News & Resources

The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.

 
Thompson Okanagan, Sharing the Destination TOTA Communications Thompson Okanagan, Sharing the Destination TOTA Communications

Thompson Okanagan featured in Outlook Travel Magazine

Read the latest issue of Outlook Travel Magazine featuring Thompson Okanagan landmarks, travel recommendations, and an interview with Ellen Walker-Matthews.

 

The Thompson Okanagan region is featured in a travel guide in Issue 17 of Outlook Travel Magazine.

The guide includes region features, travel recommendations, and an interview with TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews about the region’s commitment to sustainability and growth in tourism.

Read the Thompson Okanagan Travel Guide

 
 
Read More
TOTA News TOTA Communications TOTA News TOTA Communications

BetterTable Shortcast with Ellen Walker-Matthews

BetterTable created a shortcast series for hospitality leaders to learn about food, sustainability and diversity from some of the brightest minds in the tourism and hotel industry.

In the latest episode, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews shared insights about the Thompson Okanagan region and dives into how TOTA is leading the way in sustainability by supporting local food, farm to table experiences, and food waste training and audits for tourism stakeholders.

Listen to BetterTable shortcast episode

 

BetterTable created a shortcast series for hospitality leaders to learn about food, sustainability and diversity from some of the brightest minds in the tourism and hotel industry.

In the latest episode, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews shared insights about the Thompson Okanagan region and dives into how TOTA is leading the way in sustainability by supporting local food, farm to table experiences, and food waste training and audits for tourism stakeholders.

Listen to BetterTable shortcast episode

Learn more about food waste training

Learn about BetterTable food audits

 
 
Read More
TOTA News TOTA Communications TOTA News TOTA Communications

BC Fairs Learning Exchange

The BC Fairs Learning Exchange took place in Penticton on April 14-16, bringing together a diverse community of thought leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts from across the realms of business, culture, and innovation. TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews delivered the opening presentation and took part in a panel on crisis communications for BC fairs.

 

The BC Fairs Learning Exchange took place in Penticton on April 14-16, bringing together a diverse community of thought leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts from across the realms of business, culture, and innovation. This BC Fairs event serves as a dynamic platform for fostering collaborative dialogue, sharing groundbreaking ideas, and cultivating lasting connections.

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews delivered opening remarks, including an overview of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, the value of agri-tourism, and resources for agri-tourism operators.

 
 

Ellen also took part in a panel on Communicating in a Crisis with Leeann Froese and Travel Penticton executive director Thom Tischik, moderated by Allison Markin of All She Wrote Consulting. The panelists discussed how fairs/large events can communicate in a meaningful way when a sudden disaster (fires, floods, road closures, pandemics etc) happens, plus prepare ahead of time by developing reputation management strategies.

 
 
Read More
TOTA News TOTA Communications TOTA News TOTA Communications

Kelowna Now Live Interview With TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews

TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews was invited to discuss Thompson Okanagan tourism on Kelowna Now Live with Jim Csek and Jason Mann.

 

TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews was invited to discuss Thompson Okanagan tourism on Kelowna Now Live with Jim Csek and Jason Mann.

In the 25-minute conversation, they discussed TOTA’s role, the tourism industry goal to expand the season, the impact of the summer 2023 wildfires on communities, the heroic efforts of the firefighters, the state of travel post-COVID, Okanagan Bucketlist, vacation rentals, sustainable tourism, renewable natural gas (RNG), other climate actions, and more.

Watch video:

 
 
 
 
Read More