News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops “Conservation Minutes” YouTube Series on Fire Prevention
The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops hosts educational YouTube series called "Conservation Minutes." This month's episode is on fire prevention.
The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops hosts educational YouTube series called "Conservation Minutes." This series offers practical, actionable, advice on how people, businesses, and organizations can make changes to take care of the planet's ecosystems and wildlife.
From water conservation tips to poisonous plants for pets, these videos are designed to educate and inspire. The most recent installment is a fire prevention segment to help individuals and organization be more fire smart.
Learn more and watch the "Conservation Minutes" series on YouTube.
Destination BC & Wine Growers BC Experiences: Sip, Smile, and Stay Awhile
Ten wineries across the province have developed completely new wine tourism experiences as part of the Cultivating Experiences: Elevating BC Wine Tourism program.
Ten wineries across the province have developed completely new wine tourism experiences as part of the Cultivating Experiences: Elevating BC Wine Tourism program. Working with Wine Growers British Columbia and Destination BC in partnership with Firecircle, and supported by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), the wineries have been hard at work over the past few months with the goal of bringing their offerings from vision to market this summer.
The Cultivating Experiences program represents Wine Growers BC and Destination BC’s united effort to promote the province as a destination for incredible tourism experiences.
The program provided virtual workshops, valuable market research, and mentorship for each participant winery to ultimately launch a unique wine tourism experience. These Cultivating Experiences winery offerings are the latest added to the plethora of options available to those exploring BC wine country this summer:
Monte Creek Winery, Thompson Valley, Long Table Dinner Series
Maverick Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley, Intimate Dinner Series
Mythology Vineyards, Okanagan Valley, Sip, Savour & Create Mediterranean Experience, launching soon
Joie Farm Winery, Naramata Bench, Aikin’s Walk the Loop Tour Experiences, launching soon
Da Silva Vineyards & Winery, Naramata Bench, Terroir Sessions
Township7 Vineyards and Winery, Fraser Valley & Naramata Bench, Saber & Sip: The Art of Sabrage at both locations
Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery, South Okanagan Valley, Flavour, Texture & Time
Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Vancouver Island, A Sparkling Day in Cowichan
Unsworth Vineyards, Vancouver Island, A Sparkling Day in Cowichan
Culmina Family Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley, Wine & Art event
Erik Fisher Appointed as New CEO of Tourism Kamloops
Tourism Kamloops' Board of Directors announced the appointment of Erik Fisher as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Tourism Kamloops' Board of Directors announced the appointment of Erik Fisher as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Erik brings a wealth of tourism experience including brand and destination development at several premium winery establishments across BC, including Kamloops’ own Monte Creek Winery.
Erik is no stranger to the tourism landscape of Kamloops, having contributed to the local industry and serving on many boards, including the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Wine Growers British Columbia. Under Erik’s leadership, Tourism Kamloops will focus on leveraging his expertise in destination development and strategic brand marketing to enhance the city's profile as a must-visit location. His appointment comes at a time when the organization is poised to take significant strides in promoting tourism and fostering economic growth within the region.
Any relevant sub regions: North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, South Okanagan, Similkameen, North Thompson, South Thompson, Gold Country, Boundary Country, Shuswap
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Register for the TOTA Golf Tournament & enter for chance to win 2 Air Canada Round-Trip Tickets
Golfers registered by Friday, May 24 will have a chance to win 2 Air Canada Round-Trip economy tickets to anywhere Air Canada flies.
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Destination BC Co-op Tourism Marketing Partnerships and Thompson Okanagan Travel Resources
Destination 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.
Destination 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.
The Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program invests resources into marketing that supports responsible, short-haul visitation in more seasons, and more areas of the province. This year, the program expanded its initiative eligibility criteria to include visitor education marketing, emphasizing Destination BC’s – and the BC tourism industry’s – commitment to responsible tourism.
Thompson Okanagan projects include:
The communities of Vernon, Lumby, the Okanagan Indian Band, and Destination Silver Star are embodying the spirit of the Co-op program for their latest venture, collaborating this year to create Explore North Okanagan. This new collective, led by Destination Silver Star, aims to create a cohesive way to move all travellers throughout the region, create educational messaging around minimizing impacts to communities and nature, and share the living history and stories of local Indigenous cultures.
Led by the Fishing Highway Tourism Association and partnered with Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Tourism Wells Gray, and Tourism Kamloops, Land of Hidden Waters promotes the unique beauty, natural wonders and road trip experiences along the corridor and connectors of Hwy 25, Hwy 5, Hwy 97, and Wells Gray Park. With a focus on sustainable travel, freshwater experiences are now more accessible than ever with EV road trip itineraries that include practical tips such as charging station locations, charging etiquette, and places to stay along the way.
As well as:
Sector projects include:
The BC Ale Trail’s immersive self-guided experiences for foodies, adventurers, and nature lovers provides beer enthusiasts with over 225 breweries to discover across the province in all seasons. A visit to the BC Ale Tail website provides travellers with information on different regions, food and beverage offers, and experiences, as well as a link to download the BC Ale Trail mobile app, which highlights partner liquor stores, tap houses, sip & stays, tours, Visitor Centres, attractions, and more.
The Fishing BC marketing initiative brings together the fresh and saltwater fishing sectors under one provincial collaborative marketing effort to get more anglers fishing in BC. A visit to the Fishing BC website takes travellers through a broad range of year-round fishing experiences destinations across BC. They have raised awareness of fishing opportunities for people with mobility challenges, and this year, the sector will also create visitor education marketing campaigns that promote safe, respectful, and sustainable use of resources, including boat and river safety.
As well as:
A notable example related to sustainable tourism:
Now in its second year, Don’t Love it to Death has become a leader in visitor education marketing. Through social ads, videos, ambassador partnerships, community installations, and more, it aims to educate residents and visitors in the Sea-to-Sky corridor to be mindful of the impact they can have, providing tips and tongue-in-cheek calls to action for responsible outdoor recreation. The Co-op initiative is led by Tourism Whistler, with partners Tourism Squamish, Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association, Discover Surrey, Sunshine Coast Tourism, Tourism Abbotsford, Tourism Burnaby, Tourism Pemberton, Tourism Hope, Cascades & Canyons, and Tourism Harrison River Valley.
For more information, see the Destination BC announcement.
Destination Events Support Fund by Tourism Kamloops
Tourism Kamloops has recently announced a new RFP funding opportunity, the Destination Events Support Fund. They are seeking proposals from businesses and organizations who want to develop annual destination events in Kamloops between October and April.
Tourism Kamloops has recently announced a new RFP funding opportunity, the Destination Events Support Fund. This was developed because Tourism Kamloops is committed to elevating Kamloops as an attractive, year-round destination by investing in strategies that focus on off-peak visitation. They are seeking proposals from businesses and organizations who want to develop annual destination events in Kamloops between October and April.
Program Goals:
- Generate incremental visitation and overnight stays in October, November, December, January, February, March & April.
- Develop the destination in off-peak months by creating events that enhance perception, increase awareness, and stimulate advocacy for Kamloops in key markets (social media & word-of-mouth)
- Enhance resident sentiment
- Increase net promoter score
Find out if you qualify for the funding by visiting TourismKamloops.com /Event-Support-Fund.
TOTA Golf Tournament Sponsors and Prizes | Join us May 30, 2024 in Kamloops
For 30 years, the TOTA Golf Tournament has brought together people of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry for a day of connection and comradery, and, of course, fun!
This year, Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops is playing host to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association’s 30th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 30.
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Information Communication Technologies at Hotels Symposium: A Route to Sustainable Development event on April 15 in Kamloops and Online
The TRU Faculty Adventure Culinary Arts and Tourism team invites hotel owners, general managers, and supervisory staff in BC to a symposium on April 15. It is free to attend online and $40 with lunch to attend in person. Sessions include a panel with members representing members Thompson Okanagan businesses: Delta Hotel Kamloops, Sandman, Doubletree, Quality Inn Vernon; and a session by FortisBC's Vladimir Kostka, Major Commercial Key Account Manager for Education and Hospitality.
The TRU Faculty Adventure Culinary Arts and Tourism team invites hotel owners, general managers, and supervisory staff in BC to a symposium on April 15. It is free to attend online and $40 with lunch to attend in person. Sessions include a panel with members representing members Thompson Okanagan businesses: Delta Hotel Kamloops, Sandman, Doubletree, Quality Inn Vernon; and a session by FortisBC's Vladimir Kostka, Major Commercial Key Account Manager for Education and Hospitality.
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and TOTA partner to benefit students in TRU’s tourism management program and support the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to benefit students in TRU’s tourism management program and support the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab.
KAMLOOPS – Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to benefit students in TRU’s tourism management program and support the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab.
The partnership prioritizes collaboration between TRU and TOTA to support students entering the tourism field through learning resources and opportunities, industry mentorship and referrals. TOTA’s support for the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab also fuels business development in the tourism sector.
“I am thrilled to affirm our commitment to fostering the next generation of tourism leaders through our partnership with Thompson Rivers University. Together, we are empowering students with invaluable resources, mentorship and opportunities to innovate within the dynamic tourism sector. This collaboration not only enriches the educational experience but also fuels entrepreneurial spirit, driving forward the future of tourism in our region,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of TOTA.
TRU, in partnership with Tourism Kamloops and the Kamloops Innovation Centre, launched the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab in February 2020. The entrepreneurship program leverages an existing tourism management course at the university and supports students to develop an innovative tourism product through research and industry mentorship.
Students can further develop their business ideas through the Tourism Venture Acceleration Program with support from the TRU Generator and Kamloops Innovation Centre to produce market-ready tourism products that fill current gaps.
“Industry partnership is critical to the success of our program, students and alumni because it keeps education up to speed with market activity and gaps, especially in BC,” said David Carter, assistant teaching professor and director of the Tourism Innovation Lab. “Our partnership with TOTA ensures students have access to resources that are current and reflect the state of the industry today.”
Success stories from the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab include:
Pilot tour to the McAbee Fossil Beds Heritage Site with Jada Glen
Guided hiking in Kamloops with Alex Page
ShredLoops with Steffen Masaites (watch the video here)
Additionally, TOTA has renewed funding for the Tourism Excellence Award first established in 2014 to provide a $1,500 annual scholarship for the top academic student on the Bachelor of Tourism Management Program.
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Contacts:
David Carter, Director, Tourism Innovation Lab
Thompson Rivers University
DCarter@TRU.ca
Ellen Walker Matthews, President and CEO
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Ellen@TOTABC.com
Up Fore Some Fun? Register for TOTA Golf Tournament, May 30, 2024 in Kamloops
Yes, there will be great golf on an award-winning course, but this annual tournament is really about bringing people of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry together for a day of connection and comradery, and, of course, fun!
Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops is playing host to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association’s 30th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 30.
Yes, there will be great golf on an award-winning course, but this annual tournament is really about bringing people of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry together for a day of connection and comradery, and, of course, fun!
The event welcomes staff from tourism and hospitality businesses to come together for an afternoon of mingling, networking, golf, and fun.
Tourism Kamloops is the partnering sponsor of this year’s tournament and will be hosting a Western themed reception with all sorts of fun, including a mechanical bull ride that pays tribute to the area’s ranching history.
The BC Hospitality Foundation is also supporting the tournament, and will be on the green with a raffle to raise funds for the tremendous work of the foundation.
TOTA is thrilled to once again have Corporate Sponsors, TELUS, FortisBC, and Air Canada along with many others contributing to the event through prizing, hole activations, and other donations.
Throughout the day, enjoy sparkling wine tastings from Monte Creek Winery, sips of cider from Privato Winery & Woodward Cider Co, and a delicious “boozsicle” frozen flavour bomb from Ballistic Arts.
To end the day, Mason’s Kitchen + Bar will be serving up dinner, followed by more networking, fun, and prizes.
Register as an individual or put together a team - all skill sets and levels are welcome.
We hope to see you there and encourage you to invite your colleagues and other industry contacts. This is a great day to connect with individuals from all sectors of the industry and areas of the region, and others from outside the industry are welcome to attend.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Golf@TOTABC.com.
Thank You to the Golf Tournament Sponsors
TOTA Golf Tournament Save the Date & Call for Sponsors
The 30th Annual Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Golf Tournament will be hosted at Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops on Thursday, May 30, 2024, with a full day of food, drink, and fun. Registration will open shortly. We look forward to seeing you there!
The 30th Annual Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Golf Tournament will be hosted at Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops on Thursday, May 30, 2024, with a full day of food, drink, and fun.
Mingle with CEOs, hospitality pros, and a variety of people that form the heartbeat of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry.
The TOTA Golf Tournament is an 18-hole Texas Scramble shotgun format, fun for all participants, no matter your expertise on the course. The afternoon of golf will be followed by a delicious dinner, prizes, and awards!
Registration will open shortly - subscribe to the TOTA News Centre for updates.
TOTA is currently seeking sponsors. To learn about sponsorship opportunities, email Golf@TOTABC.com.
Risk of Invasive Mussels to Okanagan Lakes & Waterways
The 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.
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has been stepping up calls for action after last September’s announcement of quagga mussels in the Idaho’s Snake River, a tributary to the Columbia River which connects to the Okanagan, and only an 11-hour drive to the BC and Alberta border.
Idaho’s desperate response was to spread toxic copper chelate into the river, killing almost seven tonnes of fish and poisoning a 26 km stretch of the river. The effectiveness won’t be known until this spring.
In October, the OBWB began calling for a temporary moratorium on watercraft coming into BC until results from Idaho’s efforts are known and the Province has closed any gaps in its Invasive Mussel Defence Program. Support for the moratorium has been gathering steam with letters coming in from BC municipalities, chambers of commerce, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and others.
Tourism businesses and residents can review the Don't Move a Mussel campaign website to learn more about risks and prevention, and access resources to raise awareness.
Ski the Thompson Okanagan Press Release
The 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.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is encouraging Canadians and Americans to plan a visit to a Thompson Okanagan ski resorts to experience the wonders of winter by sharing a roundup of information with media.
Hatch Comms on behalf of TOTA, shared a press release with Canadian and American media on February 7, 2024, that included a list of ski resorts and information related to their winter offerings and pass programs to raise awareness about the current snowy winter conditions. TOTA's social media continues to share winter themed posts on ThompsonOkanagan.com and social media.
The press release is designed to raise awareness of ski resorts in the Thompson Okanagan, inspiring them to plan a trip, with the target audiences in BC, Alberta, and Washington. Information included downhill ski information, unique indoor and outdoor experiences, pass programs, upcoming events, and travel times from the closest airports.
Release:
The Thompson Okanagan is home to world class skiing and snowboarding along with a variety of other snow activities at eight mountain resorts with some reporting bases close to 160cm. The region’s well-known winter conditions and diverse terrain promises snow sport lovers the best time ever. Adventures include skiing, snowboarding, tubing, skating, fat biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and more. Snow pursuits aside, visitors can enjoy all kinds of mountain, recreation, culinary and cultural activities, festivals and events in the months ahead.
Affordable alpine adventures await thanks to the region’s numerous global reciprocal pass programs and wallet-friendly day passes. The Indy Pass grants two days access at each of the following mountains: Apex Mountain Resort, Baldy Mountain Resort, and Big White Ski Resort, Manning Park, along with 180+ resorts spanning three continents. Sun Peaks Resort is included in the IKON Pass, giving skiers and riders access to 50+ destinations worldwide. SilverStar is home to MY1PASS, an inclusive ticket that provides access to seven activities: downhill skiing, cross country skiing (XC), night skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, skating and fat biking. Family-owned resort Harper Mountain’s day passes are under $70 per day.
Continue to follow mountain conditions and updates by visiting the resort websites and social media along with OnTheSnow.com.
Explore the Slopes
Nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley at an impressive 7,200 feet above sea level, Apex is an awesome destination for every skill level from novice to intermediate to advanced. Some say, Apex’s post-ski experiences are the best part with its popular Gunbarrel Saloon earning the title of Best Apres Ski Bar by Ski Canada for ten consecutive years. The resort also boasts an enchanting kilometre-long Adventure Skating Loop through the forest, as well as nordic skiing, snowshoeing and tubing.
Upcoming events: Western Day, Brewski, and Retro Day.
Elevate winter expeditions at British Columbia’s third-highest elevation ski resort. Located where the Nk’mip Desert meets the inland rainforest of the West Kootenays, Baldy Mountain Resort was a dream turned reality for its committed winter enthusiasts in 1968. The South Okanagan locale offers 35 runs with 600 acres of skiable terrain and an additional 240 acres dedicated to exhilarating gladed tree skiing. Off the slopes, Baldy offers 13 kilometres of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, disc golf, and tubing.
Upcoming events: KR Academy Snowboard Camp, 16th Annual Winemakers Cup, and Slackcountry Cup.
An icon in the Thompson Okanagan skyline, the resort resides in British Columbia's famed powder belt. Encompassing a vast ski area of 7,355 acres of diverse terrain with 119 designated trails and vertical drop of 2,550 feet, the second-largest lift system in BC keeps skiers moving. The slopes at Big White Ski Resort cater to every skill level - from beginner to extreme and everything in between. The ski hill has been ranked 10th on The Times UK’s list of “best ski resorts for beginners,” boasts Western Canada’s largest night area and Canada’s largest ski-in, ski-out village. Big White is more than just alpine thrills with its access to Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and Canada's highest elevation skating rink in Happy Valley.
Upcoming events: Saturday Fireworks, Jr Chef Challenge, TELUS Kelowna Cup, Family Day Weekend, and AltiTunes Music Festival.
A winter wonderland awaits at this South Thompson ski hill. Celebrating 50 years, the traditional ski area offers 16 runs with 1,400 vertical feet of elevation across 400 acres of terrain all adorned by champagne powder. The resort also offers 16 kilometres of dog-friendly snowshoe trails, a 3 kilometre nordic loop, and tubing.
Pro-tip: try the poutine and Gluhwein in the cozy Log Day Lodge.
Adventure starts in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Winter enthusiasts will enjoy the fresh mountain air and all kinds of exciting activities surrounded by majestic peaks. The laid back resort offers more than 346 acres of skiable terrain, 64 kilometres of nordic terrain, 300 kilometres of snowshoe trails, tubing and ice skating.
Upcoming events: Guided Snowshoe Tours: S'mores, Wine & Cheese, and Fondue.
The Monashee Mountain resort’s bottomless champagne powder is a hit with snow lovers. Its 3,282 acres of skiable terrain over 4 distinct mountain faces, features 132 runs with a 760m vertical drop. There’s a reason Canadian ski pioneers, Olympians, and world champions across the globe call Silver Star home. In addition to all the downhill fun it also has the most expansive cross-country trail network in North America with 105km of nordic trails that connect the peak of SilverStar Mountain Resort to Sovereign Lake’s subalpine. What else? Mini snowmobiles, ice skating, fat baking, snowshoeing, tubing and lots of fun and delicious apres.
Upcoming events: SEISMIC Spring Festival, and Sovereign2SilverStar Ski Marathon.
Canada’s 2nd largest ski area spans 4,270 acres of winter paradise featuring an impressive 882 metres of skiable vertical descent and - wait for it - 2,000 annual hours of sunshine. Winter warriors enjoy its 3 skiable peaks, 139 trails, 19 glades, the record-setting 8 kilometre run, and 13 lifts.. Beyond the slopes, Sun Peaks is known for its charming alpine village, diverse dining offerings and fun activities like yoga, axe throwing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and more than 34 kilometres of Nordic trails for snowmobiling, fat biking and snowshoeing.
Upcoming events: Sun Peaks Demo Days, Peak Pride, Elleboard All Girls Snowboard Camp, Sip, Savour & Ski Culinary Festival, Easter Extravaganza, and Slush Cup.
A not-for-profit, community-run ski area carved into the hills of Southern British Columbia, Phoenix Mountain is a haven for snow sport lovers offering 800 feet of vertical. The iconic T-bar gives riders a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the winter wonderland on the 6-minute ride up to access its 17 official downhill runs.
All mountain villages are all accessible within under an hour from the nearest city and under two hours from the nearest airports: Penticton Airport (YYF), Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and Kamloops Airport (YKA).
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.
Memorial Scholarship & Support for Thompson Rivers University Students Involved in Fatal Crash
On November 29, a Thompson Rivers University (TRU) student, Owyn McInnis, died and two others, Owen Waterhouse and Riley Brinnen, were seriously injured after a crash near the school’s campus in Kamloops.
This is a tremendous tragedy in the region and our hearts go out to everyone involved. Those that wish to support can make a donation to Riley’s GoFundMe page, Owen’s GoFundMe page, or the TRU Owyn McInnis Memorial Men's Volleyball Athletic Award.
On November 29, a Thompson Rivers University (TRU) student, Owyn McInnis, died and two others, Owen Waterhouse and Riley Brinnen, were seriously injured after a crash near the school’s campus in Kamloops (see Castanet article).
After this tragic event, Thompson Rivers University launched a scholarship, the Owyn McInnis Memorial Men's Volleyball Athletic Award (Learn More).
Those that wish to support the fund can make a donation to TRU.
As well, GoFundMe pages were launched for Riley Brinnen and Owen Waterhouse to assist with their recovery. The funds raised will help cover some of the costs for the two young men, their families, and the medical teams.
Brinnen is described as “a strong, athletic absolute sweetheart of a man.” He played minor hockey in West Kelowna, before taking to volleyball in Grade 10 at Kelowna Secondary School. He graduated from KSS in 2020 and earned a spot on TRU’s men’s volleyball team. He is currently in his fourth year of a psychology degree at the university.
Owen’s friends and family know him as “an extraordinary young man who lights up any room he enters with his smile.” Waterhouse was born and raised in Kelowna and is a graduate of Kelowna Secondary School. The outside hitter is in his second year with the TRU WolfPack.
Those that wish to support can make a donation to Riley’s GoFundMe page and Owen’s GoFundMe page.
This is a tremendous tragedy in the region and our hearts go out to everyone involved.
Travel Restrictions Order Lifted for Most of Thompson Okanagan
The 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.
Premier Eby and Minister Ma, the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, toured many parts of the Thompson Okanagan region to speak with residents and view the impacts of recent and continuing wildfires.
In a press conference late yesterday afternoon, Minister Ma, together with Premier Eby lifted the order restricting travel to the Thompson Okanagan region, except for the community of West Kelowna, where there are still many residents out of their homes and much work ahead. Non-essential travel to West Kelowna continues to be prohibited for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation, including hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds, to ensure accommodations are available for those who have been evacuated and are still unable to return home.
We appreciate the efforts of the Premier and Minister Ma to work with industry and communities to reopen the region sooner than anticipated. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, emergency workers, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help the communities of the Thompson Okanagan impacted by wildfires. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these wildfires throughout the region.
Additionally, we want to acknowledge the accommodation providers in the Thompson Okanagan region who have been diligently reporting their availability to provide safe shelter for evacuees and emergency responders.
Although the non-essential travel restriction is now largely lifted, we are also acutely aware of the effect this restriction has had and continues to have on tourism businesses in the region. Besides the obvious financial impacts of losing visitors during the last few weeks of the peak tourism season, operators face uncertainty regarding labour, cancellation of significant events and product loss.
Lifting the order is an important first step in recovery, and while our industry remains steadfast in our commitment to support our communities and the evacuees, TOTA, along with the BC Hotel Association (BCHA), continues to work closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and the Government of British Columbia to advocate for financial supports necessary to ensure full recovery.
We Want to Hear From You
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.
BC Wildlife Park's Commitment to Access and Inclusion Continues with Fundraising for Playground Upgrades
The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops has recently made significant upgrades to its facilities to increase accessibility and inclusivity. The park’s next focus for upgrades is the children’s playground, with plans to add inclusive equipment and sensory stations to allow children to play together.
In 2021, the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops completed a project to pave all its pathways to make the park more accessible for people using wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. As well, the park added powered mobility scooters and wheelchairs for visitors to easily explore the park. The washrooms were made accessible and environmentally efficient. And this was just the beginning of BC Wildlife Park’s commitment to access and inclusion.
Now, BC Wildlife Park has turned its attention to the iconic children’s playground. The current playground is over 23 years old and major upgrades are needed in order to bring it up to current standards and make it inclusive and accessible for children of all ages and abilities. While park priorities remain focused on animal care and welfare, children and families make it all possible.
Early playground renderings include accessible paths, inclusive equipment and sensory stations - all carefully designed to allow children to play together.
“Participation in play, on an equal basis with other children, is a right, not a privilege, for ALL children. Playgrounds are at the heart of a community and a space where children of all ages and abilities can connect together through play. Canada needs more playgrounds that are designed in innovative ways to be fully accessible and inclusive to the needs of all children. No child should be left on the sidelines of play.”
Fundraising Initiatives
Fundraising efforts began with a country music concert on June 17 and a children’s contest asking BC children of all ages to share what outdoor play means to them through a creative piece, like a poem, letter, artwork, or video.
More fun and engaging fundraising initiatives are planned throughout the year-long campaign.
To learn more about upcoming events, please visit BCWildlife.org for details.
To support the new BC Wildlife Park accessible playground visit BCWildlife.org/play.htm or text “play” to 30333.
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)
Tourism Kamloops Launches New Incentive Program
Tourism Kamloops is offering a cash back opportunity.
Through its new incentive program, event planners are rewarded for meeting in Kamloops. Submit your RFP to see if your program qualifies – the reward? $10 per room night.
Tourism Kamloops is offering a cash back opportunity.
Through its new incentive program, event planners are rewarded for meeting in Kamloops. Submit your RFP to see if your program qualifies – the reward? $10 per room night.
Andrew Peller Exploring Viticulture Potential of Tranquille Farmland in Kamloops
Andrew Peller Ltd., a name associated with award-winning premium and ultra-premium brands including Peller Estates, Black Hills, Sandhill, Tinhorn Creek, Red Rooster, and Gray Monk, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Ignition Tranquille Developments Ltd. to explore the viticulture potential for the Tranquille farmland in Kamloops, B.C.
Andrew Peller Ltd. will start microclimate data collection and micro-soil analysis to determine which grapes will be best suited for the land. After two years of data collection, Andrew Peller Ltd. will make recommendations to Ignition and move forward with 5-acre parcels of agreed-to varietals, with an expected planting date of spring 2025.
Andrew Peller Ltd., a name associated with award-winning premium and ultra-premium brands including Peller Estates, Black Hills, Sandhill, Tinhorn Creek, Red Rooster, and Gray Monk, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Ignition Tranquille Developments Ltd. to explore the viticulture potential for the Tranquille farmland in Kamloops, B.C.
With the MOU signed, Andrew Peller Ltd. will start microclimate data collection and micro-soil analysis to understand when the region gets frost free days, how many growing degree days it gets, and most importantly, to find out how cold it gets in the winter months. These processes will help determine which grapes will be best suited for the land.
Once these questions are answered based on robust two-year data collection, Andrew Peller Ltd. will make recommendations to Ignition and move forward with 5-acre parcels of agreed-to varietals, with an expected planting date of spring 2025.