News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Modernized BC Bid Site Open for Registration & Onboarding
The Province is inviting businesses and public-sector organizations to register on the new, modernized BC Bid site. BC Bid is an online marketplace where public-sector organizations such as municipalities, school districts, health authorities, Crown corporations and the B.C. government can advertise contract opportunities for work in a wide range of sectors and services.
The Province is inviting businesses and public-sector organizations to register on the new, modernized BC Bid site.
BC Bid is an online marketplace where public-sector organizations such as municipalities, school districts, health authorities, Crown corporations and the B.C. government can advertise contract opportunities for work in a wide range of sectors and services.
Businesses and suppliers can begin registering on the new BC Bid site effective today. Broader public-sector buyers can begin onboarding and creating their accounts on April 28, 2022.
The new BC Bid is a web-based tool that streamlines the way users view and bid on opportunities. The new system is also more transparent, and makes it easier for users to post opportunities and for suppliers to respond quickly.
BC Bid anticipates contract opportunities will be posted on the new site as early as June 2022. Users are invited to register earlier, so they are ready to bid when opportunities are posted.
How to Make Easter More Sustainable
As a Gold Certified Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to hop on the sustainability path this Easter for a more eco-friendly holiday weekend.
Traditions such as Easter Egg Hunts produce unnecessary waste and there are sustainable alternatives.
TOTA has compiled the following tips to make Easter celebrations more eco-friendly
As a Gold Certified Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to hop on the sustainability path this Easter for a more eco-friendly holiday weekend.
Traditions such as Easter Egg Hunts produce unnecessary waste and there are sustainable alternatives.
TOTA has compiled the following tips to make Easter celebrations more eco-friendly:
Buy local products or experiences for Easter baskets
Recycle - where ever possible, egg foil from your Easter egg chocolates is recyclable
Buy organic or fair trade chocolate and look for local chocolatiers
Buy local, free range, organic eggs and decorate with natural dyes
Try eco-friendly alternatives to Easter basket grass and plastic eggs
Compost egg shells
Avoid food waste - be aware of gathering numbers and share leftovers
Reduce Single Use Plastics
Choose reusable decorations, baskets, and outfits
Buy local produces and vegetables to balance out sweets
Destination BC Tourism Industry Dashboard: Year in Review
Full 2021 data is now available on the Destination BC Tourism Industry Dashboard, which includes key tourism statistics such as international visitor arrivals data, provincial room revenue, commercial restaurant receipts, provincial and regional occupancy rates and average daily room rates, and more.
Full 2021 data is now available on the Destination BC Tourism Industry Dashboard, which includes key tourism statistics such as international visitor arrivals data, provincial room revenue, commercial restaurant receipts, provincial and regional occupancy rates and average daily room rates, and more.
What Makes a Website Effective? | Destination BC Learning Centre
The #1 most important digital asset your organization needs in today’s world is a website. So, what makes a great website and how can you set yours apart from the rest? Destination BC has put together some key items to focus on to help you make sure your website stands out.
The #1 most important digital asset your organization needs in today’s world is a website. So, what makes a great website and how can you set yours apart from the rest? Destination BC has put together some key items to focus on to help you make sure your website stands out.
B.C. Support for Ukrainian Refugees
With thousands of displaced Ukrainians expected to relocate to British Columbia over the coming months, the Province of BC is expanding services and supports to connect individuals and families to the help they need.
A new, dedicated Welcoming Ukraine portal has launched to provide information to Ukrainians moving to the province. including information about services such as health-care coverage, employment, and community services.
The portal also has information for British Columbians who want to offer support to Ukrainians fleeing violence, including offering housing, employment opportunities, or donations.
The Government of Canada has created a dedicated job bank to help connect Ukrainian refugees with employment opportunities.
With thousands of displaced Ukrainians expected to relocate to British Columbia over the coming months, the Province of BC is expanding services and supports to connect individuals and families to the help they need.
A new, dedicated Welcoming Ukraine portal has launched to provide information to Ukrainians moving to the province. including information about services such as health-care coverage, employment, and community services.
The portal also has information for British Columbians who want to offer support to Ukrainians fleeing violence, including offering housing, employment opportunities, or donations.
The Government of Canada has created a dedicated job bank to help connect Ukrainian refugees with employment opportunities.
CanExport SME Program is Now Accepting New Applications
To help tourism businesses prepare for international markets, the CanExport SME program is now accepting new applications for programs starting after April 1, 2022.
The program focuses on export marketing activities of existing products and services in foreign markets. The funding program is now available to tourism businesses who cater to international visitors, and may partially cover a variety of marketing, advertising and other related expenses. Small and medium sized companies may access up to $50,000 in funding to assist with international market development activities (up to 50% of costs for export marketing of products and services in international markets with little or no current sales).
To help tourism businesses prepare for international markets, the CanExport SME program is now accepting new applications for programs starting after April 1, 2022. The program focuses on export marketing activities of existing products and services in foreign markets.
The funding program is now available to tourism businesses who cater to international visitors, and may partially cover a variety of marketing, advertising and other related expenses. Small and medium sized companies may access up to $50,000 in funding to assist with international market development activities (up to 50% of costs for export marketing of products and services in international markets with little or no current sales).
Activities funded by the program include:
Visits to foreign markets
In-person participation at trade shows, networking functions, meetings or conferences
Attending virtual trade shows, networking functions, meetings or conferences
Translating, adapting or creating marketing materials
Search Engine Optimization
Gathering market intelligence (custom research, reports and studies)
The program now supports costs tied to online advertising on social media platforms, online marketplaces and search engines.
Expert advice for digital and e-commerce marketing is now eligible.
Get Listed on the Meaningful Map of North America by Tourism Cares
As travel continues to evolve, the demand for more authentic sustainable travel experiences continue to grow. As a direct call to action, Tourism Cares has created a tool for travel professionals that satisfies that demand and actualizes the power of travel. The Meaningful Travel Map of North America connects travel professionals to social and environmental impact experiences and opportunities throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada that are bookable now and ready to explore.
As travel continues to evolve, the demand for more authentic sustainable travel experiences continue to grow. As a direct call to action, Tourism Cares has created a tool for travel professionals that satisfies that demand and actualizes the power of travel.
The Meaningful Travel Map of North America connects travel professionals to social and environmental impact experiences and opportunities throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada that are bookable now and ready to explore.
Report on The State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2022
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole proprietorships are the drivers of the Canadian economy, accounting for the vast majority of all businesses in the country.
For over two years, these businesses have been battered by the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in the service sectors, where women-owned businesses tend to concentrate, have been hardest hit.
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), which is led by Ryerson’s Diversity Institute’s founder, Wendy Cukier, released its latest analysis of new and existing research from the State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2022. The report finds that rates of women entrepreneurship remain steady, and in the face of unprecedented challenges, women entrepreneurs remain optimistic and have continued to exhibit great resilience and innovation.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole proprietorships are the drivers of the Canadian economy, accounting for the vast majority of all businesses in the country.
For over two years, these businesses have been battered by the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in the service sectors, where women-owned businesses tend to concentrate, have been hardest hit.
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), which is led by Ryerson’s Diversity Institute’s founder, Wendy Cukier, released its latest analysis of new and existing research from the State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2022. The report finds that rates of women entrepreneurship remain steady, and in the face of unprecedented challenges, women entrepreneurs remain optimistic and have continued to exhibit great resilience and innovation.
Tourism HR Canada | Important Facts & Figures
During the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA) committee that TIABC CEO Walt Judas chairs, the group reviewed THRC's updated facts and figures pertaining to the current employment situation in Canada's tourism and hospitality industry.
During the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA) committee that TIABC CEO Walt Judas chairs, the group reviewed THRC's updated facts and figures pertaining to the current employment situation in Canada's tourism and hospitality industry. Among the findings presented by THRC president & CEO Philip Mondor:
Canada employed 430,000 fewer people this month than we did the same month pre-pandemic
Currently there are 200-250,000 vacancies (jobs unfilled) in our sector despite the current context with hampered recovery and COVID-related constraints
Less than 50% of businesses report they are fully staffed
60%+ of the tourism workforce is working part time or undetermined (i.e., week-to-week) hours
Great exodus of people working in operations/supervisory and management-level occupations, more than we've recorded in 20 years
Accommodation is hardest hit of the hardest hit, with employment down by 32% over the same period
Labour crisis is more acute in tourism than any other industry
Canada's aging population is putting a significant downward pressure on labour force participation
3.9 million jobs that will open between 2019 and 2028 with an ever-shrinking supply to meet demand.
Submit Your TESA Application
ABLE BC has been hard at work advocating with the province to extend the TESA deadline, while also engaging with municipalities across BC to reduce red tape and cut fees associated with patio applications. In response to a joint letter, ABLE has begun to receive positive feedback from some municipalities and are confident that they will review and update patio application processes.
While work is being done to have the TESA deadline extended, we strongly encourage you to get your application in now.
ABLE BC has been hard at work advocating with the province to extend the TESA deadline, while also engaging with municipalities across BC to reduce red tape and cut fees associated with patio applications. In response to a joint letter, ABLE has begun to receive positive feedback from some municipalities and are confident that they will review and update patio application processes.
Key recommendations include:
Extend current patio programs without implementing new restrictions or fees;
Streamline approvals to ensure those small businesses who have been safely and successfully operating patios may continue to do so;
Increase flexibility for patio types and sizes as well as the number of patios allowed;
Increase the space use of existing patios or picnic areas to allow chairs to be spread out to meet distancing requirements;
Allow pop-up outdoor dining and manufacturer sampling spaces;
Allow and increase the use of parklets and public space for dining;
Allow any increase in patio, picnic area or outdoor space being considered a continuation of an establishment’s existing approved alcohol service area or manufacturers’ sampling area to provide samples and not require additional endorsements or authorizations; and
Coordinate with any relevant bodies—such as the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, Fire Department, etc.—to reduce red tape and speed approval timelines wherever possible.
While work is being done to have the TESA deadline extended, we strongly encourage you to get your application in now. To apply you will need:
An updated floor plan that clearly shows the structural change
These plans generally require an occupancy load
If you are a Liquor Primary or Manufacturer licensee, your structural change application will be sent to your local government for their comments.
Jobs for Ukraine: Connect with Ukrainian Refugees Seeking Employment
Ukrainians are coming to Canada to escape the crisis in their country. When they arrive, many will look for a job. The Government of Canada has created a dedicated job bank to help connect Ukrainian refugees with employment opportunities. Accommodators looking to fill job vacancies can create a profile and post available employment opportunities.
Ukrainians are coming to Canada to escape the crisis in their country. When they arrive, many will look for a job. The Government of Canada has created a dedicated job bank to help connect Ukrainian refugees with employment opportunities. Accommodators looking to fill job vacancies can create a profile and post available employment opportunities.
Reminder: Canada Digital Adoption Program Grants & Loans to Improve Your Online Presence
The Government of Canada launched the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) realize their full potential by adopting digital technologies.
Businesses can apply for two different kinds of support through the CDAP:
Stream 1: Grow Your Business Online, will help SMEs take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.
Stream 2: Boost Your Business Technology, will help businesses with the development and implementation of digital adoption strategies.
The Government of Canada has launched the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) realize their full potential by adopting digital technologies.
Announced in Budget 2021, the $4 billion program is an investment of $1.4 billion in grants and advisory services to SMEs from the Government of Canada and up to $2.6 billion in loans from the Business Development Bank of Canada to help businesses cover the costs of implementing new digital technologies.
The program provides funding and expertise to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.
Businesses will be able to apply for two different kinds of support through the CDAP:
Stream 1: Grow Your Business Online, will help SMEs take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.
Stream 2: Boost Your Business Technology, will help businesses with the development and implementation of digital adoption strategies.
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.