TOTA — TOTA News Centre

Promote Your Business at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre - 2024 Season

Thompson Okanagan tourism companies are invited to share adventures and experiences at the Tourism Inspiration Centre on Highway 97C above Peachland, which receives 35,000+ visitors per season.

Promotion Opportunities for the season (May-October)

Outdoor Billboard Space: $500+GST / year
Brochure Racking Space & QR Code Link to Website: $125+GST / year
On-Site Exhibit Space: $150+GST / weekend

Biosphere Commitment Program members will receive a 25% discount on listed prices.

Availability is limited and offered first come, first serve. To secure your promotion space, contact Visit@TOTABC.com.

TOTA 2023 AGM & Board Directors

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, on the traditional, unceded, and ancestral territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) People.

The meeting included an overview for the year ending March 31, 2023, the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Audited Financial Statement, Governance Report, TOTA Activities, and the Board Election Results.

Please join us in congratulating the new and returning board of directors.

TOTA NewsThompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationOctober 25, 2023TOTA, TOTA AGM, TOTA Board

Vote TOTA for World's Responsible Tourism Award 2023 by November 17

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been nominated for the World's Responsible Tourism Award in the annual World Travel Awards. The award serves to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

TOTA has received the World Travel Award for Responsible Tourism for four consecutive years and is honoured to be nominated once again in this category.

Travel industry professionals and consumers worldwide are invited to cast their votes for travel brands that they consider to be the very best in the world. The nominee gaining the most votes for an award named as the winner.

Voting is open until November 17, 2023.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to register with World Travel Awards and vote for TOTA in category 277. Responsible Tourism Award.

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Climate Action Plan Provides Guidance for Sustainable Development for Regional Businesses and Communities

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has introduced a new climate action plan to facilitate sustainable industry and community development in the Thompson Okanagan region. As part of TOTA’s signing of the Glasglow Declaration on Climate Action In Tourism, the plan outlines a series of strategies and initiatives to support the regional and global commitment to cut emissions in half by 2030 and reach Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050.

Recap of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit: Biospherology Master Class

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit: Biospherology Master Class was an immersive experience unlike any other Summit the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has hosted. 120 people from across the region and British Columbia attended the Summit at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), February 21 - 22, 2023.

Attendees had an action packed day on their feet, moving through the TRU Campus with industry leaders who are experts in their respective fields. Through the Master Class collaborative, “hands on" approach, attendees gained knowledge and inspiration to incorporate responsible, sustainable practices into their communities and workplaces.

TOTA NewsThompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationMarch 2, 2023TOTA, TOTA Event, TOTA Summit

Thompson Okanagan Communities Receive Over $5.5 million in Funding from PacifiCan to Revitalize Public Spaces and Enhance Tourism Experiences

PacifiCan 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.

Partnership Helping to Fill Staffing Gaps in Hospitality and Tourism Industry

Like many industries, the hospitality and tourism sector has been hard hit by staff shortages over the past few years with a declining youth population and an aging workforce combining to create significant challenges.

But a new program designed in partnership by Okanagan College (OC) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will help to reduce those shortages.

The first of four new cohorts of students enrolled in the Hospitality Professional Program this fall, a flexible program open to students anywhere in the Thompson-Okanagan-Shuswap regions. The 17-week online course is followed by nine weeks of work experience in the students’ local community.

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Supports Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality through Sponsorship of Empower Her Event by WORTH Association

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has signed on as a Bronze Sponsor for the Empower Her series of events, organized by the Women of Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Association.

Empower Her is WORTH’s signature networking and panel discussion event for women in hospitality and tourism. WORTH is hosting the fifth edition of the event in 2022 and 2023 to educate, elevate, and empower women in the industry - and first in the Thompson Okanagan region.

The Thompson Okanagan event will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at the Coast Capri Hotel in Kelowna at 6 PM to 9:30 PM. The panel will feature four panelists who will examine ways organizations and individuals can accelerate women into leadership roles at the senior level.

New Program Aims to "Spark" Innovative Tourism Ideas in Thompson Nicola

A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas in the Thompson Nicola area of the Thompson Okanagan tourism region in British Columbia was officially announced by local and provincial tourism partners.

The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants from the area with a tourism mentor and provide a $3,000 grant to supplement additional partner support, to help bring new tourism ideas to the next level of development.

New Biosphere Member: Little Straw Vineyards

Little Straw Vineyards is the newest member of the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. Read on for information about Little Straw, including their rich history, new ownership, and motivation for joining Biosphere.

TOTA Board Election: Call for Nominations | Deadline: August 12, 2022

If you or someone you know is interested to run in the TOTA board election and is on the current Voting Stakeholder List, please review the TOTA Board Election details and submit a signed nomination form to TOTABC.org/AGM/election by Friday, August 12, 2022.

TOTA NewsThompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationAugust 2, 2022TOTA, TOTA Board

Request for Proposals: Patio Furniture Designed by Local Carpenters/Woodworkers/Artists | Deadline: August 12

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre, operated by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), is requesting proposals from local carpenters/artists to design furniture for an outdoor patio space.

TOTA NewsThompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationJuly 27, 2022TOTA

TOTA Board Election: Early Call for Nominations

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will hold the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 29, 2022. Voting members are invited to put their name forward or nominate a qualified candidate to serve as a member of the TOTA Board of Directors for a two-year term.

TOTA NewsThompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationJuly 18, 2022TOTA, TOTA Board

TOTA Access & Inclusion Liaison Tour of Boundary Country

In the summer of 2020, TOTA partnered with the Christina Lake Welcome Centre to visit Boundary Country on an Accessible FAM tour, and experienced many accessible and inclusive activities and attractions that this beautiful region has to offer.

Sustainable Companies in the Thompson Okanagan Now Listed in Biosphere Search Engine of Sustainable Consumer Choices

The BiosphereSustainable.com website is now available, which allows people to learn about the good practices and sustainable efforts of companies and destinations around the world, showing how they contribute to the fulfilment of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Visit BiosphereSustainable.com Website →

View Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Company Listings →

TOTA NewsThompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationJuly 11, 2022TOTA, Biosphere, Sustainability

Universal Design Washroom Renovation at Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre

TOTA is excited to announce the Accessible and Universal Design Washroom Renovation for the Tourism Inspiration Centre above Peachland on the Highway 97C Connector.

The renovation project was made possible through funding from the Enabling Accessibility Fund Youth Stream, as well as funding from the BC Rehab Foundation. TOTA will be putting forward the remainder of the renovation costs to complete the project.

Host an Event at the Indigenous Artisan’s Trail (IArT) Venue near Peachland

The Indigenous Artisan’s Trail (IArT) Venue is now available to companies and entrepreneurs to reserve for events from July to October 2022. Operated by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Indigenous Tourism Program, IArT is located at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre on Route 97, above Peachland (3960 BC-97C).

TOTA NewsThompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationJuly 7, 2022TOTA, Indigenous

Claim Your Sustainable Life App™ Listing

TOTA and Sustainable Life App™ are collaborating to help Thompson Okanagan tourism companies connect with eco-conscious customers online.

Sustainable Life App™ is a downloadable mobile map-based app that connects eco-conscious consumers with sustainable businesses and brands from where they are. People can use the app while planning a trip or while traveling, making it easy to live a life in line with their core values.

To get your listing, there is a one-time setup fee of $10 USD. Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies can receive a free listing with the referral code from Biosphere@TOTABC.com.

Register Now →

Resources for Indigenous History Month & Indigenous Peoples Day 2022

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resiliency, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Learn how to get involved as a business and as a individual →

National AccessAbility Week & Accessibility Ambassadors in the Okanagan

National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is being celebrated from May 29 to June 4, with the theme: “Inclusive from the start.”

Join in to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities; highlight the work of individuals, organizations and communities who are removing barriers, and reflect on our ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more disability inclusive Canada.

Learn More →

View Promotion Toolkit →

As part of the celebration, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) will have accessibility ambassadors on the ground next week, collecting information for the AccessNow app on the main streets in Kelowna, Penticton, and Vernon.

The AccessNow app is a go-to resource for accessibility information, built on a connected platform that empowers all people to discover a world of accessible opportunities, make travel decisions, and remove barriers. The app has over 200K places rated in 35 countries, including restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions, trails, and parks.

AccessNow has a growing community of people who believe in an accessible future. Anyone is welcome to get involved through mapping, reviewing, beta testing, outreach, and storytelling.

Tourism businesses can claim their listing and let people know what to expect when visiting.

Claim Your Listing →

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