News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
TOTA Awarded North America's Responsible Tourism Award 2024
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been awarded the 2024 North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in the annual World Travel Awards.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been awarded the 2024 North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in the annual World Travel Awards.
The World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.
TOTA has received the North America’s Award for Responsible Tourism for six consecutive years, in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024 (there was no NA competition in 2021) and is honoured to win once again in this category.
As well, TOTA received the World Travel Award for Responsible Tourism in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Achieving this recognition helps TOTA spread the word on how the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry and our organization are working to offer tourism services in a responsible and sustainable manner.
As the winner of the North America award, TOTA is nominated for the World Travel Award for Responsible Tourism contest in autumn 2024. Voting information will be shared then.
Background
About the World Travel Awards™
World Travel Awards™ was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards™ brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.
About the 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 B.C. 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.
Vote TOTA for North America's Responsible Tourism Award 2024 | Voting Closes April 7
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been nominated for North America's Responsible Tourism Award in the annual World Travel Awards. We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to register and vote for TOTA by April 7.
Voting is open for the World Travel Awards North America categories until midnight April 7, 2024.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been nominated for North America's Responsible Tourism Award in the annual World Travel Awards.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to register and vote for TOTA in the category North America's Responsible Tourism Award.
The World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.
TOTA received the North America Travel Award for Responsible Tourism in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 (five consecutive years) and is honoured to be nominated once again in this category.
Achieving this recognition again would help TOTA spread the word on how the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry and our organization are working to offer tourism services in a responsible and sustainable manner. TOTA would then be in the running to compete in the World Travel Award for Responsible Tourism. TOTA received the global award in 2018, 2019, and 2020; and was nominated in 2022 and 2023.
How to Vote
To support TOTA and spread the word about the Thompson Okanagan region, please take a moment to register and vote for TOTA in the category North America's Responsible Tourism Award.
Votes can be cast by travel professionals, media and tourism consumers, with the nominee gaining the most votes in each category announced as the winner.
Votes cast by industry voters will count as two votes (if you check the Travel Industry box when you register, provide your company details, and submit a minimum of 10 votes).
Responsible Tourism Initiatives
TOTA's focus on responsible and sustainable tourism has been guided by the Regional Strategy: Embracing Our Potential since 2012, updated in 2020 with a continued focus on:
Sustainability
Regional Development projects
Accessible Tourism
Indigenous Tourism
Crisis Management
Trail Development
Partnerships
Learn more about these and other initiatives at TOTABC.org.
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.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been nominated for the World's Responsible Tourism Award 2023 in the 30th annual World Travel Awards.
The World Travel Awards 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 four consecutive years and is honoured to be nominated once again in this category.
Achieving this recognition again would help TOTA spread the word on how the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry and our organization are working to offer tourism services in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Voting is open for the World Travel Awards Caribbean and Americas categories until midnight November 17, 2023.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to register and vote for TOTA in category 277. World's Responsible Tourism Award.
How It Works
Votes can be cast by travel professionals, media, and tourism consumers, with the nominee gaining the most votes in each category announced as the winner.
Double Your Votes
Votes cast by industry voters will count as two votes. When you register, check the Travel Industry box to provide your company details, then submit a minimum of 10 votes.
Background
About the World Travel Awards™
World Travel Awards™ was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards™ brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.
About the 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 B.C. 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.
World Travel Awards™ Call for Travel Excellence
World Travel Awards is pleased to announce its annual "call for entries" for inclusion in the most prestigious awards and recognition initiative in travel and tourism. World Travel Awards invites brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence to participate in the annual programme.
The deadline to apply is March 27, 2022.
World Travel Awards is pleased to announce its annual "call for entries" for inclusion in the most prestigious awards and recognition initiative in travel and tourism.
In the quest to identify and reward excellence, World Travel Awards invites brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence to participate in the annual programme.
Each country's very best brands and products are invited to submit their applications to participate and stand a chance to win the ultimate industry accolade. Awards will be given to nominees by country, continent, and, finally, world best.
The deadline to apply is March 27, 2022. Voting opens on 4th April, 2022 when all of the short-listed nominees for Canada 2022 will be announced.
Award Categories
Leading Airline
Leading Airline Brand
Leading Airline Lounge
Leading Airport
Leading Airport Hotel
Leading Airport Lounge
Leading Beach Destination
Leading Beach Hotel
Leading Beach Resort
Leading Boutique Hotel
Leading Business Hotel
Leading Business Travel Destination
Leading Car Rental Company
Leading Casino Resort
Leading Chauffeur Company
Leading City Break Destination
Leading City Destination
Leading Conference Hotel
Leading Cruise Line
Leading Cruise Port
Leading Destination
Leading Exclusive Retreat
Leading Family Resort
Leading Honeymoon Destination
Leading Hotel
Leading Hotel Brand
Leading Hotel Residences
Leading Hotel Suite
Leading Inflight Magazine
Leading Lifestyle Hotel
Leading Low-Cost Airline
Leading Luxury Car Rental Company
Leading Luxury Hotel
Leading Luxury Train
Leading Meetings & Conference Centre
Leading Meetings & Conference Destination
Leading New Hotel
Leading New Resort
Leading Private Jet Charter
Leading Resort
Leading River Cruise Company
Leading Serviced Apartments
Leading Sports Tourism Destination
Leading Theme Park Resort
Leading Tour Operator
Leading Tourist Attraction
Leading Tourist Board
Leading Travel Agency
Leading Travel Management Company
Leading Wedding Hotel
Most Romantic Resort
Responsible Tourism
Thompson Okanagan Wins World's Responsible Tourism Award for the Third Consecutive Year
Among the world's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) was named the 2020 World’s Responsible Tourism Award Winner for the third consecutive year at the 27th Annual World Travel Awards. This announcement follows TOTA’s win of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in November, and recognizes many years of continued leadership efforts to exceed global standards of sustainable tourism.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelowna, B.C. - Among the world's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) was named the 2020 World’s Responsible Tourism Award Winner for the third consecutive year at the 27th Annual World Travel Awards. This announcement follows TOTA’s win of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in November, and recognizes many years of continued leadership efforts to exceed global standards of sustainable tourism.
World Travel Awards Announcement Video
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is honoured to receive the World's Responsible Tourism Award from the 2020 World Travel Awards.
"We are honoured and grateful to be recognized for a third time with this prestigious global award for our continued commitment to responsible destination management and stewardship," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "I would like to sincerely thank the World Travel Awards for this recognition, as well as our board, staff, partners, and stakeholders, without whom this would not have been possible.”
The World Travel Awards is the international benchmark for recognizing excellence in the travel industry, with voting conducted by industry professionals from around the globe.
The concept of "responsible tourism" has gained new meaning this year and, alongside continued sustainability efforts, TOTA pivoted resources to support local tourism businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic by providing one-on-one support, training, education, and advocacy through the Tourism Resiliency Program.
"It has been a truly challenging year for the travel and tourism industry. Through new trials and tribulations, the well-being and resiliency of our natural, social, and cultural environment remains at the core of our efforts," said Mandziuk. "The tourism operators of the Thompson Okanagan region have displayed impressive resiliency."
The Thompson Okanagan looks forward to welcoming and hosting the World Travel Awards North America Gala Ceremony at Predator Ridge Resort in Vernon this Autumn 2021, marking the first time that the World Travel Awards will be hosted in Canada. The 2020 World Travel Awards were planned to take place in the Thompson Okanagan in November 2020, however were moved to a virtual stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
TOTA has achieved local and international recognition in the form of designations, certifications, affiliations, and awards. For a full list, visit TOTABC.org/Recognition.
For a complete list of 2020 World Travel Award Winners, visit WorldTravelAwards.com.
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Background
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. It 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. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.
About the World Travel Awards (WTA):
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit WorldTravelAwards.com.
For More Information:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
e: Industry@TOTABC.com
p: (236) 361-4433
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Receives North America’s Responsible Tourism Award from World Travel Awards for Third Consecutive Year
World Travel Awards (WTA) revealed 2020's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands in North America this morning via a virtual event. The World Travel Awards announced that the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been acknowledged with "North America's Responsible Tourism Award" for the third consecutive year.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelowna, B.C. (November 6, 2020) - World Travel Awards (WTA) revealed 2020's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands in North America this morning via a virtual event. The World Travel Awards announced that the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been acknowledged with "North America's Responsible Tourism Award" for the third consecutive year.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is honoured to receive the World Travel Awards 2020 North America Responsible Tourism Award for the third time.
"On behalf of myself the Board of Directors and our entire team at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association we are extremely honoured to once again receive this award for our ongoing commitment to Responsible and Sustainable Tourism," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "Never before in the history of our industry have we faced the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has only highlighted the need for all of us to work collaboratively on building back a more sustainable, resilient, and responsible tourism industry. We appreciate and thank the World Travel Awards for recognizing the dedicated work of our association for the third year running and can assure you that this will be a continued focus of our efforts in the months and years to come."
Over the past several years the Thompson Okanagan region has garnered attention for its collective efforts to support the tourism industry in a manner that respects its social, cultural, environmental, and economic foundations. This year the association pivoted their team and resources to support stakeholders through the initial and ensuing days of the pandemic by providing one-on-one support, training, education, and advocacy through the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) Tourism Resiliency Program designed to guide stakeholders through this unprecedented time.
"As we work to build a new and different future for the tourism industry, success will not be possible without continued strong leadership, support, and innovation by the Provincial Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Destination British Columbia, community tourism organizations, and First Nations partners, as well as over 4,500 member industry stakeholders from across the region," said Mandziuk. “We have a great team of professionals at TOTA who are a true reflection of the strong efforts that have been undertaken. To be recognized for these efforts is truly special for us all.”
““The unrivalled dedication to sustainable tourism of Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association was acknowledged with ‘North America’s Responsible Tourism Award’. Nestled in an idyllic corner of British Columbia, the Thompson Okanagan region is blessed with untapped natural beauty, a rich indigenous culture and a thriving culinary scene.””
The World Travel Awards™ acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence across key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. The 2020 World Travel Awards were planned to take place in the Thompson Okanagan this November, however were moved to a virtual stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Thompson Okanagan looks forward to welcoming and hosting the World Travel Awards in the fall of 2021.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a nominee for the World's Responsible Tourism Award 2020. TOTA was the recipient of the 2018 and 2019 World’s Responsible Tourism Award for work and commitment to sustainability. Voting has closed and the World Travel Awards will announce the winners in the near future.
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For More Information:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
e: Industry@TOTABC.com
p: (236) 361-4433
Background
ABOUT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit WorldTravelAwards.com.
ABOUT THE THOMPSON OKANAGAN TOURISM ASSOCIATION (TOTA)
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, & Sport. It 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. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.
Tobiano Named Canada’s Best Golf Course 2020 in World Travel Awards
Tobiano was named Canada's Best Golf Course 2020 during the World Golf Awards. Located on the sunny bluffs of Kamloops Lake in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, this recognition is one of many recent rankings received by Tobiano Golf. The World Golf Awards celebrates and rewards excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses, and golf destinations.
Tobiano was named Canada's Best Golf Course 2020 during the World Golf Awards. Located on the sunny bluffs of Kamloops Lake in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, this recognition is one of many recent rankings received, including #15 in the Best Courses in Canada, Golf Digest 2020; #7 in the Top 50 Public Golf Courses, PGA of Canada 2019, and #5 Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada - Canadian Golf Magazine 2018. Tobiano continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of golfing.
Tobiano General Manager Terry Smith accredits the continued accolades for Tobiano to “a very solid foundation of exceptional golf course design; unwavering commitment to superior golf course maintenance; exceptional service from a very dedicated staff; and the ongoing support of those who love to golf Tobiano - our customers.”
The award was accepted by Tobiano’s architect Thomas McBroom, saying:
“It has been my great pleasure to design golf courses all over the world, however Tobiano still stands out as one of my all-time favourites - and we are thrilled to have been voted Canada’s Best Golf Course for 2020! On behalf of the entire team at Tobiano, we would like to thank the World Golf Awards, everyone who voted for us and our incredible staff who deliver the exhilarating Tobiano experience day in and day out. Few settings in Canada are better than Tobiano’s rugged lakeside terrain in Kamloops, British Columbia with views of Kamloops Lake from every hole, dramatic elevation changes, ravines, natural grasses, welcoming fairways and smooth undulating greens that make Tobiano one of the finest, most picturesque golf courses anywhere. I’ve said it before that “Tobiano is literally as good as it gets. and we’d like to thank all of you who agreed and look forward to welcoming everyone again for the 2021 golf season! “
About the World Golf Awards
The World Golf Awards celebrates and rewards excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses, and golf destinations. The worldwide voting event consisted of a nomination process followed by voting from February 23, 2020 to September 1, 2020. Votes were made by professionals working within the golf travel and tourism industry and also cast by the public golf consumers. Learn on WorldGolfAwards.com
Thompson Okanagan Repeats as World’s Responsible Tourism Winner at the World Travel Awards
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
For the second year in a row, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been named the 2019 World’s Responsible Tourism Award Winner at the 26th Annual World Travel Awards.
The announcement was made at the Grand Final Gala Ceremony held in Muscat, Oman, on November 28th, 2019.
President and CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, stated: “We are so honoured to be recognized for a second time with this prestigious global award for our commitment to sustainable growth and responsible tourism practices. This reinforces our collective focus on this critical component of destination development and marketing and would not be possible without the dedication and support of our board, staff, partners, and stakeholders.”
The World Travel Awards has become the international benchmark for recognizing excellence in the travel industry. Voting is conducted by industry professionals around the world. This announcement follows TOTA’s win of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in January 2019.
“Sustainable tourism plays a vital part in Canada’s economy, creates good jobs for the middle class and builds a fairer and greener society. For the second time, TOTA’s initiatives bring honour not just to the organization and region but also to our entire country. Congratulations!” stated the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
“British Columbia is a sought-after destination for visitors from around the globe, in large part because of its stunning scenery and breathtaking wilderness,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Our strategic framework for tourism seeks to responsibly grow the visitor economy by respecting nature and the environment, and making sure that everyone sees the benefits of this important industry. The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a leader in putting these principles into action. I would like to congratulate them for winning this award and I applaud their continued leadership in responsible tourism.”
TOTA has been actively committed to being a sustainable destination, as a result of an ambitious strategic program launched in 2012, titled “Embracing Our Potential.” The 10-year strategy laid out the foundation for maximizing the economic benefits of tourism in the region, while simultaneously protecting its natural, social, and cultural resources. To date, it has seen the installation of more than 1,000 electric car charging stations; the establishment of regional Human Resources, Indigenous Tourism, and Accessibility strategies and specialists; hosted the largest Indigenous Tourism Conference in the world; organized specialized stakeholder workshops and tools for operating more sustainably; advanced regional rail trail initiatives; utilized leading research and data analysis techniques to manage and market the destination; launched an Indigenous Artisan Mobile Gallery; and prepared and unveiled a Regional Visitor Pledge.
Further, the Thompson Okanagan Region was the first destination in the Americas to become a Biosphere Certified Destination; recognized in the Top 100 Sustainable Tourism Destinations on the planet for three years and second in all of the Americas by Green Destinations; received the Tourism for Tomorrow Award for destination management from the World Travel and Tourism Council; received first runner up recognition in the United Nations Award for best non-profit organizations on the globe; and most recently, became the first Canadian destination invited to join the United Nations World Tourism Organization as an International Sustainable Tourism Observatory.
About the World Travel Awards
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit worldtravelawards.com.
About the 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 throughout the region, and is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia. It 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. For more information, visit totabc.org.
TOTA Nominated for World’s Responsible Tourism Award at the 2019 World Travel Awards
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been nominated for the World's Responsible Tourism Award 2019 in the 26th Annual World Travel Awards.
TOTA was the recipient of the 2018 award and was named the 2019 Winner for North America earlier this year for our work and commitment to sustainability.
The World Travel Awards is a renowned global initiative that celebrates distinction and recognizes collective success in the travel and tourism industry. Throughout the past 26 years, the coveted Awards have grown to set the benchmark for excellence across the globe.
Verified travel professionals can complete the Travel Industry Voters section upon registration and have each vote they cast count as two votes, so long as a minimum of ten votes are submitted. As a member of the tourism industry, you are eligible for verification and thus, your vote for TOTA will be worth double.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to register and vote. Voting closes October 20th, 2019 with the Grand Finals Ceremony and Winners Announcement taking place in Muscat, Oman on November 28th, 2019.
Thank you for your participation and support. Happy Voting!
ABOUT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit worldtravelawards.com.
ABOUT THE 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 throughout the region, and is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia. It 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. Find TOTA on Twitter and Facebook. For more information, visit totabc.org.
The World Travel Awards to be Hosted in the Thompson Okanagan, BC
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
July 31, 2019
For the first time in its 27-year history, the World Travel Awards will be hosted Canada.
The Thompson Okanagan has won a 3-year bid to host the World Travel Awards in the region. Predator Ridge Resort in Vernon, British Columbia will host the first year, welcoming over 300 international delegates at the North American Gala Ceremony in October 2020, as part of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour.
Photo from the World Travel Awards European Gala Ceremony in Madeira, Portugal.
The host city for the second and third years will be announced in Spring 2020 and Spring of 2021, respectively. The event will place the Thompson Okanagan Region and its communities firmly on the World Stage as delegates from global airlines, tour operators, travel agents, international media, and hospitality professionals join us in the region for the award ceremony.
After a joint application was put forward by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Predator Ridge Resort, and the City of Vernon earlier this year, the World Travel Awards announced the successful 3-year bid at the European Gala Ceremony in Madeira, Portugal. Previous host cities include New York, Montego Bay, Orlando, as well as Turks & Caicos, the Bahamas, and Antigua.
TOTA is a two-time recipient of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award (2018, 2019), and was named the winner of the esteemed World’s Responsible Tourism Award at the 25th Annual World Travel Awards last year in Lisbon, Portugal. President & CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, recognizes the impact an opportunity like this affords the region as a whole. “We are so honoured to welcome such a prestigious event to the Thompson Okanagan and look forward to hosting international tourism industry leaders in Vernon. This would not have been possible without the support of our stakeholder and community partners and it is a privilege to share our region with the world.”
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “We are deeply honoured to host our North America Gala Ceremony 2020 in Thompson Okanagan. This fascinating region of British Columbia, Canada is leading the way in sustainable tourism practice and serving as a benchmark of how to preserve Mother Nature for the benefit of future generations.”
He added: “Thompson Okanagan is blessed with overwhelming beauty that ranges from towering waterfalls and soaring mountains to verdant valleys and glacial lakes. I look forward to welcoming the most senior decision-makers of North America’s travel industry for what promises to be a most memorable ceremony in this phenomenal region.”
Claus Larsen, Chair of the Tourism Vernon Commission, shared a similar sentiment. “As an emerging four-season tourism destination, being selected to host the World Travel Awards is an amazing opportunity for Vernon to be recognized as an attractive destination for international conferences and events.”
Predator Ridge, home to a thriving year-round community and two award-winning golf courses, is proud to have attracted such a high-profile event. “We are thrilled to be host to this international gala and very pleased to be once again partnering with TOTA and the City of Vernon. All of us who live here realize how special this region is and know that we have iconic tourism assets and it will be great to host the WTA awards that recognize leadership in the category,” said Brad Pelletier, Senior Vice-President of Wesbild Okanagan, owners of Predator Ridge Resort.
About the World Travel Awards
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit worldtravelawards.com.
About the 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 throughout the region, and is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia. It 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. Find TOTA on Twitter and Facebook. For more information, visit totabc.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ingrid Dilschneider, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
trade@totabc.com
Ange Chew, Tourism Vernon
achew@vernon.ca
TOTA Receives Second Major International Award This Year For Leadership In Sustainable Tourism
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 24, 2018
Montego Bay, JAMAICA
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been awarded North America’s Responsible Tourism Award 2018 at the 25th Annual World Travel Awards. The Awards Gala, which was hosted in Montego Bay this past weekend, is highly regarded as one of the most important hospitality events of the year, with government officials, industry leaders, and international media in attendance.
Frank Antoine (TOTA Chair) and Glenn Mandziuk (TOTA President & CEO) with the award for North America’s Responsible Tourism 2018
The World Travel Awards is a renowned global initiative, founded in 1993, that celebrates distinction and recognizes collective success in the travel and tourism industry. Throughout the past 26 years, the coveted Awards have grown to set the benchmark for excellence across the globe.
This recognition comes on the heels of another international accolade, with TOTA taking home the Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Award at the World Tourism and Travel Council’s Global Summit in Argentina earlier this year.
“We are so very honoured to be receiving this international award for the work we are doing in this important area of tourism management”, said Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO of TOTA. “This recognition does not come without a great deal of effort and collaboration from industry, communities and partners who have come together with a common belief in the critical nature of protecting our economic, environmental, cultural and social systems for future generations”.
TOTA’s commitment to sustainability was established in 2012, when the region’s 10-Year Regional Tourism Strategy, “Embracing Our Potential,” was completed. The strategy, the first of its kind in North America, was officially endorsed by the 90 communities and hamlets, and 33 Indigenous communities in the region, and has provided the roadmap for tourism development since then.
In 2017, the Thompson Okanagan Region was officially certified as the first destination in the Americas to have successfully achieved the Biosphere Sustainable Tourism Destination accreditation from the Responsible Tourism Institute, an international accreditation body that is affiliated to the World Tourism Organization and is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
TOTA has also been nominated for the prestigious World’s Responsible Tourism Award 2018, which will be awarded in Portugal on December 1, 2018. Voting is now open and can be found on the World Travel Awards website.
