News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Partnership Opportunities: 2024-25 Resident Perceptions of Tourism Research Survey
There are partnership opportunities available for Regional and City Destination Management Organizations in BC to better understand how residents view tourism in their communities.
There are partnership opportunities available for Regional and City Destination Management Organizations in BC to better understand how residents view tourism in their communities.
RDMOs and CDMOs can contact DBC’s research and analytics team leads to confirm their participation and get more information on the following partnership opportunities.
Learn more about partnership opportunities and contact information at DestinationBC.ca
Trails and Outdoor Recreation in BC - 2024 Ipsos Poll Results
According to a recent survey, outdoor recreation is on the rise in British Columbia and access to outdoor opportunities remains a top priority for residents of BC. Explore the latest trends and insights of the 2024 Ipsos poll below.
According to a recent poll conducted for the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC), 56% of BC residents say access to trails and outdoor recreational amenities influenced their current choice of residence.
The new poll also shows that 89% of respondents are passionate about outdoor recreation and think that increased government investment in the development and maintenance of trails, parks and other recreation amenities will benefit them or their community.
The top identified benefits included: improved physical and mental health (62%), protection of biodiversity and nature (50%), and support of the local economy, for example keeping residents spending locally rather than travelling (44%).
Community parks and trail networks (66%) emerged as the preferred recreational destination for BC residents who participated in outdoor recreation in the past 12 months, followed by beaches/coastal areas (48%), rivers/lakes (45%) and national/provincial parks (41%).
New Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Online Courses by go2HR
go2HR is offering online Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training courses so tourism and hospitality employers can get started on their journey or continue to grow their practices.
Tailored for the tourism industry, the courses will equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to foster a culture of inclusivity in the workplace. EDI can increase employee retention, reduce absenteeism, improve on recruitment success, and have positive impacts on employee’s mental health.
go2HR is offering online Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training courses so tourism and hospitality employers can get started on their journey or continue to grow their EDI practices.
Tailored for the tourism industry, the courses will equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to foster a culture of inclusivity in the workplace.
EDI can increase employee retention, reduce absenteeism, improve on recruitment success, and have positive impacts on employee’s mental health.
The online courses are:
2SLGBTQ+ Diversity and Inclusion Training - $50
Introduction to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - $35
Navigating Cultural Diversity in the Workplace - $40
Unconscious Bias in the Workplace - $40
Managing Crisis Communications | BC Hotel Association Education Series in June
BC Hotel Association is offering crisis communications training for hotels to ensure teams are prepared to face the unforeseen with resilience and professionalism. This online training is held over 3 sessions in June.
BCHA's Fast Track Your Future Education Series returns for one more series this season - Managing Crisis Communications. Co-facilitated by Hatch Hospitality and tartanbond Communications
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, crises can range from natural disasters like fires and floods to complex HR issues and cybersecurity threats. Effective communication during these times is paramount to safeguarding the reputation of hotels and resorts while maintaining guest trust.
Preparation is the cornerstone of crisis management. In this series, we equip participants with essential issues management and communication tools tailored to the unique challenges of the hospitality sector. From establishing proactive response plans to implementing best practices, attendees will gain the confidence and expertise needed to navigate crises responsibly and intentionally. Join us to ensure your team is prepared to face the unforeseen with resilience and professionalism.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
· June 4th Preparedness Protocol
· June 11th Strategic Responses
· June 18th From Reaction to Recovery
Destination BC Micro-Grant Opportunity - Applications Open May 13-31, 2024
Businesses and non-profit organizations that provide tourism experiences within British Columbia are eligible to receive funding from Destination BC, through their BC Tourism Climate Resilience Initiative, of up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification.
Businesses and non-profit organizations that provide tourism experiences within British Columbia are eligible to receive funding from Destination BC, through their BC Tourism Climate Resilience Initiative, of up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification.
Project Two of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI)–Micro-Grants to Support Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation–offers micro-grant funding for organizations that already have a sustainability or climate adaptation plan and are ready to implement the recommendations into their organization by:
purchasing equipment,
updating infrastructure,
implementing new systems, or
pursuing sustainability certification.
Benefits to businesses and organizations receiving a micro-grant include:
Support for creating long-lasting, positive impacts to help your tourism business prepare for the effects of climate change and align with provincial climate resiliency goals.
Up to $15,000 to invest in projects in your tourism business that improve responsible practices in operations to support climate change adaptation.
Potential long-term cost savings for your tourism business created by reduced energy or resource use.
Introduction of a process that promotes continuous improvement in your tourism business.
Potential recognition and credential through third-party sustainability certification.
Confidence in knowing that your tourism business is better prepared to adapt to climate events.
Learn more about the Grant opportunity and who is eligible at DestinationBC.ca
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Wine Growers BC 2025 Operational Plan
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) recently released its Fiscal 2025 Operational Plan. This year, the plan is focuses on five key Board-approved objectives:
Build a world-class brand for Wines of British Columbia
Position BC as a premier wine region with trade
Make BC wine country a benchmark for wine tourism
Strengthen wine industry leadership
Leverage government advocacy efforts
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) recently released its Fiscal 2025 Operational Plan. This year, the plan is focuses on five key Board-approved objectives:
Build a world-class brand for Wines of British Columbia
Position BC as a premier wine region with trade
Make BC wine country a benchmark for wine tourism
Strengthen wine industry leadership
Leverage government advocacy efforts
In consideration of the challenges facing the BC wine industry, the Annual Operational Plan has been developed to address the current environment while still retaining the flexibility necessary to help industry and member wineries meet new and emerging challenges.
Destination Canada Announces New Tourism Strategy
Destination Canada President and CEO Marsha Walden and The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism, launched the new tourism strategy at Rendez-vous Canada in Edmonton, titled "A World of Opportunity."
Destination Canada President and CEO Marsha Walden and The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism, launched the new tourism strategy at Rendez-vous Canada in Edmonton, titled "A World of Opportunity."
This strategy focuses on transforming the tourism sector and positioning Canada back in the top seven global destinations by 2030.
The plan follows four strategic drivers: sector advancement, brand leadership, destination development, and collective intelligence.
For more information, see the Destination Canada Strategic Plan.
Emergency Preparedness Week Resources (May 5-11, 2024)
Emergency Preparedness Week is May 5 to 11 in 2024, and is a great time to learn about getting prepared for emergencies, such as reviewing the updated resources from the Province of BC and Destination BC.
May 5-11, 2024 is Emergency Preparedness Week in BC, and it's a great time for individuals and businesses to learn about getting prepared for emergencies.
The Province has a wealth of resources available including;
Using technology in emergency management
Knowing the hazards in your community, using the PreparedBC Hazard Map
How to make an emergency plan
Throughout the week, Destination BC will be highlighting the Tourism Emergency Management Committee's (TEMC) work, messaging and resources through their newsletter, website, and LinkedIn, under the slogan “Prepare and Share”.
Here are a couple of examples:
Updated emergency messaging guide, infographics, and resources for industry
New and updated Infographics (in the TEMC’s public Google Hub)
Reminders to create crisis comms plans (TEMC comms guidance and check-lists)
Suggested emergency apps/platforms: Alertable, BC Wildfire, Drive BC etc.
Also to note, as part of Emergency Preparedness Week, an emergency alert test will be issued to cellphones, television and radio at 10:55 am (PT) on Wednesday, May 8.
The test alert will go to all compatible cellphones, and will interrupt radio and television broadcasts. This test will assess the system’s readiness for an actual emergency and identify any required adjustments.
BC Hotel Association Announces Launch of Emergency Management Central Booking Portal
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has announced the development of the Emergency Management Central Booking Portal. This portal will enhance the booking efficiency for Emergency Support Services (ESS) evacuee support in B.C.
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has announced the development of the Emergency Management Central Booking Portal.
The reservation system aims to accelerate the process of sheltering evacuees by enhancing the coordinating and booking efficiencies for Emergency Support Services (ESS) evacuee support in B.C. for the year 2024.
The pilot reservation system will go live in three host communities, Kamloops, Kelowna, and Prince George, in June 2024. The system will provide live availability for accommodations while simultaneously tracking evacuee placements.
Commit to Workplace Safety for National Safety & Health Week
May 6 to 11 is National Safety & Health Week. Create a safe and strong workplace by accessing free resources and training from go2HR.
May 6 to 11 is National Safety & Health Week. Employers can gear up for this week-long event by accessing the free resources from go2HR.
Health & safety training promotes a positive safety culture that results in the reduction rate and duration of injuries, improves employee morale, and attracts and retains employees.
Destination Events Support Fund by Tourism Kamloops
Tourism Kamloops has recently announced a new RFP funding opportunity, the Destination Events Support Fund. They are seeking proposals from businesses and organizations who want to develop annual destination events in Kamloops between October and April.
Tourism Kamloops has recently announced a new RFP funding opportunity, the Destination Events Support Fund. This was developed because Tourism Kamloops is committed to elevating Kamloops as an attractive, year-round destination by investing in strategies that focus on off-peak visitation. They are seeking proposals from businesses and organizations who want to develop annual destination events in Kamloops between October and April.
Program Goals:
- Generate incremental visitation and overnight stays in October, November, December, January, February, March & April.
- Develop the destination in off-peak months by creating events that enhance perception, increase awareness, and stimulate advocacy for Kamloops in key markets (social media & word-of-mouth)
- Enhance resident sentiment
- Increase net promoter score
Find out if you qualify for the funding by visiting TourismKamloops.com /Event-Support-Fund.
Securing Small Business Rebate Now Open (until funds are expended, or January 2025)
Small companies can get rebates for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs or to implement eligible preventative measures and covers expenses incurred between January 2023 to December 30, 2024.
Recognizing the increased costs to businesses due to property crime and vandalism in rural and urban communities across the province, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation is sending a reminder that its $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program, is open, and will run through to January 2025 (or until funds are expended).
The Program will provide small businesses with funds for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures and covers expenses incurred between January 2023 to December 30, 2024. The BC Chamber of Commerce will administer the rebate program.
Sustainable Tourism Course by eLearningU
Learn from experts from around the world who will go beyond the need for sustainable practices to define the business opportunity and the ways that we can all take steps to develop, attract, and grow sustainable travel for your business/destination. Early bird pricing is available. Use discount code BC300 to receive a $300 discount.
This series of live, interactive Zoom lessons will demonstrate the demand for sustainable travel, highlight the opportunities, then empower you to take advantage.
Learn from experts from around the world who will go beyond the need for sustainable practices to define the business opportunity and the ways that we can all take steps to develop, attract, and grow sustainable travel for businesses and destinations.
Program goals include:
Empower businesses to embrace the sustainability need and identify the opportunity for sustainable travel
Build the skills necessary to connect sustainable businesses with travellers
Create engaged and informed stakeholders
Develop thriving local tourism economies
Early bird pricing is available. Use discount code BC300 to receive a $300 discount.
2023 Resident Perceptions of BC's Tourism Industry Report by Destination BC
Destination BC released a on report on the 2023 Resident Perceptions of BC’s Tourism Industry survey, launched in November 2023 to understand the perceptions BC residents have of the tourism industry on both community and provincial levels. The survey found that the majority of BC residents continue to value the impact that tourism has on their communities.
Destination BC released the results from the 2023 Resident Perceptions of BC’s Tourism Industry survey. The survey was launched in November 2023 to understand the perceptions BC residents have of the tourism industry on both community and provincial levels.
Some key highlights noted in the announcement include:
The majority of BC residents continue to value the impact that tourism has on their communities.
A large percentage agree that tourism supports a greater diversity of amenities (78%), contributes positively to the quality of life of their community (72%), and its positive impacts in their community outweigh the negative ones (75%).
Residents take pride in making visitors feel welcome (75%) and a strong majority agree their community is a desirable place to visit (79%).
Province-wide, residents are more likely to support tourism growth during winter (December-February), followed by fall (September-November), and then spring (March-May).
Promote Your Business at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre - 2024 Season
Thompson Okanagan tourism companies are invited to share adventures and experiences at the Tourism Inspiration Centre on Highway 97C above Peachland, which receives 35,000+ visitors per season.
Promotion Opportunities for the season (May-October)
Outdoor Billboard Space: $500+GST / year
Brochure Racking Space & QR Code Link to Website: $125+GST / year
On-Site Exhibit Space: $150+GST / weekend
Biosphere Commitment Program members will receive a 25% discount on listed prices.
Availability is limited and offered first come, first serve. To secure your promotion space, contact Visit@TOTABC.com.
Thompson Okanagan tourism companies are invited to share adventures and experiences at the Tourism Inspiration Centre on Highway 97C above Peachland, which receives 35,000+ visitors in a regular season.
TOTA operates the Tourism Inspiration Centre, with a team of Tourism Visitor Information Counsellors available to assist visitors en route to or from their Thompson Okanagan destination.
Note: Biosphere Commitment Program members will receive a 25% discount on listed prices.
Promotion Opportunities for the 2024 Season (May-October)
Outdoor Billboard Space: $500+GST / year
Display a poster for 4' x 8' space facing the Tourism Inspiration Centre and parking lot. This includes the opportunity to host an on-site exhibit space for one weekend during the season to meet with and directly promote your experience to visitors; and one social media post on Tourism Inspiration Centre Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business.
Billboard creation and installation not included.
Brochure Racking Space & QR Code Link to Website: $125+GST / year
Display brochures and link to your website in the Tourism Inspiration Centre. Tourism Inspiration Centre ambassadors will familiarize themselves with your company and share it with visitors. Includes one social media post on Tourism Inspiration Centre Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business. Brochure creation not included.
On-Site Exhibit Space: $150+GST / weekend
Host an on-site exhibit space outside the Tourism Inspiration Centre to meet with and directly promote your experience to visitors. Includes one social media post on Tourism Inspiration Centre Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business. Tent/booth not included.
Secure Your Promotion Space
Availability is limited and offered first come, first serve. To secure your promotion space, submit the Promotion Subscription Form or contact Tourism Inspiration Manager, Barbara Bonnough, at Visit@TOTABC.com.
BC Wine Month - Here's how to get involved, including free online certification
April is BC Wine Month! To celebrate, Wine Growers BC has shared several resources, including winery, event, and restaurant listings, free Wines of BC Ambassador Program level one course and certification, and a social media campaign. #BCWineMonth
The provincial government proclaimed April 2024 as BC Wine Month for the seventh year.
Wineries are excited to welcome guests this spring and summer and share an abundance of 100% BC wines.
Wineries are hosting tastings, tours and paired dining experiences, as well as yoga, painting and concerts. View winery events and start planning a visit at WineBC.com.
Restaurants and wine shops that serve BC wines are listed on the Pour More BC webpage.
Wine Growers BC are offering the Wines of BC Ambassador Program first level, complimentary for the month. Level One is an online certification course with valuable information on BC wine history, varieties, styles, unique climate, and food pairing expertise. Get certified now – $99 value offered complimentary (promo code BCWINE24) for BC Wine Month.
Want to spread the word? Follow along all BC Wine Month on social media @WinesofBC and tag #BCWineMonth in your BC wine adventures this season.
go2HR New Safety Basics Health & Safety Orientation Training (Free)
The Safety Basics Orientation Course is a free, online, asynchronous health and safety training for new and young workers, designed to meet the WorkSafeBC regulatory requirement to provide a health and safety orientation.
This newest addition to go2HR's training portfolio will also help employers deliver a positive onboarding experience, showcasing your commitment to creating a healthy and safe work environment.
The Safety Basics Orientation Course is a free, online, asynchronous health and safety training for new and young workers, designed to meet the WorkSafeBC regulatory requirement to provide a health and safety orientation.
This newest addition to go2HR's training portfolio will also help employers deliver a positive onboarding experience, showcasing your commitment to creating a healthy and safe work environment.
Register for 2SLGBTQI+ Diversity & Inclusion Online Training for Tourism on March 1
Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals are invited to an online training session on March 1 to start a conversation about how your team can contribute to a work environment that empowers 2SLGBTQI+ colleagues, guests, and other stakeholders.
Friday, March 1, 2024 | 9 - 10:30 am
$25 per person
Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals are invited to a 90-minute session designed to start a conversation about 2SLGBTQI+ diversity and inclusion in your workplace. The session is hosted by Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, as part of the Rainbow Registered program.
As a business, your responsibility to maintain an inclusive and accessible workplace is more important than ever. This session is a great way to start a conversation about how your team can contribute to a work environment that empowers 2SLGBTQI+ colleagues, guests, and other stakeholders.
Topics include:
2SLGBTQ+ Intro - terminology, sexuality, orientation & attraction
Gender Diversity - identity and expression, transition, names & pronouns
Inclusion Considerations - context, work & employment related experiences
Inclusive Workplaces - what they look like, benefits & challenges of achieving them
Putting it into practice - how to demonstrate allyship & contribute to an inclusive workplace and atmosphere
Risk of Invasive Mussels to Okanagan Lakes & Waterways
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has increased calls for action after the announcement of invasive mussels in a tributary to the Columbia River, which connects to the Okanagan. The OBWB began calling for a temporary moratorium on watercraft coming into BC. Support for the moratorium has been gathering steam with letters coming in from BC municipalities, chambers of commerce, TOTA, and others.
The Don't Move a Mussel campaign website has resources to learn more about risks and prevention, and to raise awareness.
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has been stepping up calls for action after last September’s announcement of quagga mussels in the Idaho’s Snake River, a tributary to the Columbia River which connects to the Okanagan, and only an 11-hour drive to the BC and Alberta border.
Idaho’s desperate response was to spread toxic copper chelate into the river, killing almost seven tonnes of fish and poisoning a 26 km stretch of the river. The effectiveness won’t be known until this spring.
In October, the OBWB began calling for a temporary moratorium on watercraft coming into BC until results from Idaho’s efforts are known and the Province has closed any gaps in its Invasive Mussel Defence Program. Support for the moratorium has been gathering steam with letters coming in from BC municipalities, chambers of commerce, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and others.
Tourism businesses and residents can review the Don't Move a Mussel campaign website to learn more about risks and prevention, and access resources to raise awareness.
Applications open for Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund | Apply by February 25, 2024
BC-based events can apply for one-time grants, up to about 20% of the total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000 per event.
The Province of BC opened applications for the 2024 Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund. BC-based events can apply for one-time grants, up to about 20% of the total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000 per event.
Event organizers will be able to tackle ongoing challenges the sector faces, such as reduced revenue and sponsorships, and rising costs of equipment and services.
Event funding will also support those areas affected by the 2023 wildfires and will help boost visitation and generate economic activity for those communities.
Eligibility
Eligible events include sporting events, arts and culture events, community celebrations, agricultural fairs and rodeos with a budget of at least $10,000, between April 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025.
Examples of eligible expenses include operational costs, Indigenous consultation and honorariums, venue rental, marketing, wages, and promotion.
Application Details
Applications will be accepted until Feb. 25, 2024. Organizations are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.