News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Introducing the BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN), a Support Program to Incorporate Sustainability Practices into Business Operations and Marketing
The BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN), a new program launching in March 2023, provides one-on-one support and resources to tourism businesses wishing to incorporate sustainability into their operations.
TOTA invites tourism organizations to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to learn and plan with education, resources, customized action plans, and tools around the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
The first intake of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network is now open. Registration is free, quick, and easy. Space is limited.
For Immediate Release: Monday, March 6, 2023
Kelowna, B.C. - The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) regions, including the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), are pleased to announce a new sustainability initiative called the BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN), launching in March 2023 with support from Pacific Economic Development Canada.
The BC Tourism Sustainability Network provides one-on-one support and resources to tourism businesses wishing to incorporate sustainability into their operations. This streamlined, supportive program will help tourism operators, regardless of prior experience, define a clear roadmap to integrate sustainability in their operations, strategy, and storytelling.
TOTA invites tourism organizations to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to learn and plan with education, resources, customized action plans, and tools around the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
The first intake of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network is now open. Registration is free, quick, and easy. Space is limited.
To get started, complete the form at https://TourismSustainability.ca and a Program Advisor will be in touch.
Program Overview
The BC Tourism Sustainability Network has been designed to support tourism businesses on their sustainability journey, providing foundational knowledge, capacity, best practices, and action across the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
Participating businesses are paired with a Program Advisor who completes a needs assessment and creates a customized roadmap to sustainability. This plan includes high-value resource guides and videos to support businesses in their chosen focus areas - such as energy, waste, water, and carbon footprint.
Further resources cover topics like responsible travel, regenerative tourism, and sustainability planning.
Sustainability subject matter experts from Synergy Enterprises will host a series of three virtual workshops. These engaging sessions will be open to all businesses participating in the program and dive deeper into one of the three core pillars of sustainability - People, Planet, and Prosperity.
Program Details
One-on-one Guidance
Participating businesses will start the program by meeting with a BCTSN Program Advisor for a sustainability consultation. Program Advisors develop a customized sustainability roadmap for participating businesses that include next steps, recommended educational resources and partner program referrals to support ongoing sustainability goals.
Educational Resources
In collaboration with Synergy Enterprises, the BCTSN will develop a series of educational guides, videos, and resources on a wide range of sustainability topics. These user-friendly resources will be hosted on the TourismResiliency.ca website and help guide businesses through the planning and implementation phases of incorporating sustainable practices into everyday operations.
Workshop Series
In addition to the sustainability guides, videos and resources, three live workshops will be hosted by the Synergy Enterprises team. These engaging workshops are open to all participating businesses, and will dive deeper into one of the three core pillars of sustainability - People, Planet, and Prosperity
Learn More & Get Started
To learn more about the BC Tourism Sustainability Network and how it can benefit your business, please fill out this Request for Information Form and a Program Advisor will contact you with the next steps.
About
BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS)
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO):
Previously, the BCRTS partners collaborated on the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, a long-term resiliency program that provided B.C. tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt, and work towards eventual recovery.
Learn more at TourismResiliency.ca.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia and the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.
TOTA is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.
Learn more at TOTABC.org.
For more information, contact:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Free Sustainable Tourism Training Program by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is launching a sustainable tourism training program to build awareness and capacity for tourism to develop more sustainably. The program is complementary and is available to all Canadian tourism businesses, not only TIAC members.
The program includes specialized workshops, one-on-one coaching, and certification support around several topics, provided by industry experts.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is launching a ground-breaking sustainable tourism program to support communities across all 13 Canadian Provinces and Territories. The program will assist small and medium enterprises, Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), and other tourism stakeholders and organizations across all sectors of the industry in building awareness and capacity to develop more sustainably; that is, in a manner that maximizes positive environmental, social, and economic impact while reducing negative externalities.
Participation in this program is complementary and is available to all Canadian tourism businesses, not only TIAC members.
The program includes specialized workshops, one-on-one coaching, and certification support around the following topics:
SDG Decade of Action Planning
Fast Track to Sustainable Tourism & Pathway to Net Zero Carbon
Flourishing Business Strategy for Tourism
Regenerative Event Management
The Pathway to Regenerative Trails Tourism
Strong Farm & Rural Shores - Rural Community Strategy
These topics will be reviewed in the virtual Sustainable Tourism Symposiums. The Western symposium is on January 10, 7:45 AM - 2:30 PM PST.
Further resources, tools, and materials will be available to participants to continue support once the program is complete.
If you have any questions about the program or how to register, contact TIAC at contact@tiac-aitc.ca or (613) 238-7887.
Free Tourism Digital Academy
Registration for the October intakes of the Tourism Digital Academy, now with learning modules that combine self-directed and live interactive sessions, is NOW OPEN!
It is a free, eight-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses seeking to elevate their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Registration for the October intakes of the Tourism Digital Academy, now with learning modules that combine self-directed and live interactive sessions, is NOW OPEN!
It is a free, eight-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses seeking to elevate their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or marketing team members, this comprehensive program provides actionable guidance that helps build a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing and analytics.
For the first time, these intakes will offer a combination of self-directed and live interactive programming. Interested participants are encouraged to apply soon as it fills up quickly.
THRIVE Global Impact Challenge 2022 for Innovative Startups | Apply by August 26, 2022
The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge is a global search for the most innovative startups who are advancing a more sustainable future for agriculture.
The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge is a global search for the most innovative startups who are advancing a more sustainable future for agriculture.
Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Impact Challenge is focused on three key themes each one central to supporting the transition to a net-zero future for agriculture.
Soil health & Biodiversity
Increasing food security
Reducing and offsetting emissions
Benefits
Finalists from each theme will advance to the finals and pitch at the THRIVE Sustainability Summit where the overall winner will be announced.
The Winning company receives the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge Award and a place on the award-winning THRIVE Global Accelerator Program in Silicon Valley. In addition the winner will also receive:
Investment from SVG Ventures
Silicon Valley Startup Bootcamp in the Summer of 2023 for two founders, hosted by THRIVE ($15k USD value)
Automatic acceptance as a Samsung XTC Finalist
Impact strategy program with Imagine Impact (Specialist Impact Consultants) Sponsored by ICL
Startups should be Seed to Series A with technologies focused in the following areas:
Soil health & Biodiversity
Regenerative agriculture
Ag biotechnology
Alternative fertilizers
Alternative pesticides & herbicides
Crop nutrition & novel inputs
Biostimulants
Water management.
Increasing food security
Alternative proteins
Food loss prevention
Circular economy
Indoor farming
Supply chain solutions
Packaging
Functional Ingredients.
Reducing and offsetting emissions
Carbon sequestration
Carbon measurement
Carbon markets
Reducing animal emissions and animal cruelty
Robotics & automation
On-farm emissions reduction.
Applications will be accepted until August 26, 2022. Late applications will not be considered.
Free Advisory & Education Services from Small Business BC, funded by Destination BC
Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to provide tourism stakeholders across the province with free access to Small Business BC’s Advisory Services and Education Offerings. Services are delivered online, by phone, email, webinar or in person.
Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to provide tourism stakeholders across the province with free access to Small Business BC’s Advisory Services and Education Offerings. Services are delivered online, by phone, email, webinar or in person (if available).
Service details are as follows:
Advisory Services
Talk to an Expert Series – Speak with a wide range of business advisors and experts and ask questions specific to your business:
Appointments are 30-45 minutes in length. Each session must be booked in advance, using the code DBC3034, and is based on availability.
Business Strategy Advisory – Access Small Business BC’s staff advisors who can provide solutions-based strategy planning advice for business growth. Consultations are up to 60 minutes in length and must be booked in advance, using code DBC3034 at checkout.
Education Services - Education - Small Business BC produces approximately 300 education webinars per year covering over 40 different business topics.
To access any of these resources, identify which advisory and/or education service(s) you are interested in, add it to cart, and apply coupon code DBC3034 at checkout. There is no charge to tourism stakeholders.
New Training Program Empowers People to Address Racism | Apply by August 11, 2022
More people throughout the province will receive free training on how to help defuse racist incidents through a new Anti-Racism Community (ARC) Stewards pilot program.
Applications are being accepted for the “train the trainer” program, which will educate people with a passion for leading anti-racism work in as many as 15 small communities. Successful applicants will learn the skills needed to offer training on how bystanders can address racist incidents and facilitate community dialogues on racism and discrimination in their communities.
More people throughout the province will receive free training on how to help defuse racist incidents through a new Anti-Racism Community (ARC) Stewards pilot program.
Applications are being accepted for the “train the trainer” program, which will educate people with a passion for leading anti-racism work in as many as 15 small communities. Successful applicants will learn the skills needed to offer training on how bystanders can address racist incidents and facilitate community dialogues on racism and discrimination in their communities.
The pilot project is the first anti-racism training of its kind - developed and delivered by the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS).
People from the following communities are encouraged to apply: Cranbrook, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Houston, Kitimat, Nelson, Penticton, Powell River/gathet, Prince Rupert, Revelstoke, Sechelt/Gibsons, Shuswap, Smithers, Terrace, Vanderhoof, Vernon.
Online applications will be accepted until August 11th. Twenty spaces are available in the program. Successful applicants will begin their training in October 2022. Participants will receive an honorarium and travel expenses will be covered.
ITAC Launches Original Original Accreditation Program
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has officially launched The Original Original Accreditation program that identifies market-ready Indigenous tourism experiences which are truly authentic offering high quality and high value to visitors.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has officially launched The Original Original Accreditation program that identifies market-ready Indigenous tourism experiences which are truly authentic offering high quality and high value to visitors.
The Original Original Accreditation enables ITAC to apply consistent and fair criteria to any Indigenous business seeking formal recognition as being ‘Market Ready’. Accredited businesses will fall into three categories of Market Ready, depending on the market they are prepared to serve, which include Business Ready, Visitor Ready or Export Ready. This accreditation program is important to travel trade associations, international tour operators, travel agents, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), local communities and others to promote a quality tourism experience. The program also enables Indigenous tourism businesses to access lucrative travel trade networks and new visitor/consumer markets.
go2HR Announces Six Regional HR Consultants to Support BC Tourism Labour Recovery
go2HR announced a two-year initiative, providing a regional HR consultant to work with tourism and hospitality businesses for all six destination development areas in BC.
go2HR announced a two-year initiative, providing a regional HR consultant to work with tourism and hospitality businesses for all six destination development areas in BC.
go2HR modelled the new Regional HR Consultants initiative after a successful pilot project in the Thompson Okanagan region that started six years ago.
The consultants provide a wide variety of services to tourism operators in BC including recruitment, onboarding, retention, HR Advice and more.
Emergency Evacuation Planning for Your Workplace
Emergencies and disasters can happen any time and without warning. The more prepared you are for them, the better you'll be able to respond. WorksafeBC developed a resource for employers that will help you plan for emergencies and develop effective procedures for evacuating your workplace.
Emergencies and disasters can happen any time and without warning. The more prepared you are for them, the better you'll be able to respond. WorksafeBC developed a resource for employers that will help you plan for emergencies and develop effective procedures for evacuating your workplace.
Connect with a member of go@HR’s health & safety team for additional guidance. Email safety@go2hr with any questions you have.
Canadian Red Cross Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program | Apply by September 30, 2022
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting affected individuals and communities impacted by the November 2021 floods and extreme weather event in British Columbia. Support for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations is essential to the recovery of people and communities affected by a disaster.
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting affected individuals and communities impacted by the November 2021 floods and extreme weather event in British Columbia. Support for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations is essential to the recovery of people and communities affected by a disaster.
Eligible small business owners and not-for-profit organizations who were directly impacted by the floods and extreme weather event, and who meet the minimum requirements may apply for $5,000 in funding.
This financial assistance is to provide support for things such as:
Uninsured direct losses damage, lost equipment/inventory
Insurance deductibles
Specialized clean-up costs that might not be eligible under other programs
Ongoing expenses such as rent for a commercial space or utility costs
Federal Wine Sector Support Program | Program Ends March 31, 2024
The Government of Canada has announced details of a new two-year, up to $166-million Wine Sector Support Program to help strengthen the future of the wine sector.
The Government of Canada has announced details of a new two-year, up to $166-million Wine Sector Support Program to help strengthen the future of the wine sector.
Canada's vibrant wine sector is a significant contributor to the country's economy, with growth taking place in all areas of the value chain, from grape growing to retail sales and tourism.
All licensed wineries in Canada that produce or contract out the production of bulk wine from primary agricultural products will be eligible for support under the program.
The application intake period for the 2022-2023 fiscal year (April-March) is now open for grape wine and other primary agricultural product-based wine products, excluding cider and mead.
Wineries are asked to thoroughly review the application process in advance.
New Funding Supports Farmers, Takes Action on Climate Resiliency | Apply by August 10, 2022
To help combat the effects of climate change on B.C.’s long-term food security, new funding is helping farmers and ranchers protect their operations by adopting regenerative agriculture practices, improving farms’ drought resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
To help combat the effects of climate change on B.C.’s long-term food security, new funding is helping farmers and ranchers protect their operations by adopting regenerative agriculture practices, improving farms’ drought resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The funding will help B.C. farmers and ranchers better prepare for dry spells by supporting the building or expansion of on-farm water storage facilities; upgrading dams, reservoirs and irrigation systems used for livestock and crops; and the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices.
The Beneficial Management Practices program is open to farm and ranch businesses throughout the province and is administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. Program criteria and application packages will be accepted until Aug. 10, 2022, and are available at: www.iafbc.ca/bmp
Free Digital Marketing Bootcamp Available for B.C. Businesses
Thousands of B.C. businesses will have the opportunity to hone their online skills through a Digital Marketing Bootcamp program.
Thousands of B.C. businesses will have the opportunity to hone their online skills with a Digital Marketing Bootcamp program.
The Province has provided the platform Alacrity Canada with an additional $1.5 million to run the program and support more than 2,000 B.C. businesses and their employees to acquire the digital marketing skills they need to shift through economic recovery and beyond. In total, the Province has provided $6 million to the online program.
Eligibility Requirements:
Have access to computer and wifi
The business’ sole or primary operations are located in B.C
The business is currently operating
The business is registered in B.C
The business employs less than 149 B.C Residents
PrepareBC Heat Wave and Wildfire Resources
During hot and dry weather, tourism businesses are encouraged to monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for updates and plan ahead with heat and wildfire preparedness resources.
During hot and dry weather, tourism businesses are encouraged to monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for updates and plan ahead with heat and wildfire preparedness resources, such as:
Become a Hipcamp Host
Hipcamp is the world’s largest marketplace and comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. Anyone with a property in nature can offer camping, glamping, and vacation rentals as a Hipcamp Host.
Hipcamp is the world’s largest marketplace and comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. Anyone with a property in nature can offer camping, glamping, and vacation rentals as a Hipcamp Host.
Whether you have a treehouse, a cabin, a hobby farm, or a cottage, odds are our community can’t wait to visit!
Listings on Hipcamp range from basic tent and RV sites to cabins, glamping tents, onsite trailers, and more
Free to list, no contracts or hidden fees
Support building a Hipcamp listing
Hipcamp takes a flat 10% commission on bookings they send you (this covers credit card fees, $1 million Host Liability Insurance, promotion and support)
Additional Hosting Resources:
Extras:
Extras allow Hosts to offer Hipcampers customizable goods, rentals, workshops and experiences for an additional fee at checkout so they can then enjoy them during their stay.
Here are a few examples of hosts with extras:
HipCamp would also be happy to work 1:1 with any new hosts and arrange for a Hipcamp photographer to take 10-15 professional photos of their land (Hipcamp covers all costs).
Here is an example of a listing with professional photography:
Vancouver Foundation Recovery and Resiliency Fund | Apply by September 30
B.C. non-profit societies, charities, and Indigenous-led organizations can apply for multi-year, flexible grants from the Vancouver Foundation. Grants from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund will provide stable funding for organizations to strengthen their operational capacity to help with recovery and longer-term resiliency.
This fund will provide:
$50,000-$72,000 flexible grant per year for 3 years to charities and non-profit societies in BC that provide community benefit and have operating budgets of less than $1 million;
Flexible grants for Indigenous-led organizations with annual revenues of more than $1 million. These organizations can apply through New Relationship Trust.
Applications open until September 30, 2022.
Through a partnership between the Province of BC, Vancouver Foundation, United Way BC, and New Relationship Trust, $34 million in multi-year, flexible grants will be available for charities and non-profit organizations disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
This fund will provide:
$50,000-$72,000 flexible grant per year for 3 years to charities and non-profit societies in BC that provide community benefit and have operating budgets of less than $1 million;
Flexible grants for Indigenous-led organizations with annual revenues of more than $1 million. These organizations can apply through New Relationship Trust.
Grants from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund will provide stable funding for organizations to strengthen their operational capacity to help with recovery and longer-term resiliency.
For the first time, they are awarding grants through a randomized selection process that assesses eligibility rather than merit, minimizes biases, and removes competition between organizations.
Applications open until September 30, 2022.
Workplace C.A.R.E Certificate
This free training from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division informs participants on how to create and foster a psychologically healthy & safe workplace. C.A.R.E. is an acronym that means Caring and Respectful Employer.
This free training from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division informs participants on how to create and foster a psychologically healthy & safe workplace. C.A.R.E. is an acronym that means Caring and Respectful Employer.
Legal Considerations When Developing a Work From Home Policy
COVID-19 pandemic had many impacts on the business world but perhaps the most enduring will be employees’ desire to work from home and employers’ need to accommodate them. WorkSafeBC advises that employers who have remote employees should have a policy addressing the whole working from home scenario.
Smithson Employment Law Corporation published an article, ”Working From Home - The New Reality,” outlining the legal and human resources considerations for employers when developing a Work from Home Policy.
COVID-19 pandemic had many impacts on the business world but perhaps the most enduring will be employees’ desire to work from home and employers’ need to accommodate them. WorkSafeBC advises that employers who have remote employees should have a policy addressing the whole working from home scenario.
Smithson Employment Law Corporation published an article, ”Working From Home - The New Reality,” outlining the legal and human resources considerations for employers when developing a Work from Home Policy.
The Airbnb OMG! Fund | Apply by July 22, 2022
The OMG Fund is Airbnb’s program to build the most creative, jaw-dropping places on earth, which can be listed in the OMG! Category on AirBnB. 100 people will receive $100K to fund their off-beat build.
AirBnB considers originality, feasibility, sustainability, and the experience into its decision making when reviewing applications. Accommodation plan would need to pass all required inspections and bylaws and would need to be completed by August 2023.
Applications are due by July 22, 2022.
The OMG Fund is Airbnb’s program to build the most creative, jaw-dropping places on earth, which can be listed in the OMG! Category on AirBnB. 100 people will receive $100K to fund their off-beat build.
AirBnB considers originality, feasibility, sustainability, and the experience into its decision making when reviewing applications. Accommodation plan would need to pass all required inspections and bylaws and would need to be completed by August 2023.
Applications are due by July 22, 2022.
Promote Safe Travel this Summer
With the arrival of summer and many people looking to Explore BC, Destination BC is encouraging all operators to remind visitors how to enjoy our beautiful province safely and responsibly.
This summer, help spread the word about safe travel practices by sharing responsible travel graphics on your social media channels. Access updated responsible travel graphics below
With the arrival of summer and many people looking to Explore BC, Destination BC is encouraging all operators to remind visitors how to enjoy our beautiful province safely and responsibly.
This summer, help spread the word about safe travel practices by sharing responsible travel graphics on your social media channels. Access updated responsible travel graphics below