Tourism Kamloops Announces the Freeride Fund

Tourism Kamloops has announced the launch of the Freeride Fund, a trail maintenance and community giveback initiative focused on Kamloops’ sanctioned trail networks and the need for sustainable trail upkeep.

The Freeride Fund ensures that sanctioned trail networks in Kamloops are supported and sustained, enabled through a formal partnership with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Foundation (TOTF). As a provincially registered non-profit society with CRA charitable status, TOTF provides the charitable framework to receive and manage donations. This partnership ensures that every contribution is tax-deductible (for amounts $20 and above) and fully directed to trail maintenance in Kamloops.

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards Entry Deadline

Entries for the 2025 World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards will be accepted until June 30th.

This is a free opportunity for individuals and organizations globally to be recognized for their contributions to sustainable travel and tourism. There are 30 categories available, covering a full range of sustainable practices within the industry.

Winners will be celebrated at the 2nd annual Gala Ceremony at Terra, Expo City Dubai, on October 29, 2025. Global voting will take place between July 14 and August 30.

YKA Link

Kamloops area tourism partners have launched YKA LINK (Leveraging Investment, Networking, and Knowledge), a new initiative to boost tourism and air service in the region.

Announced at the BC Aviation Council Conference in early June, the project aims to establish Kamloops Airport (YKA) as the primary gateway to the Interior. This alliance involves Kamloops Airport, TOTA, Tourism Sun Peaks, Tourism Kamloops, and the Thompson Nicola Regional District, and is supported by Destination BC.

YKA LINK will focus on coordinated marketing and route development to attract new air services and increase visitor numbers. The initiative seeks to enhance regional visibility and collaboration, connecting visitors to the diverse travel corridor of the North Thompson, Nicola Valleys, Shuswap, and Cariboo regions. This project will support the year-round visitor economy by improving access for both leisure and business travelers.

How Do You Measure Up? Tourism Sustainability Guide

The new How Do You Measure Up? Guide summarizes efforts across the tourism industry in BC on key environmental sustainability and climate resiliency indicators — including emissions, waste, and climate adaptation — and provides practical actions that businesses can take to measure and track their sustainability performance.

This guide provides helpful resources to businesses at any stage of their sustainability journey. This guide and additional resource are available through the BCTCRI Sustainability & Climate Adaptation Data Framework webpage.

Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey Report

The first-ever province-wide Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey was successful, with more than 550 tourism businesses participating between January 21 and February 21, 2025.

The results provide baseline data on a common set of measures that will track sustainable practices and climate adaptation initiatives across the tourism industry in BC.

Key findings across three priority areas:

Emissions

• Tourism-related GHG emissions represent 3.1% of total industry emissions in BC

• 40% of tourism businesses have invested in energy management

• Transportation accounts for 68% of tourism-related emissions, primarily from domestic air travel and ground vehicle fuel consumption

Waste Management

• 17% of tourism businesses have performed waste audits in the past two years

• 40% have invested in waste management practices like reducing single-use plastics and food waste diversion

Climate Adaptation

• 27% of tourism businesses feel prepared for natural events like wildfires, floods, and droughts

• 64% have invested in climate adaptation measures, with 17% participating in FireSmarting programs

Bringing the Salmon Home 2024-2025 Annual Report

Last summer the technical team at Bringing the Salmon Home translocated 57 adult sockeye from the Okanagan and released them into the Arrow Lakes Reservoir. In November, they witnessed a tagged adult female sockeye in a creek north of Castlegar: the first adult salmon recorded returning into an Arrow Lakes spawning tributary in over 85 years.

The full 2024-2025 report highlights the Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative, an Indigenous-led collaboration of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Secwépemc Nation, and Ktunaxa Nation, with Canada and British Columbia.

Manufacturing Excellence Forum - Kelowna

Join EMC for a dynamic in-person event tailored to tackle today’s manufacturing challenges while unlocking opportunities for future growth. Designed to spark ideas, foster collaboration, and drive innovation, this forum will leave you energized, informed, and ready to lead with confidence.

Monday, May 12, 2025 8:00 am PST

Hear presentations from industry and industry partners on sustainability in manufacturing and productivity and join a tour of local manufacturing facilities.  For more information and to register, click here.

Destination BC Thompson Okanagan Regional Profile

Destination BC has released 6 regional profiles that detail the overview of the region’s tourism industry. This profile includes:

• Resident perceptions about tourism

• Top regional markets

• Regional comparisons

• Top regional activities

• and more

Please download the full profile to learn about the tourism research and region.

Tourism Kamloops is seeking a candidate for the Director of Brand & Marketing

Tourism Kamloops is seeking an enthusiastic leader for the Director position of their brand & marketing department.

Applications are open until April 20, 2025, and interested candidates can send their resumes and cover letters to careers@tourismkamloops.com.

Camping reservations now open for Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Park

On April 2, 2025, people can begin reserving camping. Tent pad rentals will be available at any of the seven backcountry campgrounds along the Berg Lake Trail for arrivals starting June 26, 2025, the same day the entire trail is scheduled to reopen. Reservations will open for the entire season and are required to stay at campgrounds along the trail until Sept. 29, 2025.

Visitors are encouraged to check the park webpage for updates about the final phase of construction: https://bcparks.ca/mount-robson-park/

Increasing Wealth and Wellbeing for Canadians

Destination Canada provides a Wealth & Wellbeing Index Report which provides a summary of Tourism’s Wealth and Wellbeing Index. This index aligns with the United Nations’ Measuring Sustainability in Tourism (MST) framework, ensuring that all values align with sustainable tourism and the 17 sustainable development goals.

Take the Canadian Tourism Data Collective Utilization Survey

The Canadian Tourism Data Collective (CTDC) was launched in May 2024, and Simon Fraser University is running a survey to assess the awareness and usage of the CTDC tool.

Participant feedback will help improve data accessibility for industry stakeholders and support research on tourism resilience.

This anonymous survey will take 5–10 minutes to complete. Complete the survey by March 27, 2025, for a chance to win a $200 Amazon gift card.

Vernon Youth Job Opportunity with Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) - Applications Closing Soon

There are some exciting youth climate action job opportunities coming to Vernon this summer! Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) is hiring 5 youth (aged 17-30) to mobilize community climate action in the Vernon area. One Program Lead, one Program Coordinator, and three Community Climate Action Mobilizer positions are available.
 
The following positions are now open for application. Click the links below to access the job postings:

• Program Lead, Vernon (deadline to apply: March 6)

• Program Coordinator, Vernon (deadline to apply: March 6)

• Community Climate Action Mobilizer, Vernon (deadline to apply: April 6)

Tourism Kelowna is a Finalist for the 2025 BC Tourism Awards

Tourism Kelowna is one of the three finalists for the Professional Excellence DMO or Sector Association Award at the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Awards.

The winners of this award will be announced during the BC Tourism Industry Conference on March 5 - 7, 2025.

Congratulations to the Boundary Country Spark Program Winners!

Three finalists from Boundary Country who made winning pitches have been awarded a $3000 seed grant and mentorship to help them kick start their new tourism ideas.

The Boundary Country “Spark” Program winners are: 

• Lisa Houston – Christina Lake Sauna Experience

• Carissa Boynton – Hotel Midway as a Tourism & Community Hub

• Rocio Graham – Christina Lake Mushroom Festival

Take the Tourism Climate Adaptation & Environmental Sustainability Business Survey

As a partner of Destination BC, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is excited to invite you to take part in the first-ever Tourism Climate Adaptation & Environmental Sustainability Business Survey. Your input will help shape a custom report for the region, so we can work together toward a sustainable future! Don’t miss out—complete the survey today!

New Short-term Rental Registry, Host Registration Required

The Province is launching a new short-term rental (STR) registry in order to give hosts who are operating legally to continue to welcome visitors.

Anyone operating a short-term rental will have to register with the province which must be displayed on all listings in BC, effective May 1, 2025.

BCTCRI Workshop #6: Climate Resilience, Governance and CDMOs

Join DBC on January 22, 2025, for a one-hour workshop focused on government partnerships within the context of climate resiliency. The workshop will focus on the importance of provincial, regional, and municipal partnerships to enhance climate resiliency strategies.

Community Meets Adventure in Blue River

Where Community Meets Adventure – Discover Life in Blue River!

Imagine waking up to breathtaking mountain views, endless outdoor adventures, and the warmth of a welcoming community. Blue River, BC, isn’t just a place—it’s a lifestyle.

Why Blue River?

• Nestled in the heart of untouched wilderness

• Endless opportunities for outdoor recreation: hiking, skiing, kayaking, and more!

• A tight-knit, supportive community

• The perfect balance of tranquility and modern conveniences

Whether you’re seeking a fresh start, a new adventure, or a place to grow, Blue River is calling!

ETSI-BC Has Been Approved for Over $800,000 in Funding for the Southern Interior

The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) has been approved for $804,230 in funding to support 26 projects that will help support the economic growth of the Southern Interior of B.C.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is among the 26 other approved projects that will receive funding from ETSI-BC.

Read the full press release for information about the project.