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
Last Chance to Register for Power Up! Program with Destination BC
The digital mentoring program will provide 75 eligible BC-based, small and medium sized tourism businesses, sole proprietors, and non-profits with tailored specialist digital support through seasoned consultants.
As the program will fill up quickly, be sure to submit your application as soon as possible.
Destination BC’s Power Up! program is now accepting applications.
The digital mentoring program will provide 75 eligible BC-based, small and medium sized tourism businesses, sole proprietors, and non-profits with tailored specialist digital support through seasoned consultants.
You can choose from a list of service areas that you deem a priority for your business. From Digital Strategy to SEO to Email Marketing and all things Social Media, the program aims to support a wide range of digital service needs.
The service costs will be directly covered through the Power Up! program up to a maximum of $5,000 per participant and will include supporting educational resources for further learning and ongoing implementation in the future.
Applications are now open, and we encourage to apply as soon as possible on Destination BC’s Learning Centre [http://www.destinationbc.ca/learning-centre/power-up/].
For more information, visit http://www.destinationbc.ca/learning-centre/power-up/ or contact Beth Sangara, Senior Project Manager for Destination BC: Email Beth.Sangara@DestinationBC.ca or Phone 778-572-1830.
Service Feature: Moccasin Trails Consulting
Moccasin Trails Consulting works to support urban and rural economic development - specifically in Indigenous tourism, partnership building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations in B.C. Services include speaking engagements, tourism & economic development, training programs, corporate training, and workshops.
Moccasin Trails Consulting can support your organization towards working with and build positive relationships with Indigenous communities.
Moccasin Trails Consulting supports urban and rural economic development, specifically in Indigenous tourism, partnership building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, inspiring keynote presentations, skills development, training, and more in B.C.
Services
Public Speaking: Presentations and keynotes can be tailored to small or large groups participating in conferences, lectures or workshops.
Tourism & Economic Development: Strategic planning, community engagement, and cultural programming/
Training Programs & Workshops: Facilitate training programs and workshops to deliver Indigenous specific curriculum developed by your university, school, or organization.
Team Building & Workshops: Youth empowerment, ceremonies and ceremonial education, Indigenous Cultural Awareness training, and other corporate workshops.
Moccasin Trails Consulting can support your organization towards working with and build positive relationships with Indigenous communities. Learn more at MoccasinTrails.com.
About the Founders
Moccasin Trails Consulting is Indigenous-owned and deeply rooted in Indigenous values, cultures, teachings, and beliefs. The founders, Greg Hopf and Frank Antoine, have been immersed in Indigenous cultures and traditional practices and are now looking forward to sharing their traditional knowledge and professional expertise with you and your organization.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement of the Thompson Okanagan Region
TOTA has published a Land Acknowledgement page on the corporate website, TOTABC.org, as a step on the path to cultivate strong relations with First Nation and Métis peoples. The page has been published as a way to show respect for the region’s Indigenous peoples by testifying to their presence, both historical and current; and in honour of Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30, 2021.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) acknowledges that the Thompson Okanagan region is situated on the traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc peoples. As well, the Thompson Okanagan includes land and water routes that were created and used, both historically and presently, by Indigenous peoples as seasonal travel and trade routes.
TOTA is committed to working towards truth and reconciliation by collaborating with Indigenous tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC). As an organization and team, we continuously reflect on our relationship with the land and our commitment to reconciliation as it relates to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Land Acknowledgement Page
TOTA has published a Land Acknowledgement page on the corporate website, TOTABC.org, as a step on the path to cultivate strong relations with First Nation and Métis peoples.
The page has been published as a way to show respect for the region’s Indigenous peoples by testifying to their presence, both historical and current; and in honour Orange Shirt Day and Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021.
The Land Acknowledgement page includes:
Recognition of the traditional territory of the the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc peoples.
Information on TOTA’s commitment to working towards truth and reconciliation by collaborating with Indigenous tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC).
Resources to learn more about Canada’s Indigenous Land, History, and Culture
The Land Acknowledgement page can be accessed from:
Direct through the link TOTABC.org/Land-Acknowledgement
TOTABC.org, News.TOTABC.org, and ThompsonOkanagan.com footers
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day - September 30
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.
September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, Canadians can wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.
Work Towards Reconciliation
As individuals, organizations, and governments, we all have a part in working towards reconciliation. We can begin by learning more about the lands where we live, work, and play.
TOTA encourages tourism organizations and professionals to develop partnerships with local Indigenous communities, and to recognize and honour Indigenous peoples by acknowledging the traditional territories.
For more information on traditional territories and Indigenous communities, check out the following resources and contact communities directly for specific information.
Traditional Indigenous Territory, Language, and Treaties Map
Government of Canada – First Nation Profiles Interactive Map
BC Assembly of First Nations - Map of Thompson Okanagan Communities
To learn more about Indigenous Tourism in the Thompson Okanagan region:
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns about the content of the Land Acknowledgement page or TOTA’s Indigenous Tourism initiatives, please email Indigenous@TOTABC.com.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day | September 30
September 30, 2021 marks Canada’s First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Orange Shirt Day. Learn about virtual events to recognize , resources about Canada’s Indigenous peoples, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
September 30, 2021 Marks Canada’s First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
The creation of Canada’s federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, an Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act, and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received Royal Assent.
Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day also takes place on September 30
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, Canadians can wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events:
When – September 27 – October 1
Where – Online
Land Acknowledgements Workshop
When – September 27 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where – Zoom
Elaine Alec Self Determination: A Pathway to Healing
When – September 30 at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Where – Online
Drum For The Children
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc wishes to involve the world in recognizing the very first Canadian National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. After a global outpouring of interest and support for the missing children from the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is offering a way for people to connect, support and ground into the importance of September 30, 2021.
On this very first Canadian National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is calling upon people around the world to gather safely to drum and sing for the missing children of Indian Residential Schools.
It’s time to honour the children, and the unrelenting spirit of these Ancestors.
It’s time to:
to drum for the healing of the Indian Residential Schools Survivors who carried the burden of knowing of where the children were buried.
to drum for the healing of the families and communities whose children did not come home.
Help us shine a light on truth – the pursuit of justice and peace – and healing for all affected by these beloved missing children.
Indigenous peoples and cultures
Learn about Canada’s three distinct groups of Indigenous peoples - the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, with unique histories, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs that are woven into the fabric of the country. More than 1.4 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Indigenous person.
Indigenous History in Canada
The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada is rich and diverse. This history stretches long into the past before the arrival of the European newcomers with diverse interactions among different peoples, flourishing trade and fierce conflict, and competition for lands and resources. The history of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis is essentially the very history of Canada as they have played, and continue to play important roles in its development and its future.
To learn more, please visit the virtual exhibit at the Canadian Museum of History and the First Nations in Canada historical e-book.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - UNDRIP
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday, 13 September 2007. Today the Declaration is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of indigenous peoples. It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of indigenous peoples.
Tourism Insurance Survey - Close September 24
The issue of rising insurance premiums in the tourism industry continues to be a concern, including commercial insurance access, premium increase, and limited liability coverage. Insurance is a fundamental element in the industry’s ability to build back stronger post pandemic.
TIABC and TIAC are collecting feedback from the tourism industry to support advocacy efforts. Please complete the survey by September 24.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Provincial and Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA) that includes TIABC, have formed a task force on the issue of rising insurance premiums in the tourism industry.
We are continuing to hear from operators concerned with commercial insurance access, premium increase, and limited liability coverage. Insurance is a fundamental element in the industry’s ability to build back stronger post pandemic.
To help with TIABC's advocacy work on this issue, please complete this survey by September 24.
We also request that you share the survey link with others who have concerns to ensure as robust a response as possible. Thank you for your time and input.
Register as a Certificate of Recognition (COR) Internal Auditor to Save Up to 10% on WorkSafeBC Premiums
go2HR offers the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program, a certification and incentive program that rewards tourism employers who go above and beyond the legal requirements of the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Registering your business with the Certificate of Recognition (COR) Program makes a strong statement as an employer about how much you value you workers while providing you with up to 10% off of your base WorkSafeBC premiums.
go2HR offers the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program, a certification and incentive program that rewards tourism employers who go above and beyond the legal requirements of the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Registering your business with the Certificate of Recognition (COR) Program makes a strong statement as an employer about how much you value you workers while providing you with up to 10% off of your base WorkSafeBC premiums.
The COR program is available to large employers with 20 or more full-time equivalent employees. Fewer than 20 employees? Check out the Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR) program here.
Join go2HR’s next COR virtual training session to learn all about the COR program. You’ll learn what it takes to become an auditor, details of the COR program, speak with other registered employers, and gain important occupational health and safety knowledge.
The go2HR website has a wealth of information about the COR program, including an overview of the program, a detailed overview of the audit process, a self-assessment guide, and a health and safety toolkit to help your business achieve COR certification.
The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) Seeking Board Nominations by October 2
The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors. All nominations for director positions therefore, must be received on or before October 2, 2021.
The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors.
For the 2021-2023 term, TIABC is seeking a total of five (5) candidates:
From the DMO category one (1) is required for a two-year term. One board member is seeking re-election.
From the Sector Association category sector two (2) are required for a two-year term. Two board members are seeking re-election.
From the Business Membership category two (2) are required for a two-year term. Two board members are seeking re-election.
As per the bylaws, the Tourism Industry Association of BC requests that all nominations from members be received 45 days prior to the Annual General Meeting. All nominations for director positions therefore, must be received on or before October 2, 2021 at 5:00 pm.
The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) advocates on behalf of the 19,300+ tourism businesses and 161,000 employees that work in every community and region of our province for the interests of British Columbia’s $22 billion+ visitor economy (2019). As a not-for-profit tourism industry association, TIABC works collaboratively with its members – private sector tourism businesses, industry associations and destination marketing organizations – to ensure the best working environment for a competitive tourism industry.
To receive the TIABC Board Nomination Form, or If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Deborah Kulchiski (Manager, Special Projects, TIABC) at deborah@tiabc.ca
TRAXX Zero Emission Electric Bus - Free Kelowna Tours on Thursday, September 16
TRAXX Coachlines invites tourism industry professionals to experience a 1.5 hour trip on the MCI J4500 Zero Emission Electric Bus throughout Kelowna on Thursday, September 16. The route around Kelowna has been designed to choose some of the most scenic roads and views. TRAXX is planning to break their own record for longest run with the highest climb of an electric bus this Thursday, when they drive the bus from Vancouver to Kelowna via the Summit and Connector.
TRAXX Coachlines recently purchased a 100% electric, zero emissions bus for their fleet, then broke a world record for the longest run with the highest climb of an electric bus when they drove the bus from Kamloops to Vancouver.
TRAXX is planning to break their own record on Thursday, when they drive the bus from Vancouver to Kelowna via the Summit and Connector.
They have reached out to TOTA to try and get as many people as possible to experience this zero emissions bus and help them test it on different tour lengths through Kelowna.
TRAXX invites tourism industry professionals to experience a 1.5 hour trip on the MCI J4500 Zero Emission Electric Bus throughout Kelowna on Thursday, September 16. The route around Kelowna has been designed to choose some of the most scenic roads and views.
Tours begin at 9:30 a.m, 11:30 a.m, and 1:30 p.m, starting and ending at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.
If you are able to attend, please RSVP by clicking on this link: Kelowna, TRAXX Electric Ride Invitation.
About TRAXX Coachlines
TRAXX has offices in Kelowna, Kamloops, Delta, Edmonton, Airdrie and Calgary, with a fleet of 240 Coaches in the fleet. TRAXX provides transportation for many tour groups, sports teams and special events in the Thompson Okanagan region and beyond.
TRAXX Electric Bus in the Media
Tourism Votes: Canadian Election Resources for Tourism Businesses
TIAC has developed a number of tools to assist you in getting involved on behalf of the visitor economy at TourismVotes.ca. While TIAC continues to meet with key decision makers and candidates in Ottawa and across the country, which is an extremely important part of advocacy, it is equally important for industry to make an effort to meet with their local candidates from all parties. Local constituents are able to provide their candidates with a more specific community perspective on issues related to tourism industry local impact.
TIAC has developed a number of tools to assist you in getting involved on behalf of the visitor economy at TourismVotes.ca. While TIAC continues to meet with key decision makers and candidates in Ottawa and across the country, which is an extremely important part of advocacy, it is equally important for industry to make an effort to meet with their local candidates from all parties. Local constituents are able to provide their candidates with a more specific community perspective on issues related to tourism industry local impact.
Ensure you are registered by visiting Elections.ca. Remember you can register to vote by mail, you can vote at advanced polls, or you can choose to vote on election day, September 20, 2021.
Survey on Francophone Tourism + Free Toolkit for Francophone Tourism | Survey closes September 19
RDÉE Canada has initiated a study that will focus on the evolution of the Francophone and bilingual tourism offer in Canada as related to the pandemic. Tourism businesses that offer or wish to offer services to French-speaking customers are invited to share the current situation and industry needs to welcome French-speaking visitors by answering this short survey, available in both languages. Respondents will receive a free kit for Francophone tourism in Canada. Survey closes September 19.
The Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité (RDÉE Canada) and its members have initiated a study that will focus on the evolution of the Francophone and bilingual tourism offer in Canada almost 15 months after the beginning of the pandemic. The study will focus on tourism businesses located outside of Quebec that offer services to a Francophone clientele.
The results of the survey will allow RDÉE Canada to establish a general data report on the situation of tourism businesses after the COVID crisis in order to target their needs to better help them prepare to welcome visitors from the French-speaking markets of Quebec, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Eastern Europe.
All questionnaire respondents will receive a free kit for Francophone tourism in Canada. This kit will be produced in the coming year and will provide the knowledge and information required to guide your initiatives in the main Francophone markets.
Share Your Feedback
Tourism businesses that offer or wish to offer services to French-speaking customers are invited to share the current situation and industry needs to welcome French-speaking visitors by answering this short survey, available in both languages.
Survey closes September 19, 2021
Schedule an Introduction to Sustainable Tourism Presentation
TOTA’s Destination Stewardship team offers 30-minute virtual presentations to share how tourism businesses can work towards sustainable tourism through in TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program.
TOTA’s Destination Stewardship team offers virtual presentations to share how tourism businesses can work towards sustainable tourism through TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program.
In the presentation, learn more about:
How to become a Biosphere Committed Company
How to participate in the Eco Efficiency Program
How to use the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform
Exclusive training opportunities & other benefits
How businesses can take the Thompson Okanagan Regional Pledge
Biosphere Awards and how to earn recognition for your commitment to sustainable tourism