News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Board of Directors Working On Moving Tourism Forward
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Board of Directors and Senior Staff members of the Association met this week to discuss the challenges the tourism industry has faced and continues to deal with and how best to move forward.
(Kelowna, B.C.) June 9, 2022 - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Board of Directors and Senior Staff members of the association met on June 8, 2022 at the Summerland Waterfront Resort for their first in-person board meeting since October 2021 and only their second in-person meeting since February 2020.
"While the board has continued to meet virtually and work tirelessly over the past two years, nothing can replace the dynamics and creativity of face-to-face dialogue," said TOTA Board Chair Michael J. Ballingall.
"The challenges the tourism industry has faced and continues to deal with are immense and will take innovation, collaboration, and partnership to help deal with post-pandemic recovery, supply shortages, and labour challenges. It has never been more important to come together to build a resilient and sustainable industry," said Ballingall. "We have to recognize that things are not going back to "how they once were" nor, in fact, do we want them to. We must incorporate a new way of thinking to build forward and better for the long term."
TOTA has been a leader in encouraging the implementation of sustainability plans and practices since the release of its 10-year Regional Strategy "Embracing Our Potential" in 2012. In 2017, the Thompson Okanagan region became the first Biosphere Certified Destination in the Americas, a program that is part of the Responsible Tourism Institute and built around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Since then, the other regions that form the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) including Kootenay Rockies Tourism, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism, Northern BC Tourism and 4VI (previously Tourism Vancouver Island) have all become Biosphere Certified Destinations, as well as Destination Greater Victoria.
There are several ways to get involved with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, including:
Run in the Board of Directors Election
For more information, visit TOTABC.org or contact TOTA at Info@TOTABC.com.
Background
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
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.
National AccessAbility Week & Accessibility Ambassadors in the Okanagan
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is being celebrated from May 29 to June 4, with the theme: “Inclusive from the start.”
Join in to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities; highlight the work of individuals, organizations and communities who are removing barriers, and reflect on our ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more disability inclusive Canada.
As part of the celebration, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) will have accessibility ambassadors on the ground next week, collecting information for the AccessNow app on the main streets in Kelowna, Penticton, and Vernon.
The AccessNow app is a go-to resource for accessibility information, built on a connected platform that empowers all people to discover a world of accessible opportunities, make travel decisions, and remove barriers. The app has over 200K places rated in 35 countries, including restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions, trails, and parks.
AccessNow has a growing community of people who believe in an accessible future. Anyone is welcome to get involved through mapping, reviewing, beta testing, outreach, and storytelling.
Tourism businesses can claim their listing and let people know what to expect when visiting.
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is being celebrated from May 29 to June 4, with the theme: “Inclusive from the start.”
Join in to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities; highlight the work of individuals, organizations and communities who are removing barriers, and reflect on our ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more disability inclusive Canada.
As part of the celebration, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) will have accessibility ambassadors on the ground next week, collecting information for the AccessNow app on the main streets in Kelowna, Penticton, and Vernon.
The AccessNow app is a go-to resource for accessibility information, built on a connected platform that empowers all people to discover a world of accessible opportunities, make travel decisions, and remove barriers. The app has over 200K places rated in 35 countries, including restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions, trails, and parks.
AccessNow has a growing community of people who believe in an accessible future. Anyone is welcome to get involved through mapping, reviewing, beta testing, outreach, and storytelling.
Tourism businesses can claim their listing and let people know what to expect when visiting.
South Okanagan Food & Drink Experience Development Program Event: Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages
Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages is an event created through the South Okanagan Food & Drink Experience Development Program which occurred between September 2021 - January 2022 in partnership with TOTA, Destination BC, and the Culinary Tourism Alliance.
Join Chef Aman Dosanj of the Paisley Notebook pop-up series for an immersive dining experience on Covert Farm's 650-acre, fourth-generation farm. The event will guide guests through a multi-course food and wine paired sensory journey of our bountiful region.
Chef Aman Dosanj
Food & Drink Experience Development Pilot Program
The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA), in collaboration with Destination British Columbia (DBC) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), delivered a Food & Drink Experience Development Pilot Program in the South Okanagan. The pilot program initiated in May 2021 and concluded in February 2022.
Goals of the Experience Development Pilot Program
To support selected businesses with the creation and delivery of a new, market-
ready food & drink experience to offer both locals and visitors to the South
Okanagan
To contribute to the development of new food tourism experiences that will add
to the destination’s overall value proposition, help visitors connect to the region
in a more meaningful way, and encourage repeat visitation and referral
To summarize learnings from the experience development pilot program that
may inform future experience development supports provided by DBC, which
align with the implementation of the Invest in Iconics Strategy across British
Columbia.
The first participant, Covert Farms Family Estate Winery, has now launched their event they created during this pilot program. Their event Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages is an immersive dining experience with Chef Aman Dosanj of the Paisley Notebook pop-up series.
Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages
The night will begin with a welcome reception, where guests can take their seat and enjoy free time to play farm games and explore. Next, you will hop aboard their vintage cherry red trucks for an open-air tour of their regenerative farm and vineyards. Here, they will discuss the rich history of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and neighboring Indigenous cultural site nʕaylintn, and then forage for traditional plants, some of which will be featured in the night’s dishes.
Chef Aman will guide guests through each of her incredible dishes along with the ingredients used, including organic fruits and vegetables grown right here on our farm and meats raised at the estate. Each dish will be paired with Covert Farms Estate wines by winemaker and farmer, Gene Covert, all of which are made with regenerative viticulture practices, using minimal intervention and natural fermentation when possible.
Recap of IMPACT Sustainable Tourism Conference 2022
Last week, several TOTA team members attended the annual IMPACT Sustainable Tourism Conference in Victoria. The spirit of this internationally informed, Canadian-focused event is to educate, unite, commit, and take action towards the development of tourism as a financial and social force for good.
Over the course of 2.5 days and more than 20 sessions, the conference presented the sustainability challenges faced by the tourism industry worldwide. Inspiring examples were shared of companies working towards regenerative tourism, and they called on tourism professionals to commit to meaningful action.
We have summarized some key highlights…
Last week, several TOTA team members attended the annual IMPACT Sustainable Tourism Conference in Victoria. The spirit of this internationally informed, Canadian-focused event is to educate, unite, commit, and take action towards the development of tourism as a financial and social force for good. Monitoring and measuring success through the lens of environment, community, culture, and economy (also known as planet, people and prosperity by the BC Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture, and Sport).
Over the course of 2.5 days and more than 20 sessions, the conference presented the sustainability challenges faced by the tourism industry worldwide. Inspiring examples were shared of companies working towards regenerative tourism, and they called on tourism professionals to commit to meaningful action.
Key highlights from IMPACT:
Regenerative Tourism
The COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have converged to cause great disruption, however we are now in the midst of what is being referred to as the Great Restart, an opportunity to reassess the ways in which we do business and refocus efforts to prepare for the future.
This requires significant intentional change and an urgency to incorporate sustainable and regenerative practices into the core of business planning and operations.
Tourism can strive to regenerate - meaning to protect and strengthen - land and communities, creating net positives for both. Working collectively, we can minimize the negative impacts and amplify the many benefits, to be equitably enjoyed by residents and guests.
What does regenerative tourism look like in action?
Work to attract “High Values Guests,” meaning visitors that generally stay longer, support local businesses, and strive to minimize their individual impact on the destination and community.
Incorporate sustainable technology and practices into your business that improve the guest experience and reduce costs.
Make it easy to choose and provide education for guests to reduce carbon emissions, such as lower emission transportation methods, foods, and energy sources.
Employ creative thinking around partnerships and collaboration, job sharing, and cross training to attract tourism professionals seeking full time, long-term employment.
Industry certifications and frameworks which help destinations and companies build a foundation of practices that meet (or exceed) industry sustainability standards and communicate commitments to partners and customers.
Collaborate with the scientific community to better understand tourism’s positive and negative impact. For example, researchers could study aspects of the tourism business to make improvements and help develop educational tourism experiences that share their knowledge and appreciation with guests.
Develop infrastructure and experiences that help to lengthen the tourism season and encourage dispersion.
Indigenous Reconciliation
Indigenous reconciliation was woven throughout the entire conference, and underscored the importance of DMOs and businesses developing an Indigenous strategy and creating relationships with local nations working in collaboration to share stories and promote Indigenous services and experiences.
How can tourism be a powerful cultural and economic tool to take action towards reconciliation? Some examples for non-Indigenous entities include:
Work to learn from Indigenous people and the sustainable practices at the core of their way of life
Acknowledge the local nation and their history in tourism experiences and content.
Become a Friend of Indigenous Tourism BC to begin collaboration towards mutual success and that contribute to reconciliation through the support of Indigenous tourism.
Create an Indigenous Ally Program and share a portion of profits with local Indigenous bands, which can provide reliable income to employ Indigenous forest guardians.
Thompson Okanagan Commitment to Regenerative Tourism
While sustainability has been a key aspect of TOTA’s destination management strategy since 2012, it’s inspiring to see sustainability develop as the foundation of tourism in British Columbia, Canada, and other destinations around the world.
The TOTA team is eager to further incorporate regenerative tourism best practices into the Thompson Okanagan region, in order to continue as a competitive tourism destination and inspire others to plan the future of their destination through a sustainability lens.
If you want to discuss sustainable tourism and how your business can get started or build on an existing foundation, contact the TOTA Destination Stewardship team at Biosphere@TOTABC.com.
Job Opportunity: TOTA Communications Coordinator (Summer Intern Program) | Apply by June 17
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is seeking to hire a Communications Coordinator for a summer internship program. The Communications Coordinator will work with the Corporate Communications Specialist to support the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry communications by creating content for news updates, email newsletters, webpages, and social media content.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is seeking to hire a Communications Coordinator for a summer internship program. The Communications Coordinator will work with the Corporate Communications Specialist to support the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry communications by creating content for news updates, email newsletters, webpages, and social media content.
The position is based on a Canada Summer Jobs Grant and is limited to an 8-12 week internship, with the option to work remotely full-time or part-time from the TOTA office in Kelowna. The position also includes time as a Visitor Counsellor at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre located above Peachland on the Coquihalla Connector.
Candidates must be able to travel to the TOTA office, team events, and Tourism Inspiration Centre as needed.
Please send cover letter and resume to HR@TOTABC.com by June 17.
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
New Biosphere Committed Company, Codfather’s Seafood Market
We are pleased to welcome Codfather’s Seafood Market as the newest Biosphere Committed Company. Located in Kelowna, Codfather’s is a family run business that prides themselves on marking a big impact out of a small space. Sustainability for Codfather’s as a seafood business has always been tied closely to the ethics of seafood harvesting and growing, and the way that fisheries are organized and monitored. Codfather’s owners Jon and Anne-Marie Crofts have been involved in other sustainable movements such as Slow Fish and the Fisheries for Communities campaign.
Jon and Anne-Marie Crofts, Owners of Codfather’s Seafood Market
Codfather’s Seafood Market has been operating in Kelowna for over 30 years and operates a traditional Fishmongers shop as well as supplying restaurants in the Okanagan and beyond with high quality seafood. Operating out of a small space in the Guisachan Village on Gordon Drive in Kelowna, they are a family run business and pride themselves on making a big impact out of a small space.
“We decided to join the Biosphere Commitment Program because we needed a way to ensure that we take every opportunity to progress and look at every area of our business in terms of sustainability. We felt that this would lead to real and measurable improvement for us.”
- Jon Crofts, Codfather’s Seafood Market
Sustainability for Codfather’s as a seafood business has always been tied closely to the ethics of seafood harvesting and growing, and the way that fisheries are organized and monitored. Sustainability is more than just an eco-label, it also comes from the heart and should never be driven by the desire to profit in any other way than to ensure that a livelihood and thriving ecosystem is still available for all the generations to come.
Lack of equitable access and corporate monopolisation have become huge problems when it comes to sustainability, with “Ocean Grabbing” prevalent throughout the world. Through their work with the Slow Fish organization, they fight against these problems in various guises constantly. They also believe firmly in the value of local co-management of fisheries by Coastal and inland watershed communities. Codfather’s works towards this through their involvement with the “Fisheries for Communities” campaign.
Sustainable Energy Tips for Tourism Businesses
Energy is used every day to modulate temperature, light indoor and outdoor environments, heat water, and run appliances.
According to Natural Resource Canada more than 60% of the total energy consumption in a building is utilized for space heating.
The following energy efficiency tips can help in reducing your business’ energy consumption and will bring added benefits of cost saving and reducing your carbon footprint:
Regularly maintain and replace worn caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors to seal gaps and cracks.
Install programmable thermostat to turn down the heat to about 17 degree Celsius after business hours and in unoccupied or less frequently used areas.
Upgrade to LED lighting to enhance your indoor atmosphere and save energy costs.
Replace standard incandescent bulbs with Energy Star rated LED bulbs and T12 fluorescent lamps and high performance T8 or LED lighting.
Have appliances serviced regularly to keep them operating safely and efficiently.
Energy is used every day to modulate temperature, light indoor and outdoor environments, heat water, and run appliances.
According to Natural Resource Canada more than 60% of the total energy consumption in a building is utilized for space heating.
The following energy efficiency tips can help in reducing your business’ energy consumption and will bring added benefits of cost saving and reducing your carbon footprint:
Regularly maintain and replace worn caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors to seal gaps and cracks.
Install programmable thermostat to turn down the heat to about 17 degree Celsius after business hours and in unoccupied or less frequently used areas.
Upgrade to LED lighting to enhance your indoor atmosphere and save energy costs.
Replace standard incandescent bulbs with Energy Star rated LED bulbs and T12 fluorescent lamps and high performance T8 or LED lighting.
Have appliances serviced regularly to keep them operating safely and efficiently.
Special Press Event for the Green Wine Future Conference on April 20, 2022
Media and stakeholders are invited to attend a Special Press Event for the Green Wine Future Conference on Wednesday, April 20 at 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM at the BC Wine Information Centre in Penticton.
Limited Availability. Attendance by Registration Only.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Reception: 2:30 PM
Presentation: 3:00 PM
BC Wine Information Centre
553 Vees Dr, Unit 101, Penticton
Hosted by
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Green Wine Future
Guest Speaker: Pancho Campo
Pancho Campo is a world renowned wine expert, environmental activist and entrepreneur who has worked with celebrities such as President Obama, Sting, VP Al Gore, Enrique Iglesias, and many others.
Limited Availability. Attendance by Registration Only.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) together with our partners at Destination BC and several regional stakeholders are very pleased to be part of Green Wine Future Conference 2022, taking place virtually on May 23-26. Recognizing the challenges and undeniable impacts of climate change worldwide, this conference, now in its eight year, will bring multiple leaders from around the globe together to discuss how each is working to address the issues.
As part of the conference, this month TOTA is hosting Pancho Campo, founder of Wine for the Planet and the Green Wine Future event, in the Thompson Okanagan region to film a documentary highlighting the dedication of our wine, culinary, and tourism industry to implementing strategies and business practices to help combat the climate crisis.
TOTA and Wine for the Planet invite you to join us for the Canadian Press Event officially launching our participation in this May conference on April 20, 2022 at 2:30 PM.
At the press conference, you will hear directly from Pancho and learn of his work around the world. He will offer insights of what to expect at this year's Green Wine Future Conference.
You will also have the opportunity to hear from several industry leaders and enjoy a small sampling of some of the area's various wine varietals.
We look forward to your attendance. Please RSVP as soon as possible as numbers will be limited.
Visit TOTA & go2HR at TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo & Job Fair
TOTA and go2HR team members will be at the TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo & Job Fair on Saturday, April 9, ready to meet with attendees.
Come say hello to our team members and learn about programs available to support tourism businesses and professionals, such as:
Hospitality Professional Program by TOTA and Okanagan College
go2HR employer and job seeker supports and industry training programs, including the go2HR Job Board
This FREE tourism event will give you a unique opportunity to meet with local tourism businesses and learn more about The Remarkable Unique Experiences that keep visitors coming back to Penticton year after year. Discover new adventures and reacquaint yourself with all of the amazing activities, attractions, accommodations, restaurants, wineries, breweries, cideries, events and so much more happening in and around Penticton.
This is also a great opportunity to bring your resume and find the perfect summer job, volunteer opportunity, or a career in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Attendees can enter to win a variety of prizes. The TOTA prizes are:
Sustainable Travel Box from Okanagan Valley Vagabonds, curated with eco-conscious travel items.
Two bracelets from Jewels of HOPE, which supports vulnerable women in the Okanagan to gather in a safe place to learn artisanal bracelet making skills that help them transition to further employment and educational opportunities.
TOTA and go2HR team members will be at the TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo & Job Fair on Saturday, April 9, ready to meet with attendees.
Come say hello to our team members and learn about programs available to support tourism businesses and professionals, such as:
Hospitality Professional Program by TOTA and Okanagan College
go2HR employer and job seeker supports and industry training programs, including the go2HR Job Board
This FREE tourism event will give you a unique opportunity to meet with local tourism businesses and learn more about The Remarkable Unique Experiences that keep visitors coming back to Penticton year after year. Discover new adventures and reacquaint yourself with all of the amazing activities, attractions, accommodations, restaurants, wineries, breweries, cideries, events and so much more happening in and around Penticton.
This is also a great opportunity to bring your resume and find the perfect summer job, volunteer opportunity, or a career in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Attendees can enter to win a variety of prizes. The TOTA prizes are:
Sustainable Travel Box from Okanagan Valley Vagabonds, curated with eco-conscious travel items.
Two bracelets from Jewels of HOPE, which supports vulnerable women in the Okanagan to gather in a safe place to learn artisanal bracelet making skills that help them transition to further employment and educational opportunities.
Tourism Leadership Essentials 7-Week Program | Applications Open Until April 8
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is partnering with Okanagan College to offer the Tourism Leadership Essentials Program for Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals, free of charge through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, part of the BC Tourism Resiliency Network.
Held from April 12 to May 26 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 PM - 8 PM, the seven-part series consists of 2-hour online workshops, twice a week for seven weeks with Okanagan College tourism professors. Each part focuses on specific leadership skills required in today’s multi-faceted workplaces.
Due to an abundance of interest, applications are no longer being considered for this intake. Thompson Okanagan tourism industry professionals are invited to apply to be added to the waitlist for a future program series.
April 12 – May 26, 2022
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 PM - 8 PM
Application Deadline: April 8, 2022
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is partnering with Okanagan College to offer the Tourism Leadership Essentials Program for Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals, free of charge through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, part of the BC Tourism Resiliency Network.
The seven-part series consists of 2-hour online workshops, twice a week for seven weeks with Okanagan College tourism professors. Each part focuses on specific leadership skills required in today’s multi-faceted workplaces.
Participants will discover their leadership style, develop management skills, learn about teams, engagement, communication, conflict resolution, and goal setting.
The program is meant to develop skills for both aspiring leaders and seasoned veterans, with insights and tangible strategies that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
Availability is limited. While priority will be given to professionals currently employed in the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, other professionals may be eligible.
Application Details
Applications are now closed. If you wish to be informed of future leadership training opportunities, complete the following form:
Schedule & Topics
Each week of the Tourism Leadership Essentials Program will include two instructor-led virtual sessions, plus two hours of independent work covering the followings topics:
Week 1: April 12 & 14 | Leading Workplace Teams
Learn about the skills and tools effective leaders require, how personal values impact leadership, as well as how to develop realistic visions, manage change and promote innovation.
Week 2: April 19 & 21 | Engaging Your Workforce
A highly engaged workforce results in less turnover, better customer service and increased profits. Gain strategies for engaging and motivating employees to foster new ideas and identify solutions in the workplace. Learn about motivation, teamwork, and the stages of teamwork.
Week 3: April 26 & 28 | Communicating Beyond the Basics
Communication is a key component in successful workplaces. Learn how to build respectful and productive relationships with staff and customers. Learn how you communicate, the challenges in communicating effectively, and how to improve your listening skills. Develop a methodology to plan for change.
Week 4: May 3 & 5 | Managing Conflict
Conflicts arise in all workplaces and it’s up to leaders to manage them. Response to conflict defines the result. See the connections between responses and actions and then identify shifts to build better relationships. Gain strategies for dealing with difficult people, having difficult conversations, and providing meaningful feedback.
Week 5: May 10 & 12 | Goal Setting and Time Management
Gain a methodology to tie all objectives and aspirations into a planned approach, matched with resources and timelines to meet goals. Learn how to use time effectively to keep feeling motivated and prevent feelings of overwhelm. The planning and goal setting strategies provided in this course ensure time invested results in solid and measurable results.
Week 6: May 17 & 19 | Change Management
Change is inevitable and not always easy. Learn to lead during times of change by gaining knowledge, skills and strategies that lead to successful change management. Explore reasons for change and factors that influence this process, as well as the impact of change on innovation.
Week 7: May 24 & 26 | Coaching & Developing Employees
Coaching employees builds stronger relationships between managers and their team members. Through coaching, employees are supported in developing the skills they require to reach organizational goals and strategic objectives. This course provides learners with strategies they can use to ensure their employees are engaged in their own personal growth resulting in a positive impact on the organization.
TOTA Launches Community Well-Being Survey on International Day of Happiness
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) launched a Community Well-Being Survey, on the International Day of Happiness, March 20, 2022. The survey, a partnership with Planet Happiness (a project of the Happiness Alliance), is meant to strengthen the relationship between the tourism industry and residents of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia.
Thompson Okanagan residents, including tourism professionals, are invited to complete the survey. Once completed you will receive a personal report highlighting your results compared to the average results of other residents in the region.
Individuals and companies are encouraged to share the survey with team members and communities. To make sharing easy, TOTA has prepared a Media Kit with sample promotion materials for email and social media.
Kelowna, BC - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) launched a Community Well-Being Survey, on the International Day of Happiness, March 20, 2022. The survey, a partnership with Planet Happiness (a project of the Happiness Alliance), is meant to strengthen the relationship between the tourism industry and residents of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia.
The survey includes questions about mental health, lifestyle, hobbies, feelings toward tourism, and daily activities. The responses gathered will help to inform strategies for improving resident well-being in the region. This evidence based survey has been peer reviewed, is completely private, and is General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant.
The residents of this region have proven their capacity for resiliency and moving forward together throughout the pandemic. As the world begins to resume to its normal ways, TOTA wants to include resident well-being at the forefront of reintegrating tourism to the communities in the region. People make a great destination and a great destination contributes to the well-being of its people.
Take the Survey
Thompson Okanagan residents, including tourism professionals, are invited to complete the survey. Once completed you will receive a personal report highlighting your results compared to the average results of other residents in the region.
Help Spread the Word
Individuals and companies are encouraged to share the survey with team members and communities before the survey closes on the 30th of April, 2022. To make sharing easy, TOTA has prepared a Media Kit with sample promotion materials for email and social media.
About International Day of Happiness
The International Day of Happiness was created with the mission to “serve as a beacon of light, inspiration, and hope for all who aspire to live happy and fulfilling lives.”
The non-profit organization works towards this mission by hosting events and sharing their efforts through the official hashtag #InternationalDayOfHappiness in order to spread awareness about the Ten Steps to Global Happiness and by work to promote and advance the following:
Happiness as a fundamental human right and goal for all
Happiness as a universal aspiration in the lives of all
Happiness as a way of living, being, and serving communities and society
Happiness as a north star for individuals, communities, governments, and society.
Happiness path toward achieving the sustainable development goals
Happiness as a “new paradigm’ for human development
Worldwide celebration of the international day of happiness that is democratic, diverse, organic, and inclusive
The Ten Steps to Happiness 2022 are as follows:
Tell Everyone.
Do What Makes You Happy.
Give and Spread Happiness to Others.
Attend a World Happiness Event.
Celebrate.
Share What Makes You Happy on Social Media.
Promote the Resolutions.
Advance the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development.
Enjoy Nature.
Hapitalism.
For more information about the International Day of Happiness and the Ten Steps to Happiness 2022, visit HappinessDay.org.
Background
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
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.
About Happiness Alliance
Happiness Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to contribute to the transformations of economies and societies so that the happiness of people, the well-being of communities, and the sustainability if ecosystems is the primary aim of governance, enterprise, and people. Since 2010, the Happiness Alliance has provided happiness and well-being tools and resources, including the Happiness Index. Executive director Laura Musolanski has authored multiple books and articles, and is also the co-author of the Happiness Policy Handbook.
About Planet Happiness
Planet Happiness is a grassroots, big data project to introduce happiness and well-being science, policy and practice to local communities, governments, and businesses connected to the travel and tourism industry. Dr. Paul Rogersm co-founder and director of Planet Happiness, has over 20 years of experience as a tourism advisor to national and local government and has worked in more than a dozen countries across Asia, Africa, and Australia.
For more information, contact:
Claim Your bookeco Sustainable Tourism Listing
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and bookeco have formed a strategic alliance and partnership to promote sustainable tourism products and services in the Thompson Okanagan.
Tourism businesses who demonstrate sustainable practices can register to be featured on the bookeco website, which will increase bookings and revenue by attracting sustainability focused customers to their business.
TOTA encourages all businesses taking sustainable actions to create a profile on bookeco to help customers easily find sustainable tourism providers in the Thompson Okanagan region.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and bookeco have formed a strategic alliance and partnership to promote sustainable tourism products and services in the Thompson Okanagan.
bookeco is a fast growing, customer focused platform that connects customers to businesses that care about the planet. Launched in November of 2021 with an initial focus on the Canadian market, bookeco already has over 1,200 sustainability focused businesses listed on its platform along with a rapidly growing eco-conscious customer base.
bookeco will feature the Thompson Okanagan as a sustainable destination and home to many responsible places to stay, things to do, and places to eat and drink.
Tourism businesses who demonstrate sustainable practices can register to be featured on the bookeco website, which will increase bookings and revenue by attracting sustainability focused customers to their business.
TOTA encourages all businesses taking sustainable actions to create a profile on bookeco to help customers easily find sustainable tourism providers in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Register for bookeco listing
Businesses can register for the free Basic Plan and link customer bookings through external booking partners websites, or the Advantage Plan to eliminate external booking partner fees.
With the Advantage Plan, companies will:
Drive bookings directly to your website.
Stop paying high booking partner fees.
Gain access to a sustainability focused customer base.
Showcase your sustainability initiatives to the world.
Add video content to your profile to increase booking conversion rates.
Receive priority email support.
bookeco Biosphere Discount
As part of TOTA’s partnership, Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies will receive a discount when they sign up for the bookeco Advantage Plan. The discount is 3 months free on the monthly plan or 4 months free on the yearly plan.
The Biosphere Commitment Program is open to Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses taking action towards sustainability and costs $250/year to participate.
bookeco Plans
When registering for the Advantage Plan, companies can choose their business category and either a monthly or yearly subscription:
$9.99 CAD / month or $99 CAD / year
$14.99 CAD / month or $149 CAD / year
$24.99 CAD / month or $249 CAD / year
If you have any questions or to receive the discount code, email Biosphere@TOTABC.com.
British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network Wins BC Tourism & Hospitality Award for Community Contribution
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) has been recognized with the award for Community Contribution & Impact at the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference, for demonstrating social responsibility through efforts to enhance social and cultural impact, fostering collaboration, and building resiliency in communities.
The BC Tourism Resiliency Network has helped 2,033 tourism businesses to date, including 158 Indigenous-owned, 440 women-owned, and 6 youth-owned businesses in communities spanning the province.
As one of the partners, TOTA supported over 970 Thompson Okanagan tourism companies through the regional Tourism Resiliency Program.
BC Tourism Resiliency Network RDMO CEOs with BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Community Impact Award 2022 - Clint Fraser, Kathy Cooper, Anthony Everett, and Ellen Walker-Matthews. Amy Thacker not pictured.
(Richmond, B.C.) March 11, 2022 - The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) has been recognized with a 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Award in the category of Community Contribution & Impact.
The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers. See the full list of nominees.
“We are honoured to have served B.C. tourism businesses and communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and support their survival,” said Anthony Everett, President & CEO, Tourism Vancouver Island and Chair, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat. “This program was designed by the tourism industry for the tourism industry, utilizing our sector’s specialized understanding of our own needs to guide the recovery of B.C.’s visitor economy.”
Evolving from a program initiated by Tourism Vancouver Island shortly after the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is a long-term resiliency program led by the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), providing 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.
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network has helped 2,033 tourism businesses to date, including 158 Indigenous-owned, 440 women-owned, and six youth-owned businesses in communities spanning the province. 1,333 participants have successfully secured aid from government relief programs and an estimated 3,694 jobs have been preserved.
“By working together across the province, the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is maximizing our collective expertise and resources, and leveraging the local knowledge and long-standing relationships we’ve held with stakeholders in our five regions for over 50 years,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Treasurer, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat. “The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network provided a vehicle for us to work together like never before and allowed the development of infrastructure that can be repurposed into managing other crises, but also future partnerships for the betterment of B.C.’s tourism industry.”
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO), including: Tourism Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA), Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA), and Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (NBCTA).
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat gratefully acknowledges funding for the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network from Island Coastal Economic Trust and Western Economic Diversification Canada, and support from numerous additional partners.
The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards were announced and presented at an awards gala on Thursday, March 10, 2022, as part of the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of BC and British Columbia Hotel Association.
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About the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS)
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO), including: Tourism Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA), Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA), and Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (NBCTA). The BC Tourism Resiliency Network is a long-term resiliency program providing BC 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 & bookeco Join Forces to Connect People with Eco-Friendly Tourism Providers
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and bookeco have formed a strategic alliance and partnership to promote sustainable tourism products and services in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada.
As part of the partnership, bookeco will feature the Thompson Okanagan as a sustainable destination.
Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses who demonstrate sustainable practices will have the opportunity to be featured on the bookeco website. TOTA Biosphere Committed Companies will receive up to 4 months free when they sign up for the bookeco Advantage Plan.
The partnership agreement will also include a series of projects to promote sustainable tourism and responsible tourism providers through email and social media initiatives.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and bookeco have formed a strategic alliance and partnership to promote sustainable tourism products and services in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada.
bookeco is an online platform that connects people to eco-friendly places to stay, things to do, and places to eat and drink. Launched in November of 2021 with an initial focus on the Canadian market, bookeco already has over 1,200 sustainability focused businesses listed on its platform and boasts a rapidly growing eco-conscious customer base. As a map-based platform, bookeco also gives the added advantage of highlighting eco-friendly businesses that are local to users.
bookeco is helping to rebuild the tourism industry by implementing a subscription based model to save sustainability focused businesses on high third party booking fees, and giving businesses the option to drive customers directly to their website. bookeco is focused on helping the tourism industry fight climate change through sustainability, which includes planting trees for every booking made.
“The bookeco platform makes it easy for people to find and select eco-conscious travel options in order to minimize the impact of tourism on the planet,“ said Ellen Walker-Matthews, TOTA CEO. “We look forward to sharing the Thompson Okanagan’s sustainable travel providers with people planning a trip.”
The Thompson Okanagan region is nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Home to over 120 communities, including 33 Indigenous communities, the landscape is as varied as the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies to the semi-arid climate of the Okanagan Desert. This diverse area with 9 sub-regions ranges from Christina Lake and the Shuswap to the east, Cache Creek and Princeton to the west, Valemount and Mount Robson in the north, and Osoyoos and Midway in the south near the Canada-US border.
“We are excited to partner with TOTA, an organization which shares a similar sustainability vision to bookeco,” said Liam Duffy, bookeco Co-Founder. “The Thompson Okanagan region being a Biosphere Certified Gold Destination is a testament to TOTA’s sustainability focus. This partnership offers an exciting opportunity to connect bookeco’s eco-conscious customers to the incredible sustainability focused businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region.”
As part of the partnership, bookeco will feature the Thompson Okanagan as a sustainable destination.
Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses who demonstrate sustainable practices will have the opportunity to be featured on the bookeco website. TOTA Biosphere Committed Companies will receive up to 4 months free when they sign up for the bookeco Advantage Plan.
The partnership agreement will also include a series of projects to promote sustainable tourism and responsible tourism providers through email and social media initiatives.
About the 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.
About bookeco:
Founded in Canada, bookeco was launched in November 2021 with a goal to help neutralize tourism’s negative impact on the planet. As a map-based platform, bookeco connects people to eco-friendly places to stay, things to do and places to eat and drink. For every booking made, bookeco plants trees.
Learn more at bookeco.com.
For more information, contact:
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
For information on the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program:
Kavan Vijayakumar
Industry Relations & Stewardship Specialist
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Collaborates with Green Wine Future 2022
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has joined with Green Wine Future (GWF) as one of its corporate sponsors and strategic partners. The event is the most ambitious environmental conference ever organized for the wine community and will launch as a fully online gathering May 23-26, 2022.
Miami, Florida, USA - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), to show its commitment to protecting the environment and sustainability, has joined with Green Wine Future (GWF) as one of its corporate sponsors and strategic partners. The event is the most ambitious environmental conference ever organized for the wine community and will launch as a fully online gathering May 23-26, 2022.
“Because Green Wine Future is an international summit which will be broadcast around the globe and from eight different time zones, we will be able to show the entire planet, why and how the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada became the first destination in the Americas to successfully achieve the Biosphere Certified designation distinction from the Responsible Tourism Institute,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO for TOTA.
As part of TOTA’s participation in the conference, TOTA is supported by several provincial and regional funding partners: Destination British Columbia, Wine Growers British Columbia, Sustainable Winegrowing British Columbia; and host wineries who will showcase the Thompson Okanagan wine region: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, CedarCreek Estate Winery, and Monte Creek Winery.
To address critical topics of sustainability, wine, and matters related to the climate crisis and the environment, Chrand Events has created Green Wine Future as the culmination of its Climate Change & Wine and Wine Future conferences. The conference will be broadcast in four languages simultaneously (English, Spanish, French, Italian) from 8 different parts of the planet in their respective time zones: USA, Chile, Portugal, Spain, France, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
In 2006, Chrand Events pioneered the world’s first international conference on Climate Change and Wine, and the first event examining the impacts of the climate crisis upon any one industry. Since that edition in Spain, Chrand Events has organized numerous other international conferences in Hong Kong, Portugal, and other parts of the world featuring the most influential names of the wine industry and such visionary global leaders as US President Barack Obama, Nobel Laureate Al Gore, and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan amongst many others.
“Green Wine Future will share with wine professionals innumerable, valuable aspects of how their peers are addressing sustainability issues in creating solutions to problems in the vineyard, winery, supply, and sales streams,” said David Furer, host and co-organizer of this unique international event.
In response to current world conditions, the premiere edition of Green Wine Future will offer a totally new way to attend a conference and for speakers to present their information: a hands-on and practical approach through video footage, and documentaries. Live broadcast from vineyards, footage from innovative solutions to the climate crisis, interactive documentaries specially recorded for the event are just a few highlights of GWF.
This virtual technology will allow wineries and wine companies to be present at the GWF Virtual Expo, showcasing their wines, products, and services. The innovative technology will also allow delegates, speakers, and exhibitors to network virtually for a period of 2 weeks prior to the conference.
GWF also announces the addition of “Wine for the Planet” (W4P) docuseries which will showcase the wine industry’s work in protecting areas of the Earth most sensitive to the climate crisis, including:
Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland, the Arctic;
Coral reefs in different parts of our planet;
The Amazon and other rainforests;
Regions already suffering from water shortages and floods;
Areas implementing sustainable initiatives, such as the Thompson Okanagan region in British Columbia, Canada.
Recorded and presented by GWF and W4P founder Pancho Campo and his team from the above listed regions, W4P will stream free globally during regular breaks of GWF. Documentaries will be available through Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, where the team will highlight wine tastings in Greenland, Iceland, Antarctica, the Amazon, and the Great Coral Reef.
As part of these documentaries, Pancho will travel to the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia at the beginning of April to record a documentary that will showcase the region’s wine industry, sustainable tourism commitments, and environmentally friendly strategies and initiatives that are being undertaken as part of the provincial focus to address the global climate crisis.
The event has obtained the support of many key wine organizations and allies including the International Institute of Vine and Wine, Wine Institute of California, Napa Valley Vintners, Interprofesional del Vino de España, Barossa Australia, Wines of Chile, Wines of Portugal, and the Porto Protocol.
Registrations and all information regarding GWF’s speakers and program, as well as the program for W4P, are available at GreenWineFuture.com.
About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, & Sport. It 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.
For more information, visit TOTABC.org.
About Chrand Events
Chrand Events, founder of Green Wine Future, is an agency founded by former tennis professional and Olympic captain Pancho Campo. Chrand has organized world-class events for over 30 years in more than 20 countries. Chrand has managed and produced concerts, sporting events, summits, and conferences with some of the most important world leaders, celebrities, and Nobel Prize winners including: US President Barack Obama, US Vice-President Al Gore, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, film director Francis Ford Coppola, Sting, Pink Floyd, Andre Agassi and Enrique Iglesias amongst other notables.
For more information, contact:
Pancho Campo
Founder / Conference Director
Sponsorships
Michael Wangbickler
Publicity & Communications Director
Balzac Communications & Marketing
David Furer
Host / Program Director
DF Consults
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Kavan Vijayakumar
Industry Relations & Stewardship Specialist
Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program Winery Virtual Trade Booths
Wendy Vallaster
Certified ISG Sommelier & Professional Wine Consultant
Green Wine Future Virtual Trade Booths
BCRTS Tourism Summit Brings Industry Together to Create a Stronger, More Resilient, and Inclusive Future
The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 will provide an opportunity for the sector to come together as a tourism community, learn from the challenges of the past two years, and think differently about how to co-create a more vibrant and resilient tourism industry in BC.
Reimagining the Future of Tourism: Rebuild, Reframe and Rethink is the theme of the joint virtual Summit, taking place November 3rd and 4th. The no-cost event for tourism businesses is a collaboration between the five regional destination management organizations of the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The event will feature more than 40 tourism experts who will share their global, regional, and local expertise.
The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 will provide an opportunity for the sector to come together as a tourism community, learn from the challenges of the past two years, and think differently about how to co-create a more vibrant and resilient tourism industry in BC.
Reimagining the Future of Tourism: Rebuild, Reframe and Rethink is the theme of the joint virtual Summit, taking place November 3rd and 4th, 2021. The no-cost event for tourism businesses is a collaboration between the five regional destination management organizations of the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The event will feature more than 40 tourism experts who will share their global, regional, and local expertise.
The BCRTS and its five regional associations have a decades-long relationships with tourism operators who are represented in Northern BC, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, the Thompson Okanagan, the Kootenay Rockies, and Vancouver Island. For much of the past two years, a large part of their focus has been on supporting businesses manage their way through the pandemic – while also collaborating to stage events such as this that are aimed at creating an even stronger tourism industry in this province.
“As we create a path forward, we have both an opportunity and a duty to address issues of climate change and the environmental impacts of our industry - as individual businesses, communities and regions,” said BCRTS Chair Anthony Everett. “We have an opportunity to support and celebrate Indigenous cultures through tourism and take steps to demonstrate our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. And, as we chart a future course, we must remain cognizant of how tourism impacts residents in our communities.”
Marsha Walden (President and CEO of Destination Canada), Walt Judas (CEO of Tourism Industry Association of BC), and Richard Porges (CEO of Destination BC) will speak to Shaping the Future of Tourism and how their organizations are charting a path forward.
Other panel discussions will include: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Tourism which emphasizes how to foster a visitor economy that represents a wide variety of individuals at all levels; Tourism Operators Creating a Positive Net Impact which will focus on innovative programs and approaches that BC operators have adopted to create a better tomorrow; Truth, then Reconciliation, exploring how storytelling and truth telling in tourism can support Canadians and visitors alike to gain a better understanding of Indigenous history and move towards authentic reconciliation; and, Access for All, will emphasize the need to create opportunities for people of all abilities, both within the sector and as guests.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council will also facilitate a series of workshops where participants will learn how tourism-related emissions can be measured effectively and be taken into consideration when planning tourist activities; how destination management organizations can better engage the private sector and drive sustainability certification; and learn about strategies for visitor management in natural areas.
About the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat: The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) is a collaboration between five regional destination management organizations (Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern British Columbia Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Tourism Vancouver Island) representing more than 8,000 tourism businesses and organizations.
About the Global Sustainable Tourism Council: The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria, global standards for sustainable travel and tourism; as well as providing international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies.
Summer 2021 Kettle Valley Rail Trail Upgrades Complete
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) have completed trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, in the Central Okanagan.
Upgrades were implemented to improve the trail users experience
Before
After
Kelowna, B.C. - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) have completed trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, in the Central Okanagan. TOTA's involvement was primarily the 16 km section between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Chute Lake, two very popular sections of the KVR.
The improvements included raising the tread (trail surface) of selected sections that saw annual flooding, followed by capping of the repaired sub base with 1.91 cm minus aggregate to create a rideable trail tread and prevent any drainage issues. Locations were identified by a professional Geotechnical Engineer and the project was completed using heavy machinery and hauling up the proper aggregate.
The work upgrades were undertaken to improve the worst segments of the approximately 16 km subsection of trail. Altogether, approximately 20 segments were repaired making up about 3 km of accumulated trail surface. These improvements are necessary to enhance the overall user experience along the KVR. TOTA will continue to work with partners to evaluate future areas of need, working to develop a world class cycling experience, which will encourage sustainable and responsible tourism to the Thompson Okanagan region.
The KVR is a remote trail that has ongoing maintenance challenges, and users should prepare accordingly for differing trail conditions dependent on the season.
TOTA is pleased to have undertaken this work to create a better KVR experience through the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure (CERIP) program funding, received through the Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to enable TOTA to contribute to this project and implement these changes along the trail. We also appreciate the work that many have undertaken to improve the trail over the past many months, including the RDOS, RSTBC, Chute Lake Lodge and others.
About
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, & Culture. It 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. For more information, visit TOTABC.org. For more information about the KVR Trail visit bcrailtrails.com.
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure
Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Names New President & CEO
Michael J Ballingall, Board Chair of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, has formally announced the appointment of Ellen Walker-Matthews as the CEO of the destination management organization.
Kelowna, BC – Michael J Ballingall, Board Chair of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, formally announced the appointment of Ellen Walker-Matthews as the CEO of the destination management organization.
Walker-Matthews succeeds Glenn Mandziuk, who officially resigned from the position June 25, 2021 after heading the organization for the past 13 years.
Ballingall indicated that the association is being placed in very capable hands. “Ellen has an extensive history with TOTA during which she has built a stellar reputation. In the past six months she has continued to demonstrate the leadership qualities that both the sector and our organization require as we forge our way through the COVID pandemic and look to create a strong path moving forward.”
“The past 15 months have been incredibly challenging for the tourism industry and individual businesses,” said Walker-Matthews. “I am surrounded by an incredible team and supportive Board and am honoured to play a role in helping the sector not only get back on its feet – but come back stronger than ever and carve out an exciting future for tourism in this region.”
Ballingall and Walker-Matthews. Walker-Matthews has spent the past 29 years living in Summerland, BC – so, it is only fitting that the signing of the formal agreement would take place in the community she calls home.
Walker-Matthews has more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry, including the last 11 with TOTA in various capacities, including Vice President of Stewardship, Senior Vice President and, for the past six months, Acting President and CEO. She has spearheaded and played a significant role in key initiatives including Biosphere Certification, GreenStep Certification, and Green Destination Top 100; overseeing the Tourism Resiliency Program; development and implementation of regional tourism strategies; and sales, marketing, and business plans.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism region includes 90 communities and hamlets and 33 Indigenous communities – and is located on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Nlaka’pamux, and Secwépemc Peoples.
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About TOTA
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) provides destination development, marketing, industry and experience development, and research services in an effort to minimize the industry's impact on our natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit TOTABC.org
Media Contact:
Kelly Gleeson
kgleeson@LBMG.ca
604-240-6231
New and Improved BC Rail Trails Website Launched on June 15th
The more user friendly, interactive Rail Trails website was launched on June 15th to provide a hub of information pertaining to rail trails.
Kelowna, B.C. - The updated B.C. Rail Trails website was launched on June 15th. After incorporating stakeholder feedback and improving the usability of the site, you will now find a more user friendly platform with updated accessibility information, interactive maps and quiz, and finally announcement boxes to inform users of trail maintenance.
"After many months of work behind the scenes, TOTA is happy to share the new Rail Trails Website. bcrailtrails.com will provide residents and visitors a hub of information pertaining to local rail trails. We want to thank local businesses and trail enthusiasts for their help refining the site." said Mike Overend, TOTA’s Director of Destination Development.
The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail and the Columbia & Western Rail Trail is the longest rail trail network in British Columbia extending from Hope to Castlegar. This website was created with the intent to streamline the planning of a bike ride or trip along this trail network.
“Many of our residents and visitors alike don’t realize how long and accessible the Rail Trails really are. We hope that the new interactive website will help trail users realize the potential of everything from incredible multi day bike trips to the enjoyment of a few hours on the trail.” Said Ellen Walker-Matthews, Vice President and acting President & Chief Executive Officer .
The B.C. Rail Trail website has come together with the partnership with Kootenay Rockies, and with help from the team at Navigator Multimedia Inc. We will be continuing to add relevant business listings and locations post-launch.
Explore the new Rail Trail website at bcrailtrails.com.
About TOTA
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) provides destination development, marketing, industry and experience development, and research services in an effort to minimize the industry's impact on our natural and cultural resources. Find out more information at TOTABC.org.
About Kootenay Rockies
Promoting responsible travel in the Southeast corner of British Columbia by showcasing the natural, clean, uncrowded activities and experiences that reflect the lifestyle, the culture and the community of Canada’s West. Find out more information at KootenayRockies.com.
The Opening of the IArT Mobile Gallery
Opening on May 21st, the IArt Trailer was created was created as an authentic art experience to bring Indigenous art from artists across Canada to the forefront of the Thompson Okanagan tourism experience..
TOTA, along with the Rotary Centre for the Arts and the UBCO’s Summer Indigenous Art Intensive program, are pleased to announce the opening of the IArT Mobile Gallery. The digital art exhibit, curated by Tania Willard of UBCO, was created as an authentic art experience to bring Indigenous art from artists across Canada to the forefront of the Thompson Okanagan tourism experience.
This experience will be held safely inside the IArT trailer, where you will find the work of the notable artists, Maureen Gruben, Christine, Howard Sandoval, and Krista Belle Stewart being screened. There is also an outdoor stage attached to the trailer which will be used for small-scale performances.
The details of the outside of the trailer are based on the Osoyoos Cultural Centre which was created using the technique of rammed earth. This process entails the layering of cement combined with local soils and minerals to create the beautiful colour variation.
IArT will be opening May 21st and is located in front of the Rotary Centre for the Arts building in Downtown Kelowna. As it is a travelling trailer, it will be moving to Bernard Avenue in July and finally arrive at the Kelowna Visitors Centre in the fall where it will reside permanently for now.
This project would not have been possible without our dedicated partners, the Rotary Centre for the Arts, the City Of Kelowna, Indigenous Tourism British Columbia, and Tania Willard from UBC. For locals, tourists, or art collectors, this is a unique opportunity to admire some beautifully handmade Indigenous artwork in celebration of the traditions and land of the Indigenous people of Canada.
For more information about the iArT trailer please contact TOTA’s Indigenous Tourism Specialist at Indigenous@totabc.com.
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