The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
ITBC invites Indigenous experts in various fields to register in their database that they will share with Indigenous tourism businesses, communities, organizations, and entrepreneurs. ITBC hopes these new connections will inspire businesses to work together to enhance and strengthen the Indigenous tourism industry.
Read MoreThe Indigenous BC Trip Planner app is a trip planning and educational tool that guides visitors through the Indigenous territories of BC and their unique, immersive experiences. Use the app to discover places to go, places to stay, and things to do in BC. Find authentic Indigenous experiences and businesses, learn common Indigenous words and phrases, and hear traditional songs, stories, and legends.
Tourism businesses can share the app with their guests or connect with Indigenous businesses to discuss potential partnerships.
Read MoreITBC is looking for Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to add to a list of reliable resources to share with partners and for invitations to participate in a variety of upcoming projects.
Indigenous Knowledge Keepers are invited to apply, including Elders, language speakers, storytellers, dancers, singers, drummers, land tour guides, artists, or plant medicine enthusiasts.
The main benefit of involvement is increased global exposure for Indigenous tourism operation. ITBC will also provide an honorarium based on the type of involvement.
If your business and/or community works with an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, please share this opportunity with them.
Read MoreIndigenous Tourism companies are invited to join Indigenous Tourism BC for an engaging session where you contribute your ideas to shape the future of tourism in B.C.
Read MoreB.C.’s tourism associations have developed a toolkit to guide operators in advising the public to plan travel in British Columbia this winter, with the unique challenges caused by the 2021 floods and road closures. Operators can share this document, include the information in their communications, and provide links on their website.
Read MoreIndigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), Destination BC and the Tourism Innovation Lab have partnered to launch the Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Program. The initiative will spark new Indigenous tourism ideas and experiences which authentically represent, celebrate, and promote Indigenous cultures, heritage, language, cuisine, and communities in British Columbia
The program works by matching selected applicants with a tourism mentor, providing a $5,000 seed grant as well as additional partner support to help develop new tourism experiences. Applications are encouraged from Indigenous entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations in British Columbia, from November 9 to January 17, 2022. Following a review process, five finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session on January 25, 2022 where three winners will be selected.
Read MoreIndigenous tourism businesses will receive another financial boost to aid in pandemic recovery and foster growth through the continued partnership of the Province and Indigenous Tourism BC.
The Province initially provided $5 million to Indigenous Tourism B.C. (ITBC) to create the BC Indigenous Tourism Recovery Fund. It is now is providing an additional $3 million for a second intake.
Read MoreThe ITBC Annual General Meeting, to be held online via Zoom on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, will focus on resiliency and growth, as Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is continuously inspired by the resiliency and adaptability of Indigenous tourism businesses as they respond and innovate to the current environment.
Read MoreProvincial industry associations are collecting data to use in our conversations with various levels of government about the types of relief and assistance packages required for the industry and for large operators. Please complete the survey by May 7.
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