News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Tourism Kelowna Destination Video Wins Cannes International Media & TV Award
Tourism Kelowna received the Silver Dolphin award at the 2024 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards in the ‘Tourism Films Destinations—Cities’ category.
Tourism Kelowna received the Silver Dolphin award at the 2024 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards in the ‘Tourism Films Destinations—Cities’ category.
The video, titled “Explore More of Kelowna in All Seasons,” showcases the tourism experiences available year-round in and around Kelowna.
Watch the award-winning video.
Country Music Awards Week to be Hosted in Kelowna September 2025
Canada’s biggest night in country music is coming to Kelowna in September 2025 for the first time ever during the Canadian Country Music Award Week.
Core to the efforts of the CCMA organization is Country Music Week. It is the focal point for the organization and its members, providing professional development opportunities, showcasing slots, and an opportunity to heighten awareness and increase exposure for Canada’s country music artists.
Hosting this event offers an exciting economic opportunity for the local community during less traveled months. According to Tourism Kelowna, ”Country Music Week 2025 is forecast to generate over 2,000 room nights (not counting fans or families), resulting in an estimated economic impact of over $11 million in Kelowna and BC.“
2025 is going to be an exciting year. If you are interested in attending events during the Country Music Award Week, sign up at the CCMA website to be the first to receive presale access.
Business Tips on Welcoming 2SLGBTQIA+ Travellers from Tourism Kelowna
Tourism Kelowna has shared an article for businesses, including business practices to consider and how to assess if you’re ready to welcome 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers, a valuable market made up of highly-educated individuals with disposable income seeking businesses that align with their values.
Tourism Kelowna has shared an article for businesses, including business practices to consider and how to assess if you’re ready to welcome 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers, a valuable market made up of highly-educated individuals with disposable income seeking businesses that align with their values.
Tips for Working with Travel Media, Influencers, and Content Creators | Tourism Kelowna
Tourism Kelowna has compiled a guide on working with media, influencers, and content creators. Determining what type of creator to work with depends on several factors including your goals, budget, and resources. Understanding the difference between the types of creators and what they offer, and if it aligns with your goals, will help you decide if they are the right advertising/marketing option for your business.
Tourism Kelowna has compiled a guide on working with media, influencers, and content creators.
Determining what type of creator to work with depends on several factors including your goals, budget, and resources. Understanding the difference between the types of creators and what they offer, and if it aligns with your goals, will help you decide if they are the right advertising/marketing option for your business.
Tourism Kelowna Awarded Contract for Lake Country Mobile Visitor Services
The District of Lake Country announced that Tourism Kelowna has been awarded the contract to pilot mobile visitor services in the community for the summer of 2022. The pilot, which will begin in mid-May and run into September, will see mobile visitor services initiatives launched in high traffic locations around Lake Country such as beaches, parks, events, and attractions to engage with residents and visitors.
The District of Lake Country announced that Tourism Kelowna has been awarded the contract to pilot mobile visitor services in the community for the summer of 2022. The pilot, which will begin in mid-May and run into September, will see mobile visitor services initiatives launched in high traffic locations around Lake Country such as beaches, parks, events, and attractions to engage with residents and visitors.
Mobile services in the District of Lake Country will be delivered using equipment such as branded e-bikes, a tent, and roving Community Specialist staff who will distribute resources including maps, brochures, event listings, and more.
Lake Country branded merchandise will also be made available for purchase so locals and visitors can show their pride for the community. Staff will be trained using Destination British Columbia's Visitor Centre Network standards to ensure consistent service levels.
Bobby Bissessar Wins Spirit of Kelowna Award
On Thursday, April 21, the Kelowna Hotel Motel Association held its 2021 Heart of Hospitality Awards virtually. The awards were started in 2017 as a way to recognize industry professionals who "have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional experiences to Kelowna and area visitors." Tourism Kelowna presented the "Spirit of Kelowna" award to this year's winner, Bobby Bissessar, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Cove Lakeside Resort. The "Spirit of Kelowna" award is presented to an individual who demonstrates the spirit of Kelowna's brand promise and the destination ambassador values of collaboration, excellence, pride, innovation, and integrity. Congrats Bobby!
On Thursday, April 21, the Kelowna Hotel Motel Association held its 2021 Heart of Hospitality Awards virtually. The awards were started in 2017 as a way to recognize industry professionals who "have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional experiences to Kelowna and area visitors."
Tourism Kelowna presented the "Spirit of Kelowna" award to this year's winner, Bobby Bissessar, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Cove Lakeside Resort. The "Spirit of Kelowna" award is presented to an individual who demonstrates the spirit of Kelowna's brand promise and the destination ambassador values of collaboration, excellence, pride, innovation, and integrity. Congrats Bobby!
The Value of Tourism: West Kelowna Spotlight
Tourism Kelowna connected with several West Kelowna businesses to find out more about what tourism means to them and how it positively impacts their business and community.
Read Tourism Kelowna’s Value of Tourism Spotlight on West Kelowna →
Tourism Kelowna connected with several West Kelowna businesses to find out more about what tourism means to them and how it positively impacts their business and community.
Prior to the pandemic, tourism in the Central Okanagan was a $2.1 billion dollar industry. As a vital economic driver in the region, there is no doubt of the value that tourism brings, generating close to 13,000 jobs, $443 million in visitor spending, and $204 million in tax revenues for local, provincial, and federal programs and infrastructure.
The value of tourism, however, is not only economic, as the industry contributes positively to the quality of life of our region’s residents, who can enjoy world-class amenities, events, and attractions year-round, alongside visitors.
Read Tourism Kelowna’s Value of Tourism Spotlight on West Kelowna →
Tourism Kelowna Visitor Experience Team Renamed Community & Visitor Engagement
To acknowledge Tourism Kelowna's dedication to both the local community and to visitors from outside of the Central Okanagan, Tourism Kelowna has changed the name of the Visitor Experience department to Community & Visitor Engagement. The shift towards this new name has happened naturally, particularly since the 2018 opening of the Kelowna Visitor Centre (KVC), which is now a community hub providing valuable services to both residents and visitors. During the past year, local traffic to the KVC was the highest ever, with 64% of traffic being made up of residents, an increase from 52% in 2020. The KVC's reputation is a community-shared value and hub for the Central Okanagan.
To acknowledge Tourism Kelowna's dedication to both the local community and to visitors from outside of the Central Okanagan, Tourism Kelowna has changed the name of the Visitor Experience department to Community & Visitor Engagement.
The shift towards this new name has happened naturally, particularly since the 2018 opening of the Kelowna Visitor Centre (KVC), which is now a community hub providing valuable services to both residents and visitors. During the past year, local traffic to the KVC was the highest ever, with 64% of traffic being made up of residents, an increase from 52% in 2020. The KVC's reputation is a community-shared value and hub for the Central Okanagan.
City of Vernon Transfers Copyright to Legendary Ogopogo to B.C. Indigenous Nations
The legal rights to the legendary creature Okanagan Lake have been transferred to the Okanagan Nation Alliance, who say Ogopogo has always been part of their spiritual teachings. Council members in the Okanagan city of Vernon voted unanimously to transfer the Ogopogo copyright it has held for 65 years.
The legal rights to the legendary creature residing in Okanagan Lake have been transferred to the Okanagan Nation Alliance, who say Ogopogo has always been part of their spiritual teachings. Council members in the Okanagan city of Vernon voted unanimously to transfer the Ogopogo copyright it has held for 65 years.
For $1, council voted to assign and transfer to the Okanagan Nation Alliance all copyright, title, interest and property including trademark rights arising from the commercial and non-commercial use of the Ogopogo name.
Ogopogo means ‘spirit of the lake’ in the alliance’s Syilx language. Tourism Kelowna says on its website that stories about a lake creature date back thousands of years to area Indigenous Peoples who spoke of N’ha-a-itk, the spirit of the lake.
Tourism Kelowna Earns Platinum Certification through the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Program
After four years of dedicated commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism practices, Tourism Kelowna has earned a Platinum Certification through the Sustainable Tourism Program offered by GreenStep. The achievement recognizes Tourism Kelowna’s commitment to sustainable initiatives that align with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
After four years of dedicated commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism practices, Tourism Kelowna has earned a Platinum Certification through the Sustainable Tourism Program offered by GreenStep.
The achievement recognizes Tourism Kelowna’s commitment to sustainable initiatives that align with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key practices include solar panels added to the roof of the Kelowna Visitor Centre, and work with the Biosphere program alongside over 30 tourism businesses in the community.
Key practices that align with several SDGs and have supported Tourism Kelowna in achieving the Platinum category of the certification include:
Solar Panels
Recently, 30 solar panels were added to the roof of the Kelowna Visitor Centre, for a total of 50. The original 20 panels generated approximately 10% of the energy required for the building, and now about 26% of the building’s energy needs will be generated through this clean and renewable source.
One Tree Planted
As of April 1, 2021, every online or in-person purchase of retail products from the Kelowna Visitor Centre results in one tree being planted in British Columbia. To date, nearly 5000 trees have been planted, contributing to environmental sustainability in our province.
Water Bottle Filling Station
Since it was built, the Kelowna Visitor Centre has offered water-bottle filling stations, and since measurements began in September of 2020, the stations have saved over 2200 plastic water bottles.
Biosphere Commitment Program
Tourism Kelowna has been committed to the TOTA Biosphere Commitment Program program for four years and has worked with over 30 tourism businesses in our community to join, too. This sustainable tourism system aligns with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to balance social, cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability.
Achieving this rating demonstrates the actionable commitment that Tourism Kelowna has made by benchmarking against the highest set of standards and best practices.
Tourism Kelowna Participates in 10 Million Acts of Kindness Movement
After a difficult year, Tourism Kelowna wanted to spread a little joy among the amazing people that make up the industry and personally thank them for the great service they provide by participating in the 10 Million Acts of Kindness initiative. Launched in Kelowna in the summer of 2021, this social movement project was aimed at inspiring kindness within the community and beyond. Over 10 days in September, the Tourism Kelowna team hand-delivered over 100 hundred gift bags to front-line staff of Tourism Kelowna stakeholders. The gift bags included a thank you note, local products, Love for Kelowna stickers, and a card that not only explained the initiative but also encouraged them to pay it forward with their own act of kindness.
After a difficult year, Tourism Kelowna wanted to spread a little joy among the amazing people that make up the industry and personally thank them for the great service they provide.
That's where 10 Million Acts of Kindness came into play. Launched in Kelowna in the summer of 2021 by local entrepreneur, Crystal Flaman, this social movement project was aimed at inspiring kindness within the community and beyond. Small acts of kindness can go a long way and the movement's aim is to create a ripple effect in the world that can change people's lives.
Over 10 days in September, the Tourism Kelowna team hand-delivered over 100 hundred gift bags to front-line staff of Tourism Kelowna stakeholders, including coffee shops, art galleries, hotels, wineries, restaurants, and many more. The gift bags included a thank you note, local products, Love for Kelowna stickers, and a card that not only explained the initiative but also encouraged them to pay it forward with their own act of kindness.
Tourism Kelowna hopes this will create a ripple effect in the tourism and hospitality community - feel free to join the movement by doing something to bring smiles and warm hearts in your community.
Small acts such as helping someone in need, leaving a positive review for a local business, sending a note of gratitude, or paying it forward can go a long way. #10millionactsofkindness.
IArT Kicks Off Meet Me On Bernard in Downtown Kelowna
The IArT Mobile Gallery has relocated to Meet Me On Bernard, an open street animation initiative on Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna, meant to encourage active modes of transportation. From July 1 to September 6, 2021, the street will be transformed to provide new opportunities for performances, public art, demonstrations, and programs, including the IArT Mobile Gallery.
The outdoor stage was utilized by the City of Kelowna, Downtown Kelowna Association, and Tourism Kelowna to kick off Meet Me On Bernard for the summer.
Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran sharing opening remarks for Meet Me On Bernard from the IArT stage, July 2021.
The Indigenous Artisan Trails (IArT) Mobile Gallery has relocated to Meet Me On Bernard, an open street animation initiative on Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna, meant to encourage active modes of transportation. From July 1 to September 6, 2021, the street will be transformed to provide new opportunities for performances, public art, demonstrations, and programs, including the IArT Mobile Gallery.
IArT’s outdoor stage was utilized by the City of Kelowna, Downtown Kelowna Association, and Tourism Kelowna to kick off Meet Me On Bernard for the summer.
Kelowna is situated on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of the Syilx First Nations people. IArT highlights Indigenous art and culture, particularly from Indigenous artisan crafters and performers of the Thompson Okanagan region.
Featured Exhibition: Being Out On the Land: Feeds, Streams, and Captures
From July 6 to August 18, IArT is housing a digital Indigenous art exhibition curated by UBC Okanagan Assistant Professor Tania Willard as part of the Indigenous Art Intensive, in partnership with the Rotary Centre of the Arts. The exhibition, Being Out On the Land: Feeds, Streams, and Captures is a series of video works by artists Maureen Gruben (Inuvialuk), Krista Belle Stewart (Syilx), and Christine Howard Sandoval (Obispeño Chumash and Hispanic), following as the artists trace out pathways, trails, and positions of engaging with the indigeneity of land.
The outdoor stage will be used for Indigenous cultural performances. The schedule will be announced shortly.
Experience IArT
From July 6 to August 18, IArT will be located on Bernard Ave near Ellis St, with the exhibition open for viewing Wednesday to Friday, 12 PM to 7 PM and Saturday to Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM.
IArT will travel to Riverside Park in Kamloops on August 21.
For performance and location schedules, visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/iart
Several TOTA team members worked together to move the trailer from the Rotary Centre of the Arts to Meet Me On Bernard, including the wheelchair accessible ramp:
