
News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
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!
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
Your input will help shape a custom report for the region, so we can work together toward a sustainable future!
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.
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.
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
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 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.
Global Sustainable Tourism Council Attraction Criteria Early Adoption Program
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has launched an early adopter program for the GSTC attraction criteria. Applications will open in January 2025.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has launched an early adopter program for the GSTC attraction criteria.
The early adoption program will begin in January 2025, interested parties can find more information about the program’s activities and applications here.
UN Tourism Finds Travel Spending Growing Faster Than Arrivals
UN Tourism has found that global tourism is set to recover by the end of the year. Destinations are exceeding 2019 numbers, and the global tourism sector has recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels.
Read the full release by UN Tourism for full details.
The “Spark” Mentorship and Grants Program Brings Innovative Ideas to Boundary Country
Boundary Country has officially announced a new program to support innovative tourism ideas in the area.
The “Spark” Mentorship and Grants Program matches selected applicants with tourism mentors and provides a $3000 grant to develop and support new or current tourism ideas that encourage longer stays, address tourism needs, and enhance experiences in the region.
Interested applicants can apply by January 6, 2025.
For more information about the Boundary “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program and upcoming Info Sessions, visit https://www.tourisminnovation.ca/boundarycountry.html