News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Featured Article: Showcasing a Career in the Hospitality Industry
Castanet shared an excellent article about the TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo by Allison Markin. The article is an example of how employers and HR managers can showcase the benefits of working in the tourism industry to potential applicants.
It explains the type of person who would enjoy work in various tourism sectors, what they could do, and how they could become an ambassador for the region.
The TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo – Think Remarkable Unique Experiences – returns after a two-year absence on April 9, 2022.
Castanet shared an excellent article about the TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo by Allison Markin. The article is an example of how employers and HR managers can showcase the benefits of working in the tourism industry to potential applicants.
It explains the type of person who would enjoy work in various tourism sectors, what they could do, and how they could become an ambassador for the region.
The TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo – Think Remarkable Unique Experiences – returns after a two-year absence on April 9, 2022.
Propel Student Work Placement Program with Wage Subsidy | Apply Now for Summer 2022.
Propel is a federally funded Student Work Placement Program offering paid work-integrated learning opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector. Propel offers employers a wage subsidy of up to 75% of a qualifying student’s wages, to a maximum of $7,500.
Facilitated by Tourism HR Canada, Propel, a Student Work Placement Program, has been extended for an additional two years, thanks to generous funding from the Government of Canada.
The program is actively accepting applications for the upcoming summer semester.
Propel provides a direct link to early talent looking for hands-on experience and the opportunity to explore career pathways in the sector. Engaging these students will play an essential role in the immediate recovery of the visitor economy and ensure the ongoing growth of a skilled workforce.
Wage subsidies are available as follows:
Up to 50% of wages or up to $5,000 to provide students with meaningful WIL opportunities.
Up to 70% of wages or up to $7,000 to provide students with meaningful WIL opportunities for the following under-represented students: women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Indigenous students, persons with disabilities, visible minorities and newcomers; as well as first-year students.
Sample Model Consent Release for Photos & Videos | Destination BC
Interested in sharing your images or videos with Destination BC? A model release gives you legal permission to use and publish an image that includes people.
Download this sample form to ensure you stay compliant with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).
Interested in sharing your images or videos with Destination BC? A model release gives you legal permission to use and publish an image that includes people.
Download this sample form to ensure you stay compliant with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA).
Safer Spaces: go2HR Free Online Sexual Harassment Workplace Training
go2HR’s newest free online training course, Safer Spaces, is designed to create sexual harassment free workplaces in the BC tourism and hospitality industry.
The online training course, designed for employers and supervisors, is live and open for registration. The Safer Spaces course is self-paced so that participants can complete the modules in a safe learning environment, without any pressure and according to their schedule.
There are 10 modules, and the course takes around three hours to complete.
Safer Spaces was designed by a team of experts convened by go2HR. The project team is united by a commitment to reduce the stigma around workplace sexual harassment and a desire to champion the topic as an integral element of workplace education and training.
go2HR’s newest free online training course, Safer Spaces, is designed to create sexual harassment free workplaces in the BC tourism and hospitality industry.
The online training course, designed for employers and supervisors, is live and open for registration. The Safer Spaces course is self-paced so that participants can complete the modules in a safe learning environment, without any pressure and according to their schedule.
There are 10 modules, and the course takes around three hours to complete.
Safer Spaces was designed by a team of experts convened by go2HR. The project team is united by a commitment to reduce the stigma around workplace sexual harassment and a desire to champion the topic as an integral element of workplace education and training.
go2HR / CMHA Free Workplace Learning Coaches Now Available
go2HR’s new Workplace Learning Coaches are ready to engage with employers. The coaches are available at no cost and act as mental wellness “concierges” who offer personalized, one-on-one support addressing stress, burnout, isolation, uncertainty about the future, and other concerns. The coaches also work with supervisors and employers to establish a foundation of psychological safety in the workplace and create an environment that enhances connection, productivity and retention.
go2HR’s new Workplace Learning Coaches are ready to engage with employers.
The coaches are available at no cost and act as mental wellness “concierges” who offer personalized, one-on-one support addressing stress, burnout, isolation, uncertainty about the future, and other concerns. The coaches also work with supervisors and employers to establish a foundation of psychological safety in the workplace and create an environment that enhances connection, productivity and retention.
Funded by a grant from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, CMHA BC Division has rigorously trained the coaches.
Connect with Rachel Udy, Learning Coach →
Post-Pandemic HR Guide for Employers - Tourism HR Canada
Tourism HR Canada has put together a helpful guide to help attract and retain tourism and hospitality workers, called Now Hiring, which covers a range of essential HR practices, tips to implement, and practical checklists and forms to help tackle key issues.
Tourism HR Canada has put together a helpful guide to help attract and retain tourism and hospitality workers, called Now Hiring, which covers a range of essential HR practices, tips to implement, and practical checklists and forms to help tackle key issues.
Scholarships from the BC Hospitality Foundation
The BC Hospitality Foundation has several scholarships available for individuals in the hospitality industry throughout BC, including:
Industry Scholarship for children of hospitality workers
Wine Professional Scholarship for hospitality workers to increase their wine knowledge through further education
Culinary Scholarship
BC Wine Industry Scholarship and Education (WISE)
Food, Beverage and Hospitality Scholarship
Hospitality Indigenous Scholarship for an indigenous hospitality worker to increase their knowledge through further education.
Hospitality LGBT2Q+ Scholarship for a LGBT2Q+ hospitality worker to increase their knowledge through further education.
Nancy More Award Scholarship for student who self-identifies as female or is a member of an underrepresented community pursuing a career in brewing.
And more…
Deadlines and application criteria vary.
The BC Hospitality Foundation has several scholarships available for individuals in the hospitality industry throughout BC, including:
Industry Scholarship for children of hospitality workers
Wine Professional Scholarship for hospitality workers to increase their wine knowledge through further education
Culinary Scholarship
BC Wine Industry Scholarship and Education (WISE)
Food, Beverage and Hospitality Scholarship
Hospitality Indigenous Scholarship for an indigenous hospitality worker to increase their knowledge through further education.
Hospitality LGBT2Q+ Scholarship for a LGBT2Q+ hospitality worker to increase their knowledge through further education.
Nancy More Award Scholarship for student who self-identifies as female or is a member of an underrepresented community pursuing a career in brewing.
And more…
Deadlines and application criteria vary.
Report on Global Recovery of Business Events
The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) launched a new policy White Paper supporting Business Events recovery called: Business Events are the Fast Track to Recovery.
The report supports advocacy efforts of the business events industry by highlighting the value and importance of the business events industry and gives examples of what governments and policymakers around the world are doing to support the return of events.
The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) launched a new policy White Paper supporting Business Events recovery called: Business Events are the Fast Track to Recovery.
The report supports advocacy efforts of the business events industry by highlighting the value and importance of the business events industry and gives examples of what governments and policymakers around the world are doing to support the return of events.
Gender Equity Tourism Business Audit from WORTH Association
The Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality (WORTH) Association has released a Gender Equity Audit for the workplace.
The audit was developed by WORTH, based on a workshop in November 2021 with 50 industry professionals, where CapU students, The Sociable Scientist, and WORTH Board of Directors led participants through a series of discussions on inclusion, rewards, advancement, retention, flexibility and fair treatment.
In the first study of its kind in BC, the organizations determined recommendations and best practices on how to collectively support the empowerment of women in the tourism industry.
WORTH Association and TOTA strongly encourage organizations to perform this self-audit to understand how to retain and develop women of recreation, tourism, and hospitality.
The Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality (WORTH) Association has released a Gender Equity Audit for the workplace.
The audit was developed by WORTH, based on a workshop in November 2021 with 50 industry professionals, where CapU students, The Sociable Scientist, and WORTH Board of Directors led participants through a series of discussions on inclusion, rewards, advancement, retention, flexibility and fair treatment.
In the first study of its kind in BC, the organizations determined recommendations and best practices on how to collectively support the empowerment of women in the tourism industry.
WORTH Association and TOTA strongly encourage organizations to perform this self-audit to understand how to retain and develop women of recreation, tourism, and hospitality.
Career Fair Season: Tips for Employers from go2HR
Career Fairs are an excellent way to source talent for your open positions. But did you know that there are things that an employer can do to help make the most of the event? Take a moment to read through these excellent tips to make your organization shine at the next Career Fair you attend.
Career Fairs are an excellent way to source talent for your open positions. But did you know that there are things that an employer can do to help make the most of the event?
Take a moment to read through these excellent tips to make your organization shine at the next Career Fair you attend:
Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit for International Student Hires
ACE-WIL has put together a fantastic toolkit for employers and hiring managers looking to incorporate diversity and inclusion into their workplace. The Six Tools for Diversity in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) supports employers in attracting, hiring, and onboarding Students from International Pathways (SFIP).
The online toolkit brings together resources about current practices, the value that diversity brings to the workplace supports for onboarding and hiring, and techniques on coaching students on Canadian workplace norms.
ACE-WIL has put together a fantastic toolkit for employers and hiring managers looking to incorporate diversity and inclusion into their workplace. The Six Tools for Diversity in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) supports employers in attracting, hiring, and onboarding Students from International Pathways (SFIP).
The online toolkit brings together resources about current practices, the value that diversity brings to the workplace supports for onboarding and hiring, and techniques on coaching students on Canadian workplace norms.
Recovery and Resiliency Fund: New Support for B.C.’s Non-Profit Sector in June
A new $34-million fund for non-profit groups in British Columbia will provide much-needed support for organizations that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to struggle during recovery.
The focus of the new fund is to support organizations whose staff, volunteers, programs, and operations have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Funding will fill crucial gaps not covered by other funding sources, such as gaming grants, with a focus on building organizational resilience.
The fund is anticipated to launch in June 2022. To stay up to date on the fund, interested organizations can subscribe to Vancouver Foundation.
A new $34-million fund for non-profit groups in British Columbia will provide much-needed support for organizations that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to struggle during recovery.
The focus of the new fund is to support organizations whose staff, volunteers, programs, and operations have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Funding will fill crucial gaps not covered by other funding sources, such as gaming grants, with a focus on building organizational resilience.
The historic investment of $30 million from Budget 2022 includes an additional $4 million from Vancouver Foundation. Vancouver Foundation and United Way British Columbia will administer the funds.
The New Relationship Trust, an Indigenous-led funding body, will administer at least $5 million to support the recovery and resilience of Indigenous communities.
The fund is anticipated to launch in June 2022.
To stay up to date on the fund, interested organizations can subscribe to Vancouver Foundation.
Take the Digital Maturity Assessment
Companies with a higher level of digital maturity enjoy higher sales and profit growth than their peers. How does your company’s digital maturity compare?
Use BDC’s free Digital maturity assessment to find out standings and compare with industry peers, as well as to identify areas for improvement.
With the results, a detailed, printable report containing recommended readings and information on best practices is available for download.
Want to improve your digital maturity? Learn about the free Canada Digital Adoption Program.
Companies with a higher level of digital maturity enjoy higher sales and profit growth than their peers. How does your company’s digital maturity compare?
Use BDC’s free Digital maturity assessment to find out standings and compare with industry peers, as well as to identify areas for improvement.
With the results, a detailed, printable report containing recommended readings and information on best practices is available for download.
Want to improve your digital maturity? Learn about the free Canada Digital Adoption Program.
New UNWTO Guidelines Put Women's Empowerment at Heart of Tourism's Restart
A new set of guidelines from the UNWTO will help both governments and businesses better address the needs of women in the tourism sector.
The guidelines aim to ensure an inclusive and resilient recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. The guidelines recognize that, given the disproportionate loss of employment suffered by women, as well as the high proportion of women workers within tourism and their concentration in lower-skilled and lower-paid jobs, plans for the sector’s restart and recovery must address their specific needs.
A new set of guidelines will help both governments and businesses better address the needs of women in the tourism sector.
The guidelines published by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) were developed with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development (BMZ), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and UN Women.
The guidelines aim to ensure an inclusive and resilient recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. The guidelines recognize that, given the disproportionate loss of employment suffered by women, as well as the high proportion of women workers within tourism and their concentration in lower-skilled and lower-paid jobs, plans for the sector’s restart and recovery must address their specific needs.
Destination BC Launches Spring Marketing Campaign in BC & Alberta | Download Partner Toolkit
Over the past two weeks, Destination BC has completed its launch of Let’s do Something Together in BC: a domestic seasonal marketing campaign urging BC and Alberta residents to plan and book a spring trip in BC, while reconnecting with loved ones and doing something unforgettable, together. Running from now until May 27, the campaign is designed to create a sense of urgency, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of spring experiences in BC, and encouraging travellers to embrace new adventures as they explore the province with fresh eyes, brighter days, and restored connection with the important people in their lives.
As part of the spring campaign, Destination BC has created a partner toolkit to help industry learn more about the campaign, suggested messaging, how to align content and marketing efforts, and opportunities to get involved – including industry media discounts.
Over the past two weeks, Destination BC has completed its launch of Let’s do Something Together in BC: a domestic seasonal marketing campaign urging BC and Alberta residents to plan and book a spring trip in BC, while reconnecting with loved ones and doing something unforgettable, together.
Running from now until May 27, the campaign is designed to create a sense of urgency, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of spring experiences in BC, and encouraging travellers to embrace new adventures as they explore the province with fresh eyes, brighter days, and restored connection with the important people in their lives.
Partner Toolkit
As part of the spring campaign, Destination BC has created a partner toolkit to help industry learn more about the campaign, suggested messaging, how to align content and marketing efforts, and opportunities to get involved – including industry media discounts.
Top Tips for a Successful Photo or Video Shoot | Destination BC Learning Centre
Planning a photography or video shoot can be a time and resource intensive endeavour; but, with extra care put towards a few key steps in the process, you can get a great return on your effort.
Read up on Destination BC's top tips to help you navigate the shoot planning and production process.
Planning a photography or video shoot can be a time and resource intensive endeavour; but, with extra care put towards a few key steps in the process, you can get a great return on your effort.
Read up on Destination BC's top tips to help you navigate the shoot planning and production process.
Tourism Digital Academy - Free Destination BC Program | Apply Now for March 28 Start
The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, eight-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses seeking to elevate their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or marketing team members, this comprehensive program provides actionable guidance that helps build a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing and analytics.
This intake will offer access to programming during both working and evening hours each week.
Apply now for the 8-week program, which begins March 28, 2022. Availability is limited.
The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, eight-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses seeking to elevate their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or marketing team members, this comprehensive program provides actionable guidance that helps build a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing and analytics.
This intake will offer access to programming during both working and evening hours each week.
Apply now for the 8-week program, which begins March 28, 2022. Availability is limited.
Post a Job on the go2HR Job Board
The go2HR job board is free for tourism and hospitality employers operating in British Columbia. Post jobs and hiring events to find quality employees in Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Entertainment, Transportation, and Travel Services.
The go2HR Job Board receives 20,000 monthly visits from qualified candidates looking for front-line, supervisory, management or executive positions.
The go2HR job board is free for tourism and hospitality employers operating in British Columbia. Post jobs and hiring events to find quality employees in Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Entertainment, Transportation, and Travel Services.
The go2HR Job Board receives 20,000 monthly visits from qualified candidates looking for front-line, supervisory, management or executive positions.
How to Make St. Patrick's Day Eco-Friendly
St. Patrick’s Day is annual celebration of Irish culture on March 17, featuring green outfits, decorations, beer, and food. Like other holidays, celebrations may result in consumerism and unnecessary waste.
As a Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to make St. Patrick’s Day more eco-friendly and greener this year, and every year.
TOTA has compiled tips to make St. Patrick’s Day even greener with a few eco-friendly activities or actions.
St. Patrick’s Day is annual celebration of Irish culture on March 17, featuring green outfits, decorations, beer, and food. Like other holidays, celebrations may result in consumerism and unnecessary waste.
As a Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to make St. Patrick’s Day more eco-friendly and greener this year, and every year.
TOTA has compiled the following tips to make St. Patrick’s Day even greener with a few eco-friendly activities or actions:
Eat green - make food and beverages with local produce, reduce food waste, and compost what can’t be used.
Drink green local and/or organic beer.
Decorate green - use biodegradable or reusable decor, rather than single-use plastic decorations. If needed, Recycle paper, cardboard, and hard plastic decorations.
Host events outside in the fresh air to improve health and wellness.
Plant something green in the garden.
Encourage guests to use green transportation options, like bikes, buses, shuttles, or carpooling.
Dress green - Sell green clothing made of responsibly sourced and sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and wear reusable outfits.
Wines of British Columbia Ambassador Program - Level 1 & 2 Now Available
Registration is now open for the Wines of BC Ambassador Program, a one-of-a-kind, exclusively B.C. focused series of educational courses designed to share what makes B.C. wine so unique, and worth getting in your glass.
Level 1: Introduction is an online certification designed for everyone making, growing, serving, or simply enjoying B.C. wine. Wine professionals can use promo code BCWINETRADE22 for a complimentary course.
Level 2: Intermediate is a more in-depth course offered in-person by a trained Ambassador Facilitator, and includes an educational tasting of B.C. wines alongside international benchmarks. This course will give you more in-depth knowledge and understanding of the regions, subregions, soils and wine laws that affect the production of BC wine. Highly recommended for wine professionals in the winery, retail, and restaurant setting.
The course will be hosted in Kelowna, Kamloops, and other B.C. and Alberta communities.
Registration is now open for the Wines of BC Ambassador Program, a one-of-a-kind, exclusively B.C. focused series of educational courses designed to share what makes B.C. wine so unique, and worth getting in your glass.
Level 1: Introduction is an online certification designed for everyone making, growing, serving, or simply enjoying B.C. wine. Wine professionals can use promo code BCWINETRADE22 for a complimentary course.
Level 2: Intermediate is a more in-depth course offered in-person by a trained Ambassador Facilitator, and includes an educational tasting of B.C. wines alongside international benchmarks. This course will give you more in-depth knowledge and understanding of the regions, subregions, soils and wine laws that affect the production of BC wine. Highly recommended for wine professionals in the winery, retail, and restaurant setting.
The course will be hosted in Kelowna, Kamloops, and other B.C. and Alberta communities.