News & Resources

The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association 4/26/21 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association 4/26/21

Toward a Climate Friendly Future

Last week, we were very pleased to be part of an Earth Day announcement that saw Tourism Vancouver Island, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism, Northern BC Tourism, and Kootenay Rockies Tourism sign a commitment letter with the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) to move forward with Biosphere Certification. Building on our climate friendly commitment, TOTA will be co-hosting the Strong Earth Youth Summit on Thursday, April 29th, 2021 together with SunX Malta. This event will be taking place in three locations around the world with a line-up of international speakers.

Last week, we were very pleased to be part of an Earth Day announcement that saw Tourism Vancouver Island, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism, Northern BC Tourism, and Kootenay Rockies Tourism sign a commitment letter with the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) to move forward with Biosphere Certification. Together, they join the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association in our collective commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Tourism. The video of last week's announcement, also featuring guest speakers from across the globe referencing the important role that tourism plays in Sustainability, can be found here.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association received Biosphere Certification in November 2017 and maintains its designation through a continuous reporting process to RTI on our ongoing initiatives. Our overall focus is on the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), some of which has been achieved through our work with Communities and Stakeholders on the Biosphere Commitment program, our Eco Efficiency Audits, and the recent release of the new Biosphere Academy.

Building on our climate friendly commitment, TOTA will be co-hosting the Strong Earth Youth Summit on Thursday, April 29th, 2021 together with SunX Malta. This event will be taking place in three locations around the world with a line-up of international speakers. Registration is complimentary to all interested in being a part of this important conversation and movement for a resilient, climate-friendly future for travel & tourism. For more information and to register go to: TOTABC.org/seys-2021.

- The TOTA Team

Recent News Highlights

Featured

Apr 23, 2021

Travel Restrictions to Curb the Spread of COVID-19 Come into Effect

Apr 23, 2021

BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the Honourable Mike Farnworth, announced under the Emergency Program Act an order restricting non-essential travel between certain regions of the province effective from April 23, 2021 until May 25, 2021. The order combines BC's five health authorities into three (3) regions of the province. Travel into and out of the regions for non-essential reasons is not allowed and is now prohibited by law.

Apr 23, 2021

Apr 22, 2021

Regional Tourism Associations Mark Earth Day by Taking First Steps Toward Biosphere Certification

Apr 22, 2021

To commemorate World Earth Day, The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) came together with four other regional destination management organization counterparts under the B.C. Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), including the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern B.C. and Tourism Vancouver Island, to support their signing of a letter of commitment to pursue the Responsible Tourism Institute’s Biosphere certification. TOTA successfully received this designation in 2017, and is proud to work with regional partners to help further collective initiatives and make a far-reaching positive impact.

Apr 22, 2021

Apr 19, 2021

New Provincial Restrictions Announced To Help Save Our Summer

Apr 19, 2021

Premier John Horgan announced new provincial restrictions today that, together with increased vaccinations, should help to bend the curve and hopefully Save Our Summer. The new restrictions will remain in place until after the May Long Weekend (including the previously announced restrictions on indoor dining).

The Premier also noted that as of Friday, new orders under the Emergency Program Act will be put in place to restrict British Columbians from making non-essential travel bookings in B.C. outside the health authority in which they reside. Tourism operators have been asked to assist in this effort by voluntarily declining reservations from customers residing outside their health region until after the May long weekend.

Apr 19, 2021