News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
New Tourism Digital Marketing Expert Certification Program through the BCRTS and eLearningU
All tourism businesses in our region can gain complimentary access to the Digital Marketing Expert Certification Program by eLearningU, as well as FREE access to 50 live webinars over the course of the year, and a full webinar library of 350+ recordings.
As a member of the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is pleased to announce that all tourism businesses in our region can gain access to the Digital Marketing Expert Certification Program by eLearningU. Tourism businesses can sign up for a FREE subscription to eLearningU, where, upon registration, they will be provided a username and password for their account. Multiple people within the same organization are welcome to join the program.
In addition to the Tourism Digital Marketing Certification Program, registered members will have FREE access to 50 live webinars over the course of the year, and a full webinar library of 350+ recordings.
Become a Tourism Digital Marketing Expert
After registering for your free eLearningU subscription, follow the link below to access your Tourism Digital Marketing Certificate dashboard. There are 5 Certifications in this program, broken down into individual certificates, they are as follows:
Tourism Social Media Marketing Certificate (14 courses, 14 hours)
Tourism Content Marketing Certificate (6 courses, 6 hours)
Tourism SEO/SEM Marketing Certificate (8 courses, 8 hours)
Tourism General Marketing Certificate (7 courses, 7 hours)
After each of these are complete, the Tourism Digital Marketing Expert (TDME) Certification is awarded.
Each course is compiled of a 1-hour video training and a 5-question quiz. The quizzes come directly from the content in the video training and must be passed in order to complete the lesson. You may retake the quiz in order to pass. The goal is to verify that you have reviewed and learned the information presented.
Sections and lessons do not have to be done in order, so if something seems more interesting or useful, complete that one first and finish the rest at your leisure. As we are apart of the launch of this exciting program, the sooner you sign up, the more live webinars you will be able to attend. All required webinars will be added to the library after their live premiere.
Background
The TOTA Tourism Resiliency Program, part of the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, provides long-term support to tourism businesses to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt services, and work towards eventual recovery. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program, tourism businesses can access the following FREE supports:
Digital Support Services with a digital marketing expert
Expert Business Mentorship with an Okanagan College business professor
Mental Health Support through the Canadian Mental Health Association
Micro Loans through Community Futures
Email recovery@totabc.com for quick questions or to schedule a 1-1 call/video chat with a TOTA Program Advisor
For more information on TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program, go to TOTABC.org/resiliency.
Tourism Skills Training Program: Application Now Open for Free Virtual Certification
TOTA has received government funding to provide tourism training skills programs and we are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for this free Domestic Tourism Certification for the Thompson Okanagan Region.
This 13-week full-time virtual program is an opportunity for unemployed, casual, seasonal and part-time employees to upgrade their skills, knowledge, and industry connections to overcome the challenges through this uncertain time.
Online Course Dates:
February 8 - May 5, 2021 (Mon - Thurs, 9 AM - 4 PM)
Application Deadline:
February 3, 2021
Limited seats available
TOTA has received government funding to provide tourism training skills programs and we are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Canadian Tourism Professional (CTP) Program, a free Domestic Tourism Certification for the Thompson Okanagan Region.
This 13-week full-time virtual program is an opportunity for unemployed, casual, seasonal and part-time employees to upgrade their skills, knowledge, and industry connections to overcome the challenges through this uncertain time.
The Canadian Tourism Professional Program will prepare 60 participants to work in various tourism and hospitality positions in the Thompson Okanagan region with a focus on serving domestic markets in traditional employment and/or self-employment. Participants will receive instruction, mentorship, employment coaching, and job placement support.
Applicant Eligibility Requirements:
Living in Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia (including Shuswap, Boundary Country, Similkameen, and Gold Country/Nicola Valley)
Legally able to work in Canada
Currently unemployed or working casual, seasonal, or part-time
Over 15 years of age
For more information:
Website: TOTABC.org/Training
Email: Training@TOTABC.com
Phone: (778) 752-5877
Delivered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in cooperation with the University of Victoria-Peter B. Gustavson School of Business and supported by the Province of British Columbia.
Share This Opportunity
Feel free to share this opportunity with potential employees of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, particularly unemployed or part-time, casual, and seasonal employees looking to expand their career.
We have provided sample content to share on bulletins, email newsletters, website listings, and social media:
New Support for Small Business: Canada United Small Business Relief Fund
Applications open October 26 for grants of up to $5,000 to cover costs of personal protective equipment, make physical modifications to business to meet health and safety requirements, and enhance digital/e-commerce capabilities.
Applications open October 26 for grants of up to $5,000 to cover costs of personal protective equipment, make physical modifications to business to meet health and safety requirements, and enhance digital/e-commerce capabilities.
For Small Business Week, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, announced an investment of $12 million in the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund.
The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund, which is managed by the OCC, is supporting Canadian businesses across different sectors and industries with grants of up to $5,000. These grants will help thousands of small business owners cover the costs of personal protective equipment, make physical modifications to their businesses to meet local health and safety requirements, and enhance their digital or e-commerce capabilities. This is especially important as we enter the second wave of the pandemic.
Canada United is a national fundraising campaign created by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in collaboration with private sector partners and provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, including the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC). The campaign has been rallying support from Canadians for local small businesses in every corner of the country.
This investment builds on the Government of Canada’s continued support for small and local businesses through a wide range of COVID-19 emergency programs, such as the expanded Canada Emergency Business Account, the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
Quick facts
Starting on October 26, small businesses can apply online through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for the next wave of Canada United Small Business Relief Fund grants.
Applications are open to small businesses across sectors and industries in every part of the country that have between $150,000 and $3 million in annual sales; have up to 75 employees; are registered in Canada; and would use the grant to cover the costs of personal protective equipment, make physical modifications to their businesses to meet local health and safety requirements, and enhance their digital or e-commerce capabilities.
To support Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada introduced the largest relief package in our country’s history, which includes the following major programs for business owners and their employees:
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) is helping businesses by covering up to 75% of payroll, retroactive to March 15 and with the intention of continuing support into summer 2021.
The expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) will provide businesses with an additional $20,000 interest-free loan on top of the original $40,000 CEBA loan.
The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, building on the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA), would provide simple and easy-to-access rent and mortgage support until June 2021 for qualifying organizations affected by the pandemic.
The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) is delivered through Canada’s regional development agencies and supports small businesses across Canada that have been unable to access existing relief measures. Originally vested with $962 million, the RRRF has been topped up with an additional $600 million.
In addition to broad support programs, the government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes targeted measures to help tourism businesses, rural communities, artists and athletes, innovative high-growth businesses, Indigenous-owned businesses, women entrepreneurs, farmers and agri-food businesses, and more.
The new application window will be open on Monday, October 26, 2020.
Applications Open for Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) – Due October 29, 2020
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association recommends that you review the details of a new funding opportunity through the Province of British Columbia: The Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP). The application window for the CERIP is very short with a deadline of October 29, 2020.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association recommends that you review the details of a new funding opportunity through the Province of British Columbia: The Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP).
The application window for the CERIP is very short with a deadline of October 29, 2020.
The Province of British Columbia has allocated up to $90 million to support community economic resilience, tourism, heritage, and urban and rural economic development projects.
The CERIP provides an opportunity for Indigenous applicants, local governments, tourism organizations, heritage leaders, and not-for-profit organizations to apply for infrastructure funding that supports projects and initiatives for public use and that benefit and create jobs, support economic development and recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.
Eligible applicants can receive a one-time, 100% funded provincial grant to support four key streams:
Community Economic Resilience supports initiatives through investment in short term, small scale public infrastructure meeting the economic recovery objectives of initial job creation in the community and ancillary job creation in other areas hard hit with COVID -19 such as local retail and services.
Destination Development invests in the development, conservation, repair, or rehabilitation of new or existing tourism infrastructure and amenities to assist in the re-emergence and resiliency of the tourism sector, creating jobs that will provide long term benefits for the tourism sector and local communities.
Unique Heritage Infrastructure supports projects focused on the conservation, repair, rehabilitation, and development of cultural heritage infrastructure to help communities safeguard and enjoy their heritage places while creating employment through the stewardship of cultural heritage.
Rural Economic Recovery improves the prosperity and quality of life in rural communities through projects that create jobs, develop economic infrastructure, support a vibrant local business sector, and accelerate economic recovery.
CERIP is designed to support projects that are construction ready in 2021 and can be completed by March 31, 2023. Projects must start by December 31, 2021.
Indigenous and local government applicants are encouraged to consider partnering with not-for-profit applicants in local communities wherever possible for their consideration and applicability to CERIP.
Every grant application is assessed in the context of the program eligibility guidelines. The final approval of projects and funds will occur when a new cabinet is sworn in.
Program information such as application instructions and links to resource documents are available at gov.bc.ca/CERIP.
The ministries and their delivery partner contacts are available to provide advice as you prepare your application. For information on the four streams, please see specific contacts in the table below:
Applications are now open. The application window for the CERIP is very short with a deadline of October 29, 2020.
Additional Information
For more information or to answer any questions, please contact:
Mike Overend
Director of Sustainability
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
e: IndustrySupport@TOTABC.com
t: (778) 721-5462
The ministries and their delivery partner contacts are available to provide advice as you prepare your application. For information on the four streams, please see specific contacts below:
Rural Economic Recovery:
Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
Rural Policy and Programs Branch
Email: ruraldevelopment@gov.bc.ca
Phone: 250 356-7950
Destination Development:
Tourism, Arts and Culture Tourism Sector Strategy Division
Dawn Rueckl
Email: tourismpolicy@gov.bc.ca
Phone: (778) 698-1802
Unique Heritage:
Infrastructure Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
Indigenous applicants: First Peoples’ Cultural Council
Karen Aird
Email: karen@fpcc.ca
All other applicants: Thompson/Okanagan
Paul Gravett
Email: pgravett@heritagebc.ca
Community Economic Resilience:
Municipal Affairs and Housing Local Government Infrastructure & Finance
Email: infra@gov.bc.ca
Phone: 250 387-4060
BC Hotel Association Partners with BC Regional Tourism Secretariat and STR to Support Tourism Resiliency
The not-for-profit organizations will utilize vital industry insights and tools from STR to advance BC accommodation sector in response to COVID-19.
The not-for-profit organizations will utilize vital industry insights and tools from STR to advance BC accommodation sector in response to COVID-19.
VANCOUVER, BC (September 22, 2020): The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) is working in partnership with the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and STR to offer informed recovery strategies for BC accommodators that have been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Using industry data from STR – the sector’s leading data benchmarking and analytics provider – BCHA and BCRTS will develop tools and strategies to support people and communities at the heart of BC’s tourism industry.
“Supporting tourism in Canada is one of STR’s top priorities, so we are proud to partner with the British Columbia Hotel Association and the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat” says Emile Gourieux, Business Development Executive, Hotels at STR. “Through our hotel benchmarking platform, we provide organizations like the BCHA and the BCRTS with the information they need to both successfully advocate on behalf of their members and create effective marketing strategies that will drive tourism to communities across British Columbia.”
As part of the partnership, BCHA and BCRTS will receive weekly reports from STR on trends and insights that inform the current and future realities of the accommodation sector. In addition to effectively communicating these findings to members and stakeholders, the organizations will work together to further develop and deliver education and revenue management training programs for the industry, while strengthening STR insights through promoting the program.
“The pandemic’s impact on our industry has been devastating and many accommodators in our province have substantiated concerns over their properties closing permanently”, says Ingrid Jarrett, President and CEO of the BCHA. “Having our finger on the pulse of industry is now more important than ever”. She continues, “in addition to advocating on behalf of our members, we are committed to providing education to support recovery and resiliency, providing vital training that will better equip accommodators with the tools needed for their businesses to survive and prosper. Our work with STR and the BCRTS will be paramount in this.”
Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO of The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), and Chair of the BCRTS adds, “hotels are a fundamental component to the tourism industry at large. By generating a more informed understanding of the current climate and trends affecting accommodators on a greater scale, we can action educated strategies and foster tourism growth across each of the five regional tourism organizations the BCRTS represents.”
To learn more about the BC Hotel Association, or to inquire about becoming a member, contact Mike Macleod, Director of Member and Business Development at membership@bcha.com. Visit tourismresiliency.ca for more information on the BC Tourism Resiliency Network led by the BCRTS.
About the BC Hotel Association:
The British Columbia Hotel Association is a non-profit organization that works on behalf of accommodators at federal, provincial, and community levels, and champions issues such as taxation, tourism, marketing, corporate relations, labour, and consumer services. The BCHA has over 600 hotel members and 120 associate members, representing an industry made up of over 80,000 rooms and more than 60,000 employees. For more information, visit bcha.com.
About British Columbia’s Regional Tourism Secretariat:
British Columbia’s Regional Tourism Secretariat is a coalition of industry-led, not-for-profit organizations that provide a trusted voice for businesses, communities, and residents. Consisting of the five regional tourism organizations, including the Thompson Okanagan, the goal of Secretariat is to put people and communities at the heart of BC’s tourism industry.
About STR:
STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for global hospitality sectors. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 15 countries with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, an international headquarters in London, and an Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore. STR was acquired in October 2019 by CoStar Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGP), the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces. For more information, please visit www.str.com and www.costargroup.com
Media Contacts:
Kelsey Millman
Communications for BC Hotel Association
(Beattie Tartan)
communications@bcha.com
604.351.3623
Haley Luther
STR
Communications Coordinator
hluther@str.com
615.824.8664 ext. 3500
TOTA, Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna, and Thoughtfull Offer Mental Health Support to Businesses Through COVID-19 Pandemic
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) signed a formal agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna & District branch (CMHA Kelowna) and Thoughtfull Workplace Wellness Strategies. As an extension to TOTA's industry resiliency efforts, planned collaborative initiatives aim to mitigate the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of tourism business operators and workers.
Kelowna, BC (August 20, 2020) - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has signed a formal agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna & District branch (CMHA Kelowna) and Thoughtfull Workplace Wellness Strategies. As an extension to TOTA's industry resiliency efforts, planned collaborative initiatives aim to mitigate the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of tourism business operators and workers.
"Mental health is an essential ingredient for resiliency. The COVID-19 Pandemic has been devastating in many ways, greatly affecting the people behind the numbers and figures," said Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO of TOTA. "This formal agreement with CMHA Kelowna and Thoughtfull will help bridge gaps by supporting not only the tourism industry, but the communities it so greatly depends on."
CMHA Kelowna and Thoughtfull, a workplace consulting and training social enterprise run by CMHA Kelowna, represent a valuable resource for TOTA to relay knowledge and expertise in education, human resources, occupational health and safety, as well as crisis intervention to businesses in the tourism industry. Thoughtfull's workplace advisors will collaborate with TOTA to provide insights for campaigns and resources contributing to physical, mental, and financial resilience.
"Tourism is such an important industry for this region, but we know that many operators and their employees are facing high levels of stress due to significant challenges and a lot of unknowns. Financial resilience is just one piece of the puzzle. We also need to support the mental well-being of everyone in this sector," said Aaryn Secker, Manager of Learning & Development for CMHA Kelowna and Thoughtfull.
As part of this agreement, industry members of the Thompson Okanagan Resiliency Program will be able to access tailored workplace psychological health and safety training and advising through Thoughtfull at an exclusive reduced and subsidized rate by contacting their dedicated TOTA Program Advisor. In addition, CMHA will deliver programming through an ongoing webinar series with "Return to the Workplace: Considerations for Supporting Staff Mental Health" and "De-escalating Conflict".
For more information about the Thompson Okanagan Resiliency Program and to register visit TOTABC.org/Tourism-Resiliency.
Or register by phone: 1-877-431-8489 (ext 8).
If you are already part of the Tourism Resiliency Program, please contact your program advisor directly for more information on this program offering.
- 30 -
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. 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 Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna (CMHA Kelowna):
CMHA Kelowna is a registered non-profit charity serving the central Okanagan and part of a network of more than 80 Canadian Mental Health Association branches across the country. Each year they provide services and supports to more than 1.3 million Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 11,000 volunteers and staff in over 330 communities. CMHA Kelowna provides support through programs that promote positive mental health and support recovery, while championing the elimination of barriers that can prevent people from thriving. For more information, visit CMHAKelowna.org.
About Thoughtfull:
Thoughtfull is a workplace training and advising social enterprise of CMHA Kelowna. With the average working individual spending 90,000 hours or more of their life at work, CMHA Kelowna recognizes that they cannot achieve a mentally healthy community without addressing psychological health and safety at work. Thoughtfull is guided by Canada’s National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. For more information, visit Thoughtfull.CMHAKelowna.com.
For more information, contact:
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Community Futures and TOTA Offering Financial Support for Tourism Businesses through Micro Loans as Part of Tourism Resiliency Program
Kelowna, BC (August 5, 2020) - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is collaborating with Community Futures organizations across the region to assist in providing financial support to the tourism sector as part of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program. The Community Futures and TOTA taskforce is announcing the “Thompson Okanagan Tourism Micro Loan Program,” an initiative spearheaded by all nine Community Futures organizations located in TOTA’s region, which will offer micro loans to tourism businesses starting at $200 and up to $25,000.
"This new initiative represents a pivotal moment for the regional tourism sector as well as another important evolution of our work in helping the industry recover and become more resilient for the long term," said Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO of TOTA. "The program will address the immediate need to mitigate financial impacts associated with additional costs and losses tourism businesses have been facing as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic."
In July 2020, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and nine Community Futures offices in the region signed a formal agreement, committing to the development of an active and meaningful relationship on the path to rebuilding a resilient tourism industry in the wake of the global Pandemic.
“Community Futures is in the business of assisting small business across the region, the province, and Canada. We have been a part of your community for over 35 years and we continue to support you with advice, training, and loans," said Rob Marshall, Executive Director for Community Futures Shuswap and Community Futures Provincial Board Member. The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Micro Loan Program is another example of partners working together to provide help in times of need to our essential tourism industry.”
The Community Futures and TOTA taskforce is working to implement projects, access needed resources, and share best practices to revitalize, support, and grow the tourism sector, during the pandemic and beyond. Efforts and strategies are focused on tourism growth, development, sustainability, and long-term resiliency. The “Thompson Okanagan Tourism Micro Loan Program" is in alignment with the previously announced Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) program which has, to date, provided $587,000 to 20 tourism businesses in the region.
Applicants to the program must be referred to Community Futures by a Tourism Resiliency Program Advisor and terms and conditions specific to each location apply.
Or register by phone: 1-877-431-8489 (ext 8).
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. 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 Community Futures :
Community Futures is a non-profit organization supporting small businesses through a range of services and tools. With experts offering local assistance from 34 offices throughout rural BC, they are committed to helping business owners achieve their goals and withstand challenges. TOTA is proud to be forming a joint tourism industry resiliency task force with this outstanding organization and collaborating towards positive advancements for the tourism industry, local businesses, and communities.
Community Futures Partners
Boundary - BoundaryCF.com
Central Interior First Nations - CFDCofCIFN.com
Central Okanagan - CFDCCO.bc.ca
Nicola Valley - CFDCNV.com
North Okanagan - FuturesBC.com
Okanagan / Similkameen - CFOkanagan.com
Shuswap - BeYourFuture.ca
Sun Country - CFSun.ca
Thompson Country - CommunityFutures.net