News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Thompson Okanagan Repeats as World’s Responsible Tourism Winner at the World Travel Awards
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
For the second year in a row, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been named the 2019 World’s Responsible Tourism Award Winner at the 26th Annual World Travel Awards.
The announcement was made at the Grand Final Gala Ceremony held in Muscat, Oman, on November 28th, 2019.
President and CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, stated: “We are so honoured to be recognized for a second time with this prestigious global award for our commitment to sustainable growth and responsible tourism practices. This reinforces our collective focus on this critical component of destination development and marketing and would not be possible without the dedication and support of our board, staff, partners, and stakeholders.”
The World Travel Awards has become the international benchmark for recognizing excellence in the travel industry. Voting is conducted by industry professionals around the world. This announcement follows TOTA’s win of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in January 2019.
“Sustainable tourism plays a vital part in Canada’s economy, creates good jobs for the middle class and builds a fairer and greener society. For the second time, TOTA’s initiatives bring honour not just to the organization and region but also to our entire country. Congratulations!” stated the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
“British Columbia is a sought-after destination for visitors from around the globe, in large part because of its stunning scenery and breathtaking wilderness,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Our strategic framework for tourism seeks to responsibly grow the visitor economy by respecting nature and the environment, and making sure that everyone sees the benefits of this important industry. The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a leader in putting these principles into action. I would like to congratulate them for winning this award and I applaud their continued leadership in responsible tourism.”
TOTA has been actively committed to being a sustainable destination, as a result of an ambitious strategic program launched in 2012, titled “Embracing Our Potential.” The 10-year strategy laid out the foundation for maximizing the economic benefits of tourism in the region, while simultaneously protecting its natural, social, and cultural resources. To date, it has seen the installation of more than 1,000 electric car charging stations; the establishment of regional Human Resources, Indigenous Tourism, and Accessibility strategies and specialists; hosted the largest Indigenous Tourism Conference in the world; organized specialized stakeholder workshops and tools for operating more sustainably; advanced regional rail trail initiatives; utilized leading research and data analysis techniques to manage and market the destination; launched an Indigenous Artisan Mobile Gallery; and prepared and unveiled a Regional Visitor Pledge.
Further, the Thompson Okanagan Region was the first destination in the Americas to become a Biosphere Certified Destination; recognized in the Top 100 Sustainable Tourism Destinations on the planet for three years and second in all of the Americas by Green Destinations; received the Tourism for Tomorrow Award for destination management from the World Travel and Tourism Council; received first runner up recognition in the United Nations Award for best non-profit organizations on the globe; and most recently, became the first Canadian destination invited to join the United Nations World Tourism Organization as an International Sustainable Tourism Observatory.
About the World Travel Awards
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit worldtravelawards.com.
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) 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 and representative of Destination British Columbia. 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. For more information, visit totabc.org.
TOTA Nominated for World’s Responsible Tourism Award at the 2019 World Travel Awards
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been nominated for the World's Responsible Tourism Award 2019 in the 26th Annual World Travel Awards.
TOTA was the recipient of the 2018 award and was named the 2019 Winner for North America earlier this year for our work and commitment to sustainability.
The World Travel Awards is a renowned global initiative that celebrates distinction and recognizes collective success in the travel and tourism industry. Throughout the past 26 years, the coveted Awards have grown to set the benchmark for excellence across the globe.
Verified travel professionals can complete the Travel Industry Voters section upon registration and have each vote they cast count as two votes, so long as a minimum of ten votes are submitted. As a member of the tourism industry, you are eligible for verification and thus, your vote for TOTA will be worth double.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to register and vote. Voting closes October 20th, 2019 with the Grand Finals Ceremony and Winners Announcement taking place in Muscat, Oman on November 28th, 2019.
Thank you for your participation and support. Happy Voting!
ABOUT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit worldtravelawards.com.
ABOUT THE THOMPSON OKANAGAN TOURISM ASSOCIATION
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) 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 and representative of Destination British Columbia. 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. Find TOTA on Twitter and Facebook. For more information, visit totabc.org.
Okanagan Valley A Winner in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 6, 2019
The Okanagan Valley has been named one of ten winners in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Destination – Fall Foliage.
An expert panel announced the nominees at the end of July where it was then up to the public to vote for their favourites to determine the winners.
The Okanagan Valley is in great company placing 6th after Door County, Wisconsin; White Mountains, New Hampshire; Finger Lakes, New York; Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania; and the Upper Peninsula, Michigan.
With the 10Best.com website averaging 5 million visitors a month, this level of exposure for the Okanagan Valley in fall is extremely exciting and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote. It is so greatly appreciated and a fantastic opportunity to share the Okanagan Valley with the USA TODAY audience.
Here’s a collection of fall foliage shots we love. Make sure to tag us or use #ThompsonOkanagan on social media to share your photos.
About USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. The Readers' Choice Award Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. 10Best.com averages 5 million visitors per month. It was acquired by USA TODAY in January of 2013.
USA TODAY is a multi-platform news and information media company. Founded in 1982, USA TODAY's mission is to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation. Through its unique visual storytelling, USA TODAY delivers high-quality and engaging content across print, digital, social and video platforms. An innovator of news and information, USA TODAY reflects the pulse of the nation and serves as the host of the American conversation — today, tomorrow and for decades to follow.
Source: 10BestAwards.com (Provided)
TOTA Wins Prestigious International Marketing Award
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 4, 2019
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been named the Tourism Laureate and winner of the International Place Marketing Award at the Place Marketing Forum in Lille, France for its leadership work in Sustainable Responsible Tourism.
The awards “recognize the most emblematic achievements of place marketing worldwide” and projects are selected based on the following criteria:
Innovation or idea bringing a major improvement in one or more areas
Remarkable Results with unquestionable qualitative and quantitative results
Emblematic Projects practice or realization that is emblematic of current trends and new practices in place marketing
The Forum is an annual 2-day event organized by the New Place Marketing and Attractiveness Chair (A&NMT) of the Public Management Institute (Aix-Marseille University) that brings together international leaders, elected officials, and decision-makers to exchange best practices in destination marketing around the globe.
As part of winning this award, TOTA CEO and President, Glenn Mandziuk, was recognized as a Laureate by the University and presented on the collective efforts of the Thompson Okanagan region to the over 500 in attendance. “Our team is so honoured to be recognized for our collective work in sustainable destination marketing and to have this opportunity to share the exciting initiatives underway in our region with the world”, says Mandziuk. “This would not be possible without the strong collaboration of our industry stakeholders, community Destination Marketing Organizations, corporate partners, Destination BC and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, whom we are so grateful for their support and innovative activities.”
TOTA is committed to creating a strong and healthy tourism economy while minimizing the impact on our natural and cultural resources by promoting sustainable business practices and responsible travel. The Association is guided by “Embracing Our Potential,” a 10-year Regional Tourism Strategy, working to strengthen seasonality, territorial cohesion, preservation of the environment, and enhancing local culture.
In the tourism category, TOTA was able to receive the award over some incredible international organizations and projects including:
Amsterdam Marketing, City of Amsterdam – Netherlands
America’s Musical Journey, Brand USA – United States
Comptoir des Loisirs d’Evreux – France
Culture Captcha – Kenya Tourism Board – Kenya
Made in Pic Saint Loup Association – France
Bisca Grands Iacs Tourist Office – France
Route of Industrial Culture, Ruhr Region – Germany
Biot Glass Factory – France
Visit Victoria – Australia
Wonderful Copenhagen – Denmark
TOTA Celebrates Potential with Industry
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 22, 2019
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) — a not-for-profit society which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region — congratulated their stakeholders by hosting a “Celebrating Our Potential” event at the Kelowna Yacht Club on Wednesday, February 20.
The evening was all about thanking and congratulating industry for their role in the success of the regions and their ongoing initiatives and marketing in responsible tourism.
Over the last three months, TOTA has won several prestigious responsible tourism awards. Namely, the World Travel Award for World’s Responsible Tourism, and for the second time, North America’s Responsible Tourism Leader at the World Travel Awards. In addition, TOTA winning the WTA North America's Responsible Tourism Award in September and the World Travel and Tourism Council's Tourism for Tomorrow Award in April, in addition to numerous other commendations this year.
"We, as a tourism industry, need to take a strong leadership role to ensure our destination — which we all call home — is not negatively impacted by its developments and activities," said Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO of TOTA. "The honour of our Association and our region receiving this important international recognition shows we are on the right track with our collective focus on responsible and sustainable tourism."
"Such positive outcomes do not happen without a great deal of help and leadership," said Mandziuk. "Without the support of Destination Canada; BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Destination BC; the community; non-governmental organizations; corporate partners; and our 4,500 industry tourism stakeholders, this recognition would not be possible."
The Region's many accolades are, to a significant degree, the result of a hugely ambitious strategic program which launched in 2012, titled "Embracing Our Potential." This 10-year regional tourism strategy has an aim to maximize the benefits of the region's popularity, while simultaneously protecting its natural, cultural, social, and economic heritage. To date, individual actions under the strategy have included the installation of more than 1,000 electric-car charging stations at key tourism locations; the establishment of Human Resources, Indigenous Tourism, and Accessibility Tourism strategies and Specialists; a series of free online webinars to help local tourism stakeholders operate more sustainably; regional rail trail initiatives; and usage of "Big Data" to market and attract visitors at the right time, to the right locations, with the right commitment to the future protection and understanding of the region, and much more.
In late 2017, the Thompson Okanagan Region was officially certified as the first destination in the Americas to have successfully achieved the Sustainable Tourism Destination accreditation from Biosphere International and the Responsible Tourism Institute. The designation showcases that the Region is both undertaking and committed to the 17 sustainability development goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations and the World Tourism Organization.
The Thompson Okanagan attracts more than four million visitors annually generating over $2.2 billion in direct revenue, making tourism the region's top economic driver. It is TOTA's aim, through the focus on Responsible Tourism, to ensure that for decades to come, the region will have a healthy and sustainable economic, social, environmental, and cultural future.
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) 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 and representative of Destination British Columbia. 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. For more information, visit totabc.org.
For further information:
Media Contact:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Destination & Industry Development
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
TOTA Receives Second Major International Award This Year For Leadership In Sustainable Tourism
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 24, 2018
Montego Bay, JAMAICA
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been awarded North America’s Responsible Tourism Award 2018 at the 25th Annual World Travel Awards. The Awards Gala, which was hosted in Montego Bay this past weekend, is highly regarded as one of the most important hospitality events of the year, with government officials, industry leaders, and international media in attendance.
Frank Antoine (TOTA Chair) and Glenn Mandziuk (TOTA President & CEO) with the award for North America’s Responsible Tourism 2018
The World Travel Awards is a renowned global initiative, founded in 1993, that celebrates distinction and recognizes collective success in the travel and tourism industry. Throughout the past 26 years, the coveted Awards have grown to set the benchmark for excellence across the globe.
This recognition comes on the heels of another international accolade, with TOTA taking home the Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Award at the World Tourism and Travel Council’s Global Summit in Argentina earlier this year.
“We are so very honoured to be receiving this international award for the work we are doing in this important area of tourism management”, said Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO of TOTA. “This recognition does not come without a great deal of effort and collaboration from industry, communities and partners who have come together with a common belief in the critical nature of protecting our economic, environmental, cultural and social systems for future generations”.
TOTA’s commitment to sustainability was established in 2012, when the region’s 10-Year Regional Tourism Strategy, “Embracing Our Potential,” was completed. The strategy, the first of its kind in North America, was officially endorsed by the 90 communities and hamlets, and 33 Indigenous communities in the region, and has provided the roadmap for tourism development since then.
In 2017, the Thompson Okanagan Region was officially certified as the first destination in the Americas to have successfully achieved the Biosphere Sustainable Tourism Destination accreditation from the Responsible Tourism Institute, an international accreditation body that is affiliated to the World Tourism Organization and is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
TOTA has also been nominated for the prestigious World’s Responsible Tourism Award 2018, which will be awarded in Portugal on December 1, 2018. Voting is now open and can be found on the World Travel Awards website.
