News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Funding to Reduce Community Wildfire Risks, Enhance Forest Health
To reduce wildfires in higher-risk communities, the BC government is providing $25 million in new funding to the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC). This investment will support community projects that reduce wildfire risk and enhance wildlife habitat, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, forest recreation and ecological resiliency.
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) is accepting applications to fund projects to assist the Province of British Columbia in reducing wildfire risk and increasing community resiliency to wildfire across BC.
Virtual Info Session
FESBC will host a virtual information session via Zoom on June 28 for potential applicants to review the application process on the Forest Enhancement Society’s Information Management System and the guidebook.
To reduce wildfires in higher-risk communities, the BC government is providing $25 million in new funding to the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC). This investment will support community projects that reduce wildfire risk and enhance wildlife habitat, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, forest recreation and ecological resiliency.
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) is accepting applications to fund projects to assist the Province of British Columbia in reducing wildfire risk and increasing community resiliency to wildfire across BC.
Virtual Info Session
FESBC will host a virtual information session via Zoom on June 28 for potential applicants to review the application process on the Forest Enhancement Society’s Information Management System and the guidebook.
If you are unable to attend, please email FESBC Communications at communications@fesbc.ca for the session recording.
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.
Energy Efficiency Tips: About Heat Pumps
A heat pump is an energy efficient alternative to furnaces and baseboard heaters. Heat pumps act like reverse refrigerators transferring heat from a cool space to a warm place. Alternatively heat pumps can also work as air conditioners.
During the cool weather, heat pumps move heat from cool space outdoors to warm the indooars.
During the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from the indoors into the outdoor space.
As heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate heat, they can be quite efficient as compared to traditional heating systems.
If interested, you can connect with the TOTA Energy Analyst who can help you in finding the right energy efficiency solution for your business and inform you of the various rebates available from FortisBC.
A heat pump is an energy efficient alternative to furnaces and baseboard heaters. Heat pumps act like reverse refrigerators transferring heat from a cool space to a warm place. Alternatively heat pumps can also work as air conditioners.
During the cool weather, heat pumps move heat from cool space outdoors to warm the indooars.
During the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from the indoors into the outdoor space.
As heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate heat, they can be quite efficient as compared to traditional heating systems.
If interested, you can connect with the TOTA Energy Analyst who can help you in finding the right energy efficiency solution for your business and inform you of the various rebates available from FortisBC.
Resources for Canada Pride Season (June to September)
Pride Season refers to the wide range of Pride events that take place over the summer (June to September) when LGBTQ2 communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of LGBTQ2 communities.
Learn how to get involved as a business, including events, social media assets, the Rainbow Registered Business Directory, and LBGTQ2 project funding for non-profit organizations.
Pride Season is a term that refers to the wide range of Pride events that take place over the summer (June to September) when LGBTQ2 communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of LGBTQ2 communities.
Canadians are invited to share messages of solidarity for LGBTQ2 people using the hashtag #Pride2022, and use your channels to celebrate the advocates, survivors, and community leaders who continue to shape Canada’s diversity and inclusivity.
Rainbow Registered Program by Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce and Tourism HR Canada
Rainbow Registered is a national accreditation for LGBT+ friendly businesses and organizations. The Rainbow Registered symbol signifies that the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure LGBT+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.
Accredited businesses will receive:
Rainbow Registered Welcome Kit (window decal, desk card)
Basic listing and map inclusion in the Rainbow Registered business directory
Website badge
Access to CGLCC Associate Member Benefits
Visit the Rainbow Registered Business Directory & Travel Stories →
LGBTQ2 Project Funding
Not-for-profit Canadian organizations that work primarily or entirely with LGBTQ2 communities can apply for funding to support actions in one or more of the following areas:
Policies and practices
Knowledge, tools, and support
Norms, attitudes, and behaviours
Authority, voice, and decision-making
Increasing impact through cross-sector collaboration
UNWTO Gender-inclusive Strategy for Tourism Businesses
The UNWTO released a business case for advancing gender equality, called the "Gender Inclusive Strategy for Tourism Businesses," which contains tools to support private sector tourism enterprises of all types and sizes achieve effective and consistent strategies and programmes for gender equality across their operations.
The UNWTO released a business case for advancing gender equality, called the "Gender Inclusive Strategy for Tourism Businesses," which contains tools to support private sector tourism enterprises of all types and sizes achieve effective and consistent strategies and programmes for gender equality across their operations.
Free Cyber Security Certification through Government of Canada
The Government of Canada is offering a free cyber security certification designed for small and medium-sized organizations through CyberSecure Canada.
Cyber attacks are on the rise and they can have a devastating effect on your business if you are not prepared. The certification will equip you with information you need to keep your business safe.
The Government of Canada is offering a free cyber security certification designed for small and medium-sized organizations through CyberSecure Canada.
Cyber attacks are on the rise and they can have a devastating effect on your business if you are not prepared. The certification will equip you with information you need to keep your business safe.
Destination Canada Key Market Highlights 2022
Destination Canada has released its key market highlights for 2022, sharing a brief summary of key facts on travellers by each market.
Learn about the travel habits of each market and what to expect through these reports:
Australia | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Germany | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Mexico | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Japan | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
China | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
South Korea | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
United Kingdom | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
United States | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Canada | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
France | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Destination Canada has released its key market highlights for 2022, sharing a brief summary of key facts on travellers by each market.
Learn about the travel habits of each market and what to expect through these reports:
Australia | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Germany | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Mexico | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Japan | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
China | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
South Korea | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
United Kingdom | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
United States | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Canada | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
France | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Tips for Working with Travel Media, Influencers, and Content Creators | Tourism Kelowna
Tourism Kelowna has compiled a guide on working with media, influencers, and content creators. Determining what type of creator to work with depends on several factors including your goals, budget, and resources. Understanding the difference between the types of creators and what they offer, and if it aligns with your goals, will help you decide if they are the right advertising/marketing option for your business.
Tourism Kelowna has compiled a guide on working with media, influencers, and content creators.
Determining what type of creator to work with depends on several factors including your goals, budget, and resources. Understanding the difference between the types of creators and what they offer, and if it aligns with your goals, will help you decide if they are the right advertising/marketing option for your business.
The Quarterly Pour Summer 2022
The Quarterly Pour Summer 2022 issue is now available with information on:
ABLE BC Industry Update from Executive Director Jeff Guignard
ABLE BC Membership Report from Manager of Membership and Communication Ann Brydle
Five Practical Ways to Use Digital Marketing
ABLE BC Member Feature: Cheers Liquor Stores
Expansion Requires Sweating Out the Details
Taking it Down a Notch: Tips for De-Escalating Irate Customers
Make Mental Health a Priority in the Workplace
The Quarterly Pour Summer 2022 issue is now available with information on:
ABLE BC Industry Update from Executive Director Jeff Guignard
ABLE BC Membership Report from Manager of Membership and Communication Ann Brydle
Five Practical Ways to Use Digital Marketing
ABLE BC Member Feature: Cheers Liquor Stores
Expansion Requires Sweating Out the Details
Taking it Down a Notch: Tips for De-Escalating Irate Customers
Make Mental Health a Priority in the Workplace
Complimentary Access to go2HR SuperHost® Courses through Tourism Resiliency Program
go2HR has kindly offered BC Tourism Resiliency Network clients complimentary seats for their online SuperHost® Customer Service Training courses. The online and self-paced courses help participants gain skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork, as well as knowledge to create exceptional customer service experiences, leading to greater customer satisfaction, increased revenue and business bottom line, and a happier, more productive workplace.
There is a limited number of licenses and seats will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis so enroll as soon as possible. Once started, registrants will have 60 days to complete the course and will receive a printable certificate upon completion.
go2HR has kindly offered BC Tourism Resiliency Network clients complimentary seats for their online SuperHost® Customer Service Training courses, Service For All and Foundations for Service Quality.
There is a limited number of licenses and seats will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis so enroll as soon as possible. Once started, registrants will have 60 days to complete the course and will receive a printable certificate upon completion.
How to Enroll
To access the courses, sign up for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program (if your company did not previously register).
The Tourism Resiliency Program is a free service that connects you with a TOTA advisor. After your initial call, your advisor will share the instructions to access the SuperHost® courses.
You can connect with your advisor as needed and will receive special offers and discounts as they become available.
If you have any questions, email Recovery@TOTABC.com.
About SuperHost®
The SuperHost® suite of courses brings relevant, up-to-date customer service training to front-line staff in every industry at an affordable price. SuperHost® equips customer service employees with the practical skills and knowledge they need to meet and exceed their customers’ expectations.
In these online and self-paced courses, participants will gain skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork, as well as knowledge to create exceptional customer service experiences. Ultimately, these skills will lead to greater customer satisfaction, increased revenue and business bottom line, and a happier, more productive workplace.
The regular price of the courses is $59.
Course Details
Foundations for Service Quality
A comprehensive and practical introduction to customer service best practices, SuperHost Foundations of Service Quality is an essential first step for all customer service professionals. Designed to sharpen in-demand transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution, this course is full of interactive activities and action-oriented tips to prepare you for the front lines.
The course is ideal for people entering the workforce for the first time or after a significant break, or who are relatively new at working in a frontline, customer-facing role.
Suggested Time: 6 hours
Service For All
Service For All offers up-to-date information to help front-line staff understand distinct customer groups and their needs, along with practical, action-oriented tips to adjust service to meet those needs – every time.
The course covers how to avoid stereotypes through empathy and sensitivity; and how to use professionally appropriate language when delivering diverse service. Participants will learn practical tips to adjust customer service delivery to meet diverse customer needs for different generations, persons with disabilities, individuals in the LGBTQ/2S community, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, and more!
Suggested Time: 8 hours
go2HR / CMHA Free Workplace Learning Coaches Now Available
go2HR’s new Workplace Learning Coaches are ready to engage with employers and available at no cost.
The coaches 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.
go2HR’s new Workplace Learning Coaches are ready to engage with employers and available at no cost.
The coaches 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.
Watch Recording of Summer Accommodation Industry Outlook Panel | BCHA
The BC Hotel Association hosted a virtual panel on the Summer Industry Outlook as part of the monthly BCHA Virtual Event series.
During the session, panelists shared insights on what accommodation operators can expect in the coming months surrounding industry recovery, transportation, attracting international and domestic visitors, along with forecasting for B.C.'s accommodation community.
Panelists:
Alison McKay, Acting Vice President, Destination Management | Destination BC
Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development | Vancouver Airport Authority
Carrie Russell, Senior Managing Partner | HVS
Additional resources discussed:
BCHA Recruitment Resources | Get in touch with Workforce Strategist Alison Langford at Alison@bcha.com
BCHA Innfocus Magazine - Destination BC article page 6 Attracting US Visitors
HVS | Learn More
The BC Hotel Association hosted a virtual panel on the Summer Industry Outlook as part of the monthly BCHA Virtual Event series.
During the session, panelists shared insights on what accommodation operators can expect in the coming months surrounding industry recovery, transportation, attracting international and domestic visitors, along with forecasting for B.C.'s accommodation community.
Panelists:
Alison McKay, Acting Vice President, Destination Management | Destination BC
Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development | Vancouver Airport Authority
Carrie Russell, Senior Managing Partner | HVS
Additional resources discussed:
BCHA Recruitment Resources | Get in touch with Workforce Strategist Alison Langford at Alison@bcha.com
BCHA Innfocus Magazine - Destination BC article page 6 Attracting US Visitors
HVS | Learn More
Free Training Courses from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety | go2HR
For a limited-time basis, go2HR is offering four training courses through the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), free for BC’s tourism industry!
The courses are helpful for anyone who wants to know more about managing stress at the workplace or how to respond to difficult customer interactions, and employees responsible for hazard identification or implementing a violence prevention policy at your workplace.
For a limited-time basis, go2HR is offering four training courses through the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), free for BC’s tourism industry!
The courses are helpful for anyone who wants to know more about managing stress at the workplace or how to respond to difficult customer interactions, and employees responsible for hazard identification or implementing a violence prevention policy at your workplace.
New Worker Health & Safety Orientation Checklist | go2HR
go2HR’s health and safety professionals have developed a customizable New Worker Health and Safety Orientation Checklist to make your summer season orientations easy. The checklist covers the regulated health and safety training topics, in addition to a variety of restaurant-specific examples to get you started.
By following a consistent approach to orientation training, you can be confident that you are communicating your workplace responsibilities, hazards, and procedures to all new hires.
go2HR’s health and safety professionals have developed a customizable New Worker Health and Safety Orientation Checklist to make your summer season orientations easy. The checklist covers the regulated health and safety training topics, in addition to a variety of restaurant-specific examples to get you started.
By following a consistent approach to orientation training, you can be confident that you are communicating your workplace responsibilities, hazards, and procedures to all new hires.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Rebates for British Columbians
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses, and communities: BC residents, businesses, and municipalities can receive rebates for EV charging stations through the CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate and Fleets programs.
For a limited time, funding will cover as much as 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs for EV charging stations.
Businesses can apply for a rebate of up to $5,000 per station, as well as 5 hours of free support services from an EV Charging Station Advisor.
Fleet operators can get combined rebates from NRCan and the Province for a Level 2 charging station as much as $5,000 of purchase and installation costs, and $75,000 for a direct-current, fast-charging station.
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses, and communities: BC residents, businesses, and municipalities can receive rebates for EV charging stations through the CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate and Fleets programs.
For a limited time, funding will cover as much as 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs for EV charging stations.
Businesses can apply for a rebate of up to $5,000 per station, as well as 5 hours of free support services from an EV Charging Station Advisor.
Fleet operators can get combined rebates from NRCan and the Province for a Level 2 charging station as much as 75% to a maximum of $5,000 of purchase and installation costs, and 75% to a maximum of $75,000 for a direct-current, fast-charging station.
As many as 450 EV chargers will be installed through the program.
To learn more about home and workplace EV charging-station rebates, eligibility and application processes, visit: https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca/
To learn more about the Fleets program, visit: https://pluginbc.ca/go-electric-fleets/
To learn more about Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, visit:
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/transportation-alternative-fuels/zero-emission-vehicle-infrastructure-program/21876
To learn more about the 2021 annual ZEV update that tracks B.C.’s progress toward its ZEV targets, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/electricity-alternative-energy/transportation-energies/clean-transportation-policies-programs
To learn more about the suite of CleanBC Go Electric programming, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/zeroemissionvehicles
To learn more about the CleanBC plan, visit: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/
Guide for Developing Tourism & Media Relationships in Indigenous Communities | Indigenous Tourism BC
As many non-Indigenous tourism & media organizations look to develop respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities, Indigenous Tourism BC has compiled an information toolkit to help individuals understand and build relationships with the First Peoples of BC.
It is important to note that each Indigenous Nation and Community differs in their approach to partnership. The document was developed to the best of Indigenous Tourism BC's knowledge to respond to common themes and questions received from partners. It is not a substitute for proper communication with Indigenous Nations and Communities.
As many non-Indigenous tourism & media organizations look to develop respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities, Indigenous Tourism BC has compiled an information toolkit to help individuals understand and build relationships with the First Peoples of BC.
It is important to note that each Indigenous Nation and Community differs in their approach to partnership. The document was developed to the best of Indigenous Tourism BC's knowledge to respond to common themes and questions received from partners. It is not a substitute for proper communication with Indigenous Nations and Communities.
Register for Self-Guided Tourism Digital Academy by Destination BC
The online self-guided Tourism Digital Academy program is available until the end of March. This condensed version of Destination BC’s digital marketing program offers B.C.-based tourism businesses maximum flexibility to fit the course into their schedules with unlimited access for six months to digital marketing instruction videos, templates, and resources. Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan.
The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting your goals, to building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more – you’ll leave the program with the confidence and knowledge to put that plan into action.
This online program includes:
8 weeks of interactive sessions led by digital marketing experts and ongoing access to the video recordings (Tuesdays & Thursdays each week for a total of four hours per week)
Technical tutorials to dig deeper into specific areas and share experiences with other participants (Wednesdays each week for one hour)
One-to-one coaching available, on demand, to answer your sticky questions
Audits of your business website, SEO and social media channels, to assess your current situation
A marketing plan template to guide development of your own plan
Opportunities for peer support and networking
Eligibility and Application:
The application-based program is free for all participants. To be eligible for the program you must:
Be a BC-based tourism business, whose product or service is regularly available for purchase within BC (community tourism and sector organizations are also eligible);
Have an active business website;
Demonstrate, through the application form, a minimum level of digital marketing experience; and
Be able to dedicate up to 10 hours per week to the program: five hours to attend classes and tutorial sessions during business hours, and up to five hours to apply the learning to your marketing plan as you go.
If you have any questions, please email: IndustryDevelopment@DestinationBC.ca
go2HR Resources to Enhance Workplace Health and Safety Culture
To help tourism and hospitality employers manage workplace violence, go2HR’s health and safety professionals have developed a suite of checklists designed to assist businesses in addressing violence in the workplace by focusing on proactive prevention tasks, staff training topics, and appropriate incident response.
go2HR has provided information and a checklist to help employers take a proactive approach to managing challenging guest interactions and prevent escalation.
Responding to challenging guest interactions can take a physical, emotional, and psychological toll on workers, affecting their work and personal lives. Other unwanted consequences can include increased absenteeism, high turnover, negative public image, and lost productivity if the risk of workplace violence is not adequately addressed.
Challenging guest interactions can include worker harassment, verbal abuse and, in escalating situations, even physical violence. Let's take this example: A group of guests are angry due to longer-than-usual wait times to enter an establishment. They are becoming visibly agitated and are being disrespectful to the frontline worker. What if the worker hasn't been trained on how to respond to this kind of escalating situation?
By implementing proactive measures to support workers and having appropriate incident response procedures, employers can positively influence the workplace safety culture. Additionally, they can show their workers that they genuinely care about worker personal safety and wellbeing.
Employers in BC have a legal responsibility to protect workers from violence (including harassment). This can be accomplished by:
Conducting a risk assessment to determine the risk of violence
Implementing suitable control measures to protect workers, such as specific cash handling procedures or posting supportive signage
Determining and adhering to appropriate staffing levels to avoid working alone
Training workers to recognize the risk and how to respond to intensifying situations
Developing incident response procedures that include de-escalation techniques and incident follow up
Checklists for the Workplace
To help tourism and hospitality employers manage workplace violence, go2HR’s health and safety professionals have developed a suite of checklists. These are designed to assist businesses in addressing violence in the workplace by focusing on proactive prevention tasks, staff training topics, and appropriate incident response.
Small Business BC: Business Education Live Webinars & Self-Directed e-Courses
Small Business BC provides practical business education tailored for small businesses in B.C. Whether you need help starting your business, hiring employees, managing operations, or anything else, Small Business BC is here to help.
Find the Right Resources for You:
Live webinars are real-time engaging presentations with live video and chat. Have a scheduling conflict? A recording will also be available for you to stream over the next seven days so you won’t miss a thing.
Self-directed e-courses are available anytime, anywhere. Each on-demand e-course will cover bite-sized topics and help you learn through multimedia features such as readings, handouts, videos and quizzes. With course access for one full year, you can review to the course material multiple times as you progress through your entrepreneurial journey.
Small Business BC provides practical business education tailored for small businesses in B.C. Whether you need help starting your business, hiring employees, managing operations, or anything else, Small Business BC is here to help.
Find the Right Resources for You:
Live webinars are real-time engaging presentations with live video and chat. Have a scheduling conflict? A recording will also be available for you to stream over the next seven days so you won’t miss a thing.
Self-directed e-courses are available anytime, anywhere. Each on-demand e-course will cover bite-sized topics and help you learn through multimedia features such as readings, handouts, videos and quizzes. With course access for one full year, you can review to the course material multiple times as you progress through your entrepreneurial journey.
Food Tourism 101 Guide | Culinary Tourism Alliance
The aim of this 3-class program is to provide food entrepreneurs the knowledge, skills and networking opportunities to elevate their food businesses (restaurants, food retail stores, and or food products) in their local communities with the aim of repositioning themselves and attracting tourists to their regions and identifying new products and/or services to promote future growth.
If you want to learn more about culinary and food tourism, and how to elevate experiences in your business, check out the Food Tourism 101 resource by the Culinary Tourism Alliance.
The Culinary Tourism Alliance works with communities to grow food tourism by leveraging the history, heritage, and culture behind the food and drink that makes each destination unique.
Culinary tourism includes the active pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences, as well as agritourism experiences that connect what is being grown and produced in an area to what is being prepared and enjoyed by locals.