The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Wells Gray Tours, a leading tour operator with five offices in British Columbia, announced their annual donation of $50,000 to the BC Parks Foundation. This generous contribution will support the acquisition of 28 acres on Okanagan Lake and the expansion of Okanagan Lake Provincial Park.
Read MoreDestination BC (DBC) announced $4.38M in funding to help partners drive consumer demand, educate visitors on responsible travel practices, and increase tourism revenues in communities through destination and activity sector marketing initiatives across the province, including in the Thompson Okanagan.
Read MoreWe are thrilled that Pacific Coastal Airlines has expanded their flight services between Vancouver International Airport South Terminal (YVR) and Penticton Regional Airport (YYF) for the upcoming Spring and Summer seasons.
Read MoreNoble Ridge Vineyards & Winery has achieved Biosphere Certification, the first winery within the Thompson Okanagan region to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability management by aligning business operations with each United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Read MoreJoin TOTA in welcoming Watermark Beach Resort to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. The team at Watermark Beach Resort is implementing sustainable practices to minimize environmental impacts while contributing to the well-being and longevity of the region.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has increased calls for action after the announcement of invasive mussels in a tributary to the Columbia River, which connects to the Okanagan. The OBWB began calling for a temporary moratorium on watercraft coming into BC. Support for the moratorium has been gathering steam with letters coming in from BC municipalities, chambers of commerce, TOTA, and others.
The Don't Move a Mussel campaign website has resources to learn more about risks and prevention, and to raise awareness.
Read MoreThe Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is encouraging people to plan a visit to a Thompson Okanagan ski resorts to experience the wonders of winter by sharing a roundup of information with media. The press release is designed to raise awareness of ski resorts, passes, and activities in the Thompson Okanagan, inspiring them to plan a trip.
Read MorePacific Coastal Airlines has recently added additional flights to the Thompson Okanagan. The additional routes expand their services to every day of the week.
Read MoreA new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas along the Rainforest to Rockies iconic route across southern British Columbia was announced by Destination BC, in partnership with Tourism Innovation Lab, TOTA, and other tourism partners.
The Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants with a tourism mentor and provide a $3,000 grant and additional partner support to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development.
Read MoreThe Highway 3 Tourism Alliance - a collaboration led by three regional destination marketing organizations (Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains) - launched a new website Hwy3BC.ca encouraging travellers to take the ‘winding route to adventure’.
Read MoreOkanagan Crush Pad Group of Wineries Transition to 100% Renewable Natural Gas
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Initiative Significantly Reduces Industry Carbon Footprint
Read MoreA recap of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association AGM & Summit in Penticton on October 23 and 24, 2023, with photos, inspiration, and learnings.
Read MoreThe Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is commending Thompson Okanagan businesses and those that service the region for offering solutions for residents and visitors in response to the ongoing Highway 97 road closure between Peachland and Summerland due to the August 28th landslide.
Read MoreThe order restricting travel to the Thompson Okanagan region has been lifted, except for the community of West Kelowna.
To ensure we can bring concerns and challenges the industry faces to the government, we encourage you to share your insights and feedback on how the wildfires and travel restrictions have impacted your business through TOTA's Voice Your Concerns form.
Read MoreMoon Curser Vineyards is a boutique, family-owned winery on the East Bench of Osoyoos with a focus on making premium wines from old-world grape varieties not previously planted in the Okanagan, such as Tannat, Dolcetto, and Touriga Nacional.
Read MoreTOTA 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
Read MorePacifiCan 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.
Read MoreDiscover Naramata launched a new brand that captures the magic of the winding road, rolling vineyards, and unique personality of Naramata. This fresh look launched on May 11 introduced the new logo and brand colours and will be rolled out in stages over the next year.
View Discover Naramata Website →
Read MoreVisit 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.
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