News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Destination BC’s Tourism Industry Webinar
Destination BC invites you to join them on Thursday, August 1st at 10:00 am (PDT).
Destination BC invites you to join them on Thursday, August 1st at 10:00 am (PDT) for an update on the state of tourism in BC and the latest on their key strategies and programs.
DBC will include updates on their latest marketing campaigns, travel trade and media relations, destination development projects, and more followed by a Q&A session.
Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses
Organizations are invited to attend the FortisBC & GreenStep virtual sessions to learn more about the Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses program.
GreenStep Solutions is hosting a webinar with FortisBC to introduce the FortisBC Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses program. Organizations can attend the 45-minute virtual sessions to learn more about the program.
About the Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses Program:
FortisBC is offering small and medium-sized businesses free customized energy advice, members can connect with Business Energy Advisors with a 15 to 30-minute consultation via phone call, video call, or in-person visit to learn about:
Low-cost/no-cost tips to reduce energy use and operating costs
Information about FortisBC rebates on high-efficiency equipment
Support in getting quotes from contractors and applying for rebates
Applying for retroactive rebates on equipment installed in the last 365 days
Register below to attend one of the free virtual informational sessions:
Watch Recording of Summer Accommodation Industry Outlook Panel | BCHA
The BC Hotel Association hosted a virtual panel on the Summer Industry Outlook as part of the monthly BCHA Virtual Event series.
During the session, panelists shared insights on what accommodation operators can expect in the coming months surrounding industry recovery, transportation, attracting international and domestic visitors, along with forecasting for B.C.'s accommodation community.
Panelists:
Alison McKay, Acting Vice President, Destination Management | Destination BC
Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development | Vancouver Airport Authority
Carrie Russell, Senior Managing Partner | HVS
Additional resources discussed:
BCHA Recruitment Resources | Get in touch with Workforce Strategist Alison Langford at Alison@bcha.com
BCHA Innfocus Magazine - Destination BC article page 6 Attracting US Visitors
HVS | Learn More
The BC Hotel Association hosted a virtual panel on the Summer Industry Outlook as part of the monthly BCHA Virtual Event series.
During the session, panelists shared insights on what accommodation operators can expect in the coming months surrounding industry recovery, transportation, attracting international and domestic visitors, along with forecasting for B.C.'s accommodation community.
Panelists:
Alison McKay, Acting Vice President, Destination Management | Destination BC
Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development | Vancouver Airport Authority
Carrie Russell, Senior Managing Partner | HVS
Additional resources discussed:
BCHA Recruitment Resources | Get in touch with Workforce Strategist Alison Langford at Alison@bcha.com
BCHA Innfocus Magazine - Destination BC article page 6 Attracting US Visitors
HVS | Learn More
A Tasting of Indigenous Cultures Workshop
In partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive, you will be guided through an exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in B.C.
Join this National Indigenous History Month workshop to immerse yourself in authentic Indigenous food & beverage in British Columbia.
In partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive, you will be guided through an exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in B.C. Meet Paul Natrall, a second-generation chef and owner of Vancouver’s successful Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock, and Ryan Widdup, manager and sommelier of the Okanagan’s picturesque Indigenous World Winery. Viewers will learn how to make authentic bannock from the comfort of their homes, and learn about the history and practices behind Indigenous wine. When you taste Indigenous World wine, you are tasting fruit from the land that has supported the Syilx people for over 10,000 years.
Register Now - WorkSafeBC Health & Safety Guidelines Webinar
WorkSafeBC Health & Safety Guidelines Webinar
Friday May 22nd, 2020 - 1:00 p.m.
The Thomson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) invite you to join us for a WorkSafeBC Health & Safety Guidelines Webinar as part of our ongoing industry support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the Tourism Resiliency Network Program.
In advance of WorkSafeBC’s development of health and safety guidelines specific to tourism (expected in June), Chris Back, Director of OHS Consultation & Education Services, will provide an overview of what employers and employees should consider as you develop your plans for re-opening and a return to work.
This webinar will also touch on what future visitors will expect and need from a health and safety perspective. WorkSafeBC’s Consultation & Education Services assists the workers and employers of British Columbia by positively influencing health and safety behaviours and disability management practices through partnerships, consultation, and outreach.
To register for the WorkSafeBC Health & Safety Guidelines Webinar on Friday May 22nd, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. go to: Webinar Registration
Weekly Webinar Roundup - 5/11/2020
UPCOMING WEBINARS
WEEK 5/11/2020
Return to Work Webinar: Employment Law and COVID-19 - 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday 5/13/2020
This Webinar will be featuring a team of lawyers from the law firm Fasken, who will provide information and advice on how to respond to changes employers are facing and how to properly prepare for the 'new normal' in the post-pandemic landscape.
Topics to be covered will include:
Temporary layoffs and recalling of employees
Temporary reduction in employee compensation
How to respond if an employee tests positive for COVID-19
Ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety obligations
Current impacts of COVID-19 on immigration applications and work permits
Marketing in a Crisis Webinar - 11:00 a.m. on Thursday 5/14/2020
All indicators show that there are challenging days ahead, which means marketing for small businesses matters more than ever. It's time to be proactive and attempt to drive results. eLearning University is going to focus this webinar on how to strategically market during a crisis, topics will include:
Finding your competitive advantage
Messaging that works & what to avoid
Where to focus efforts
How to drive impact
*Use the coupon code 'TOTA' for free access*
Tourism Industry Town Hall Webinar - 1:00 p.m. on Thursday 5/14/2020
Tourism Kelowna is hosting a Tourism Industry Town Hall Webinar featuring renowned Okanagan tourism industry leaders in Lisanne Ballantyne, Tourism Kelowna President & CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association President & CEO, and Krista Mallory, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Manager.
The Webinar presents an opportunity for tourism-related businesses to hear insights from each organization on their efforts surrounding business recovery and to understand more about available resources and enrolling in COVID-19 relief programs. Interested participants are welcome to submit questions by 12:00 pm on May 12th for consideration of the panelists. Submit questions at the Registration address.
LAST WEEKS WEBINARS
WEEK 5/4/2020
How to Use the CEWS Calculator
Jenn Bogwald, CPA, CA, Partner and Business Advisor for MNP provides hands-on guidance for properly utilizing the CEWS Calculator on the Canada Revenue Agency website. Jenn has a wealth of experience assisting owner-managed businesses in a wide variety of industries.
NowMedia Group Business Matters Webinar
Rob Cupello, VP of Business Development for NowMedia Group, was joined by industry leaders Ingrid Jarrett (BC Hotel Association), Michael J Ballingall (Big White Ski Resort), and Miles Prodan (BC Wine Institute) to discuss the current opportunity presented to the tourism industry to pivot and adapt to cultivate a new tourism reality.
Reputation Management Webinar
This webinar, presented by Deirdre Campbell, Managing Director, Canada for Beattie Tartan talked through the critical steps our tourism and hospitality businesses should take to build and maintain a trusted brand image during a global crisis.
Register Now - Return to Work Webinar: Employment Law & COVID-19
Return to Work Webinar: Employment Law & COVID-19
Wednesday May 13th, 2020 - 10:00 a.m.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) invite you to join us for a Return to Work Webinar focusing on Employment Law and COVID-19 as part of our ongoing industry support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the Tourism Resiliency Network Program.
This Webinar will be featuring a team of lawyers from the law firm Fasken, who will provide information and advice on how to respond to changes employers are facing and how to properly prepare for the 'new normal' in the post-pandemic landscape.
Topics to be covered will include:
Temporary layoffs and recalling of employees
Temporary reduction in employee compensation
How to respond if an employee tests positive for COVID-19
Ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety obligations
Current impacts of COVID-19 on immigration applications and work permits
To register for the Return to Work Webinar on Wednesday May 13th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. go to: Webinar Registration
Now Media Group Presents Business Matters with Rob Cupello
Register Now for this upcoming Tourism Industry Webinar presented by Now Media Group and hosted by Rob Cupello, live streaming on Thursday May 7th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
Featured Panelists including Ingrid Jarrett, BC Hotel Association, Michael J Ballingall, Big White Ski Resort and Miles Prodan, BC Wine Institute.
***Click this link to Register ***
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2Zudtwx4QM-YS2JJPTnIhw