News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Founding Signatory Future of Tourism Coalition
Kelowna, BC (July 23, 2020) - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has become a founding signatory with the Future of Tourism Coalition. As world tourism begins recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the coalition shares a global mission: to place destination needs at the center of tourism’s new future.
"TOTA is committed to transforming recent challenges into positive change as we navigate the way toward long-term recovery and resilience," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "We are truly honoured to be part of this international coalition. Healthy, inclusive communities and environmental stewardship are the keys to realizing our collective success."
Comprised of six non-governmental organizations, the Future of Tourism Coalition has collaboratively developed and launched a set of Guiding Principles. These outline a clear moral and business direction intended to help create a healthier tourism industry while protecting the places and people on which it depends.
“We consider Thompson Okanagan a global frontrunner in sustainable tourism with an exceptional record in creating synergies between local and Indigenous communities and businesses that work in a sustainable way,” said Albert Salman, President of Green Destinations and one of the Coalition’s founders. “We are proud to have Thompson Okanagan on board and look forward to working together with all the great people in the region.”
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About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, & Culture. It is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies. For more information, visit totabc.org.
About the Future of Tourism Coalition
The Future of Tourism Coalition is comprised of six non-governmental organizations that have come together for the first time and stand united in their appeal for change. These organizations are: the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), Destination Stewardship Center, Green Destinations, Sustainable Travel International, Tourism Cares, and the Travel Foundation, with the guidance of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). For more information, visit futureoftourism.org.
For more information, contact:
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Vice President, Market Stewardship
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association