News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Register in TOTA's Emergency Contact Database
Tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region can complete the Emergency Contact form to help TOTA's Crisis Management Coordinator support you and other communities in a crisis situation.
Tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region can complete the Emergency Contact form to help TOTA's Crisis Management Coordinator support you and other communities in a crisis situation.
Claim Your Sustainable Life App™ Listing
TOTA and Sustainable Life App™ are collaborating to help Thompson Okanagan tourism companies connect with eco-conscious customers online.
Sustainable Life App™ is a downloadable mobile map-based app that connects eco-conscious consumers with sustainable businesses and brands from where they are. People can use the app while planning a trip or while traveling, making it easy to live a life in line with their core values.
To get your listing, there is a one-time setup fee of $10 USD. Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies can receive a free listing with the referral code from Biosphere@TOTABC.com.
TOTA and Sustainable Life App™ are collaborating to help Thompson Okanagan tourism companies connect with eco-conscious customers online.
Sustainable Life App™ is a downloadable mobile map-based app that connects eco-conscious consumers with sustainable businesses and brands from where they are. People can use the app while planning a trip or while traveling, making it easy to live a life in line with their core values.
The app is free to download on Android and Apple. With 4,000+ listings, 10,000+ downloads, and 6,000+ users, the app is growing in popularity across Canada and internationally.
Sustainable Life App™ Business Listings
Businesses can register with Sustainable Life App™ to create a listing and get access to sustainable tourism marketing tools, including:
Customizable Listing: Update your listing anytime, including Social Media Profiles, Photos & Videos
Local Deals: Share local & online deals with customers
Industry Accreditations: Showcase your industry accreditations, including Biosphere Commitment, and sustainable brands that you sell
Custom User Profile: Connect with users based on dietary and purchase preferences that are trending on your profile
Printable Window Decal
Website Widget
Option to upgrade to a user data analytics premium features plan at any time.
Get Listed
To get your listing, there is a one-time setup fee of $10 USD.
Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies receive a free listing with the referral code from Biosphere@TOTABC.com.
You can also sign up for Premium Features to get user analytics, quarterly planning calls to maximize ROI, $50 of social media ads (annual only), and unlimited deal listings.
Staying Safe During High Temperatures
With higher temperatures starting to settle in, it is important that employers are aware of the effects heat can have on their workers, and are taking action to prevent heat stress. go2HR has put together some practical resources to provide employers with information, including appropriate control measures that may help to reduce the effects of heat exposure in the workplace.
With higher temperatures starting to settle in, it is important that employers are aware of the effects heat can have on their workers, and are taking action to prevent heat stress.
go2HR has put together some practical resources to provide employers with information, including appropriate control measures that may help to reduce the effects of heat exposure in the workplace.
Business Tips on Welcoming 2SLGBTQIA+ Travellers from Tourism Kelowna
Tourism Kelowna has shared an article for businesses, including business practices to consider and how to assess if you’re ready to welcome 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers, a valuable market made up of highly-educated individuals with disposable income seeking businesses that align with their values.
Tourism Kelowna has shared an article for businesses, including business practices to consider and how to assess if you’re ready to welcome 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers, a valuable market made up of highly-educated individuals with disposable income seeking businesses that align with their values.
Find BC Indigenous Businesses with the ITBC Trip Planner App
The Indigenous BC Trip Planner app is a trip planning and educational tool that guides visitors through the Indigenous territories of BC and their unique, immersive experiences. Use the app to discover places to go, places to stay, and things to do in BC. Find authentic Indigenous experiences and businesses, learn common Indigenous words and phrases, and hear traditional songs, stories, and legends.
Tourism businesses can share the app with their guests or connect with Indigenous businesses to discuss potential partnerships.
The Indigenous BC Trip Planner app is a trip planning and educational tool that guides visitors through the Indigenous territories of BC and their unique, immersive experiences. Use the app to discover places to go, places to stay, and things to do in BC. Find authentic Indigenous experiences and businesses, learn common Indigenous words and phrases, and hear traditional songs, stories, and legends.
Tourism businesses can share the app with their guests or connect with Indigenous businesses to discuss potential partnerships.
11 Travel Terms & Hospitality Industry Trends You Should Know About
Hotel News Resource has shared a glossary of post-pandemic travel terms and trends, such as trip stacking, buddymooning, and revenge travel.
Check out the glossary and plan how your business can take advantage of these current trends in the Thompson Okanagan.
Hotel News Resource has shared a glossary of post-pandemic travel terms and trends, such as trip stacking, buddymooning, and revenge travel.
Check out the glossary and plan how your business can take advantage of these current trends in the Thompson Okanagan.
Canada's Air Traffic Doubled in May
NAV CANADA released traffic figures for the month of May 2022, showing that air travel in Canada is on the rise.
With one key hurdle to the resumption of cross-border air travel – pre-entry testing – dropped in April, May saw a 117% increase in traffic over the same month in 2021.
Despite the promising report, air traffic still hasn’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels. NAV CANADA's numbers indicate air traffic in Canada in May was nearly 15% lower than May 2019. The data demonstrates a clear direction towards industry recovery and Canada’s airlines are still banking on a busy summer of travel to continue the momentum.
NAV CANADA released traffic figures for the month of May 2022, showing that air travel in Canada is on the rise.
With one key hurdle to the resumption of cross-border air travel – pre-entry testing – dropped in April, May saw a 117% increase in traffic over the same month in 2021.
Despite the promising report, air traffic still hasn’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels. NAV CANADA's numbers indicate air traffic in Canada in May was nearly 15% lower than May 2019. The data demonstrates a clear direction towards industry recovery and Canada’s airlines are still banking on a busy summer of travel to continue the momentum.
go2HR Regional Workforce Profiles
go2HR released Regional Workforce Profiles to support employers and people seeking work in the tourism and hospitality sector. The Workforce Profiles describe 11 profiles of the 2021 tourism and hospitality workforce, including demographic information to better understand the nuances of the industry workforce and an analysis of how the workforce has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
go2HR released Regional Workforce Profiles to support employers and people seeking work in the tourism and hospitality sector.
The Workforce Profiles are an up-to-date and accurate description of the 2021 tourism and hospitality workforce. The 11 Workforce Profiles provide detailed demographic information to better understand the nuances of the industry workforce. The Workforce Profiles also offer an analysis of how the workforce has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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