News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Service Provider Feature & Discount: Rezgo Booking Platform
The Rezgo booking platform has flexible tools designed to help manage your business efficiently, market more effectively, process payments faster and more securely, and make smart decisions informed by real-world data—no matter the scale or the volume of your business.
Customers can book on any device through your website or a convenient white-label service, and you can take secure payments online, in person, or over the phone with the payment gateway of choice. The system helps to build better relationships with your customers with in-depth reporting, email automation, comprehensive waivers, and verified reviews.
Rezgo has no monthly subscriptions, booking volume costs, or user account limits. The only cost is the payment fee for bookings, so you only pay when you’re doing business. The fee can be included in the transaction so customers cover the fee.
Rezgo is offering a discounted rate to Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses of 3.4% (-1.5% off listed price) for front-end online bookings. To receive the discount, tell the Rezgo sales/support team that you are a TOTA stakeholder.
The Rezgo booking platform has flexible tools designed to help manage your business efficiently, market more effectively, process payments faster and more securely, and make smart decisions informed by real-world data—no matter the scale or the volume of your business.
Customers can book on any device through your website or a convenient white-label service, and you can take secure payments online, in person, or over the phone with the payment gateway of choice. The system helps to build better relationships with your customers with in-depth reporting, email automation, comprehensive waivers, and verified reviews.
There are no monthly subscriptions, booking volume costs, or user account limits. The only cost is the payment fee for bookings, so you only pay when you’re doing business. The fee can be included in the transaction so customers cover the fee.
Rezgo is Canadian owned and operated, headquartered in Vancouver.
Rezgo is offering a discounted rate to Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses of 3.4% (-1.5% off listed price) for front-end online bookings. To receive the discount, tell the Rezgo sales/support team that you are a TOTA stakeholder.
IMPACT Tourism Sustainability Conference | May 8-11, 2022
On May 8 to 11, 2022, industry leaders will gather in Victoria for IMPACT, work to ensure tourism across Canada comes back far more sustainable and regenerative than it was before COVID.
During this time of disru ption in the world, tourism can support jobs, the economy, conservation, culture, and peace. Sustainable tourism is a collaborative effort that needs many diverse voices to result in positive action.
The founders of IMPACT have worked hard to build out a program that features experts, case studies and real solution around topics including:
The Fundamentals of Diversity and Inclusion
Doughnut Economics and Tourism
Destination Master Planning
Pathways to Decarbonization for Tourism
Ancient Ecosystems and the value of biodiversity
Decolonization of Tourism
Clean Tech solutions for Tourism
A vision for regenerative tourism
Join these sessions to see exceptional speakers like Wade Davis, Keith Henry, Marion Joppe, and Robert Sandford among many others to work towards a more sustainable future.
On May 8 to 11, 2022, industry leaders will gather in Victoria for IMPACT, work to ensure tourism across Canada comes back far more sustainable and regenerative than it was before COVID.
During this time of disru ption in the world, tourism can support jobs, the economy, conservation, culture, and peace. Sustainable tourism is a collaborative effort that needs many diverse voices to result in positive action.
The founders of IMPACT have worked hard to build out a program that features experts, case studies and real solution around topics including:
The Fundamentals of Diversity and Inclusion
Doughnut Economics and Tourism
Destination Master Planning
Pathways to Decarbonization for Tourism
Ancient Ecosystems and the value of biodiversity
Decolonization of Tourism
Clean Tech solutions for Tourism
A vision for regenerative tourism
Join these sessions to see exceptional speakers like Wade Davis, Keith Henry, Marion Joppe, and Robert Sandford among many others to work towards a more sustainable future.
Measuring Sustainability: The State of the Canadian Tourism Industry | GreenStep Sustainable Tourism
GreenStep shared a report on how the Canadian tourism industry is performing in regards to sustainability based on data from hundreds of tourism businesses across Canada who completed the Sustainability Score assessment.
In 2021, GreenStep launched the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge in partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, encouraging tourism businesses and destinations across the country to measure their sustainability performance using the free online Sustainability Score assessment based upon the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, and to make a commitment to improving this performance each year until 2030.
The Sustainable Tourism Dashboard enables anonymous aggregation of the results to help tourism destinations, policy makers, and other industry stakeholders understand how the tourism industry is performing at a local, provincial, national, and eventually international level.
GreenStep shared a report on how the Canadian tourism industry is performing in regards to sustainability based on data from hundreds of tourism businesses across Canada who completed the Sustainability Score assessment.
In 2021, GreenStep launched the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge in partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, encouraging tourism businesses and destinations across the country to measure their sustainability performance using the free online Sustainability Score assessment based upon the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, and to make a commitment to improving this performance each year until 2030.
The Sustainable Tourism Dashboard enables anonymous aggregation of the results to help tourism destinations, policy makers, and other industry stakeholders understand how the tourism industry is performing at a local, provincial, national, and eventually international level.
Accessible Employers Guide to Measure Disability Inclusion in Your Workplace
Organizations measure what they want to improve, so if hiring people with disabilities is a priority for you as an employer, measuring disability is a key place to start.
The Make it Count: Measuring for Disability Inclusion in Your Workplace is a practical guide for employers looking to measure the rate of disability in their workplaces.
Download a free copy of the Make it Count Guide to create a disability measurement initiative that fits the unique context of your organization!
Organizations measure what they want to improve, so if hiring people with disabilities is a priority for you as an employer, measuring disability is a key place to start.
The Make it Count: Measuring for Disability Inclusion in Your Workplace is a practical guide for employers looking to measure the rate of disability in their workplaces.
Download a free copy of the Make it Count Guide to create a disability measurement initiative that fits the unique context of your organization!
BC Hotel Association InnFocus Magazine Spring 2022 Edition
The BC Hotel Association released the first issue of Innfocus Magazine of 2022. Among the wealth of information and content featured in the Spring issue, are articles that include:
Attracting US Visitors
The Pandemic's Legacy
New Practices in Food & Beverage
Recruiting Programs
Region Feature: Kootenay Cool
Leader of the Future: Cat Mackintosh
Hotelier Feature: Debie Hemich
GoGreen: GreenStep EcoFund
Wellbeing and Travel
Grappling with Ghost Hotels
How do we Get BC on Bucket Lists of World Travellers?
What's New?
... and much, MUCH more!
The BC Hotel Association released the first issue of Innfocus Magazine of 2022. Among the wealth of information and content featured in the Spring issue, are articles that include:
Attracting US Visitors
The Pandemic's Legacy
New Practices in Food & Beverage
Recruiting Programs
Region Feature: Kootenay Cool
Leader of the Future: Cat Mackintosh
Hotelier Feature: Debie Hemich
GoGreen: GreenStep EcoFund
Wellbeing and Travel
Grappling with Ghost Hotels
How do we Get BC on Bucket Lists of World Travellers?
What's New?
... and much, MUCH more!
Tourism and Hospitality Focused Summer Courses | Okanagan College
Okanagan College is currently offering low-cost programming to support the Tourism and Hospitality sector throughout the summer months. They are pleased to offer short courses delivered online that will fit both your schedule and provide additional support.
Employers may be reimbursed for 60% of training costs through the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG), a reimbursement program from WorkBC for employers to support workforce training. The Okanagan College training programs falls into the Workforce Training Stream.
Okanagan College is currently offering low-cost programming to support the Tourism and Hospitality sector throughout the summer months. They are pleased to offer short courses delivered online that will fit both your schedule and provide additional support.
Employers may be reimbursed for 60% of training costs through the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG), a reimbursement program from WorkBC for employers to support workforce training. The Okanagan College training programs falls into the Workforce Training Stream.
Funding for Intern Programs | Mitacs
Mitacs designs and delivers research and training programs in Canada, including the Business Strategy Internship and Accelerate Program, which match an organization’s funding towards the project, up to $7,500, which covers a student’s stipend. BSIs are focused on designing and implementing an innovation strategy to tackle a business problem. Accelerate supports research projects that are eligible for peer-review.
Mitacs designs and delivers research and training programs in Canada, including the Business Strategy Internship and Accelerate Program, which match an organization’s funding towards the project, up to $7,500, which covers a student’s stipend. BSIs are focused on designing and implementing an innovation strategy to tackle a business problem. Accelerate supports research projects that are eligible for peer-review.
Business Strategy Internship
Mitacs is bringing their Business Strategy Internship (BSI) program back for a second year. The BSI connects students from academic institutions with businesses and nonprofits to support innovation. With the guidance of an academic supervisor, these interns provide technical expertise on everything from operations to finance, to marketing, to intellectual property, and beyond to help businesses develop and implement their innovation roadmap—and Mitacs funding will support you to bring these students onboard!
Accelerate Program
The Accelerate Program supports organizations to enlist students to work on research projects. Solve your research challenges with academic expertise, leveraged funding, and one-to-one support from Mitacs. Internships start at four months and can scale up as much as you need — your financial contribution starts at $7,500.
CleanBC Communities Fund Intake 3 Now Open | Apply by May 25, 2022
The CleanBC Communities Fund (CCF) intake 3 is now accepting applications to fund projects that support the management of renewable energy, access to clean energy transportation, improved energy efficiency of buildings, and generation of clean energy. The fund invests in public infrastructure owned by local governments, Indigenous communities, not-for-profits and projects in partnership with for-profit entities.
The CleanBC Communities Fund (CCF) intake 3 is now accepting applications to fund projects that support the management of renewable energy, access to clean energy transportation, improved energy efficiency of buildings, and generation of clean energy. The fund invests in public infrastructure owned by local governments, Indigenous communities, not-for-profits and projects in partnership with for-profit entities.
Integrating People with Disabilities into the Workplace
There are several B.C. employment agencies that help to successfully match tourism employers with non-traditional labour pools, including people with disabilities.
Once the recruitment process is done, how can employers look beyond obligatory compliance to accommodate people with disabilities so they can do their jobs as effectively as possible?
Learn more in go2HR’s guide to Integrating People with Disabilities into the Workplace →
There are several B.C. employment agencies that help to successfully match tourism employers with non-traditional labour pools, including people with disabilities.
Once the recruitment process is done, how can employers look beyond obligatory compliance to accommodate people with disabilities so they can do their jobs as effectively as possible?
Learn more in go2HR’s guide to Integrating People with Disabilities into the Workplace →
New BC Tourism Learning Portal from the BC Tourism Resiliency Network
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) launched the BC Tourism Learning Portal, a free resource designed to support all B.C. tourism businesses through long-term access to resources.
The portal includes a high-functioning search tool so tourism businesses can ask a question and be provided with helpful information, including: articles, webinar recordings, case studies, links to resources on other sites, and experts offered by the Tourism Resiliency Program.
Thompson Okanagan companies can combine the learning portal with free 1-1 support from a TOTA Advisor through the Tourism Resiliency Program.
The recordings from the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network Online Learning Day held September 28, 2021 are now available on the Learning Portal, and new content will be added on an ongoing basis.
Access Resources at Learn.TourismResiliency.ca
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) launched the BC Tourism Learning Portal, a free resource designed to support all B.C. tourism businesses through long-term access to resources.
The portal includes a high-functioning search tool so tourism businesses can ask a question and be provided with helpful information, including: articles, webinar recordings, case studies, links to resources on other sites, and experts offered by the Tourism Resiliency Program.
Thompson Okanagan companies can combine the learning portal with free 1-1 support from a TOTA Advisor through the Tourism Resiliency Program.
The recordings from the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network Online Learning Day held September 28, 2021 are now available on the Learning Portal, and new content will be added on an ongoing basis.
Access Resources at Learn.TourismResiliency.ca
BSAFE™️ Program Updated with Proof of Vaccination Information
go2HR's free online health and safety program for employees, BSAFE, has been updated to reflect Provincial Health Orders. BSAFE now includes BC Proof of Vaccination protocols as well as Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan.
go2HR's free online health and safety program for employees, BSAFE, has been updated to reflect Provincial Health Orders. BSAFE now includes BC Proof of Vaccination protocols as well as Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan.
This program is designed to ensure foundational health and safety knowledge for BC’s tourism and hospitality businesses to keep everyone — workers, guests and communities — safe as we continue to move through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Course details:
Free for BC tourism and hospitality employers and employees
Created by go2HR in partnership with tourism and hospitality stakeholders and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports
Asynchronous, online training course, 90-minutes in length
Organizations and individuals are able to sign up to take part in the BSAFE training. You can join the over 400 organizations who are already registered and working on becoming BSAFE Trained businesses. Upon full completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of achievement.
Employers who have 75% of their workforce successfully complete the training course, will be recognized with a “BSAFE Trained” certificate. They can use this certificate in different ways to demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe environment for guests and workers, thereby increasing consumer confidence. go2HR will provide a communications toolkit for BSAFE Trained business to easily assist them in promoting this new designation.
Student Hiring Resources from ACE-WIL - Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon
ACE-WIL BC/Yukon, the Association of Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning, connects post-secondary students and employers for co-operative education and work-integrated learning experiences. Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a model and process of curricular experiential education which formally and intentionally integrates a student’s academic studies within a workplace or practice setting.
ACE-WIL offers several resources for hospitality and tourism employers, including:
Talent MATCH: Talk to an advisor to learn which student talent programs best fits your organizational needs. Talent MATCH will connect you to the appropriate post-secondary school(s) and help you identify funding sources and wage subsidies. Organizations of all sizes are eligible through go2HR.
Resource Hub: The ACE-WIL Resource Hub offers tips for recruiting, accessing funding, and managing students remotely. You’ll find webinars, events, and funding opportunities.
Student Recruitment Guide: Talent MATCH created a student recruitment guide with lists of post-secondary institutions with hospitality, tourism, and culinary related programs and student hiring timelines.
ACE-WIL BC/Yukon, the Association of Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning, connects post-secondary students and employers for co-operative education and work-integrated learning experiences. ACE-WIL is a provincial not-for-profit that works with 25 accredited, publicly funded, post-secondary institutions in the BC/Yukon region that offer co-op and work-integrated learning programs.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a model and process of curricular experiential education which formally and intentionally integrates a student’s academic studies within a workplace or practice setting. WIL experiences include an engaged partnership between an academic institution, a host organization, and a student.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) students can offer so much to your organization, whether it’s taking on a one-off research project, developing a safety plan or user manual, managing your social media channels, handling accounting duties, plus so much more.
Talent MATCH
Talk to an advisor to learn which student talent programs best fits your organizational needs. Talent MATCH will connect you to the appropriate post-secondary school(s) and help you identify funding sources and wage subsidies. Organizations of all sizes are eligible through go2HR.
Resource Hub
The ACE-WIL Resource Hub offers tips for recruiting, accessing funding, and managing students remotely. You’ll find webinars, events, and funding opportunities.
Student Recruitment Guide
Talent MATCH created a student recruitment guide with lists of post-secondary institutions with hospitality, tourism, and culinary related programs and student hiring timelines.
Updated Destination BC Messaging Guidance on How to Travel in BC This Winter
Both federal and provincial updates to current COVID-19 restrictions and border measures are now reflected in Destination BC’s Winter Travel Guide, which provides key messaging, information and infographics, and resources for BC’s tourism industry as it relates to travel to and within BC.
Visitors will need to know what rules, recommendations and expectations are in place in BC to keep them, our residents, and our businesses safe, as they travel BC this winter. Refer people to Destination BC’s Know Before You Go page for the latest information; update any info on your site to reflect the latest recommendations.
Both federal and provincial updates to current COVID-19 restrictions and border measures are now reflected in Destination BC’s Winter Travel Guide, which provides key messaging, information and infographics, and resources for BC’s tourism industry as it relates to travel to and within BC.
Visitors will need to know what rules, recommendations and expectations are in place in BC to keep them, our residents, and our businesses safe, as they travel BC this winter. Refer people to Destination BC’s Know Before You Go page for the latest information; update any info on your site to reflect the latest recommendations.
BC Hospitality Foundation Scholarships Now Accepting Applications | Apply by March 31, 2022
The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is now accepting applications for several scholarship programs which foster the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders.
In 2022, the BCHF scholarship program will be the largest ever, at over $65,000, and there are new scholarships dedicated exclusively to supporting members of underrepresented groups such as First Nations and members of the LGBT2Q+ community.
The deadline for most scholarship submissions is March 31, 2022.
The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is now accepting applications for several scholarship programs which foster the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders.
In 2022, the BCHF scholarship program will be the largest ever, at over $65,000, and there are new scholarships dedicated exclusively to supporting members of underrepresented groups such as First Nations and members of the LGBT2Q+ community.
All applicants must be committed to working in British Columbia for at least the next two years.
The deadline for most scholarship submissions is March 31, 2022.
BC Tourism & Hospitality Labour Market Recovery Framework
go2HR shared the results of their labour recovery framework which was built by representatives from industry associations and regional destination management organizations and go2HR.
This framework will serve as a pathway to partnership with governments as they continue to invest in the tourism industry’s recovery and longer-term growth.
The pillars are:
Grow labour supply
Renew our value
Engage on housing
Build back stronger
Skills development
Tech transformation
go2HR shared the results of their labour recovery framework which was built by representatives from industry associations and regional destination management organizations and go2HR.
This framework will serve as a pathway to partnership with governments as they continue to invest in the tourism industry’s recovery and longer-term growth.
The pillars are:
Grow labour supply
Renew our value
Engage on housing
Build back stronger
Skills development
Tech transformation
go2HR and CMHA Launch Free Mental Health Skills Online Course
The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Chapter (CMHA BC) and go2HR have partnered on a new initiative to raise the awareness of mental health and wellness in the tourism and hospitality industry. As they continue prioritizing mental health and workplace wellness in 2022, go2HR encourages you to register for a new course in partnership with CMHA BC.
'Primary Concerns by Not 9 to 5' is a free online course that can help you maintain your mental health. It can also serve as a guide if you're holding space to care for another person experiencing an emotional or mental crisis.
Some of the things you'll learn:
Recognize the signs of mental health challenges and provide help to prevent or avoid crises Improve one's mental health
Support the creation of a psychologically safe workplace
The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Chapter (CMHA BC) and go2HR have partnered on a new initiative to raise the awareness of mental health and wellness in the tourism and hospitality industry. As they continue prioritizing mental health and workplace wellness in 2022, go2HR encourages you to register for a new course in partnership with CMHA BC.
'Primary Concerns by Not 9 to 5' is a free online course that can help you maintain your mental health. It can also serve as a guide if you're holding space to care for another person experiencing an emotional or mental crisis.
Some of the things you'll learn:
Recognize the signs of mental health challenges and provide help to prevent or avoid crises Improve one's mental health
Support the creation of a psychologically safe workplace
B.C. Tourism Business Events, Workforce Support Receive Grants
The new Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund will provide up to $5 million this fiscal year and up to $3 million next year to help restart business travel. Funding will be provided to city destination management organizations that were significantly involved in attracting and hosting business events, conferences and exhibitions before the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible organizations will be invited to submit proposals to access this funding.
To help address serious challenges to recruit and retain workers in tourism and hospitality, the Province is investing in human resources support for this sector. More than $1.3 million will fund dedicated human resources specialists in five tourism regions for two years. In partnership with the tourism industry’s human resources association, go2HR, these individuals will provide expert advice to tourism operators in each region, including workforce strategy, recruitment, onboarding, compensation, training, health and safety, and interpreting employment legislation.
Business events and workforce support initiatives, such as hiring and retaining employees, in the tourism sector will receive more than $9.3 million over the next two years as part of the Tourism Recovery Initiatives Action Plan.
The new Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund will provide up to $5 million this fiscal year and up to $3 million next year to help restart business travel. Funding will be provided to city destination management organizations that were significantly involved in attracting and hosting business events, conferences and exhibitions before the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible organizations will be invited to submit proposals to access this funding.
This investment will generate economic activity by drawing international visitors, who tend to spend more and stay longer, and often travel to other smaller destinations once their business travel is complete. Restarting business events also provides greater economic benefits for the services that support the sector, such as food services, audio-visual companies, event rental companies, event planners, and transportation companies that will subsequently benefit from the return of large conferences to the province.
To help address serious challenges to recruit and retain workers in tourism and hospitality, the Province is investing in human resources support for this sector. More than $1.3 million will fund dedicated human resources specialists in five tourism regions for two years. In partnership with the tourism industry’s human resources association, go2HR, these individuals will provide expert advice to tourism operators in each region, including workforce strategy, recruitment, onboarding, compensation, training, health and safety, and interpreting employment legislation.
In the coming weeks, go2HR will start recruiting in the Thompson Okanagan.
Government’s collaborative work to support the tourism sector continues and more support for marquee events, and tourism education and skills training will be announced soon.
Portal for Federal Subsidies for Period 24 (December 19, 2021, to January 15, 2022)
The federal government announced that the application portals for business subsidy programs will open on the following dates:
Period 24: February 7, 2022
Period 25: March 1, 2022
Regulatory changes announced in December temporarily expand eligibility for wage and commercial rent support for businesses and other organizations under the Local Lockdown Program. These changes would:
Apply to claim periods 24 and 25 (December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022)
Allow those entities to qualify if they are subject to a capacity-limiting public health restriction of 50 per cent or more
Reduce the current-month revenue decline threshold requirement to 25 per cent for those entities
As a reminder, the federal subsidies available are:
The federal government announced that the application portals for business subsidy programs will open on the following dates:
Period 24: February 7, 2022
Period 25: March 1, 2022
Regulatory changes announced in December temporarily expand eligibility for wage and commercial rent support for businesses and other organizations under the Local Lockdown Program. These changes would:
Apply to claim periods 24 and 25 (December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022)
Allow those entities to qualify if they are subject to a capacity-limiting public health restriction of 50 per cent or more
Reduce the current-month revenue decline threshold requirement to 25 per cent for those entities
As a reminder, the federal subsidies available are:
Indigenous Tourism BC Launches Corporate Retreats, Experiences Campaign
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is launching a campaign to encourage corporations, organizations, and special interest groups to book retreats, meetings, workshops, and educational experiences with Indigenous tourism businesses in British Columbia.
B.C.'s Indigenous tourism operators provide both space and leadership for learning, reflection, and dialogue. This is a valuable means for organizations that are looking to implement Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action or for educators that are seeking to apply First Nations learning principles.
ITBC encourages everyone to participate and support Indigenous tourism businesses in B.C., representing the diverse and living Indigenous peoples and cultures in present-day B.C..
Groups can experience and learn from Indigenous-owned businesses such as accommodations, outdoor experiences, event facilities, food & beverage establishment, cultural centres, gift shops, and galleries.
Thompson Okanagan Indigenous services providers listed include:
Quaaout Lodge and Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort - Chase
Jack Sam's Restaurant at Quaaout Lodge - Chase
Moccasin Trails - Kamloops and Kelowna
Nk'Mip Cultural Centre - Osoyoos
Kekuli Cafe - West Kelowna, Merritt
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is launching a campaign to encourage corporations, organizations, and special interest groups to book retreats, meetings, workshops, and educational experiences with Indigenous tourism businesses in British Columbia.
B.C.'s Indigenous tourism operators provide both space and leadership for learning, reflection, and dialogue. This is a valuable means for organizations that are looking to implement Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action or for educators that are seeking to apply First Nations learning principles.
ITBC encourages everyone to participate and support Indigenous tourism businesses in B.C., representing the diverse and living Indigenous peoples and cultures in present-day B.C..
When finding new ways to conduct business and improve relationships with Indigenous Peoples and partners, organizations and their teams can both experience and learn from Indigenous-owned businesses that include accommodations, outdoor experiences, event facilities, food & beverage establishment, cultural centres, gift shops, and galleries.
Thompson Okanagan Indigenous services providers listed include:
Quaaout Lodge and Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort - Chase
Jack Sam's Restaurant at Quaaout Lodge - Chase
Moccasin Trails - Kamloops and Kelowna
Nk'Mip Cultural Centre - Osoyoos
Kekuli Cafe - West Kelowna, Merritt
BC Hotel Association Encourages Accommodation Sector to Source Locally
The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) has launched a new video encouraging the province's accommodation sector to invest in local businesses and help build back B.C.'s economy stronger than ever.
While the campaign is directed to accommodators, it's beneficial for all sectors to support local when possible. When sourcing new products or services, be sure to seek and consider B.C. and Canadian businesses.
The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) has launched a new video encouraging the province's accommodation sector to invest in local businesses and help build back B.C.'s economy stronger than ever.
Funded by the Government of Canada and delivered through provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, the BCHA was among 88 applicants to receive a grant from the Shop Local initiative that encourages Canadians to spend their dollars locally to help businesses navigate through the pandemic beyond.
Learn More & Explore Local Businesses →
While the campaign is directed to accommodators, it's beneficial for all sectors to support local when possible. When sourcing new products or services, be sure to seek and consider B.C. and Canadian businesses.
Reasons for Companies to Shop Local
Contribute to Community Growth and Cohesiveness
You Can Buy It Where You Try It
Give Back to Your Community
Independent Businesses Help Give a Destination Its Distinct Personality