Tourism Kamloops Launches New Website & Brand Refresh

Tourism Kamloops has announced the official launch of the brand-new website and refreshed Tourism Kamloops brand.

The new website features images and videos as well as increased mobile optimization for more mobile-friendly browsing.

The refreshed branding, including colours, language, and logos, reflects the true nature of Kamloops - rugged landscapes, sunny skies, wide open spaces, and a vibrant blend of urban culture.

Learn more about the full Tourism Kamloops brand refresh.

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.

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

• Sectors

• Wine & Spirits

• Accommodation

• Transportation

• Outdoor Adventures

• CDMOs

Thompson Nicola Entrepreneurs Awarded Grants and Mentorships to Help Spark New Tourism Ideas

KELOWNA, B.C. – Three finalists who made winning pitches for the Thompson Nicola “Spark” Program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.

The Thompson Nicola “Spark” Program is presented by Destination British Columbia in collaboration with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Tourism Valemount, Tourism Kamloops, Tourism Sun Peaks, Explore Gold Country, Tourism Wells Gray, and the Tourism Innovation Lab.

The program’s goal is to find, foster, and support new tourism ideas, experiences, and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits in the area.

Seven applications were received, with the top five being invited to present their new tourism ideas at the virtual Pitch Session held on December 1. Judge panels of local partner representatives and tourism innovators from outside the region selected the three winning applicants.

The Thompson Nicola “Spark” Program winners are:

• Maveric Northcott - Wells Gray Outfitters

• Matt Sych - Dunn Folkin' Around? Music Festival

• Daphne Spencer - Nicola Valley Rodeo Association

In addition to seed funds, mentorship, and additional partner support, selected applicants gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the province.

For more information visit https://TourismInnovation.ca/ThompsonNicola.html 

Quotes

Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC

“We are excited to be supporting local tourism entrepreneurs in the Thompson Nicola area by awarding “Spark” grants and mentorships that will create new tourism experiences and offerings. We look forward to seeing all the winners bring their creative and innovative initiatives to life as they strive to enhance the visitor experience and add value to local communities.”

Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

“The “Spark” program has provided an opportunity to learn about many exciting initiatives and ideas in the Thompson Nicola. We congratulate the winners and look forward to watching as their plans unfold and help to grow visitor experiences. We also encourage others to continue to follow their dreams and passions, and bring new experiences to the Thompson Okanagan region.”

Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab

“We congratulate the three winners of the Thompson Nicola “Spark” Program, and are excited to work with them to help develop new and exciting tourism offerings in the region.” 

##

---

Media Contacts

TOTA Communications

Chelsea Travere, Communications Specialist, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)

Email: News@TOTABC.com

Destination BC Media Relations
Email: Media.Relations@DestinationBC.ca

Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab

Email: Info@TourismInnovation.ca

Social Media

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)

LinkedIn: @TOTABCNews

Facebook: @TOTABCNews

Twitter: @TOTABCNews

Destination BC
Twitter: @DestinationBC
LinkedIn: @DestinationBritishColumbia

Tourism Innovation Lab
Facebook: @TourismInnovationCanada
Instagram: @TourismInnovationCanada
Twitter: @TourInnovation

---

About 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 BC 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.

Learn more at www.TOTABC.org.

About Destination BC:
Destination British Columbia (Destination BC) is a Provincially funded, industry-led Crown corporation that supports a strong and competitive future for BC’s tourism industry through a combination of global marketing, destination development, industry learning, cooperative community-based programs, and visitor servicing. Destination BC’s programs help to improve the visitor experience, support businesses and communities across the province, and strengthen BC’s worldwide reputation as a destination of choice.

For more information about Destination BC’s programs and services, please visit: www.DestinationBC.ca.

About the Tourism Innovation Lab
The Tourism Innovation Lab is a non-profit initiative created to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships, to cultivate and propel collaborations between the tourism and tech sectors, and to build a community of tourism innovators, idea makers and entrepreneurs. Launched in Ontario in 2018, the Lab and its "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program are expanding to new regions across Canada. The Tourism Innovation Lab is a program of Hackforge and has a BC home base in Squamish.

Learn more at www.TourismInnovation.ca.

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

For Immediate Release: September 27, 2022

KELOWNA, B.C. – 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 today 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.

The goal is to find, foster, and support new tourism ideas, experiences, and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits.

Applications can be submitted from September 27 to November 4, 2022 and are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations based in the Thompson Nicola area including the communities of Kamloops, Sun Peaks, Valemount, Clearwater, Blue River, Merritt, Lytton, Cache Creek, Clinton, and surrounding areas. Following a review process, five finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.

The “Spark” Program will support businesses and entrepreneurs in the area to bring new tourism experiences to life, which will help visitors experience the Thompson Nicola, benefitting the local community and residents.

The “Spark” Program was first launched in Ontario in 2018 by the Tourism Innovation Lab and has expanded to several regions across British Columbia.

The Thompson Nicola “Spark” Program is presented by Destination British Columbia in collaboration with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Tourism Valemount, Tourism Kamloops, Tourism Sun Peaks, Explore Gold Country, Tourism Wells Gray, and the Tourism Innovation Lab.

For more information on the “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program, including eligibility and upcoming Information sessions, visit TourismInnovation.ca/ThompsonNicola

Quotes

Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC
“We are thrilled to be awarding Spark grants and mentorships to three local tourism entrepreneurs in the Thompson Nicola area. It will be rewarding to see the winning initiatives come to life and enhance the availability of diverse tourism offerings in the local area.”

Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
“This is a tremendous opportunity for new tourism ideas to be realized in the Thompson Nicola area of the Thompson Okanagan region. The “Spark” program enables and encourages those with innovative tourism concepts to have the chance to see them come to life. We are very excited that Destination BC has brought this opportunity to the Thompson Okanagan.”

Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab
“We are excited to be launching the “Spark” Program in British Columbia in the Thompson Nicola area,” said Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead of the Tourism Innovation Lab. “We are keen to spark and support new tourism ideas that will enhance the region’s tourism offerings and drive innovation.”

##

---

Media Contacts

TOTA Communications

Chelsea Travere, Communications Specialist
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Email: News@TOTABC.com

Destination BC Media Relations
Email: Media.Relations@DestinationBC.ca

Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead
Tourism Innovation Lab
Email: info@tourisminnovation.ca

Social Media

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)

• LinkedIn: @TOTABCNews

• Facebook: @TOTABCNews

• Twitter: @TOTABCNews

Destination BC

• Twitter: @DestinationBC

• LinkedIn: @DestinationBritishColumbia

Tourism Innovation Lab

• Facebook: @TourismInnovationCanada

• Instagram: @TourismInnovationCanada

• Twitter: @TourInnovation

---

About

About 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 BC 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.

Learn more at www.TOTABC.org.

About Destination BC:
Destination British Columbia (Destination BC) is a Provincially funded, industry-led Crown corporation that supports a strong and competitive future for BC’s tourism industry through a combination of global marketing, destination development, industry learning, cooperative community-based programs, and visitor servicing. Destination BC’s programs help to improve the visitor experience, support businesses and communities across the province, and strengthen BC’s worldwide reputation as a destination of choice.

For more information about Destination BC’s programs and services, please visit: www.DestinationBC.ca.

About the Tourism Innovation Lab
The Tourism Innovation Lab is a non-profit initiative created to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships, to cultivate and propel collaborations between the tourism and tech sectors, and to build a community of tourism innovators, idea makers and entrepreneurs. Launched in Ontario in 2018, the Lab and its "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program are expanding to new regions across Canada. The Tourism Innovation Lab is a program of Hackforge and has a BC home base in Squamish.

Learn more at www.TourismInnovation.ca.

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.

Learn More →

Tourism Kamloops Job Opportunity: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Tourism Kamloops’ Board of Directors is looking for a passionate leader to champion and drive the visitor economy in Kamloops. As a community champion the CEO will lead with innovative solutions in support of the organization's mandate, our community, and our stakeholders.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Tourism Kamloops is responsible for the leadership and management of all daily operations of the organization in its mission to brand, market, and grow Kamloops as a valuable tourism destination.

Learn More & Share Opportunity →

Tourism Kamloops CEO, Beverley DeSantis Announces Retirement

Tourism Kamloops CEO and TOTA Director Beverley DeSantis, has given notice of her pending retirement effective January 1st, 2022. DeSantis has offered to continue part time at the Board’s discretion for a period to be determined to assist through the transition period should her support be required.

The Tourism Kamloops Board thanks Beverley for the incredible job she has done since assuming the role of CEO in 2016.

Beverley's tenure as Tourism Kamloops CEO has been busy and transformative. Thanks largely to her work, the city has become a well recognized and desired destination regionally and internationally. Under her leadership, a five-year strategic plan was created and executed in less than three years, the organization went through a significant rebrand, launched a new website, increased its social media and travel trade presence, implemented innovative technologies, built a passionate team of professionals, and garnered significant community support.

Beverley's notice has triggered section 27.2 of Tourism Kamloops’ Board Policy for CEO Succession, which governs the organization’s robust CEO succession selection process. Tourism Kamloops’ Board will begin the process of finding a new CEO effective immediately and expects a new leader to be in place in early 2022.

A confidential email address has been set up by the Board of Directors to manage the CEO recruitment process. All inquiries should be directed to: board@tourismkamloops.com

Tourism Kamloops Supports TRU’s Limitless Campaign

For Immediate Release

January 30, 2020 – Tourism Kamloops has joined the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Limitless campaign, announcing at the 4th Annual BOLD Hospitality Awards a $50,000 donation to fund hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Limitless is the university’s largest-ever fundraising campaign, with a goal to raise $50 million for TRU’s 50th anniversary, in support of students, research, equipment and community-related initiatives.

Left to Right - Dustin McIntyre - TRU, Director of Development, Beverley DeSantis - Tourism Kamloops CEO, Douglas Booth - TRU, Dean of the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts, and Tourism, David Carter - TRU, Lecturer & Steve Earl - Tourism Kamloops Board Chair.

The $50,000 donation goes toward the Tourism Innovation Lab founded by Tourism Kamloops, a collaboration with the Kamloops Innovation Centre (KIC) and the department of Tourism Management. This funding gives students the opportunity to take ideas developed in class and, when successfully pitched, incubate and accelerate in partnership with KIC to transform them into new tourism businesses.

“Our partnership with TRU and KIC and investment in our students is a dedicated effort directly supporting the future of Kamloops as a robust tourism destination,” said Beverley DeSantis, Tourism Kamloops chief executive officer.

“Endorsed by our stakeholders, experience development is a top priority for Tourism Kamloops. To engage, mentor and guide future tourism entrepreneurs from idea to start-up to create the right experience, for the right visitor, at the right time is vital to a thriving visitor economy.”

“This combination of industry and academic partners helps establish an initiative that benefits students, the city and the tourism sector,” said Douglas Booth, dean of the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts, and Tourism.

“The Tourism Innovation Lab is a perfect example of Thompson Rivers University working with a local enterprise, Tourism Kamloops, to provide an opportunity for students to develop entrepreneurial skills, tourism-based products and tourism-based ventures,” he said.

“These new skills, products and ventures will contribute to the prosperity, growth and sustainability of Kamloops and the Thompson-Okanagan region.”

Kamloops welcomes 1.8 million visitors annually and the local tourism industry generates nearly $500 million in economic impact each year. Retaining TRU tourism students and supporting their work benefits the whole city, noted DeSantis.

To date, TRU’s Limitless campaign has raised $42.7 million. For more information, go to tru.ca/limitless

---

Media Contacts:
Beverley DeSantis, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Kamloops
250-517-9094 | bev@tourismkamloops.com

Douglas Booth, Dean, Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts, and Tourism
250-852-7138 | dobooth@tru.ca