Take the go2HR Employer Survey

Help go2HR shape the future of tourism and hospitality by participating in the Employer Survey. Insights from this survey will be used to better understand the key human resource, health and safety, and training issues and opportunities facing the tourism and hospitality industry in BC.

Respondents will be entered to win one of six $500 regional travel credits, which can be used for a BC world-class experience.

Please complete the survey by November 1, 2024.

Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Business and Workforce Survey

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is inviting businesses, residents, and local workers to complete a short survey to understand the needs of local businesses and the workforce, as well as the perceptions of business owners and employee’s regarding working and doing business in the region.

Survey respondents can enter to win one of two $150 prepaid Visas or one of two $100 local business gift baskets.

The survey is open until September 30, 2024.

Accommodation Plastic Use and Reduction Survey

Accommodators in the Thompson Okanagan are invited to take the BC Hotel Association’s (BCHA) short survey on plastic use and sustainability.

Results from this survey will be used to assess the current landscape of plastic use and reduction efforts among accommodators, contributing to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) annual reporting commitment.

Take the Accommodation Plastic Use and Reduction Survey.

TIABC's One Minute Monitor (OMM)

TIABC's One Minute Monitor (OMM) is a short survey deployed as necessary to help us better understand members' views on pressing issues and to help inform policy development and prioritize advocacy activities.

QUESTION: Is your projected business (i.e. bookings, revenues) for the months of July, August and September up, down, or the same compared to the same period in 2023?

Partnership Opportunities: 2024-25 Resident Perceptions of Tourism Research Survey

There are partnership opportunities available for Regional and City Destination Management Organizations in BC to better understand how residents view tourism in their communities.

RDMOs and CDMOs can contact DBC’s research and analytics team leads to confirm their participation and get more information on the following partnership opportunities.

Learn more about partnership opportunities and contact information at DestinationBC.ca

People invited to test drive the next DriveBC website

The popular DriveBC website is being revamped and people are invited to provide feedback on the improvements.

Drivers use the site to plan safe and efficient trips, get the latest information on road incidents, construction and maintenance, and view hundreds of highway webcams. The new DriveBC will be easier to use, more reliable and more personalized, allowing drivers to focus on their routes.

Learn more and view test site →

Tourism Outlook Survey 2024

 The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is conducting a survey to collect current information from Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses about the financial outlook for the coming year, 2024.

A summary of the findings will be presented in March to the TOTA board, Destination BC CEO, BC Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture, and Sport (MTACS).

Your company's input is critical to understanding the current tourism outlook. The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

Please complete the survey by Sunday, March 3, 11:59 pm.

To complete the survey, go to https://TOTABC.org/survey/outlook

Travel Order Impact Survey

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) are working together to assess the immediate and long-term impacts on Thompson Okanagan tourism stakeholders from Accommodation Travel Restrictions (Southern Interior Areas) Order by the Province of BC, originally effective August 19 - September 4, 2023.

TOTA and BCHA are conducting a survey to collect details on the impacts of the order on tourism operations to present a summary of the findings to the BC Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture, and Sport (MTACS) to share with the other ministries.

Survey

The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Your input is critical to understanding the impact of the order on businesses.

If you represent more than one business, please complete additional surveys for each business so that we have a better understanding of the impact of the order.

To complete the survey, go to https://TOTABC.org/Survey

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Additional Support

We understand this is a challenging time for businesses. The TOTA team would like to help. If you have any questions or concerns to discuss, please email Recovery@TOTABC.com.

TOTA Industry Communications Survey Feedback

We asked, you answered! Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in TOTA’s Industry Communications Survey in March. Your insights will help the TOTA team to better support you in the coming year.

Here's what the industry had to say and our thoughts moving forward:

What content from TOTA is most valuable to you?

1. General Thompson Okanagan tourism news

2. Trends and grant and funding opportunities

3. Professional development in the form of webinars, training programs, and industry events

4. Market research reports

5. British Columbia tourism news and trends

6. Sustainable tourism - specifically with examples, inspirational ‘how to’s and more opportunities to get involved.

7. Updates on regional media coverage and upcoming media and travel trade visits in the region

We will continue to share this information, with a new focus on social media posting, and a new format for the newsletter. The industry newsletter will now be published twice per month instead of weekly, with a succinct, scannable format so you can easily find and access the information that’s important to you.

What sustainability initiatives would you like to see from TOTA?

1. Examples of sustainability initiatives and practices

2. Composting, recycling, and plastics

3. Water and energy

4. Regenerative, green, and eco tourism

5. Grants and funding to be more sustainable

6. Training, events, and tips

7. Biosphere

We will incorporate this information into the new Destination Stewardship section of every industry newsletter.

What skills, trends, or topics do you want to learn more about?

1. Marketing and PR

2. Trends, insights, and research

3. Sustainability and the environment

4. People + Culture - customer service, staff relations, the labour market

5. Grant writing

6. Economic and destination development and management

7. Social media best practices

Great news! There are already many resources available for free or low cost, including:

Destination BC Tourism Digital Academy and eLearningU digital marketing and trend webinars and recordings.

Symphony Tourism Services (TOTA’s subsidiary) publishes report and can assist with data, trends, insights, and custom research.

TOTA is working with the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) to launch the Tourism Impact Portal, a dashboard of key data.

The BC Tourism Sustainability Network and Biosphere Commitment Program

The Great Taste of Canada and Buy BC will assist with development of culinary/agritourism.

Hatch Comms will provide proactive and real time Crisis Communications support and emergency management for community DMOs.

go2HR provides BC resources like a job board, training for staff, support for HR managers, and labour market research.

The TOTA team will continue to seek out resources to assist with these top topics. 

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Thank You for Your Feedback

Thanks again for generously sharing your time, experience, and feedback so the whole Thompson Okanagan tourism industry can benefit.

If you would like more information or have more to say, please respond to this email with any questions or comments.

Thompson Okanagan Wage Survey by go2HR | Submit by April 14, 2023

go2HR is conducting a confidential wage survey for tourism and hospitality employers in the Thompson Okanagan region. The survey aims to compile current, region-specific wage information to help Thompson Okanagan employers make informed decisions about their business planning for the upcoming summer season and beyond.

The survey is open until April 14, 2023 and participants will receive a report in May 2023 with region-specific wage information to assist employers in making informed business decisions. Results will not be shared publicly.

The goal for this survey is to provide results in a timely manner so that employers can use real-time data to inform their business planning the upcoming summer season and beyond.

If successful, the survey will be repeated on an annual basis.

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Background

Why a wage survey?

The go2HR Regional HR Advisory Services team recognized a need for current, region-specific wage information through go2HR's ongoing work with employers in the Thompson Okanagan region and many requests over the past years.

Credible wage surveys are valuable in any economic environment. They provide statistical insights into the markets in which you compete for employee skills. A better understanding of current salary ranges in the region allow you to build your own compensation structures more effectively.

Many large companies complete these salary surveys for different occupations, such as for sales and marketing, accounting, and human resources. The results are typically broken down by large[r] geographic areas like cities across the country (Vancouver, Calgary, etc.). They do not allow for, or typically poll, smaller centres like the Thompson Okanagan tourism region.

This survey is intended as a truly regional solution in a similar way that the go2HR Employment Tracker provides region-specific data to track changes in employment and major trends in our industry and to monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19. 

Why now?

As part of the HR Advisory Services initiative that began early in the summer of 2022, wages have emerged as a key theme for businesses several regions. By conducting a regional wage survey, Thompson Okanagan employers will have data that can be used to inform their practices and prepare for the upcoming summer season and beyond.

This Regional Wage Survey began as a 2-year pilot project in the fall of 2022 in the Kootenay Rockies Tourism region. Building on its success, the survey, and methodology, go2HR is now offering the survey to employers in the Thompson Okanagan region. If successful, this will be repeated on an annual basis.

What’s in it for my business?

When you sign up to participate, you get access to all the results. These results will not be shared with the general public or any non-participating businesses, and could give you a ‘leg up’ in this highly competitive market for talent.

The “ask” of participating businesses:  

After you sign up to participate, you will be asked to provide the following information:

• Sector and size of business

• Sub-region within the Thompson Okanagan in which the business is located

• Entry level wages for each position on the list that you have in your business.  

• Employment type - seasonal, year-round, or if both

• Seasonal bonuses and, if so, the amount

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Positions to Be Surveyed

Leadership

• Housekeeping supervisor

• Executive housekeeper

• Front Desk Supervisor

• Front Office Manager

• Accounting Supervisor

• F&B Supervisor

• F&B Manager

• Chef de Partie

• Sous Chef

• Executive Chef

• Retail Manager

• Activities Manager or Operations

• Manager

• Golf Supervisor

Entry Level

• Room attendant or housekeeper

• House person or room checker

• Laundry attendant

• Front Desk Agent

• Night Auditor

• Server

• Bartender

• Dishwasher

• Line or Prep Cook or Cook

• Retail attendant or associate

• Activities attendant

• Activity Coordinator

• Activity Guide

• Turf care specialist

• Golf Services Agent or Specialist

• Beverage Cart Host or Server

• Maintenance Worker

• Bus Driver

For more info, please email HR@go2HR.ca.

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Spread the Word

Please share this opportunity with HR and management team members at your company and with other tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region.

Community Well-Being Survey Launches to All Residents of BC on International Happiness Day

March 20, 2023, Kelowna, B.C. - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has launched the Community Well-Being Survey on International Day of Happiness, March 20, 2023. The survey is being conducted in collaboration with the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and Planet Happiness, a tourism focused arm of the Happiness Alliance non-profit organization.

The goal is to measure how happy and healthy British Columbia’s residents are feeling and to further strengthen the relationship between the tourism industry, its residents and their well-being.

All B.C. residents are invited to take the Community Well-Being Survey between March 20 and April 30, 2023.

British Columbia is an incredible destination full of endless activities to explore nature and connect with others. The survey aims to collect insights from British Columbians on what makes this province an exceptional place to live as well as what brings its residents satisfaction and contentment. The survey contains questions about mental health, lifestyle, hobbies, feelings toward tourism, and daily activities.

The Community Well-being Survey is a state-of-the-art, scientifically-valid tool created by the Happiness Alliance. It is based on the country of Bhutan's pioneering approach to move beyond basic economic measures to determine a population’s “Gross National Happiness.” Inspired by Buddhist concepts, the term is defined as a “multi-dimensional approach to finding a balance between material well-being and a society’s spiritual, emotional, and cultural needs.”

Once the data is analyzed, a one-page destination score-card is produced that provides in-depth, data-rich reports that spark conversations about tourism and destination well-being, and how this relationship can be strengthened within the province.

British Columbians have proven their capacity for resiliency and moving forward together throughout the pandemic. As the world continues to return to normal, the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) wants to ensure resident well-being is at the forefront of reintegrating tourism to the communities.

One of the BCRTS’ objectives is to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and to support recovery efforts in the province due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional goals of this survey initiative include: raising global awareness and participation in the Gross National Happiness (GNH) and “Beyond GDP” agenda, as well as contributing to the BCRTS’ Tourism Impact Portal.

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Help Spread the Word

Individuals and companies are encouraged to share the survey with team members and communities before the survey closes on April 30, 2023. To make sharing easy, TOTA has prepared a Media Kit with sample promotion materials for email and social media.

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British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat

The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a collaboration between the following five B.C. regional destination management organizations: Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and 4VI (Vancouver Island).

The regions within BCRTS are not-for-profit societies governed by the BC Societies Act. They are industry-led organizations, governed by an elected Board of Directors, who represent and support business and community tourism interests throughout each region.

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 of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia and the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.

TOTA 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

Happiness Alliance

Happiness Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to contribute to the transformations of economies and societies so that the happiness of people, the well-being of communities, and the sustainability of ecosystems is the primary aim of governance, enterprise, and people. Since 2010, the Happiness Alliance has provided happiness and well-being tools and resources, including the Happiness Index. Executive Director Laura Musolanski has authored multiple books and articles and is also the co-author of the Happiness Policy Handbook.

For more information visit HappyCounts.org

Planet Happiness

Planet Happiness is a grassroots, big data project to introduce happiness and well-being science, policy, and practice to local communities, governments, and businesses connected to the travel and tourism industry. Dr. Paul Rogers co-founder and director of Planet Happiness, has over 20 years of experience as a tourism advisor to national and local government and has worked in more than a dozen countries across  Asia, Africa, and Australia.

For more information visit  OurHeritageOurHappiness.org 

Industry Communications Survey: Share Your Feedback and Enter to Win a SilverStar Mountain Resort Getaway by Friday, March 31

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is working with Hatch Hospitality to assess and revamp communications efforts with Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals, companies, and communities.

Hatch has prepared a survey for tourism stakeholders to share their feedback, along with a draw, with a chance to win a SilverStar Summer Getaway (1 night accommodation, 2 bike park / sightseeing tickets, bike rentals). The prize was kindly donated by Destination Silver Star.

Hatch will send email requests to TOTA subscribers throughout the month. The survey is also available through the link below.

We encourage you to answer the questions thoroughly and honestly. Hatch will analyze results and share an aggregate and anonymized report with with TOTA. Results will help inform the communications strategy for the upcoming year.

The contest ends Friday, March 31 at 11:59 PM.

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About Hatch Hospitality

Hatch Hospitality is a tourism, hospitality and lifestyle PR agency with offices in Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley. Hatch specializes in communications for luxury hotels, wineries, destinations, restaurants, events, people making a difference in their community, and more.

Hatch's team members - Ned Bell, Kate Colley, and Krista Lochhead - have spent decades representing some of the world's most beautiful, delicious and engaging destinations and an impressive track record.

Learn more at HatchComms.ca.

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Industry Sustainability Survey | Closes December 2

Take the Survey by December 2 and Enter to Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is conducting an industry-wide survey to understand the current sustainability practices of tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region, and how to best support sustainability efforts in the coming years.

Thompson Okanagan tourism company owners and senior managers are invited to submit the survey. Every survey submission will be entered into a draw for an opportunity to win one of two $100 Amazon Gift Cards as a thank you for your time. The draw is limited to one entry per company.

Survey responses will provide a better understanding of current tourism industry sustainability health, efforts, and appetite, which will guide the development of the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program in 2023.

The Biosphere Commitment Program helps tourism companies make continuous progress toward the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by establishing collaborative synergies within the regional tourism industry (Learn more). The program enables TOTA to continuously work with tourism businesses to create a more resilient, healthy, and regenerative tourism industry in the region.

The survey will take 5-10 minutes and will close on Friday, December 2, 2022. Winners will be notified the following week.

Thompson Okanagan Organic Waste Survey | Share Feedback by November 18

Take the Survey by November 18 and Enter to Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Destination Stewardship team is conducting a survey of Thompson Okanagan tourism companies to understand the potential for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) produced from organic waste in the region.

The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete. Aggregate survey data will be shared with Andion Global, a supplier of waste management solutions with operations in Vancouver, BC, and Europe (Italy and the Nordics).

Thompson Okanagan tourism company owners and senior managers are invited to submit the survey. One survey submission per company will be entered into a draw for an opportunity to win one of two $100 Amazon Gift Cards (see Contest Rules).

The survey will close on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 4 PM.

If you have any questions, please email Energy@TOTABC.com.

Thank you, we appreciate your time and input!

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About Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)

As part of TOTA’s commitment to responsible tourism and sustainability, TOTA is seeking ways to improve access to clean energy for tourism companies in the region. One way of producing clean energy is by producing Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) from organic wastes. RNG can be used in the same way as conventional natural gas, but it has a much lower, and sometimes negative, carbon footprint. Using renewable natural gas means that businesses can reduce their carbon footprint without having to change equipment and infrastructure. Making renewable natural gas requires an organic waste stream, such as from production businesses. An understanding of the types of organic waste and how accessible they are, is required in order to evaluate the viability of a RNG facility within the region.

Share Feedback on the BC 2030 Olympic Bid

The 2030 BC Olympic Team has entered the Engagement Phase of exploring the possibility of hosting the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in British Columbia.

Bringing the Olympic Games to BC in 2030 could have an enormous impact on the provincial accommodation and tourism industries. The organizing committee met with various councils, including the City of Vancouver.

You can engage with the BC 2030 Olympic bid in the following methods:

• Send a letter or comment to the Vancouver City Council

• Complete the engagement survey on the GamesEngagement.ca site

Tourism Growth Strategy Survey for Tourism Operator Priorities

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is putting together its submission for the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy and your input matters. TIAC’s goal is a submission that reflects the tourism industry’s priorities for moving towards growth, investment, and stability.

Take Survey →

SURVEY | BC 2030 Olympic & Paralympic Feasibility Team

The BC 2030 Feasibility Team announced exciting new details for the BC 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid, including a venue map and additional information on the concept behind the Indigenous-led Games in B.C.

The Lil̓’wat7úl (Lil’wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations have invited the City of Vancouver, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee to officially collaborate on exploring the feasibility of hosting an Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (the Games) in British Columbia.

Learn more about the 2030 Games Engagement →

The group has now entered its engagement phase to learn how the games can be delivered to benefit B.C. province-wide. All British Columbians are encouraged to take the survey and share your perspective.

Share Feedback →

British Columbians Invited to Share 2023 Budget Priorities by June 24

People in British Columbia are asked to share their ideas and priorities to help make life better for people, businesses, and communities as government plans Budget 2023.

Budget 2022 focused on continuing to protect people’s health and livelihoods, while building an economic future that works for everyone. Government will continue to put people first and, as government looks ahead to Budget 2023, continue to look for ways to keep bringing costs down for families.

Participants are asked to focus on three recommendations for the next provincial budget.

Opportunities to complete the submission form and the survey are open until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 24.

View Announcement →

Read 2023 budget consultation paper →

Share Feedback →

New Federal Tourism Growth Strategy Feedback | Deadline: July 20, 2022

The Government of Canada announced the launch of public consultations for the post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.

Canadian tourism stakeholders from coast to coast to coast are invited to share feedback as the federal government works towards charting a path forward for the tourism sector. The strategy will build on the work already done since the launch of the original strategy in 2019, with a particular focus on:

• Labour gaps and instability

• Investment attraction and destination development

• Long-term economic growth across the country

Th deadline to submit feedback is July 20, 2022.

Learn More & Share Feedback →

Survey on Luxury Boat Tax Impacts | Share Feedback by June 30

Boating BC in cooperation with Boating Atlantic, Boating Ontario, Mid-Canada Marine and Powersports Dealers Association, Nautisme Quebec, and National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada are conducting a survey regarding the Luxury Boat Tax, in order to advocate on behalf of the tourism industry.

Please take 2 minutes to fill out the survey on the impacts of the Luxury Boat Tax Impacts so information can be presented to Members of Parliament.

After completing the survey, operators can use the same survey link to send data on lost sales or jobs for your business.

Take Survey →