
Decarbonize: Set and deliver targets aligned with climate science to accelerate tourism’s decarbonisation. This includes transport, infrastructure, accommodation, activities, food & drink, and waste management. While offsetting may have a subsidiary role, it must be complementary to real reductions.
Regenerate: Restore and protect ecosystems, supporting nature’s ability to draw down carbon, as well as safeguarding biodiversity, food security, and water supply. As much of tourism is based in regions most immediately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, ensure the sector can support affected and at-risk communities in resilience building, adaptation and disaster response. Help visitors and host communities experience better balance with nature.
Collaborate: Share evidence of risks and solutions with all stakeholders and our guests, and work together to ensure our plans are as effective and co-ordinated as possible. Strengthen governance and capacity for action at all levels, including national and sub-national authorities, civil society, large companies and SMEs, vulnerable groups, local communities and visitors.
Finance: Ensure organizational resources and capacity are sufficient to meet objectives set out in climate plans, including the financing of training, research and implementation of effective fiscal and policy tools where appropriate to accelerate transition.
TOTA encourages all tourism operators, visitors, and community members to learn more about the plan and take action to reduce their carbon footprint. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly significant factor for travellers when planning travel for both business and leisure. As people gain an understanding of the impact of travel, there is a growing preference for supporting responsible destinations, venues, hotels, and events. Destinations and their businesses that take initiative will attract these sustainability-conscious travellers.
To view the plan, download the Thompson Okanagan Climate Action Plan or visit TOTABC.org/committed/climate-action-plan
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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, and Sport. It is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.
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 the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism:
The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism is an urgent call for all stakeholders to commit to a decade of climate action in tourism, led by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the Travel Foundation, and within the framework of the One Planet Network and Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency initiatives. The Declaration was officially launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021, after the need for a globally consistent approach for climate action in tourism was made clear, notably through research into CO2 emissions carried out by UNWTO/ITF and released at the UNFCCC COP25 in December 2019.
Learn more at OnePlanetNetwork.org/programmes/sustainable-tourism/glasgow-declaration
For more information, contact:
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Bat Resource for Okanagan Accommodators
In honour of International Bat Appreciation Day on April 17, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the BC Community Bat Program (BCCBP) are pleased to announce a partnership to assist and educate accommodators throughout the region on the importance of protecting the bat populations in the Okanagan. TOTA and the BCCBP have created a resource for accommodators with bats on their property that details the importance of bats, how to protect them, and how best to manage them at your accommodation whether you are looking to incorporate them into your operations or relocate them somewhere else.
In honour of International Bat Appreciation Day on April 17, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the BC Community Bat Program (BCCBP) are pleased to announce a partnership to assist and educate accommodators throughout the region on the importance of protecting the bat populations in the Okanagan.
Bats are an important part of the Okanagan ecosystem and are neither rodents nor considered pests under BC law. They are classified as wildlife under the BC Wildlife Act and are protected from harassment and killing.
Bat Education Resource
TOTA and the BCCBP have created a resource for accommodators with bats on their property that details the importance of bats, how to protect them, and how best to manage them at your accommodation whether you are looking to incorporate them into your operations or relocate them somewhere else.
Photo by Merlin Tuttle©
Get Support for Bat Management
If you have bats at your accommodation or have had encounters with bats, take the bat survey, so the BC CBP can engage with you and your team to help you devise a plan on how to manage the bats.
BC Community Bat Program (BCCBP)
The BC Community Bat Program is a network of community bat projects across BC, carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Environment. In the Okanagan region, we work with landowners to protect their bat roost sites and use bat-friendly exclusion methods, document the number of known roost sites in human-made structures, promote citizen science such as bat counts to monitor bat populations and White-nose Syndrome surveillance at active bat roosts, train Bat Ambassadors, and work with many partners towards implementation of Bat-friendly Communities.
Introducing the BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN), a Support Program to Incorporate Sustainability Practices into Business Operations and Marketing
The BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN), a new program launching in March 2023, provides one-on-one support and resources to tourism businesses wishing to incorporate sustainability into their operations.
TOTA invites tourism organizations to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to learn and plan with education, resources, customized action plans, and tools around the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
The first intake of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network is now open. Registration is free, quick, and easy. Space is limited.
For Immediate Release: Monday, March 6, 2023
Kelowna, B.C. - The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) regions, including the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), are pleased to announce a new sustainability initiative called the BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN), launching in March 2023 with support from Pacific Economic Development Canada.
The BC Tourism Sustainability Network provides one-on-one support and resources to tourism businesses wishing to incorporate sustainability into their operations. This streamlined, supportive program will help tourism operators, regardless of prior experience, define a clear roadmap to integrate sustainability in their operations, strategy, and storytelling.
TOTA invites tourism organizations to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to learn and plan with education, resources, customized action plans, and tools around the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
The first intake of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network is now open. Registration is free, quick, and easy. Space is limited.
To get started, complete the form at https://TourismSustainability.ca and a Program Advisor will be in touch.
Program Overview
The BC Tourism Sustainability Network has been designed to support tourism businesses on their sustainability journey, providing foundational knowledge, capacity, best practices, and action across the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
Participating businesses are paired with a Program Advisor who completes a needs assessment and creates a customized roadmap to sustainability. This plan includes high-value resource guides and videos to support businesses in their chosen focus areas - such as energy, waste, water, and carbon footprint.
Further resources cover topics like responsible travel, regenerative tourism, and sustainability planning.
Sustainability subject matter experts from Synergy Enterprises will host a series of three virtual workshops. These engaging sessions will be open to all businesses participating in the program and dive deeper into one of the three core pillars of sustainability - People, Planet, and Prosperity.
Program Details
One-on-one Guidance
Participating businesses will start the program by meeting with a BCTSN Program Advisor for a sustainability consultation. Program Advisors develop a customized sustainability roadmap for participating businesses that include next steps, recommended educational resources and partner program referrals to support ongoing sustainability goals.
Educational Resources
In collaboration with Synergy Enterprises, the BCTSN will develop a series of educational guides, videos, and resources on a wide range of sustainability topics. These user-friendly resources will be hosted on the TourismResiliency.ca website and help guide businesses through the planning and implementation phases of incorporating sustainable practices into everyday operations.
Workshop Series
In addition to the sustainability guides, videos and resources, three live workshops will be hosted by the Synergy Enterprises team. These engaging workshops are open to all participating businesses, and will dive deeper into one of the three core pillars of sustainability - People, Planet, and Prosperity
Learn More & Get Started
To learn more about the BC Tourism Sustainability Network and how it can benefit your business, please fill out this Request for Information Form and a Program Advisor will contact you with the next steps.
About
BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS)
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO):
Previously, the BCRTS partners collaborated on the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, a long-term resiliency program that provided B.C. tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt, and work towards eventual recovery.
Learn more at TourismResiliency.ca.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia and the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.
TOTA 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.
Learn more at TOTABC.org.
For more information, contact:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Industry Sustainability Survey | Closes December 2
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is conducting an industry-wide survey to understand the current sustainability practices of tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region, and how to best support sustainability efforts in the coming years.
Thompson Okanagan tourism company owners and senior managers are invited to submit the survey by December 2. Every survey submission will be entered into a draw for an opportunity to win one of two $100 Amazon Gift Cards as a thank you for your time. The draw is limited to one entry per company.
Take the Survey by December 2 and Enter to Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is conducting an industry-wide survey to understand the current sustainability practices of tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region, and how to best support sustainability efforts in the coming years.
Thompson Okanagan tourism company owners and senior managers are invited to submit the survey. Every survey submission will be entered into a draw for an opportunity to win one of two $100 Amazon Gift Cards as a thank you for your time. The draw is limited to one entry per company.
Survey responses will provide a better understanding of current tourism industry sustainability health, efforts, and appetite, which will guide the development of the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program in 2023.
The Biosphere Commitment Program helps tourism companies make continuous progress toward the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by establishing collaborative synergies within the regional tourism industry (Learn more). The program enables TOTA to continuously work with tourism businesses to create a more resilient, healthy, and regenerative tourism industry in the region.
The survey will take 5-10 minutes and will close on Friday, December 2, 2022. Winners will be notified the following week.
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 the 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 till the application gets approved.
To book your complimentary virtual energy assessment or to find out if your business is eligible for rebates, book a free appointment with the TOTA Energy Analyst.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is offering complimentary virtual energy assessments and free one-on-one equipment rebate consultations to tourism businesses in the region that are serviced by FortisBC. The goal of these free services is to help businesses reduce their energy-related operating and capital expenses, energy consumption, and carbon footprint.
Your company might be eligible for FortisBC rebates if you are a FortisBC electricity or natural gas customer, meet their requirements for energy-efficient equipment, and you:
Are trying to find ways to reduce energy costs or capital expenses for your business
Are planning to purchase or upgrade lighting, HVAC equipment (boilers, furnaces, water heaters, heat pumps, rooftop units, ovens, dishwashers, etc), or other appliances for your business
Have purchased or installed any of these within the last 365 days
Energy Analyst Services
TOTA’s Energy Analyst can assist you in choosing the right equipment eligible for rebates, submitting a rebate application to FortisBC, and guide you throughout the process until the application gets approved.
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.
Examples of FortisBC rebates available:
Commercial lighting rebates up to $30 per unit per LED lamp, up to $200 per LED interior luminaire, and up to $220 per LED exterior luminaire (only eligible models of lamps, luminaries, occupancy and photocell sensors)
Natural gas boiler rebates up to $20,000 when installing an eligible mid-efficiency natural gas boiler. For a limited time, until December 31, 2021, FortisBC has even bigger rebates on eligible high-efficiency condensing models, up to $60,000 per boiler.
Heat pump and electric water heater rebates up to $1,000 per water heater for ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater and up to $600 per ton for eligible variable refrigerant flow heat pump model
Kitchen and laundry equipment rebates (eligible models of convection ovens, fryers, griddles, hot food holding cabinets, steam cookers, dishwashers, demand controlled ventilation exhaust hoods, clothes washers, etc).