News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Fundraising to Connect Sicamous & Armstrong for 2023
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Fundraising Committee is raising funds to complete the trail connecting Sicamous and Armstrong for 2023. Each metre of trail surface costs $160 and with 50,000 metres to go, the fundraising goal is $8,000,000. Funds can help leverage government funding to address all the other layers.
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Fundraising Committee is raising funds to complete the trail connecting Sicamous and Armstrong for 2023. Each metre of trail surface costs $160 and with 50,000 metres to go, the fundraising goal is $8,000,000. Funds can help leverage government funding to address all the other layers.
This year, there are two tenders to begin construction of the rail trail: The first is the Enderby to Splatsin pilot section, and the second is the 20km stretch from Sicamous to Mara.
About the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail provides a connection between communities unfolding the true story within Secwépemc territory, protecting natural areas and habitat for wildlife, facilitating healthy outdoor recreational activities and travel options on foot and by bicycle, conserving heritage, cultural, & agricultural values, and encouraging recreational tourism in rural areas.
At just over 50 kilometres long, it will create a perfect opportunity for families to discover scenic landscapes with amenities along the way.
Donate to Support Lytton Recovery
On June 30, 2021, the beautiful Village of Lytton was destroyed by a wildfire. Fort Berens Estate Winery Ltd, based in Lillooet, has a deep connection to the people and community of Lytton. The Fort Berens Winery team launched a fundraising campaign from June 3-12.
While the campaign has officially ended, donations are still being accepted to support Lytton.
On June 30, 2021, the beautiful Village of Lytton was destroyed by a wildfire. Fort Berens Estate Winery Ltd, based in Lillooet, has a deep connection to the people and community of Lytton. The Fort Berens Winery team launched a fundraising campaign from June 3-12.
While the campaign has officially ended, donations are still being accepted to support Lytton.
Online Auction Open Until June 15 In Support of WORTH Mentorship Program
The Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Association online auction is now LIVE, until June 15. Funds raised from this auction will support WORTH’s Mentorship Program, operating costs and educational programming for our community.
Interested in being a future donor to WORTH’s Fall auction? Email info@worthassociation.com.
WORTH Association is excited to announce their first ever online auction is now LIVE! Funds raised from this auction will support WORTH’s Mentorship Program, operating costs and educational programming for our community.
The Auction runs until midnight on June 15.
Interested in being a future donor to WORTH’s Fall auction? Email info@worthassociation.com.
Survey on Luxury Boat Tax Impacts | Share Feedback by June 30
Boating BC in cooperation with Boating Atlantic, Boating Ontario, Mid-Canada Marine and Powersports Dealers Association, Nautisme Quebec, and National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada are conducting a survey regarding the Luxury Boat Tax, in order to advocate on behalf of the tourism industry.
Please take 2 minutes to fill out the survey on the impacts of the Luxury Boat Tax Impacts so information can be presented to Members of Parliament.
After completing the survey, operators can use the same survey link to send data on lost sales or jobs for your business.
Boating BC in cooperation with Boating Atlantic, Boating Ontario, Mid-Canada Marine and Powersports Dealers Association, Nautisme Quebec, and National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada are conducting a survey regarding the Luxury Boat Tax, in order to advocate on behalf of the tourism industry.
Please take 2 minutes to fill out the survey on the impacts of the Luxury Boat Tax Impacts so information can be presented to Members of Parliament.
After completing the survey, operators can use the same survey link to send data on lost sales or jobs for your business.
Government of Canada Launches Consultation Period for Renewal of Federal Tourism Growth Strategy | Share Feedback by July 20
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, announced the launch of the formal engagement period for the renewal of Canada’s Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
Minister Boissonnault will work with the tourism sector, provincial and territorial counterparts, and Indigenous tourism partners to renew the strategy and set a course for growth, investment, and stability. The Minister also spoke about supports for small and medium-sized enterprises and his vision for the tourism and hospitality industry in the coming years.
The strategy will focus on important areas such as workforce challenges and destination development, which have become increasingly significant since the first strategy was launched in 2019.
Tourism stakeholders, business owners and employees, as well as members of the public, are invited to visit New Federal Tourism Growth Strategy to provide input and help lay the foundation for the future of Canada’s tourism industry.
To share your views on how Canada can build on its reputation as a world-class destination, please send an email to tourisminfo-tourismeinfo@ised-isde.gc.ca. The deadline for submitting feedback is 11:59 pm (ET) on July 20, 2022.
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, announced the launch of the formal engagement period for the renewal of Canada’s Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
Minister Boissonnault will work with the tourism sector, provincial and territorial counterparts, and Indigenous tourism partners to renew the strategy and set a course for growth, investment, and stability. The Minister also spoke about supports for small and medium-sized enterprises and his vision for the tourism and hospitality industry in the coming years.
The strategy will focus on important areas such as workforce challenges and destination development, which have become increasingly significant since the first strategy was launched in 2019.
Tourism stakeholders, business owners and employees, as well as members of the public, are invited to visit New Federal Tourism Growth Strategy to provide input and help lay the foundation for the future of Canada’s tourism industry.
To share your views on how Canada can build on its reputation as a world-class destination, please send an email to tourisminfo-tourismeinfo@ised-isde.gc.ca. The deadline for submitting feedback is 11:59 pm (ET) on July 20, 2022.
BC Wine Industry Recognition Awards Nomination | Submit by May 31
Wine Growers BC (WGBC) is now accepting nominations for the BC Industry Awards in two categories:
Award of Distinction (winery)
Recognizes a winery representative for their outstanding leadership, commitment, and passion for the advancement of the British Columbia wine industry. Established in 2016.
Industry Recognition Award (non-winery)
The award honours a non-winery industry individual, business or organization for support of the BC wine industry and BC VQA Wine through media, research, policy, regulation, education, advocacy, or other means significantly contributing to the overall strength and long-term viability of the industry. Established in 2013.
Nomination Criteria
The criteria for both awards are based on the core values of Wines of British Columbia. As part of your nomination, you must be able to detail how your nominee:
Has promoted and enhanced the premium quality perception of BC wine.
Has demonstrated outstanding leadership with industry peers, fostering unity and community.
Is dedicated to offering excellence in BC wine hospitality and/or advancing sustainability.
Exhibits an unmatched passion reflected in their work through innovations or achievements.
Please take five minutes to submit a nomination by 5:00 PM Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
Wine Growers BC (WGBC) is now accepting nominations for the BC Industry Awards in two categories:
Award of Distinction (winery)
Recognizes a winery representative for their outstanding leadership, commitment, and passion for the advancement of the British Columbia wine industry. Established in 2016.
Industry Recognition Award (non-winery)
The award honours a non-winery industry individual, business or organization for support of the BC wine industry and BC VQA Wine through media, research, policy, regulation, education, advocacy, or other means significantly contributing to the overall strength and long-term viability of the industry. Established in 2013.
Nomination Criteria
The criteria for both awards are based on the core values of Wines of British Columbia. As part of your nomination, you must be able to detail how your nominee:
Has promoted and enhanced the premium quality perception of BC wine.
Has demonstrated outstanding leadership with industry peers, fostering unity and community.
Is dedicated to offering excellence in BC wine hospitality and/or advancing sustainability.
Exhibits an unmatched passion reflected in their work through innovations or achievements.
Please take five minutes to submit a nomination by 5:00 PM Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
Fundraiser for Lytton by Fort Berens Estate Winery
Fort Berens Estate Winery is holding a fundraising campaign from June 3 to 12, 2022, with a goal to raise $125,000 for a dedicated legacy building project for the community of Lytton after a wildfire swept through the town on June 30, 2021.
To raise funds, Fort Berens is selling 120 cases of Special Edition "Lytton Strong” Pinot Gris. In addition, there will be a silent auction with unique and experiential items, a 50/50 raffle, and the opportunity to donate directly to the campaign.
Fort Berens is currently seeking corporate sponsorships, donations for the silent auction, and volunteers to help with the fundraising campaign.
To get involved, email LyttonStrong@fortberens.ca.
Fort Berens Estate Winery is holding a fundraising campaign from June 3 to 12, 2022, with a goal to raise $125,000 for a dedicated legacy building project for the community of Lytton after a wildfire swept through the town on June 30, 2021.
To raise funds, Fort Berens is selling 120 cases of Special Edition "Lytton Strong” Pinot Gris. In addition, there will be a silent auction with unique and experiential items, a 50/50 raffle, and the opportunity to donate directly.
Fort Berens is currently seeking corporate sponsorships, donations for the silent auction, and volunteers to help with the fundraising campaign.
To get involved, email LyttonStrong@fortberens.ca.
Get a Free Listing on Canada's Garden Route & Directory
Destination Canada is a sponsor of the Year of the Garden 2022, which encourages the public to get out, explore, and enjoy Canada’s beautiful gardens and garden experiences again.
Tourism and hospitality businesses that embrace gardens as part of their venue or thematically in service offerings, can register their business for free on the Live the Garden Life Directory.
To be featured on Canada’s Garden Route, please contact: partnerships@GardenCouncil.ca for details.
Enhance your social media activity by tagging posts with: #YearOfTheGarden #LivetheGardenLife
Destination Canada is a sponsor of the Year of the Garden 2022, which encourages the public to get out, explore, and enjoy Canada’s beautiful gardens and garden experiences again.
The Canadian Garden Council invites Canadians to connect with plants and communities by discovering new experiences and inspirations offered by garden destinations.
A Canadian Garden Route digital marketing and social media campaign stretching from June through August will encourage Canadians to travel.
Tourism and hospitality businesses that embrace gardens as part of their venue or thematically in service offerings, can register their business for free on the Live the Garden Life Directory.
To be featured on Canada’s Garden Route, please contact: partnerships@GardenCouncil.ca for details.
Enhance your social media activity by tagging posts with: #YearOfTheGarden #LivetheGardenLife
Nominate a Company for TIAC Canadian Tourism Awards 2022 | Submissions Close July 31
Nominate a deserving business, organization, or individual for the Canadian Tourism Awards, presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.
The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by TIAC to recognize success, leadership, and innovation in Canada's tourism industry and to reward those people, places, organizations, and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences in Canada.
With nine award categories, this year’s nomination portal is officially open and the awards will be presented on November 23 at the Westin Ottawa.
Categories include:
Indigenous Tourism Award
Sustainable Tourism Award
Innovator of the Year Award
Business of the Year Award
Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award
Tourism Employee of the Year
Tourism Employer of the Year
Travel Media Award
Business Event Award
Nominate a deserving business, organization, or individual for the Canadian Tourism Awards, presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.
The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by TIAC to recognize success, leadership, and innovation in Canada's tourism industry and to reward those people, places, organizations, and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences in Canada. The Awards have become the standard of excellence for businesses and organizations in the travel industry, showcasing the Nation's best tourism products, services, and experiences.
With nine award categories, this year’s nomination portal is officially open and the awards will be presented on November 23 at the Westin Ottawa.
Categories include:
Indigenous Tourism Award
Sustainable Tourism Award
Innovator of the Year Award
Business of the Year Award
Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award
Tourism Employee of the Year
Tourism Employer of the Year
Travel Media Award
Business Event Award
Tourism Week in Canada - May 29 - Jun 4, 2022
Tourism Week in Canada is back again from May 29-June 4, 2022, and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is recognizing the importance of the industry and the resilience of its workers by calling on all Canadians to TRAVEL NOW - for work, life, and play!
TIAC is asking for your support to champion local tourism destinations, businesses, and employees by lighting up your business in Tourism Week’s “Glowing Green” (colour hex code: #8BC53F) all week long.
Tourism Week in Canada is back again from May 29-June 4, 2022, and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is recognizing the importance of the industry and the resilience of its workers by calling on all Canadians to TRAVEL NOW - for work, life, and play!
TIAC is asking for your support to champion local tourism destinations, businesses, and employees by lighting up your business in Tourism Week’s “Glowing Green” (colour hex code: #8BC53F) all week long.
The 50 – 30 Challenge: Your Diversity Advantage - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, business and diversity organizations. The program challenges Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace, while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table.
The 50 – 30 Challenge asks that organizations aspire to two goals:
Gender parity ("50%" women and/or non-binary people) on Canadian board(s) and/or senior management; and
Significant representation ("30%")
The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, business and diversity organizations. Together with project co-creators, many of whom have been striving to increase corporate diversity for decades, the government has developed a plan to improve access for women and/or non-binary people and other equity-deserving groups, including those identifying as: Racialized, Black, and/or People of Colour ("Visible Minorities"), People with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples.
The program and participants recognize Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples, including those that identify as First Nation Peoples, Métis Nation, and Inuit, as founding Peoples of Canada and underrepresented in positions of economic influence and leadership.
The goal of the program is to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace, while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table.
The 50 – 30 Challenge asks that organizations aspire to two goals:
Gender parity ("50%" women and/or non-binary people) on Canadian board(s) and/or senior management; and
Significant representation ("30%") on Canadian board(s) and senior management of other equity-deserving groups: Racialized, Black, and/or People of Colour ("Visible Minorities"), People with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples. The program and participants recognize Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples, including those that identify as First Nation Peoples, Métis Nation, and Inuit, as founding Peoples of Canada and underrepresented in positions of economic influence and leadership.
Survey: Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) Strategic Planning
The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) Board of Directors is developing a new 3-year strategic plan and wants to ensure that issues that matter most to the industry are prioritized. Accommodators are invited to share feedback to shape HAC's focus for the next 3 years. The survey has 3 questions that won’t take more than 5 minutes to complete. Results will be discussed and analyzed at the Board’s Strategic Planning Session in June, and the new plan will be released in the Fall.
The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) Board of Directors is developing a new 3-year strategic plan and wants to ensure that issues that matter most to the industry are prioritized. Accommodators are invited to share feedback to shape HAC's focus for the next 3 years.
The survey has 3 questions that won’t take more than 5 minutes to complete. Results will be discussed and analyzed at the Board’s Strategic Planning Session in June, and the new plan will be released in the Fall.
BCLCA’s Auction “22” Raising Funds for Care Camps for Children with Cancer Until May 29
Auction is full of items to bid on, from camping nights, cabin stays, experiences, clothing, small appliances, and more. Care Camps allows children living with cancer to have hope, happiness, and the healing powers that come from attending specialized oncology camps where they can just be kids. The camp experience equips them with the skills necessary to meet the challenges they will face while fighting their disease. Working together, in 2021 BCLCA Care Camps supporters helped raise $3,140.06 and they want to raise significantly more this year. The auction is now live and runs until 7pm on May 29.
If you would like to become an auction supporter and donate a gift certificate or item from your business, please email Darlene@bclca.com.
BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is proud to once again support Care Camps of Canada with “Auction 22”. The ONLINE Auction is full of items to bid on, from camping nights, cabin stays, experiences, clothing, small appliances, and more.
Care Camps allows children living with cancer to have hope, happiness, and the healing powers that come from attending specialized oncology camps where they can just be kids. The camp experience equips them with the skills necessary to meet the challenges they will face while fighting their disease.
Working together, in 2021 BCLCA Care Camps supporters helped raise $3,140.06 and they want to raise significantly more this year.
The auction is now live and runs until 7pm on May 29.
If you would like to become an auction supporter and donate a gift certificate or item from your business, please email Darlene@bclca.com.
Have You Added the Accessibility Feature to Your HelloBC Listing?
Over 500 tourism businesses have added the Accessibility feature to their business listing on HelloBC.com.
BC tourism businesses can add accessible attributes to their HelloBC.com listing at any time. If your business has mobility, vision, hearing and/or cognitive accessible attributes, let consumers know by adding this feature to your HelloBC.com listing today, at no cost.
Over 500 tourism businesses have added the Accessibility feature to their business listing on HelloBC.com.
BC tourism businesses can add accessible attributes to their HelloBC.com listing at any time. If your business has mobility, vision, hearing and/or cognitive accessible attributes, let consumers know by adding this feature to your HelloBC.com listing today, at no cost.
Survey | Actions to Reduce Single-Use Waste in BC (close June 21)
The Province is proposing a new regulation to reduce single-use and plastic waste by limiting or banning the use of certain single-use items. The regulation will complement and expand on the actions taken by B.C. municipalities and the federal government to tackle plastic waste and pollution. The survey also seeks your input on other actions to reduce plastic waste, address materials that are difficult to reuse or recycle, and keep what we do use working for us for longer. Engagement timelines: April 22 to June 21, 2022.
The Province is proposing a new regulation to reduce single-use and plastic waste by limiting or banning the use of certain single-use items. The regulation will complement and expand on the actions taken by BC municipalities and the federal government to tackle plastic waste and pollution.
The survey also seeks your input on other actions to reduce plastic waste, address materials that are difficult to reuse or recycle, and keep tools working for longer.
Engagement timelines: April 22 to June 21, 2022
Join 40-day Hospitality Hustle Challenge to Raise Awareness for BC Hospitality Foundation
The BC Hospitality Foundation invites you to join this year’s #HospitalityHustle. to help unite British Columbians to raise awareness for the Foundation, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and have some fun. Participants are encouraged to set a personal fitness goal, share their progress on social media, and tag #HospitalityHustle to connect with other participants. Each participant contributes to the Foundation’s “collective” progress map to help reach the goal of completing the route around BC three times. Individuals can also choose to fundraise for the Foundation - funds support industry colleagues facing financial crisis due to illness.
The BC Hospitality Foundation invites you to join this year’s #HospitalityHustle. to help unite British Columbians to raise awareness for the Foundation, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and have some fun.
Participants are encouraged to set a personal fitness goal, share their progress on social media, and tag #HospitalityHustle to connect with other participants. Each participant contributes to the Foundation’s “collective” progress map to help reach the goal of completing the route around BC three times.
Individuals can also choose to fundraise for the Foundation - funds support industry colleagues facing financial crisis due to illness.
go2HR Seeking Board Nominations by April 29, 2022
go2HR is currently seeking nominations for three director positions (2 year term). They are committed to renewing their board with diversified representation and keen to receive nominations from women, indigenous operators, northern BC employers, and educators. Are you interested in running for a position on go2HR’s Board of Directors? The organization needs your expertise and leadership to help them continue the strategic journey to realize strong workforces and safe workplaces that deliver world-class tourism and hospitality experiences in BC. Now more than ever, go2HR's work is needed to support BC’s tourism and hospitality recovery.
All completed nominations forms must be submitted to go2HR no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 29, 2022.
go2HR is currently seeking nominations for three director positions (2 year term). go2HR is committed to renewing their board with diversified representation and keen to receive nominations from women, Indigenous operators, northern BC employers, and educators.
Are you interested in running for a position on go2HR’s Board of Directors?
The organization needs your expertise and leadership to help them continue the strategic journey to realize strong workforces and safe workplaces that deliver world-class tourism and hospitality experiences in BC.
Now more than ever, go2HR's work is needed to support BC’s tourism and hospitality recovery.
All completed nominations forms must be submitted to go2HR no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 29, 2022.
E-Petition Opposing Escalator Excise Tax on Alcohol
The escalator excise tax is an automatic increase in taxes on wine, beer, cider, and spirits as of April 1, 2022. This increase will add costs to retailers, hospitality businesses, and consumers at a time when prices are already increasing due to inflation, labour costs, supply chain issues, and more.
Federal Member of Parliament Tracy Gray (Kelowna-Lake Country), launched an e-petition calling upon the Government of Canada to freeze the automatic escalator excise tax increase.
Freezing this tax increase will help limit retail price increases by offsetting the rising costs and supply chain disruptions facing beverage alcohol producers across Canada.
The escalator excise tax is an automatic increase in taxes on wine, beer, cider, and spirits as of April 1, 2022. This increase will add costs to retailers, hospitality businesses, and consumers at a time when prices are already increasing due to inflation, labour costs, supply chain issues, and more.
Federal Member of Parliament Tracy Gray (Kelowna-Lake Country), launched an e-petition calling upon the Government of Canada to freeze the automatic escalator excise tax increase.
Freezing this tax increase will help limit retail price increases by offsetting the rising costs and supply chain disruptions facing beverage alcohol producers across Canada.
Small Business BC Awards Thompson Okanagan Finalists | Attend the Free Virtual Awards Gala on April 28
The Small Business BC Awards finalists have been selected and winners will be announced at the Virtual Awards Presentation on April 28, 2022.
Register for a FREE ticket and secure your place to celebrate the best of BC’s small business community.
Thompson Okanagan finalists include Friendly Composting Inc. and Afrofusion, both in Kamloops.
The Small Business BC Awards finalists have been selected and winners will be announced at the Virtual Awards Presentation on April 28, 2022.
Register for a FREE ticket and secure your place to celebrate the best of BC’s small business community.
Thompson Okanagan Finalists
Business Impact Award
Friendly Composting Inc.
Kamloops
Friendly Composting provides weekly compost pick up and local product delivery in beautiful, Kamloops BC. Founders Katie Forsyth and Claire McLoughlin are on a mission to make it simple for you to make an impact and choose LOCAL!
Premier's Peoples Choice
Afrofusion
Kamloops
Afrofusion is a black-owned business that provides tasty African and western cuisine to the people of Kamloops and beyond. To the founders, Afrofusion is more than just food; it is a feeling and a representation of hopes, dreams, perseverance, and community service.
2022 Big Splash Raffle by Sport Fishing Institute of BC | Early bird: May 20. Grand prize: July 1
The Sport Fishing Institute of BC is having their BIG Spring Raffle. Get the chance to win a trip to the Langara Fishing Lodge in Haida Gwaii, or even to Newton Cove Resort. Early Bird Prize draws on May 20th and Grand prize and Trip Draws will be made on July 1st. Tickets: $20
The Sport Fishing Institute of BC is having their BIG Spring Raffle. Get the chance to win a trip to the Langara Fishing Lodge in Haida Gwaii, or even to Newton Cove Resort.
Early Bird Prize draws on May 20th and Grand prize and Trip Draws will be made on July 1.
Tickets: $20