News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
BC Fairs Learning Exchange
The BC Fairs Learning Exchange took place in Penticton on April 14-16, bringing together a diverse community of thought leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts from across the realms of business, culture, and innovation. TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews delivered the opening presentation and took part in a panel on crisis communications for BC fairs.
The BC Fairs Learning Exchange took place in Penticton on April 14-16, bringing together a diverse community of thought leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts from across the realms of business, culture, and innovation. This BC Fairs event serves as a dynamic platform for fostering collaborative dialogue, sharing groundbreaking ideas, and cultivating lasting connections.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews delivered opening remarks, including an overview of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, the value of agri-tourism, and resources for agri-tourism operators.
Ellen also took part in a panel on Communicating in a Crisis with Leeann Froese and Travel Penticton executive director Thom Tischik, moderated by Allison Markin of All She Wrote Consulting. The panelists discussed how fairs/large events can communicate in a meaningful way when a sudden disaster (fires, floods, road closures, pandemics etc) happens, plus prepare ahead of time by developing reputation management strategies.
Pacific Coastal Airlines Adds Additional Flights to the Thompson Okanagan
Pacific Coastal Airlines has recently added additional flights to the Thompson Okanagan. The additional routes expand their services to every day of the week.
Pacific Coastal Airlines has recently added additional flights between Kamloops-Victoria and Penticton-Vancouver. These additional routes will begin in January and February 2024 and include Saturday flight options, expanding their services to every day of the week.
The new flight routes include:
New Victoria to Kamloops Flights
A new Saturday flight service starts Saturday, February 3, 2024
After the addition of the Saturday flight service there will be a daily flight between Victoria and Kamloops
To celebrate the launch of these new flights, Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering a 20% discount on flights to/from Victoria (YYJ) and Kamloops (YKA) using the promo code YKAYYJ20.
New Vancouver to Penticton Flights
Morning flight options on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday started on January 4, 2024
A new Saturday flight starts February 10, 2024. After the addition of the Saturday flight there will be flight every day of the week between Vancouver and Penticton
Beginning on April 28, 2024 Pacific Coastal will offer a morning and afternoon flight between Vancouver and Penticton every day of the week
Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering a 15% discount on bookings using the promo code: PCAPenticton.
The Thompson Okanagan looks forward to welcoming more guests from Vancouver and Victoria. Share the news about the additional Pacific Coastal Airlines flights so people can start planning their next trip to the region.
About Pacific Coastal Airlines
Pacific Coastal Airlines is a British Columbia-based, privately owned airline that operates out of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Pacific Coastal Airlines connects 18 destinations across the province, connecting Vancouver Island and the interior.
Recap of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism AGM & Summit 2023
A recap of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association AGM & Summit in Penticton on October 23 and 24, 2023, with photos, inspiration, and learnings.
On October 23 and 24, TOTA hosted the 2023 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association AGM & Summit in Penticton, with 14 speakers, sharing inspiration and key learnings with over 140 attendees.
The theme, “Now is the Time,” reflected the focus on continuous preparation to ensure readiness of tourism professionals and businesses, which will ultimately elevate visitor experiences, strengthen businesses, and regenerate communities.
Attendees finished the event with many insights and connections to take back to their companies and communities.
The Summit raised over $6,000 to donate to regional wildfire relief efforts.
In case you missed it (or want to relive it), here are some of the highlights:
Welcome Reception
The Welcome Reception was an evening of networking, learning, and reconnecting with industry members at the Okanagan College Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence (JPCE), hosted by Travel Penticton.
TOTA CEO, Ellen Walker-Matthews and Travel Penticton Executive Director, Thom Tischik shared a warm welcome.
The event included tours of this LEED Platinum Certified building, which aligns with TOTA’s current sustainability initiatives and the Summit theme, Now is the Time.
Okanagan College chef, Israel Alvarez, prepared locally crafted Mexican cuisine, while Naramata Bench Wineries Association and Penticton Beer Blocks poured tastings of local beverages.
Several businesses showcased their services, including:
As well, Ebus provided a shuttle to and from the event venue and Nespresso showcased their recyclable single use coffee products.
The TOTA Destination Stewardship team shared information about the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification and how tourism businesses can get involved.
AGM
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, on the traditional, unceded, and ancestral territory of the Penticton Indian Band, home of the Syilx (Okanagan) People.
The meeting included an overview for the year ending March 31, 2023, the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Audited Financial Statement, Governance Report, TOTA Activities, and the Board Election Results.
Summit
Opening
The day began with a welcome by Penticton Indian Band members, who sang the Okanagan Song and debuted a youth pow wow dancer.
TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews shared opening remarks, about the theme “Now is the Time” and including words of appreciation for the community host, Travel Penticton, the event sponsors, and the TOTA board directors and staff.
“We are faced with unbelievable changes and challenges in our world today and there is no question they are daunting. I know many ask the question: what possible difference can I make? But if each of us works at making an adjustment, little by little, progress and change can and will come.
Now is the Time for Collaborative Change.”
go2HR Zen Room
go2HR offers many mental health and other resources to the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry. To highlight this focus on mental health, go2HR hosted a Zen Room to create space for calm and prioritizing wellness.
The calming space provided a place for participants to take a break from the bustle and energy of the Summit sessions.
While there, participants could learn and practice quick, accessible techniques that they and their employees can use to help ease stress and anxiety as well as encourage a positive mindset.
Opening Keynote by Destination BC
Destination BC Maya Lange, Vice President, Global Marketing and Ali McKay, Vice President, Destination Stewardship shared Destination BC’s new corporate strategy, the upcoming Iconics rollout, and insights from the past year on crisis communications and recovery.
Destination BC works closely with the regions and impacted communities to provide timely, accurate information and develop campaigns and strategies that encourage travel when it is safe to do so.
FortisBC & Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
As a strong TOTA partner and supporter of Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses, FortisBC’s Vlad Kostka was invited to say a few words about their current partnership to reduce the carbon footprint in the Thompson Okanagan region.
The partnership aims to increase awareness on the simplicity of switching to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) to heat and power homes and tourism businesses - and to inspire businesses and residents to take action.
Emergency Management, Planning, and Preparedness Panel
Prompted by this year’s environmental challenges we’ve faced as a region, this panel addressed BC’s current emergency management framework and explored ways to improve the system.
Walt Judas, Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) CEO and BC Tourism Emergency Management Committee member shared information about BC's emergency management system and how we can collaborate to become stronger when facing challenges.
As CEO, Walt leads multiple advocacy/policy files, sets the strategic course for TIABC, builds relationships with members and industry stakeholders, and communicates the value of BC’s visitor economy to various constituents.
Ingrid Jarrett, President & CEO of the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) discussed the role of accommodation in moments of crisis, including the efforts to implement a modern solution to an evolving issue.
Ingrid channels her extensive knowledge and acute insights into supporting, and advocating for, members of the hotel industry province-wide. She has been instrumental in leading the hospitality sector out of crisis caused by COVID-19, delivering hundreds of millions in financial relief, while also rebuilding the sector’s workforce and providing solutions for long-term tourism growth.
Wendy Magnes, Director, Economics and Corporate Initiatives, Province of BC, Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport - Tourism Sector Strategy shared an overview on tourism in BC:
BC’s Competitive Advantages
Hazards
2023 Overview
Power of Partnerships and Emergency
Management
Progress
Resources
Wendy joined the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport in May 2022, and currently has oversight for Crown corporate reporting for Destination BC and the BC Pavilion Corporation (BC Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre), industry economic data and research, Federal Provincial and Territorial tables for Tourism as well as several key industry initiatives including emergency management.
Garnet Mierau, Director of Forest Professionals of BC, shared insights on the the Forest Professional’s Role and FireSmart Efficacy.
As a registered professional forester, Garnet has over 30 years of experience in forest management in British Columbia, much of this within the wildfire niche.
He led a team of professionals working for the District of Logan Lake to prepare for and respond to the Tremont Wildfire in 2021, including years of wildfire risk reduction and FireSmart program management as well as community forest tenure management.
Recently, Garnet became the Director of Practice with the provincial regulator Forest Professionals BC (FPBC). FPBC works in the public interest by ensuring only those with the requisite education, experience, knowledge, and competence practise professional forestry.
Mathieu Bourbonnais, lead of the Earth Observation & Spatial Ecology Lab and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, shared his work developing new sensor networks for monitoring and predicting fire risk and fire behaviour, understanding ecological responses to changing fire regimes, and developing tools and training for proactive mitigation.
Regional Transportation Opportunities Panel
The beautiful landscape of the Thompson Okanagan presents transportation challenges, as well as opportunities. This panel of transportation experts addressed transportation challenges and alternative ways to connect the region.
Steve Sirett, Executive Director, Province of BC, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI), has over 15 years’ experience with MOTI, including 4 years in the Construction branch building roads across the province and 7 years leading the Okanagan-Shuswap District.
Steve shared MOTI’s guiding principles, themes, and priorities.
Johnathan Richardson, Vice President, Customer & Commercial of Pacific Coastal Airlines, oversees the teams that are accountable for all planning and service delivery aspects for Pacific Coastal Airlines serving 18 destinations across British Columbia with scheduled flight service, charter, and cargo solutions. Collectively these teams work together to provide safe and reliable air service to many communities throughout British Columbia supporting leisure, medical, and business travellers.
Dr. Gord Lovegrove, Associate Professor, UBCO School of Engineering, University of British Columbia Okanagan teaches and researches sustainable community development, including land use and transportation systems that promote a more sustainable quality of life for all.
Dr. Gord shared a transportation opportunity that could transform the Thompson Okanagan: the Okanagan Valley Electric Regional Passenger Rail (OVER PR).
Laurel Douglas, CEO of Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), shared:
The Regional Transportation Study, a comprehensive study of the region’s ground passenger transportation gaps and opportunities.
RTE Funding Program to help strengthen the economy of the Southern Interior through enhanced connections
ETSI-BC is an important organisation for development of the region. Their role includes:
Helping to strengthen and diversify the economy of the BC Southern Interior.
Assisting communities to realize their economic development aspirations by providing funding, resources and knowledge.
Working with local governments, First Nations, business support organizations, industry groups.
Peter Truch, Professional Transportation Engineer, Independent Consultant, is a senior transportation planning, mobility, and operations engineer with more than two decades of experience. His practice focuses on master planning, universal design, and active transportation in the built environment and advises on the entire lifecycle of active transportation related projects, from planning and design to operational issues, financial implications, and the numerous links and associations to other fields.
Peter shared a presentation on Why In-Town Mobility Needs to Evolve.
Sustainability Keynote - Kelly Galaski, The Travel Foundation
The increasing impacts of climate change have greatly impacted the future of tourism in our region and far beyond.
Kelly Galaski, Sustainable Tourism Specialist from The Travel Foundation, shared how global destinations are working towards climate-positive and equitable tourism goals and TOTA stakeholders can follow suit via destination stewardship strategies and capacity building programs.
Now is the Time to listen, learn, and act to ensure prosperity for generations to come.
AGM & Summit 24 Location Announcement
Near the end of the event, the destination for the next TOTA AGM & Summit was announced. We are pleased to announce that the 2024 TOTA AGM & Summit will be held in the North Okanagan, in partnership with Tourism Vernon and Destination Silver Star on the unceded and traditional territory of the Okanagan Indian Band, home of the Syilx Okanagan People.
Be sure to subscribe to the TOTA Newsletter to get the registration details when they are announced.
Wildfire Relief Efforts
The event and silent auction raised over $6,000 to donate to regional wildfire relief efforts. The funds will be donated equally to the following charities:
Central Okanagan Fire Relief Fund, a group of professional firefighters from Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country distributing funds to those impacted by wildfires in the area.
Shuswap Community Foundation Emergency Response Fund, to support the communities affected by the Bush Creek East wildfire in North Shuswap by assisting community-based organizations to recover and rebuild.
Thank you to those that donated silent auction items:
Thank you to the event sponsors
New 3D Virtual Tours Highlight Accessible Features at Tourism Venues in the Thompson Okanagan
TOTA and Spinal Cord Injury BC have partnered to share 22 Virtual Venue Tours of Thompson Okanagan accommodation and attractions. The virtual tours showcase priority accessible features to help people easily plan a visit based on their specific requirements.
View tours: https://ThompsonOkanagan.com/virtual-tours
Kelowna, B.C. - Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC), and their Access BC program have launched Virtual Venue Tours, a mapping project to improve access and inclusion for people exploring the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. 22 tours are available on ThompsonOkanagan.com as of March 2023 showcasing priority accessible features of various accommodations and attractions in Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, Naramata, Keremeos, Cawston, and Chase.
The virtual platform is easy to navigate on desktop and mobile devices, allowing people to explore venues and determine whether accessible features meet their specific requirements. When planning a visit, trip planners can explore the venues virtually and make informed decisions about which ones to experience in person.
The Virtual Venue Tours project was created for the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, which supports businesses to improve access and inclusion for visitors and staff through various services; with support from the Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI) fund from the Province of BC.
"This project will help improve access and inclusion for all visitors to the Thompson Okanagan region. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the beauty of the region, and this program will make it easier for people to do so," said TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews.
At launch, these tours showcase the accessible features of the following venues who have participated in the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program or are committed to access and inclusion:
Chase:
Kamloops:
Penticton:
The 3D images were created by Jody Wall Photography, a BC-based photographer and are hosted on the TourMkr platform.
More virtual tours will be added as funding becomes available.
To view the tours, visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/virtual-tours
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About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, & Culture. It is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.
As a Biosphere Certified Destination, TOTA is committed to working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including goals related to access and inclusion, such as “Reduced Inequalities” and “Sustainable Cities & Communities.” becoming a world-renowned accessible tourism destination and to promote “Access & Inclusion” in all aspects of community and tourism experiences, products, and services in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Learn more at TOTABC.org.
About Spinal Cord Injury BC:
Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) is a non-profit organization based in British Columbia, Canada, that provides support and resources for individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury, as well as their families and caregivers. The organization was founded in 1957 and has since grown to become a leading resource for those affected by spinal cord injury.
SCI BC offers a wide range of programs and services, including peer support, information and referral, community outreach, and advocacy. One of the key initiatives of SCI BC is the development of accessible technology and equipment for people with spinal cord injuries, with a focus on enhancing mobility and independence. The organization also provides education and awareness programs to promote understanding and inclusion in the community.
Learn more at SCI-BC.ca.
For more information, contact:
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Thompson Okanagan Communities Receive Over $5.5 million in Funding from PacifiCan to Revitalize Public Spaces and Enhance Tourism Experiences
PacifiCan funding for 17 projects in the Thompson Okanagan through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and the Tourism Relief Fund. Communities benefiting from funding include Kelowna, Penticton, Peachland, Vernon, Summerland, Keremeos, and Osoyoos.
TOTA received funding to conduct sustainability assessments for tourism businesses to help them implement sustainable and environmentally responsible operational practices. More details will be shared shortly.
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $5.5 million in PacifiCan funding for 17 projects in the Thompson Okanagan through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and the Tourism Relief Fund.
TOTA received funding to conduct sustainability assessments for tourism businesses to help them implement sustainable and environmentally responsible operational practices. More details will be shared shortly.
Upgrading existing infrastructure and building new public assets will mean British Columbians will have better access to recreational programs and facilities; these projects will grow economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve community wellness.
The funding announcement builds on the recent openings of PacifiCan offices in Kelowna and Cranbrook that will help support local economic development for British Columbians in the Southern Interior.
Thompson Okanagan Projects
Communities benefiting from funding include Kelowna, Penticton, Peachland, Vernon, Summerland, Keremeos, and Osoyoos.
Canada Community Revitalization Fund
City of Kelowna
$750,000
Funding will go towards adding accessibility features to Pandosy Waterfront Park in Kelowna, including a floating dock, pedestrian lighting, wayfinding signage, and mobile infrastructure.
City of Penticton
$750,000
Funding will go towards building a new lake-to-lake bike route between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. The safe and dedicated cycling route and pedestrian sidewalk will allow easy public access across the city.
$200,000
Funding will go towards the construction of two accessible community washrooms at Penticton’s Kiwanis Park Safety Village and Riverside Park.
City of Vernon
$639,000
Funding will be used for the continued development of Civic Memorial Park. Project activities include upgrading an existing building to improve energy efficiency and the creation of accessible public washrooms and a community meeting space.
City of West Kelowna
$416,250
Funding will go towards revitalizing four community parks in West Kelowna: Beechnut, Pritchard, Paula and Shetler Park. Upgrades include landscape and parking enhancements, and the installation of new playground equipment, volleyball courts and picnic areas.
District of Peachland
$53,188
Funding will be used to expand and improve the accessibility of multi-use pathways that link Heritage Park to downtown Peachland. Project activities include installing new streetlights, expanding the parking lot, and adding safe trail connections and crosswalks.
O’Keefe Ranch and interior Heritage Society
$94,915
Funding will help create ten glamping accommodation units at the O’Keefe Ranch Historic Site in Vernon. The project will leverage green technology and improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Osoyoos Museum Society
$310,530
Funding will go towards redeveloping the lower level of the Osoyoos Museum to include cultural artifact displays and multi-purpose work rooms to host community gatherings and events.
Tourism Relief Fund
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
$500,000
Funding will go towards conducting sustainability assessments for rural tourism businesses in British Columbia to help them adopt and implement sustainable and environmentally responsible operational practices.
Argus Properties Ltd.
$99,999
Funding will help build a floating platform and ramp extension for Hotel Eldorado’s marina dock on Okanagan Lake. Improvements will expand existing floatplane services, bringing visitors from Vancouver to Kelowna.
British Columbia Snowmobile Federation
$500,000
Funding will go towards creating a recreational snowmobile trail program, which will support snowmobile clubs in the province and enhance tourism offerings.
Carpe Diem Tours Ltd.
$85,000
Funding will go towards purchasing a new vehicle and facilitate further development of winery tours targeted to francophone and other visitors to the Okanagan.
Elevation Outdoors Experiential Programs Association
$219,600
Funding will go towards expanding operations at Kelowna Bike Rentals, including the purchase of 92 new bikes including adaptive e-bikes, mountain and city bikes, and cycling accessories.
ERTCU Travel Group Ltd
$99,999
Funding will help develop and market a series of new RV tours across rural British Columbia, targeting the international market.
Renedian Adventures Ltd.
$99,999
Funding will go towards purchasing four motorcycles, a van and trailer and hiring additional staff to increase motorcycle tour services in Kelowna.
Vernon Winter Carnival Society
$125,000
Funding will go towards new activities that expand the Vernon Winter Carnival, a 10-day winter festival featuring over 100 local events.
Wine Country Studios
$56,960
Funding will go towards expanding and promoting unique Metis art workshops and classes to tourists visiting West Kelowna.
For the full list of projects, please see the press release and backgrounder.
Visit South Okanagan: New Tourism Initiative
Visit South Okanagan is a newly-launched tourism initiative comprised of the tourism associations of the following communities: Peachland, Summerland, Naramata, Penticton, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, and Osoyoos. This initiative offers information and resources for British Columbians to plan their next vacation.
Visit South Okanagan is a newly-launched tourism initiative comprised of the tourism associations of the following communities: Peachland, Summerland, Naramata, Penticton, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, and Osoyoos. This initiative offers information and resources for British Columbians to plan their next vacation.
Acting as the central hub, VisitSouthOkanagan.com offers detailed information about each community, in addition to trip planning resources — including how to access the region by land or air — plus, regional wine maps and blog posts outlining activities and points of interest throughout the region.
The Visit South Okanagan initiative is brought to you by the South Okanagan Tourism Alliance with support from the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association, Heart of Wine Country (Okanagan Falls Winery Association), Naramata Bench Winery Association, and Bottleneck Drive (Summerland Winery Association).
Find trip planning inspiration at VisitSouthOkanagan.com or on social media:
Facebook.com/VisitSouthOkanaganBC
Instagram.com/VisitSouthOkanagan
About the South Okanagan
An all-season destination, the South Okanagan is renowned for the warmest weather conditions in all of Canada. Its autumns are perfectly temperate, while winters are uncommonly mild and dry. A wide array of accommodation options — from resorts, to affordable family-friendly motels and B&Bs, to scenic private and provincial parks and campgrounds — means that visitors will have no trouble finding the perfect sanctuary to rest their heads at the end of each fun-filled day.
From escaping into the great outdoors for an unforgettable hiking, cycling, or paddling adventure, tasting wines in the very vineyards where they were made, exploring historic downtown districts, or marvelling at postcard-perfect mountains and lakes as thousands of trees burst into fall colour, the South Okanagan offers something for visitors of all ages.
Penticton Lakeside Resort Introduces New Culinary Team
Penticton Lakeside Resort
Source: Penticton Lakeside Resort
For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
In response to the growing culinary scene at the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, General Manager David Prystay introduced the position of Food and Beverage Director assumed by Keith Corbett in the Fall of 2019. Excitement grew for the vision of the culinary scene as conversations and planning over the next few months unfolded, resulting in a culinary force that will bring these visions to life.
Keith Corbett
Aaron Armstrong
Dan Vichitthavong
Corbett’s education from BCIT and years of management experience with the notable Joey Restaurants and highly recognized Score on Davie has resulted in strengths that have been applied to the Resorts food & beverage operations. Strong emphasis and close attention to detail are being put on staff training & customer service, product knowledge, and policy & procedure revisions. “We are thrilled to have Keith join our team. His passion for the Resort having worked here in years past and the experience he brings with him from his time spent in Vancouver has been a large asset to our team” shares Prystay.
Aaron Armstrong, a standing veteran of the Resort for 10+ years, was promoted to Executive Chef following predecessor Chris Remington’s departure in December to follow his dream in winemaking. Before his hire at the Resort, Armstrong gained experience from other restaurants in mountainous resort destinations including the Hume Hotel & Spa in Nelson. This is where he found his passion for search & rescue and served as an active member of the BCSAR for many years. When appointed Aaron showed great enthusiasm in his desires to elevate the food and beverage experience for conference and event attendees and guests visiting any of the unique dining venues adding, “I look forward to leading and working closely with the amazing staff here to provide guests with a memorable experience when dining with us.”
The Resort’s most recent welcome was extended to Dan Vichitthavong, or better known as Chef “V”, on March 1st as the Hooded Merganser Restaurant Head Chef. Dan most recently resided in Vancouver where he held the professional titles of Regional Chef for Warehouse Group and Head Chef at Tableau Bar Bistro. Before his west coast living, Ontario was home where he was the Executive Sous Chef for Cambridge Mill, a farm-to-table inspired restaurant. His experience and education is also highly attributed to his culinary internship with famed chef, David Chang, and by obtaining his culinary management accreditation from George Brown College. When asked for his vision he shared, “I want to bring a fresh, new and vibrant approach to the menu by showcasing our Valley View Farm and by working with the great bounty of products and suppliers here in the Okanagan”. As such is his love for food, so it is for nectarines and country music.
In addition to the strong focus put on operations and culinary in the various venues including the Resorts conference and events centre, the Hooded Merganser Restaurant and Barking Parrot Bar will be renovated over the next few months. Prystay added, “We look forward to May when we anticipate the rollout of all these exciting changes including unique wall art in the Barking Parrot commissioned to various BC artists”. “Excellent dining is crucial for all guests including conference & event attendees, those staying at the Resort for business or leisure, and our loyal local supporters”.
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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Brannigan Mosses
Director, Sales & Marketing
Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre
Email: Brannigan@rpbhotels.com
Phone: 250-493-8221