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 in a regular season.

TOTA operates the Tourism Inspiration Centre, with a team of Tourism Visitor Information Counsellors available to assist visitors en route to or from their Thompson Okanagan destination.

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

Promotion Opportunities for the 2024 Season (May-October)

Outdoor Billboard Space: $500+GST / year

Display a poster for 4' x 8' space facing the Tourism Inspiration Centre and parking lot. This includes the opportunity to host an on-site exhibit space for one weekend during the season to meet with and directly promote your experience to visitors; and one social media post on Tourism Inspiration Centre Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business.
Billboard creation and installation not included.

Brochure Racking Space & QR Code Link to Website: $125+GST / year

Display brochures and link to your website in the Tourism Inspiration Centre. Tourism Inspiration Centre ambassadors will familiarize themselves with your company and share it with visitors. Includes one social media post on Tourism Inspiration Centre Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business. Brochure creation not included.

On-Site Exhibit Space: $150+GST / weekend

Host an on-site exhibit space outside the Tourism Inspiration Centre to meet with and directly promote your experience to visitors. Includes one social media post on Tourism Inspiration Centre Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business. Tent/booth not included.

Secure Your Promotion Space

Availability is limited and offered first come, first serve. To secure your promotion space, submit the Promotion Subscription Form or contact Tourism Inspiration Manager, Barbara Bonnough, at Visit@TOTABC.com.

Thompson Okanagan Receives $7.9M in Funding for Tourism Projects

Thompson Okanagan communities and tourism operators received nearly 8 million dollars as part of the province-wide program to keep building British Columbia as a world-class tourism destination. 

“We are delighted! These funds will go a long way to elevate area experiences in destinations big and small,” said Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association CEO, Ellen Walker-Matthews. “As a core economic driver for the region, this investment in destinations and tourism experiences will pay dividends for years to come.”

Some examples include Destination Silver Star’s build on mountain campground enhancements, Kamloops’ all-wheels pump track facility project, rehabilitation of the Hedley Mascot Mine, expansion of Valemount’s mountain bike trails, improved recreational fishing access, and a variety of trail building and trail revitalization initiatives. View the full list of funding recipients.

One notable project that received $550k from this economic driver is TOTA’s very own Tourism Inspiration Centre, located on the Okanagan Connector on Hwy 97C near Peachland. As visitors journey to the Okanagan they will be welcomed with an amazing view, a revitalized building, and a wealth of resources to inform and inspire their trip. 

This location is the gateway to all kinds of distinctive regional experiences, accommodations, and events that the trained onsite counselors will enjoy telling visitors all about. It’s also a lovely place to take a break, stock up on locally made food, beverages, and gifts, charge an EV, and use the complimentary WiFi to plan the next leg of an exciting Thompson Okanagan journey.

The Tourism Inspiration Centre updates will be jointly funded by Clean BC and Infrastucture Canada and is currently in the design phase with completion planned for spring of 2024. The Inspiration Centre will have updated exteriors and interiors, creating an inviting visitor experience, as well as a living roof with native flora, natural light, and a rooftop viewpoint with stunning views of Okanagan Lake. The centre is striving to become a net zero building, utilizing a robust solar power system and passive heating and cooling construction techniques.

“First impressions are everything,” said Walker-Matthews. “Centre visitors will be inspired by an unforgettable welcome to the Thompson Okanagan and all it's magic which leads with an incredible view and continues with the service, hospitality, and experiences the region is so beloved for.”

Universal Design Washroom Renovation at Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre

Renovations are well underway at the TOTA Tourism Inspiration Centre, and Access and Inclusion are top of mind. 

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 visitor centre has been operating in this location since 1986 and has undergone significant renovations and additions that began in the fall of 2021. Included in these renovations is the creation of a new single use fully accessible and universal washroom, from a pre-existing storage room. The washroom was completed by the centre’s opening day, May 18, 2022, to welcome ALL visitors and offer yet another valuable accessible feature to the building. 

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 put forward the remainder of the renovation costs to complete the project. 

TOTA collaborated with Access & Inclusion Liaison, Sonja Gaudet, to ensure the washroom design meets best practices and accessibility guidelines. The project construction was awarded to local construction contractors, Wolverine Industries from Kelowna.

Creating accessible spaces and environments allows equal opportunity and full inclusion for EVERYONE - regardless of age, size, ability, culture, or gender - and it nurtures a sense of belonging and wellbeing for ALL.

Welcoming everyone to participate in the services, products, and experiences that you have to offer, starts with addressing the following three key priority accessible features:

• Designated accessible parking spaces with an access aisle

• Easy and safe access from the parking area to the main entrance

• Accessible and/or universally designed washroom

Here is a document that will get you started on your accessibility journey one accessible feature at a time:

Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Experiences - Key Priorities

Wheelchair Accessibility Consultations

TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program includes a wheelchair accessibility consultation and resources to assist in creating better access and inclusion within your tourism experiences.

Register for Biosphere Commitment Program →

Access and Inclusion are not only what we build into our physical environment.

It is a collective positive energy and attitude that can be felt upon entering any environment.

It transcends directly from the heart and creates a welcoming feeling of belonging and freedom.  

This powerful and open mindset towards full integration, inspires meaningful and authentic connections with one another, enriching the lives of EVERYONE along its path.

Humans long for integration and full participation - to live, work, play and travel with and alongside family and friends!