News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce Launches Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) has announced the new national Rainbow Registered accreditation program to help consumers and prospective employees to more easily identify LGBT+ friendly businesses across Canada. Business can complete the program in one week, at which point businesses will be able to promote themselves as a Rainbow Registered organization, access CGLCC member benefits, and be included in the Rainbow Registered business directory for consumers.
For a limited time, the first-year sign-up fee is waived for all applicants.
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) has announced the new national Rainbow Registered accreditation program. The accreditation will help consumers and prospective employees to more easily identify LGBT+ friendly businesses across Canada. It will also help businesses of all industries and sizes, demonstrate their commitment and consistent efforts to provide a welcome and accepting experience through progressive policies and practices.
The Rainbow Registered program is a way for companies to affirm their position on LGBT+ rights and make it clear what their stance is.” said Darrell Schuurman, Chief Executive Officer of the LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. “It’s no longer enough to talk about inclusivity. Canadian consumers and employees are now demanding clear actionable steps that show a business’s values align with their own.”
Rainbow Registered Sets The Bar for Corporate LGBT+ Inclusivity
The program sets a rigorous set of standards that companies must meet before earning the Rainbow Registered mark and the benefits that go along with it. The standards focus on four key areas including policies and practices, training, commitment to inclusive leadership and a culture of inclusivity. The program starts by encouraging businesses to look inwards, examining how they are operating and doing business, finding areas that may be perpetuating unconscious bias, then working closely with CGLCC to forge a path forward to becoming more inclusive.
For a limited time, the first-year sign-up fee is waived for all applicants. Pricing starts at $299 + tax for small businesses and scales to match company size.
It takes less than a week to complete the program, at which point businesses will be able to promote themselves as a Rainbow Registered organization, access CGLCC member benefits, and be included in the Rainbow Registered business directory for consumers.
Companies interested in applying to the rainbow registered program can get started today by completing the first step, a self-assessment found at www.rainbowregistered.ca.
Consumers interested in learning which organizations are accredited can find the business directory at www.rainbowregistered.ca.
Rise of Organic Viticulture in the Okanagan
With more than 150 wineries in the region, the Okanagan Valley has become well-known for its outstanding wines and wine experiences. A growing trend is set to put the Okanagan on the wine map in a new way - as one of the leading producers of organic wines in the world! By the end of 2021, the Okanagan is expected to have 20% of its 8,800 acres of vineyards certified organic, which far outpaces the global organic production rate of approximately 3.6%.
With more than 150 wineries in the region, the Okanagan Valley has become well-known for its outstanding wines and wine experiences. A growing trend is set to put the Okanagan on the wine map in a new way - as one of the leading producers of organic wines in the world!
Organic viticulture and winemaking is certainly nothing new to the region, with producers like Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Beaumont Family Estate producing organic wines for more than 20 years, however, with the recent transition from producers like Mission Hill Family Estate Winery and CedarCreek Estate Winery, the number of organic vineyards has dramatically increased. By the end of 2021, the Okanagan is expected to have 20% of its 8,800 acres of vineyards certified organic, which far outpaces the global organic production rate of approximately 3.6%.
With the overall trend moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle, consumers are looking for simple ways to reduce their impact, including their wine choices. In fact, the global consumption of organic wine doubled between 2012 and 2017 and continues to increase today.
Kelowna Biosphere Committed Members that are also organic wineries:
COVID Health & Safety Resources for BC Tourism Companies - Resource Roundup
A roundup of COVID Health & Safety Resources to support BC tourism resiliency.
Sunset from atop Battle Bluff, Thompson Valley
Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support business operators in the region. We have received several questions around preparing for the summer season, particularly around employee & visitor safety, training resources, and employer vaccination policies.
We have compiled the latest resources to support tourism businesses:
Upcoming Webinars
Tourism Resource Roundup | Connect, Restart & Build Forward With B.C.'s Support Network
Wednesday, June 23, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
As we approach the next steps of the BC Restart Plan and begin to welcome visitors back in British Columbia, the BC Tourism Resiliency Network is bringing together a panel of five tourism organizations to help you leverage key resources towards resiliency.
For weekly tourism industry webinar announcements, subscribe to the TOTA Webinar Roundup email newsletter.
Training
BSAFE – “BC Safety Assured for Everyone” Online Training Program (1.5 hours)
A new online health and safety training program designed to ensure foundational health and safety knowledge in B.C.’s tourism and hospitality businesses to keep everyone safe as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business Support
Destination BC Messaging Guidance & Tourism Sector Restart Step 2 Toolkit
Tourism businesses can refer to the DBC Messaging Guidance for Step 2 of BC’s four-step Restart Plan, which includes messaging, resources, and FAQ section.
The Province of BC, TIABC, ITBC, and DBC have prepared a restart framework and toolkit for operators to better understand and support the restart plan. We encourage you to explore the Restart Step 2 toolkit and utilize the key messaging for your communications with guests, employees, and stakeholders — the aim being that the tourism industry is working together towards a safe restart.
go2HR COVID Safety Plan Review Service
The team of health and safety experts at go2HR will review your COVID safety plan, then provide recommendations and targeted feedback to help your business meet current requirements.
Vaccination Policies
The vaccine rollout has left employers with many questions about policies, such as:
Do employers need to have a vaccine policy in place?
Can employers demand proof of vaccination from their employees?
How can employers balance health and safety concerns with human rights or privacy ones?
What do employers need to consider if they want to implement a vaccine policy?
go2HR has created a COVID-19 Vaccinations in The Workplace page with detailed answers to these questions and a new Employer Toolkit.
The BC Hotel Association and go2HR recently hosted a webinar on Vaccinations the Workplace.
go2HR has summarized B.C.’s various types of leave related to COVID-19:
COVID-19 Paid Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program
There is a reimbursement program available for employers who do not have an existing sick leave program. As of June 15, 2021, employers can apply for COVID-19 Sick Leave reimbursement through WorkSafeBC.
Marketing Support
Apply to Display the Safe Travels Stamp
The World Travel & Tourism Council has granted the Safe Travels stamp to the Thompson Okanagan region. All tourism businesses are eligible and encouraged to apply and display the stamp to collectively encourage consumer confidence in the safety of tourism experiences. It's quick, easy, and free!
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We hope these resources are helpful. For the latest industry info and trends, you can refer to TOTA's News Centre, Research page, Resiliency Research page and Fast Facts publication.
We also recommend signing up for the TIABC and BCHA e-newsletters for additional tourism industry news.
Tourism Resiliency Program Supports
We are here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program you can access the following supports:
1-1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor
Expert Business Mentorship with an Okanagan College business professor
Mental Health Support through the Canadian Mental Health Association
Micro Loans through Community Futures
Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to schedule a 1-1 call with a TOTA advisor
First Phase of KVR Repairs Now Complete
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC), is wrapping up the first phase of trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Glenfir Station (above Naramata).
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC), has wrapped up the first phase of trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Glenfir Station (above Naramata). The improvements included brushing, grading and raising the tread (trail surface) in certain areas that saw annual flooding. Locations were identified by a professional Geotechnical Engineer and the project was done using heavy machinery.
Belleview Trestle
Phase 2 of the work will include capping of the sections that saw large rock aggregate being used to raise the tread of the flooding sections. Currently, the large aggregate is not ideal for cycling, however capping will take place in the coming month to complete the work for an improved trail experience along this section of the KVR. More details on phase 2 of the work will be updated when the work commences.
TOTA is pleased to continue undertaking this work to create a better KVR experience. We would like to acknowledge the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure (CERIP) program funding, received through the Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to enable TOTA to contribute to this project and implement these changes along the trail. We also appreciate the work that many have undertaken to improve the trail over the past many months, including the RDOS, RSTBC, Chute Lake Lodge and others.
Section with Raised Tread
Section with Raised Tread
Canada Easing Border Measures for Entering Travellers - Phase 1 Beginning July 5
Beginning July 5, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers who are permitted to enter Canada will not be subject to the federal requirement to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day-8. In addition, fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air will not be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel. For travellers who are not fully vaccinated, there are no changes to Canada’s current border measures.
On June 21, the Government of Canada announced details of the first phase of its approach to easing border measures for travellers entering Canada. These cautious adjustments are now possible because of the successes of the vaccine roll out in Canada and Canadians following public health measures.
Beginning July 5, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers who are permitted to enter Canada will not be subject to the federal requirement to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day-8. In addition, fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air will not be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel.
To be considered fully vaccinated, a traveller must have received the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must provide documentation supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation.
For these new measures to apply to them, fully vaccinated travellers must still meet all other mandatory requirements, including pre- and on-arrival testing. Continued testing will allow public health experts to keep monitoring positivity rates at the border, monitor for variants of concern, and make further adjustments to border measures as needed.
Fully vaccinated travellers must also be asymptomatic, have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation, and provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN prior to arrival in Canada. They must still present a suitable quarantine plan, and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet all of the conditions required to be exempt from quarantine. As with all other exempt travellers, they will be required to follow public health measures in place, such as wearing a mask when in public, keep a copy of their vaccine and test results, as well as a list of close contacts for 14 days after entry to Canada.
For travellers who are not fully vaccinated, there are no changes to Canada’s current border measures. They must continue to adhere to the current testing and federal quarantine requirements, which have been effective in reducing importation and transmission of COVID-19 and variants in Canada, and provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN before arriving in Canada. Unvaccinated air travellers must also book a three-night stay at a government-authorized hotel before their departure to Canada.
The Government of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians. As vaccination, case counts and hospitalization rates evolve, the Government of Canada will continue to consider further targeted measures at the borders—and when to lift or adjust them—to keep Canadians safe and the economy running.
New and Improved BC Rail Trails Website Launched on June 15th
The more user friendly, interactive Rail Trails website was launched on June 15th to provide a hub of information pertaining to rail trails.
Kelowna, B.C. - The updated B.C. Rail Trails website was launched on June 15th. After incorporating stakeholder feedback and improving the usability of the site, you will now find a more user friendly platform with updated accessibility information, interactive maps and quiz, and finally announcement boxes to inform users of trail maintenance.
"After many months of work behind the scenes, TOTA is happy to share the new Rail Trails Website. bcrailtrails.com will provide residents and visitors a hub of information pertaining to local rail trails. We want to thank local businesses and trail enthusiasts for their help refining the site." said Mike Overend, TOTA’s Director of Destination Development.
The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail and the Columbia & Western Rail Trail is the longest rail trail network in British Columbia extending from Hope to Castlegar. This website was created with the intent to streamline the planning of a bike ride or trip along this trail network.
“Many of our residents and visitors alike don’t realize how long and accessible the Rail Trails really are. We hope that the new interactive website will help trail users realize the potential of everything from incredible multi day bike trips to the enjoyment of a few hours on the trail.” Said Ellen Walker-Matthews, Vice President and acting President & Chief Executive Officer .
The B.C. Rail Trail website has come together with the partnership with Kootenay Rockies, and with help from the team at Navigator Multimedia Inc. We will be continuing to add relevant business listings and locations post-launch.
Explore the new Rail Trail website at bcrailtrails.com.
About TOTA
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) provides destination development, marketing, industry and experience development, and research services in an effort to minimize the industry's impact on our natural and cultural resources. Find out more information at TOTABC.org.
About Kootenay Rockies
Promoting responsible travel in the Southeast corner of British Columbia by showcasing the natural, clean, uncrowded activities and experiences that reflect the lifestyle, the culture and the community of Canada’s West. Find out more information at KootenayRockies.com.