Destination Stewardship — TOTA News Centre

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.

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.

TOTA News, ResourceTOTA CommunicationsJanuary 16, 2024Destination BC, Destination Stewardship

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.

TOTA NewsTOTA CommunicationsJanuary 9, 2024Destination Stewardship, Energy Analyst, Meet the Team

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.

TOTA NewsTOTA CommunicationsDecember 6, 2023Destination Stewardship, INSTO, UN Tourism, Biosphere Destination

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.

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.

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.

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 Survey →

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.

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