The Travel Foundation and TOTA Join Forces to Develop New Approaches for Destination Management and Regenerative Tourism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kelowna, B.C. - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is announcing a formal partnership with the Travel Foundation under the shared vision that, if managed well, tourism is a force for good. With the considerable combined experience and expertise of both parties, the focus of this partnership will be supporting the Thompson Okanagan region and global community through the development of new approaches, destination management strategies, tools, and knowledge products.

"Tourism is undoubtedly facing monumental challenges, calling for innovative approaches, alliances, and continued dedication to best practices," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "We are proud to partner with the Travel Foundation, knowing the strong alignment of visions and values will catalyze change and consequently support the region, its residents, visitors, and natural resources."

Specifically, TOTA and the Travel Foundation plan to develop and trial ground-breaking new methodologies to develop tourism as a regenerative force that adds value to the people and places of the Thompson Okanagan while managing its burden on communities, public services, infrastructure, and the environment.

“This partnership is set to break new ground, and to inspire many other destinations to take a data-driven approach to managing their visitor economy," said Jeremy Sampson, CEO of the Travel Foundation. "Understanding benefits and burdens of different aspects of tourism is the key to optimising its regenerative force, ensuring quality experiences for visitors and quality of life for residents. TOTA is in a great position to demonstrate this through innovative pilot projects we'll explore together.”

Jeremy Sampson recently took part in the TOTA and Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) Virtual Summit on November 25 & 26, 2020 with a keynote presentation "No Tourism is an Island" and panel centered around the Future of Tourism Coalition.

---

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 Travel Foundation:

The Travel Foundation is an international sustainable tourism charity that brings together the private and public sector to create concrete, practical and collaborative solutions to alleviate current and future risks to tourism destinations and their communities. For more information, visit TheTravelFoundation.org.uk.

---

For More Information:

Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
e: Industry@TOTABC.com
p: (236) 361-4433