News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Emergency Preparedness Resources
With the changing weather and greater risk of natural disasters, now is a timely opportunity to review emergency preparedness resources. Destination BC has a page dedicated to these resources, including preparedness guides, key agencies, and newly updated messaging & action guidance with shareable responsible travel graphics.
With the changing weather and greater risk of natural disasters, now is a timely opportunity to review emergency preparedness resources. Destination BC has a page dedicated to these resources, including preparedness guides, key agencies, and newly updated messaging & action guidance with shareable responsible travel graphics.
The updated Emergency Messaging Guidance document outlines official emergency information resources for British Columbia, as well as suggested messaging, visuals, and actions for BC’s tourism industry during emergencies. It can help tourism businesses navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions during emergencies.
Electric Vehicle 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.
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.
Bridge to Culinary Arts Program
Gain the practical skills and knowledge required for an entry-level position in a large kitchen or restaurant setting. Students will become familiar with kitchen layouts, menu planning, food orders and equipment used in everyday cooking for large numbers. This free 6-week course offers both classroom and hands-on experience cooking and preparing food.
Gain the practical skills and knowledge required for an entry-level position in a large kitchen or restaurant setting. Students will become familiar with kitchen layouts, menu planning, food orders and equipment used in everyday cooking for large numbers. This 6-week course offers both classroom and hands-on experience cooking and preparing food. The program is free for those who meet the eligibility requirements.
This cohort runs from July 25 – Sept 2, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 9:30-2:30 in person cohort at the Okanagan College, Kelowna campus, for Culinary Arts.
Eligibility:
Identifies as having a disability (Cognitive, Mental Health, Physical, Sensory or Developmental),
Unemployed or underemployed (working less than 20 hours per week or precariously employed)
Legally eligible to work in Canada
If interested, please contact 1-866-377-3670 or email oppsfund@opendoorgroup.org.
Pour More BC Program
Wine Growers British Columbia is relaunching the Pour More BC program to support our local BC restaurant industry and connect you with consumers craving local wine and food experiences.
Wine Growers British Columbia is relaunching the Pour More BC program to support our local BC restaurant industry and connect you with consumers craving local wine and food experiences.
Reasons to Register:
Participating restaurants will be rewarded and supported with WGBC led marketing initiatives such as sponsored social media posts, targeted Google Ad words, influencer blog features, The Vine consumer e-newsletter (25K+) and WineBC.com landing page. All designed to help promote your BC wine listings at no cost to you.
Quality content reaching a wide audience, with your restaurant named (and tagged) directly.
Spotlight listing on our global award winning Wines of BC Explorer App. The geo-location feature connects the (15K+) users directly with participating restaurants within their radius, which means BC wine lovers looking for a place to enjoy a great meal will find themselves being recommended to your venue.
Trade certified education tools will be available under the Pour More BC banner for restaurants to engage, educate and encourage their staff to become leading experts and ambassadors for BC wine.
Social media and print assets to use on your own channels and in store
Best of all-support your local wineries while supporting your own business!
BCHA Participates in Fully Funded Hotel Operations Services Skills Training Project
BCHA has partnered with the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) and Western Community College to offer a 23 week online “Hotel Operations Services Skills Training Program”. This program is designed to train 30 candidates who are currently unemployed or under employed in the Okanagan area and deliver them to industry trained and ready to work. The training is fully funded and will focus on readying the candidate for meaningful work in the hotel industry.
BCHA has partnered with the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) and Western Community College to offer a 23 week online “Hotel Operations Services Skills Training Program”.
This program is designed to train 30 candidates who are currently unemployed or under employed in the Okanagan area and deliver them to industry trained and ready to work. The training is fully funded and will focus on readying the candidate for meaningful work in the hotel industry.
Eligibility
Unemployed or part-time employed (working less than 30 hours per week) or precariously employed
High school graduate or 19+
Be a resident in BC and be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Refugee Protected person with authorization to work
Proof of English language proficiency
Currently living in British Columbia
Benefits & Certificates
Pandemic Awareness
PPE
Food Safe
Privacy Awareness
Serving It Right
BSAFE Certificate
Heart of Hospitality Certificate
OFA Level 1
WHMIS
Super Host
GBA+
Safe Lifting
For registration and more information please contact Claudia Tran at 604.596.7722 ext. 177; claudia.tran@pics.bc.ca
For hotels who may be interested in candidate recruitment during the final phase of the 23 week program, please contact Alison Langford at alison@bcha.com
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