News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Register for BCTCRI’s 5th Workshop: Decarbonization and Climate Action
Register today for the free virtual Decarbonization and Climate Action workshop on October 16, 2024.
Join Synergy Enterprises on October 16, 2024, for a free virtual workshop that explores innovative strategies and initiatives for reducing carbon emissions in the tourism industry.
This workshop is part of the British Columbia Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI) Project Four: Community Destination Stewardship Initiative.
Destination Canada Launches Interactive Incentive Map
Destination Canada’s Business Events website now features an interactive map of incentive experiences across Canada. Potential clients are invited to explore awe-inspiring experiences in unique destinations from coast to coast to coast, with filters including Experience Type and Economic Sector.
Read the Destination Canada Sustainability Storybook
Read about the Sustainability Commitments that cements Destination Canada's position as a global leader in business event sustainability and positions Canadian destinations toward the industry's 2050 net zero targets
Destination Canada has released a national program to improve the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental sustainability practices of business events hosted in Canada.
Through its sustainability commitment Destination Canada invites you to read the Sustainability Storybook which presents practical solutions to implement sustainable changes to business events across Canada.
Thompson Okanagan Featured in the National Climate League 2023 Report
The Thompson Okanagan is featured in the National Climate Leagues 2023 report.
The 6th edition of the National Climate League Standings report by the National Climate League (NCL) is now available. Explore data collected from over 50 municipalities, including those in the Thompson Okanagan. This data features detailed policy scans, data visualizations, and in-depth analysis.
Download your copy today to see the latest municipal climate action in Canada and the region.
Get Involved: Help Shape the Future of the TNRD Parks and Trails System
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is inviting residents to take a short survey about their experiences at the park to help shape the future of TNRD parks and trail systems.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is inviting residents to take a short survey about their experiences at the park to help shape the future of TNRD parks and trail systems.
The Parks and Trails Strategic Plan will evaluate the existing assets, designate community or regional parks, identify opportunities for future development, and more.
The survey is open until October 7, 2024. Read more about the strategic plan and take the survey.
Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Showcasing Grand Forks Recovery From 2018 Floods
In 2018, severe flooding occurred in Grand Forks, B.C. but the community has made significant strides in recovery and resilience. This video from the Government of BC highlights the efforts.
In 2018, the spring thaw caused intense flooding in Grand Forks, B.C. Many people lost their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Six years later, the community has come a long way towards recovery and built up resilience to handle extreme weather in the future. A video release from the Government of BC shows the extraordinary efforts, and stories on the path to future flood mitigation, and how far they have come, in the city of Grand Forks.
Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Business and Workforce Survey
The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is inviting businesses, residents, and local workers to complete a short survey to understand the needs of local businesses and the workforce, as well as the perceptions of business owners and employee’s regarding working and doing business in the region.
Survey respondents can enter to win one of two $150 prepaid Visas or one of two $100 local business gift baskets.
The survey is open until September 30, 2024.
Job Opportunity: Marketing Manager - Travel Penticton
Travel Penticton is looking for a Marketing Manager for a 12-15 month contract starting October 2024.
Travel Penticton is searching for a full-time Marketing Manager for a 12-15 month contract starting in October 2024.
Please send your resume and cover letter to employment@visitpenticton.com
BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops “Conservation Minutes” YouTube Series on Fire Prevention
The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops hosts educational YouTube series called "Conservation Minutes." This month's episode is on fire prevention.
The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops hosts educational YouTube series called "Conservation Minutes." This series offers practical, actionable, advice on how people, businesses, and organizations can make changes to take care of the planet's ecosystems and wildlife.
From water conservation tips to poisonous plants for pets, these videos are designed to educate and inspire. The most recent installment is a fire prevention segment to help individuals and organization be more fire smart.
Learn more and watch the "Conservation Minutes" series on YouTube.
New Accessible Viewing Platform at Helmcken Falls
A new fully accessible viewing platform has opened at Helmcken Falls.
A new fully accessible viewing platform has opened at Helmcken Falls, ensuring visitors of all abilities can experience the iconic waterfall while also enhancing the park’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Wells Gray Provincial Park invites visitors to plan their trips as they offer the beauty of the park to a broader audience.
Learn more about the newly opened platform from the full press release.
Indigenous Tourism BC Job Opportunity: Indigenous Tourism Specialists
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is looking for candidates for an Indigenous Tourism Specialist position.
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is looking for candidates for an Indigenous Tourism Specialist position in four of the province’s regions including the Thompson Okanagan.
This is a full-time position and the Indigenous Tourism Specialist will support the advancement of Indigenous Tourism by providing responsible and respectful regional-specific support through meaningful engagement with local communities and tourism partners.
Interested candidates can submit a cover letter, resume, and references to gail@IndigenousBC.com by August 9, 2024.
New Flight Routes Coming to Kelowna International Airport
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will welcome 3 new routes in late 2024 and early 2025.
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will welcome 3 new routes in late 2024 and early 2025.
Pacific Coastal Airlines has announced a new direct flight route connecting Prince George to Kelowna. This flight will run 6 days a week from Sunday to Friday, starting October 28, 2024.
Alaska Airlines has announced a daily, non-stop, seasonal route connecting Los Angeles to Kelowna. This service will start on December 19, 2024.
WestJet has also announced new routes connecting Seattle and Kelowna, starting in January 2025.
WestJet announces new flights from Seattle to Kelowna
WestJet will connect Kelowna and Seattle with a new daily service starting in January 2025.
WestJet will connect Kelowna and Seattle with a new daily service starting in January 2025. This route will enhance connectivity between these regions and a wide network of U.S. destinations via Seattle, thanks to WestJet's partnership with Delta Air Lines. WestJet's Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill emphasized that this service will offer convenient and affordable travel options for both business and leisure throughout the year.
WestJet will serve 12 destinations from Kelowna this winter with up to 20 daily departures out of YLW during peak winter travel.
Read the full announcement from WestJet.
Review and Provide Feedback to the New DriveBC Website
The DriveBC website is undergoing improvements, and people are invited to test the new version and provide feedback.
The DriveBC website is undergoing improvements, and people are invited to test the new version and provide feedback.
The updated site will be easier to use, more reliable, and personalized, helping drivers plan safe and efficient trips. Key features include a simplified map, clearer event notifications, and enhanced mobile experience.
Individuals can test the new site and complete a survey to provide feedback and help to improve the new site.
Drivers should continue using the current site for travel planning until the updates are finalized.
Visit the DriveBC test site to review and participate in the survey here.
BC Wine Industry Celebrates Direct to Consumer Shipping to Alberta
The BC wine industry welcomes the news that BC wineries can now ship directly to Alberta consumers, thanks to a new agreement between the provinces.
The BC wine industry welcomes the news that BC wineries can now ship directly to Alberta consumers, thanks to a new agreement between the provinces.
This comes at a perfect time as many Albertans visit BC wineries after the Calgary Stampede, marking an increase in summer travel for the Alberta market. Although the Alberta direct-to-consumer market is a small part of BC's wine sales, it is important for growth, offering high-end products and building customer relationships.
Industry leaders, including Wine Growers BC and Hester Creek Estate Winery, are pleased with the renewed connection, which supports BC wine tourism and the local economy. Wine Growers BC thanks both provincial premiers and local MLAs for their support in making this agreement possible.
Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses
Organizations are invited to attend the FortisBC & GreenStep virtual sessions to learn more about the Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses program.
GreenStep Solutions is hosting a webinar with FortisBC to introduce the FortisBC Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses program. Organizations can attend the 45-minute virtual sessions to learn more about the program.
About the Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses Program:
FortisBC is offering small and medium-sized businesses free customized energy advice, members can connect with Business Energy Advisors with a 15 to 30-minute consultation via phone call, video call, or in-person visit to learn about:
Low-cost/no-cost tips to reduce energy use and operating costs
Information about FortisBC rebates on high-efficiency equipment
Support in getting quotes from contractors and applying for rebates
Applying for retroactive rebates on equipment installed in the last 365 days
Register below to attend one of the free virtual informational sessions:
Okanagan College breaks ground on new centre for food, wine, and tourism
Okanagan College’s Kelowna Campus is welcoming a new centre for food, wine, and tourism that will include modern teaching spaces, food labs, beverage research and development facilities, and common spaces.
Okanagan College’s Kelowna Campus is welcoming a new centre for food, wine, and tourism that will include modern teaching spaces, food labs, beverage research and development facilities, and common spaces.
The centre is the first of its kind, a collaboration will bring food, wine, and tourism programs to the campus first of its kind, a partnership between students and businesses in the food, beverage, hospitality and resort industries, and will address the labour shortages in the industry by expanding its culinary enrolment by more than 125 students per year, and hospitality and tourism enrolment by 450 students per year.
Plans unveiled for the new Centre for Food, Wine, and Tourism
Destination Development Case Studies
Destination development case studies showcase the positive impact of tourism's social, cultural, and economic advantages through destination development initiatives.
Destination BC has put together 12 case studies that showcase the positive impact of tourism's social, cultural, and economic advantages through destination development initiatives.
Read the case study about how Larch Hills Nordic Society and Overlander Ski Club have improved trails and added lighting to bring in more people to cross-country ski at night.
Read the case study about how Big White Ski Resort, SilverStar Mountain Resort, and Sun Peaks Resort answered the demand for more accessible mountain bike infrastructure.
People invited to test drive the next DriveBC website
The popular DriveBC website is being revamped and people are invited to provide feedback on the improvements.
Drivers use the site to plan safe and efficient trips, get the latest information on road incidents, construction and maintenance, and view hundreds of highway webcams. The new DriveBC will be easier to use, more reliable and more personalized, allowing drivers to focus on their routes.
The popular DriveBC website is being revamped and people are invited to provide feedback on the improvements.
Drivers use the site to plan safe and efficient trips, get the latest information on road incidents, construction and maintenance, and view hundreds of highway webcams. The new DriveBC will be easier to use, more reliable and more personalized, allowing drivers to focus on their routes.
Wine Growers BC 2025 Operational Plan
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) recently released its Fiscal 2025 Operational Plan. This year, the plan is focuses on five key Board-approved objectives:
Build a world-class brand for Wines of British Columbia
Position BC as a premier wine region with trade
Make BC wine country a benchmark for wine tourism
Strengthen wine industry leadership
Leverage government advocacy efforts
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) recently released its Fiscal 2025 Operational Plan. This year, the plan is focuses on five key Board-approved objectives:
Build a world-class brand for Wines of British Columbia
Position BC as a premier wine region with trade
Make BC wine country a benchmark for wine tourism
Strengthen wine industry leadership
Leverage government advocacy efforts
In consideration of the challenges facing the BC wine industry, the Annual Operational Plan has been developed to address the current environment while still retaining the flexibility necessary to help industry and member wineries meet new and emerging challenges.