News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Register for Self-Guided Tourism Digital Academy by Destination BC
The online self-guided Tourism Digital Academy program is available until the end of March. This condensed version of Destination BC’s digital marketing program offers B.C.-based tourism businesses maximum flexibility to fit the course into their schedules with unlimited access for six months to digital marketing instruction videos, templates, and resources. Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan.
The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting your goals, to building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more – you’ll leave the program with the confidence and knowledge to put that plan into action.
This online program includes:
8 weeks of interactive sessions led by digital marketing experts and ongoing access to the video recordings (Tuesdays & Thursdays each week for a total of four hours per week)
Technical tutorials to dig deeper into specific areas and share experiences with other participants (Wednesdays each week for one hour)
One-to-one coaching available, on demand, to answer your sticky questions
Audits of your business website, SEO and social media channels, to assess your current situation
A marketing plan template to guide development of your own plan
Opportunities for peer support and networking
Eligibility and Application:
The application-based program is free for all participants. To be eligible for the program you must:
Be a BC-based tourism business, whose product or service is regularly available for purchase within BC (community tourism and sector organizations are also eligible);
Have an active business website;
Demonstrate, through the application form, a minimum level of digital marketing experience; and
Be able to dedicate up to 10 hours per week to the program: five hours to attend classes and tutorial sessions during business hours, and up to five hours to apply the learning to your marketing plan as you go.
If you have any questions, please email: IndustryDevelopment@DestinationBC.ca
Create a Profile on the BC Marketplace by Small Business BC
The BC Marketplace helps small businesses to connect with new customers, especially BC-based audiences. Businesses in every industry are welcome to create a free listing, which helps to builds online presence and provides marketing exposure. Created by Small Business BC to support small businesses, the BC Marketplace is made possible with the support of the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.
The BC Marketplace helps small businesses to connect with new customers, especially BC-based audiences. Businesses in every industry are welcome to create a listing, which helps to builds online presence and provides marketing exposure.
Creating a listing is quick, simple, and free. Simply complete the intake form and your businesses will be listed within two business days. You can edit and change your account as much as you like, including updating offers. The Small Business BC team can provide further support if needed.
For businesses with a website, the BC Marketplace will provide relevant site links, helping to boost online presence. For businesses not currently online, the BC Marketplace offers space to create a digital footprint, making it easier for customers to discover them.
Background
Created by Small Business BC to support small businesses through the impacts of COVID, the BC Marketplace is made possible with the support of the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.
The BC Marketplace aims to simplify the “shop local” experience by making it easy for BC residents to discover small businesses across the province. At the same time, the marketplace offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to increase their visibility and gain new customers.
The BC Marketplace highlights regional markets to help local residents discover the diversity of small businesses, right in their backyard.
Apply for DER3 Digital Resiliency Free Program Before September 14
Innovate BC's DER3, or Digital Economy: Rapid Response + Resiliency program, provides free advisory services and mentorship to B.C. businesses outside of the Lower Mainland. The DER3 program helps businesses expand or create their digital presence, with the help of a business coach. Register for this great opportunity before program intake ends on September 14.
Innovate BC's DER3, or Digital Economy: Rapid Response + Resiliency program, provides free advisory services and mentorship to B.C. businesses outside of the Lower Mainland. The DER3 program helps businesses expand or create their digital presence.
Register for this great opportunity before program intake ends on September 14.
Get matched with a local business coach ready to help you build an action plan to get online, at no cost and no obligation.
COVID-19 has created a new normal. New norms, new restrictions, and your business needs to keep running. Businesses like yours are fundamental to BC’s economy.
Participants are matched with a business coach help you:
Identify key steps to get online
Share resources and tools you can use to solve your business needs
Access content to build your team's digital skills