Destination BC Learning Centre - Digital Foundations - Search Engine Optimization

Digital Foundations is a self-guided program that explores the why, what, where, and how of digital marketing.

The third of the seven modules, called Search Engine Optimization, will help you understand the components of a successful SEO strategy and identify some of the ways you can get started.

Destination BC Learning Centre - Digital Foundations - Social Media

Digital Foundations is a self-guided program that explores the why, what, where, and how of digital marketing.

The second of the seven modules, called Social Media, will help you explore key social channels to determine which are a fit for your business and will share tips to engage your audience in good times and bad.

GreenStep and Canada’s Queer Chamber of Commerce have partnered to Advance Inclusive, Sustainable Tourism Across Canada

GreenStep and Canada’s Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC, formerly CGLCC) have partnered to help tourism businesses across Canada become both more inclusive and more sustainable.

Through this partnership, GreenStep will promote the CQCC’s Rainbow Registered accreditation, and the CQCC will promote GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Pathway program.

This partnership will promote inclusivity, sustainability, and community impact.

TOTA and other communities & businesses in the Thompson Okanagan have completed the CQCC’s Rainbow Registered accreditation, and continue to promote inclusivity and sustainable tourism throughout the region.

Destination BC Activity Research

Destination BC has released five publications and research profiles relevant to various activities and sectors in British Columbia. These reports detail 2025 sector profiles for outdoor recreation, cycling tourism, Indigenous tourism, ski tourism, and wine tourism.

Destination BC Learning Centre - Digital Foundations - Getting Started with Digital Marketing

Digital Foundations is a self-guided program that explores the why, what, where, and how of digital marketing.

The first of the seven modules, called Getting Started with Digital Marketing, will help you determine what you aim to achieve with digital marketing and help you identify your target audience and the priority channels where you will focus.

Kelowna designated as Canada’s First UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy

Kelowna has been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Kelowna is Canada’s first city to receive this designation in the creative field of gastronomy, joining other cities in North America such as San Antonio (Texas, USA) and Mérida (Mexico).

Gastronomy is important to Kelowna’s economy, attracting over 2 million visitors annually and generating $1.17 billion in tourism revenue. Kelowna is home to more than 500 restaurants, contributing $394 million annually. Local agriculture occupies over half of Kelowna’s land, which adds $3.6 billion to the economy, and supports nearly 5,000 jobs.

Kelowna’s application for the UNESCO designation earlier this year was a collaborative effort supported by the City of Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Tourism Kelowna, and Okanagan College, with input from a wide range of industry professionals and community members, including growers, producers, chefs, business owners, not-for-profit organizations, and technology companies.

Financial Capability Workshop for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) will be running a financial capability workshop for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs in Kamloops following the success of their Penticton based workshops.

In this workshop, you will learn how to create a personal budget that supports both your financial goals and your business success.
 
WHERE: ANTCO Boardroom, 520 Chief Eli La Rue Way, Kamloops BC
TIME: 9:00am - 4:00pm
DATE: November 24th OR November 25th, 2025
TO REGISTER CONTACT: April at 778-471-8340 or aprilp@antco.ca
 
Participants will enjoy a light breakfast, lunch, swag, door prizes, and a small honorarium.
 
You must be an Indigenous Female to attend. (First Nations, Inuit, or Metis).

Destination BC Beautiful Seats Campaign

Vancouver will be hosting the FIFA 2026 World Cup and Destination BC is looking to extend the Beautiful Seats Campaign to show the world that British Columbia offers another kind of seat, one with beautiful views of this province.

Your content could be featured in international campaigns, print, platforms, and events.

What they’re looking for:

• Content that clearly shows a ‘seat’ in British Columbia: horseback riding through a valley, mountain biking down a rugged trail, taking in a stunning view from a park bench, relaxing on a beach blanket on a sunny shore…you get the picture!

• Photos and/or short video clips.

• New material or existing content from your image bank is welcome.

• Provide the highest resolution you have available.

• Both horizontal and vertical formats are encouraged.

• Authentic, natural images work best, whether people-centred or place-centred.

• Vertical formats are strong for social media, while horizontal formats are often used in campaign and media placements.

How to take part
Share your Beautiful Seat photos or videos with Destination BC by November 30, 2025. It’s a simple, free and powerful way to put your destination in front of a global audience.

Submit your Beautiful Seat here.

Michael J. Ballingall named the 2025 Business Leader of the Year

Michael J. Ballingall, the Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort Ltd., has been named the 2025 Business Leader of the Year by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards independent judging panel.

He is being recognized for providing leadership and long-standing contributions to the tourism and hospitality industry, his role in expanding the international reach of Big White Ski Resort, and his commitment to tourism development across the Thompson Okanagan region. He will be presented with the award at the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards Gala on October 30, 2025.

BetterTable x Food Mesh Webinar

Did you know that reducing food waste isn’t just good for the planet—it can also boost your bottom line?

Join FoodMesh and BetterTable for an interactive 30-minute webinar designed specially for hospitality professionals in the North Okanagan. You’ll discover simple, practical ways to cut waste, save money, and strengthen your connection to the local community.

Why attend?
- Boost profits: Learn proven strategies to reduce waste and maximize your food cost savings.
- Stay ahead of the curve: Get insights on food waste trends, policies, and best practices shaping the industry in the Okanagan and beyond.
- Get inspired by peers: Hear real-world examples from chefs and restaurateurs already making food waste work for them.
- Do good locally: Find out how donating surplus food supports Okanagan residents, while unlocking tax incentives and meeting regulations with ease.

This session is short, engaging, and packed with takeaways you can start using right away in your restaurant, café, or food service operation.

Don’t miss this chance to turn food waste into profit and purpose.

Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM PST
Length: 30 minutes
Where: Online (free with registration)

Register today and start turning food waste into profit and purpose: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0rDU7zQyRt6rqwcRUEFaGg#/registration

Applications are open for the Valleys and Vineyards “Spark” Program

The Valleys & Vineyards “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants with a tourism mentor, provide a $3,000 grant, and offer additional partner support to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development.

Applications from tourism small businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations based in British Columbia are encouraged to apply from October 1 - November 12, 2025.

Applications can be submitted on the Tourism Innovation website.

What is Valleys & Vineyards?

Valleys & Vineyards is one of the six destination brands that are part of Destination BC’s Super, Natural British Columbia® brand family. 

Valleys & Vineyards is located within the territories of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and Secwépemc Nation in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.

Destination Think’s 24 Hours of Tourism Innovation

Destination Think is launching the second annual 24 Hours of Travel Innovation, on World Tourism Day 2025, September 25, 2025.

This is a free, online, global event showcasing 27 destinations from Canada, the U.S., Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. This event highlights innovative case studies demonstrating how tourism can positively impact the environment, culture, communities, and economies. This will create a knowledge hub to inspire responsible tourism practices worldwide.

The event starts September 26, 2025 (09:00 NZST / September 25, 14:00 PST), and those interested can register using the link below.

Webinar: Breaking Barriers: Navigating Interprovincial Alcohol Trade for B.C. Producers

Selling alcohol across provincial borders in Canada can be complex, with different rules on distribution, storage, labelling, and D2C sales.
Join BC BTAC and Export Navigator for a 90-minute online webinar on September 24, 2025, 10:00 - 11:30 (PT) to:

• Understand provincial differences in sales, storage, and labeling

• Get clarity on CFTA, QA/lab testing, and regulatory efforts

• Identify where opportunities exist for your products

• Access tools and guidance to support your expansion

The Consumer Journey: Bringing BC’s Iconic Destination Brands to Life

Join Destination BC on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 10:00am (PT) for an exclusive virtual event showcasing the full consumer launch of our Iconic Destination Brands across the global travel ecosystem.

In this session, you’ll explore how the Iconic brands are coming to life across key touchpoints in the consumer journey. You’ll get a look at the evolution of the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand and the Let the Outside In creative platform, DBC’s media plan, and activations across travel trade, travel media, and access to new tools for industry partners to leverage awareness of the new brands.

Category 1 Campfire Prohibition for the Kamloops Fire Centre

Category 1 campfire prohibitions are in effect for the Kamloops Fire Centre until October 17, or, until the orders are rescinded.

As of Aug. 28, the following open fires are prohibited in the Kamloops Fire Centre;

• Category 1 campfires as defined in the Wildfire Regulation;

• Category 2 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation; and,

• Category 3 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation

Tourism Operator Sustainability Training Course

Synergy Enterprises is offering a five-part virtual course, designed for tourism operators who want to lead with purpose, build resilience, and embed sustainability into their everyday operations.

This five-module course runs every other Wednesday starting on September 17, 2025, and ending on November 12. Each course is 3 hours long and starts at 10:00 am PST.

Tourism Industry partners can use code promo2025 for 15% off at checkout.

Registration is open for the BC Music Festival Symposium

Registration is now open for the BC Music Festival Symposium in Victoria, BC, on September 12-14. Running in tandem with Rifflandia Festival (Sept 11-14), the Symposium will include a chance to connect with festival colleagues around the province, learn from inspiring presenters and experience the Rifflandia Festival. 

Please register by August 15 to secure your spot.

The Canadian Tourism Awards

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is presenting the Canadian Tourism Awards, which recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses for their excellence in the tourism sector. With twelve categories, there is plenty of opportunity to shine a spotlight on your favourite business.

TIAC is encouraging you to submit your nomination(s) before the deadline on September 10th.

Motivating Seasonal Employees to Return Toolkit

As the season progresses, go2HR has developed tools to help identify the exceptional talent you want to bring back next year. Employees who return save you time, reduce training costs, and help build a stronger team.
 
The go2HR HR Toolkit offers 4 simple strategies to engage your seasonal workers now and throughout the off-season.

Pacific Coastal to offer non-stop flight service between Kelowna and Cranbrook

Pacific Coastal Airlines has announced a new non-stop flight service between Kelowna (YLW) and Cranbrook (YXC), set to begin on Monday, October 27, 2025.

This route, part of their Winter 2025/2026 schedule, will operate daily using a 19-passenger Beechcraft 1900 aircraft.

With the introduction of this route, Pacific Coastal Airlines will now serve 20 destinations across British Columbia, more than any other airline, a new milestone for the airline.