News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Invest in our Planet - Earth Day is April 22, 2022
Earth Day was first celebrated in the United States on April 22, 1970. Over the years, Earth Day in Canada has grown beyond a major day of environmental action, celebrated in many countries around the world. It also inspired organizations, such as Earth Day Canada, a charitable organization that inspires and supports citizens and organizations across the country to reduce their impact on the environment.
As a Biosphere Certified Destination, TOTA encourages and challenges residents and professionals in the region to participate on April 22 and improve sustainability throughout the year.
Learn how to participate on Earth Day.
Earth Day was first celebrated in the United States on April 22, 1970. Over the years, Earth Day in Canada has grown beyond a major day of environmental action, celebrated in many countries around the world. It also inspired organizations, such as Earth Day Canada, a charitable organization that inspires and supports citizens and organizations across the country to reduce their impact on the environment.
This year, Earth Day Canada’s campaign is focused on eco-anxiety, the mental health impacts of climate change. The most effective way to fight this issue is through collective action. Companies are invited to host events that bring people together to #RemedyTogether.
Earth Day Canada will offer a virtual workshop on April 22 to educate about the mental health issue, its effects, and the ways that taking collective action can help.
Thompson Okanagan Earth Day
As a Biosphere Certified Destination, TOTA encourages and challenges residents and professionals in the region to participate on April 22 and improve sustainability throughout the year.
Here’s some tips on how to participate on Earth Day:
Participate in a Cleanup - Organize your own cleanup or join a community cleanup.
Support eco-conscious businesses - See who is a Biosphere Committed Company in your community.
Schedule a free energy assessment available to all Thompson Okanagan tourism companies.
Start or expand a composting program with a one or a combination of: green bin, compost bin/tumbler, compost pickup/drop up, and foodcycler.
Plant bee friendly plants and create bee homes. Pollinators are vital for the environment/agriculture and need help.
Support sustainable fashion - The fashion industry is responsible for over 8% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
Avoid single use plastics - Offer reusable cups, containers, water bottles, and cutlery to customers and remember to bring your own to work or activities.
Recycling - Place recycling bins near garbage bins.
Support local producers - Choose local products, organic foods, and seasonal produce.
Toward a Climate Friendly Future
Last week, we were very pleased to be part of an Earth Day announcement that saw Tourism Vancouver Island, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism, Northern BC Tourism, and Kootenay Rockies Tourism sign a commitment letter with the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) to move forward with Biosphere Certification. Building on our climate friendly commitment, TOTA will be co-hosting the Strong Earth Youth Summit on Thursday, April 29th, 2021 together with SunX Malta. This event will be taking place in three locations around the world with a line-up of international speakers.
Last week, we were very pleased to be part of an Earth Day announcement that saw Tourism Vancouver Island, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism, Northern BC Tourism, and Kootenay Rockies Tourism sign a commitment letter with the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) to move forward with Biosphere Certification. Together, they join the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association in our collective commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Tourism. The video of last week's announcement, also featuring guest speakers from across the globe referencing the important role that tourism plays in Sustainability, can be found here.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association received Biosphere Certification in November 2017 and maintains its designation through a continuous reporting process to RTI on our ongoing initiatives. Our overall focus is on the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), some of which has been achieved through our work with Communities and Stakeholders on the Biosphere Commitment program, our Eco Efficiency Audits, and the recent release of the new Biosphere Academy.
Building on our climate friendly commitment, TOTA will be co-hosting the Strong Earth Youth Summit on Thursday, April 29th, 2021 together with SunX Malta. This event will be taking place in three locations around the world with a line-up of international speakers. Registration is complimentary to all interested in being a part of this important conversation and movement for a resilient, climate-friendly future for travel & tourism. For more information and to register go to: TOTABC.org/seys-2021.
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Upcoming EARTH DAY Announcement
To commemorate Earth Day on April 22nd, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association together with the our Regional Partner under the BCRTS including the Cariboo Chilcoton Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC and Tourism Vancocouver Island will be joined by a number of guest speakers to announce their collective journey in Biosphere Tourism Certification, a major step in committing to a more sustainable tourism future.
To commemorate Earth Day on April 22nd, The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association together with the our Regional Partners under the BCRTS including the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC and Tourism Vancouver Island will be joined by a number of guest speakers to announce their collective journey in Biosphere Tourism Certification, a major step in committing to a more sustainable tourism future.
You are invited to join us, the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), and our regional partners for this important virtual announcement.
Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, 2021.
1:00 PM Pacific Time / 2:00 PM Mountain Time
Guest speakers will include:
Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada of the Responsible Tourism Institute
Dr. Dirk Glaesser, Director of Sustainable Development Program of the World Tourism Organization
Dr. Paul Rogers, Co-founder and Director of Planet Happiness
Frank Antoine, Co-founder of Moccasin Trails and Tourism Ambassador
Anthony Everett, Chair, BC Regional Tourism Secretariat & CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island
Ellen Walker-Matthews, Senior Vice President and Acting CEO, Thompson Okanagan Regional Tourism Association
