News & Resources

The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.

 
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Destination Canada Launches Spring Summer Domestic Campaign

Destination Canada's domestic spring and summer campaign is designed to reframe what Canadians think they know about Canada by showing a different perspective on travel icons found across the country. The target audience is encouraged to look at long-haul domestic regions the same way they consider travelling abroad.

View Website →

 

Destination Canada's domestic spring and summer campaign is designed to reframe what Canadians think they know about Canada by showing a different perspective on travel icons found across the country. The target audience is encouraged to look at long-haul domestic regions the same way they consider travelling abroad.

View Website →

 
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Province Adjusting Paid Sick Leave Act

Harry Bains, Minister of Labour, has introduced changes to address two issues that have been raised since the five days of employer-paid sick leave came into effect on January 1, 2022. For ease of implementation, the act is being amended to reference “calendar year," which standardizes the annual entitlement period for all employees regardless of the start of their employment.

The total number of paid sick leave days per year will not be affected. It remains at five. To ensure government’s intent that the paid sick leave entitlement is applied to all employees in BC, the clause that relates to collective agreements is being amended.

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Harry Bains, BC Minister of Labour, has introduced changes to address two issues that have been raised since the five days of employer-paid sick leave came into effect on January 1, 2022.

For ease of implementation, the act is being amended to reference “calendar year," which standardizes the annual entitlement period for all employees regardless of the start of their employment. The total number of paid sick leave days per year will not be affected. It remains at five.

To ensure government’s intent that the paid sick leave entitlement is applied to all employees in BC, the clause that relates to collective agreements is being amended.

The changes will be effective upon Royal Assent, which is expected before the end of the current legislative session, to ensure the paid sick leave entitlement applies to the 2022 calendar year.

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Silver Star Resort Association Launches Destination Silver Star

Silver Star Resort Association launched Destination Silver Star to increase business opportunities for the Silver Star community while making it easier for visitors to discover all the family-friendly mountain adventures the destination offers. Destination Silver Star has a fresh new website full of engaging My Silver Star digital stories as well as the announcement of a series of summer activities that is sure to impress. This community and consumer-focused brand exists to maintain and enhance the Silver Star experience by growing the local economy, and increasing engagement through marketing, sales, media relations, events, research, and destination development.

Learn More →

 

SilverStar Resort Association launched Destination Silver Star to increase business opportunities for the Silver Star community while making it easier for visitors to discover all the family-friendly mountain adventures the destination offers.

Destination Silver Star has a fresh new website full of engaging My Silver Star digital stories as well as the announcement of a series of summer activities that is sure to impress. This community and consumer-focused brand exists to maintain and enhance the Silver Star experience by growing the local economy, and increasing engagement through marketing, sales, media relations, events, research, and destination development.

Learn More →

 
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Historic Declaration Action Plan Guides BC Indigenous Reconciliation and UNDRIP Implementation

The Declaration Act Action Plan was released by the provincial government mapping out 89 specific actions to be taken across all government ministries over the next five years.

Developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, the Action Plan will be comprehensively updated with Indigenous partners within five years, and a report on implementation progress will be developed in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and submitted to the B.C. Legislature by June 30 each year.

A number of the goals include but are not limited to:

  1. Provide funding to assist Indigenous tourism businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to further support recovery of the Indigenous tourism sector in BC.

  2. Provide investments to Indigenous Tourism BC to support Indigenous tourism, Indigenous job creation, preservation of Indigenous languages, celebration of Indigenous cultures and the stewardship of territories, and to tell the stories of Indigenous Peoples in B.C. in their own words.

British Columbia is the first province to release an action plan dedicated to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UN Declaration) in Canada.

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The Declaration Act Action Plan was released by the provincial government mapping out 89 specific actions to be taken across all government ministries over the next five years.

Developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, the Action Plan will be comprehensively updated with Indigenous partners within five years, and a report on implementation progress will be developed in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and submitted to the B.C. Legislature by June 30 each year.

A number of the goals include but are not limited to:

  1. Provide funding to assist Indigenous tourism businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to further support recovery of the Indigenous tourism sector in BC.

  2. Provide investments to Indigenous Tourism BC to support Indigenous tourism, Indigenous job creation, preservation of Indigenous languages, celebration of Indigenous cultures and the stewardship of territories, and to tell the stories of Indigenous Peoples in B.C. in their own words.

British Columbia is the first province to release an action plan dedicated to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UN Declaration) in Canada.

Learn More →

 
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Newly Launched Destination Canada Marketing Campaigns Capture US and Domestic Opportunities

As border measures ease, Destination Canada is focused on driving revenue back into tourism businesses across the country. It is expected US visitors to Canada will lead recovery efforts with over 5 million visitors to Canada expected in 2022, contributing $4 billion to Canadian businesses, destinations and communities. The US Campaign comes to life through the “Refresh Your View” concept, leaning into American travellers’ need for self-enrichment. The campaign puts Canada’s most iconic destinations at the forefront to reclaim interest and consideration for Canada, and to expand American travellers' knowledge of the wealth of experiences available in the regions surrounding these icons.

Learn More →

 

As border measures ease, Destination Canada is focused on driving revenue back into tourism businesses across the country. It is expected US visitors to Canada will lead recovery efforts with over 5 million visitors to Canada expected in 2022, contributing $4 billion to Canadian businesses, destinations and communities.

The US Campaign comes to life through the “Refresh Your View” concept, leaning into American travellers’ need for self-enrichment. The campaign puts Canada’s most iconic destinations at the forefront to reclaim interest and consideration for Canada, and to expand American travellers' knowledge of the wealth of experiences available in the regions surrounding these icons.

Learn More →

 
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Small Business BC Awards Thompson Okanagan Finalists | Attend the Free Virtual Awards Gala on April 28

The Small Business BC Awards finalists have been selected and winners will be announced at the Virtual Awards Presentation on April 28, 2022.

Register for a FREE ticket and secure your place to celebrate the best of BC’s small business community.

Thompson Okanagan finalists include Friendly Composting Inc. and Afrofusion, both in Kamloops.

View All Finalists →

 

The Small Business BC Awards finalists have been selected and winners will be announced at the Virtual Awards Presentation on April 28, 2022.

Register for a FREE ticket and secure your place to celebrate the best of BC’s small business community.

Thompson Okanagan Finalists

Business Impact Award

Friendly Composting Inc.

Kamloops

Friendly Composting provides weekly compost pick up and local product delivery in beautiful, Kamloops BC. Founders Katie Forsyth and Claire McLoughlin are on a mission to  make it simple for you to make an impact and choose LOCAL!

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Premier's Peoples Choice

Afrofusion

Kamloops

Afrofusion is a black-owned business that provides tasty African and western cuisine to the people of Kamloops and beyond. To the founders, Afrofusion is more than just food; it is a feeling and a representation of hopes, dreams, perseverance, and community service.

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More Recovery Support Coming for BC's Arts & Culture Sector

More than $12.4 million in one-time funding to the BC Arts Council will offer support to BC artists and organizations as the Province continues to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

From this funding, the BC Arts Council will distribute $7.9 million in resiliency supplements to more than 300 organizations currently receiving operating assistance. The average grant amount is $25,000.

Additionally, BC Arts Council has allocated $4.5 million to top up the Arts Impact Grant program, which closed its intake in January 2022. The next intake of this program is anticipated for winter 2023.

Funding is available to organizations and collectives with an arts and culture mandate or a dedicated arts and culture program. Grants are available to non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and community organizations.

View Announcement →

 

More than $12.4 million in one-time funding to the BC Arts Council will offer support to BC artists and organizations as the Province continues to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

From this funding, the BC Arts Council will distribute $7.9 million in resiliency supplements to more than 300 organizations currently receiving operating assistance. The average grant amount is $25,000.

Additionally, BC Arts Council has allocated $4.5 million to top up the Arts Impact Grant program, which closed its intake in January 2022. The next intake of this program is anticipated for winter 2023.

Funding is available to organizations and collectives with an arts and culture mandate or a dedicated arts and culture program. Grants are available to non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and community organizations.

View Announcement →

 
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Job Opportunity: Director of Partnerships, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

ITAC is hiring for a Director of Partnerships to join its growing team. Reporting to the president and CEO, this position is responsible for supporting relationships, partnerships, as well as developing and implementing programs across Canada to establish and grow regional Indigenous tourism associations. The Director of Partnerships will oversee corporate communications, internal market research, international projects, and memberships. The Director of Partnerships will also work with and support the Executive Management team, including the president and CEO, as it relates to partnerships.

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ITAC is hiring for a Director of Partnerships to join its growing team. Reporting to the president and CEO, this position is responsible for supporting relationships, partnerships, as well as developing and implementing programs across Canada to establish and grow regional Indigenous tourism associations.

The Director of Partnerships will oversee corporate communications, internal market research, international projects, and memberships. The Director of Partnerships will also work with and support the Executive Management team, including the president and CEO, as it relates to partnerships.

Learn More →

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SDGs

  • SDG 1: No Poverty
  • SDG 2: Zero Hunger
  • SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing
  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitization
  • SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy
  • SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, & Infrastructure
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 14: Life Below Water
  • SDG 15: Life on Land
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
  • SDG 18: Indigenous Reconciliation
 
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Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Releases Third Edition of Nations, an Indigenous Lifestyle Magazine

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased to announce the release of the third edition of Nations, ITAC’s annual Indigenous lifestyle magazine celebrating 140 export-ready Indigenous tourism experiences from coast to coast to coast. This year’s edition features stories in categories such as wildlife, nature and adventure; culture and heritage; Indigenous culinary; and accommodations and relaxation.

Download a copy of the Nations, an Indigenous Lifestyle Magazine →

 

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased to announce the release of the third edition of Nations, ITAC’s annual Indigenous lifestyle magazine celebrating 140 export-ready Indigenous tourism experiences from coast to coast to coast. This year’s edition features stories in categories such as wildlife, nature and adventure; culture and heritage; Indigenous culinary; and accommodations and relaxation.

This year’s edition of Nations includes individual features of Indigenous storytellers and artisans and explores exciting topics such as how to see the northern lights with an Indigenous eye; shared traditions and storied history; Indigenous wildlife tours and safaris; and sustainability in Indigenous tourism. The online version of this magazine includes enhanced content where readers can further engage with stories by clicking the “Explore Further Online” icons throughout the magazine.

Turning a corner from COVID-19, Indigenous tourism businesses are ready to welcome visitors back. Nationally, ITAC believes a full recovery of the Indigenous tourism industry is possible by 2025-26 and continues to leverage strong domestic and global demand for exceptional, export-ready Indigenous tourism experiences.

Download a copy of the Nations, an Indigenous Lifestyle Magazine →

 
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HeliCat Canada Unveils Unique Carbon Offset Strategy A Wildlife & Environment Research Fund Project

HeliCat Canada and its member organizations have taken proactive steps towards sustainability, continually pushing innovation in efficient and renewable energy use wherever possible. Understanding the realities of Heli and Cat-ski operations, carbon offsets are an essential tool for HeliCat members and guests to compensate for emissions that currently cannot be eliminate through other means. The purpose of the HeliCat Canada carbon offset strategy is to provide a simple, industry-specific manual that guides the Canadian HeliCat industry, member operations and guests to effectively navigate the carbon offset world, use carbon offsets to achieve net zero GHG emissions, and achieve other sustainable targets.

Read the Full Strategy →

 

HeliCat Canada and its member organizations have taken proactive steps towards sustainability, continually pushing innovation in efficient and renewable energy use wherever possible. Understanding the realities of Heli and Cat-ski operations, carbon offsets are an essential tool for HeliCat members and guests to compensate for emissions that currently cannot be eliminate through other means.

The purpose of the HeliCat Canada carbon offset strategy is to provide a simple, industry-specific manual that guides the Canadian HeliCat industry, member operations and guests to effectively navigate the carbon offset world, use carbon offsets to achieve net zero GHG emissions, and achieve other sustainable targets.

Read the Full Strategy →

 
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Destination BC Restarts International Marketing with $6.7M Global Campaign

As travel resumes around the world, Destination BC is competitively vying for international visitors with its launch of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘢 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 – 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧: an extensive $6.7M marketing campaign designed to drive emotional urgency and encourage travel to BC in 2022 and into 2023 from key international and domestic long-haul markets: UK & Australia, California, Ontario, and Washington.

The campaign leverages the global brand platform, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘊 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵, first launched in 2019 and reimagined for the current landscape to inspire global audiences to tap into something bigger, awaken a deeper connection, gain a different perspective, and find themselves–in every sense of the word– within British Columbia.

With people in BC’s core markets seeking wide-open spaces, nature and wildlife, and authentic experiences now more than ever, BC is well-positioned to meet and surpass their travel wish lists.

Tourism companies can create content that aligns with the BC Effect to attract similar visitors.

View DBC Announcement →

 

As travel resumes around the world, Destination BC is competitively vying for international visitors with its launch of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘢 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 – 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧: an extensive $6.7M marketing campaign designed to drive emotional urgency and encourage travel to BC in 2022 and into 2023 from key international and domestic long-haul markets: UK & Australia, California, Ontario, and Washington.

The campaign leverages the global brand platform, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘊 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵, first launched in 2019 and reimagined for the current landscape to inspire global audiences to tap into something bigger, awaken a deeper connection, gain a different perspective, and find themselves–in every sense of the word– within British Columbia.

With people in BC’s core markets seeking wide-open spaces, nature and wildlife, and authentic experiences now more than ever, BC is well-positioned to meet and surpass their travel wish lists.

The campaign explores BC’s healing effects through a lens of connection and reciprocity, and the notion that when we open ourselves to nature, nature will open to us—and in turn, change us for the better.

These ideas are brought to life through videos developed in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), including a poem by Haida writer, Cohen Isberg, and a video series slated for release over the coming months that features Indigenous storytellers.

Alongside the vast and rugged nature that encapsulates BC, they share Indigenous values such as interconnectedness, reciprocity, gratitude, and stewardship, aiming to inspire visitors to embody these values to enrich their experiences while travelling here.

View DBC Announcement →

 
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Half of Canadians Anxious About the End of COVID-19 Mandates

With most COVID-related restrictions now lifted across Canada, a survey from Research Co. has 52% of Canadians admitting to being “very anxious” or “moderately anxious” about the end of public health mandates in their province, including 53% of BC respondents.

43% of British Columbians believe “recent protests and blockades related to the COVID-19 pandemic” can claim “a great deal” or “a fair amount” of the credit for pandemic restrictions being rolled back.

Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents across the country said they plan to continue wearing masks in indoor settings, but in BC only 59% plan to do so, the lowest percentage of provinces polled.

Read the complete summary →

 

With most COVID-related restrictions now lifted across Canada, a survey from Research Co. has 52% of Canadians admitting to being “very anxious” or “moderately anxious” about the end of public health mandates in their province, including 53% of BC respondents.

43% of British Columbians believe “recent protests and blockades related to the COVID-19 pandemic” can claim “a great deal” or “a fair amount” of the credit for pandemic restrictions being rolled back.

Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents across the country said they plan to continue wearing masks in indoor settings, but in BC only 59% plan to do so, the lowest percentage of provinces polled.

Read the complete summary →

 
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New BC Parks Reservations System

Camping enthusiasts can now use the improved BC Parks reservation service, launched March 21.

The new online reservation service, Camping.BCParks.ca, is part of a broader redesign of BC Parks’ digital services to improve the park experience from computer to campground.

With the new reservation service, people will be able to reserve a campsite up to two months before the desired arrival date at most campgrounds.

Designed with input from campers, park operators, and other service organizations, the new reservation service includes:

  • more flexible search options such as a map to search campgrounds by region, park listing or site availability;

  • information on nearby facilities and large photos of campsites so people know what to expect when they arrive;

  • an interactive calendar that shows when booked sites will become available; and

  • saved booking preferences within customer accounts.

Learn More →

 

Camping enthusiasts can now use the improved BC Parks reservation service, launched March 21.

The new online reservation service, Camping.BCParks.ca, is part of a broader redesign of BC Parks’ digital services to improve the park experience from computer to campground.

With the new reservation service, people will be able to reserve a campsite up to two months before the desired arrival date at most campgrounds.

Designed with input from campers, park operators, and other service organizations, the new reservation service includes:

  • more flexible search options such as a map to search campgrounds by region, park listing or site availability;

  • information on nearby facilities and large photos of campsites so people know what to expect when they arrive;

  • an interactive calendar that shows when booked sites will become available; and

  • saved booking preferences within customer accounts.

Learn More →

 
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BCTHC | In Memoriam Tribute

During the BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards Gala, BC Hotel Association and the Tourism Industry Association of BC shared a tribute to those in the BC tourism industry industry lost in recent years, in honour of their contribution and memory.

 

During the BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards Gala, BC Hotel Association and the Tourism Industry Association of BC shared a tribute to those in the BC tourism industry industry lost in recent years, in honour of their contribution and memory.

 
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Groundbreaking for Gateway 286 at Former Merritt Rest Stop

Ground was broken in Merritt on an ambitious project that aims to bolster support for First Nations economic development in the area.

Gateway 286 is a project taking shape on 11.6 hectares of land near the old Merritt visitor information centre. The rest stop was closed in 2018 and, in 2020, the provincial government transferred the land to five Nicola Valley First Nations — Coldwater Indian Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band, and Upper Nicola Indian Band.

Spayum Holdings was created by the five bands to oversee Gateway 286, plans for which include a redeveloped visitor information centre and 30,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Two industry partners, Troika Management Corp. and PR Petroleum, have signed on to work on the project.

Learn More →

 

Ground was broken in Merritt on an ambitious project that aims to bolster support for First Nations economic development in the area.

Gateway 286 is a project taking shape on 11.6 hectares of land near the old Merritt visitor information centre. The rest stop was closed in 2018 and, in 2020, the provincial government transferred the land to five Nicola Valley First Nations — Coldwater Indian Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band, and Upper Nicola Indian Band.

Spayum Holdings was created by the five bands to oversee Gateway 286, plans for which include a redeveloped visitor information centre and 30,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Two industry partners, Troika Management Corp. and PR Petroleum, have signed on to work on the project.

Learn More →

 
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Air Canada Expands Flights to New Zealand and Australia

Air Canada announced a strategic expansion of its South Pacific schedule with the return of daily service to Sydney and resumption of services to both Brisbane and Auckland.

Air Canada's Australia and New Zealand flights operate from its trans-Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport which the carrier has built to conveniently connect its international network to its vast North American network, including Kelowna.

Learn More →

 

Air Canada announced a strategic expansion of its South Pacific schedule with the return of daily service to Sydney and resumption of services to both Brisbane and Auckland.

Air Canada's Australia and New Zealand flights operate from its trans-Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport which the carrier has built to conveniently connect its international network to its vast North American network, including Kelowna.

Learn More →

 
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BC Minimum Wage Increasing June 1 to Support Workers & Families

Effective June 1, BC's lowest-paid workers will get a pay boost, with the general minimum wage increasing from $15.20 to $15.65 an hour. An increase of 2.8% will also apply to the live-in camp leader and live-in home support worker minimum daily wages; and resident caretaker minimum monthly wage.

View Announcement →

 

Effective June 1, BC's lowest-paid workers will get a pay boost, with the general minimum wage increasing from $15.20 to $15.65 an hour.

The Province is following through on a 2020 commitment to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour through measured, predictable increases, and then tie future increases to the rate of inflation. BC's minimum wage is now the highest of all Canadian provinces.

Over the past five years, BC's general minimum wage has increased from $11.35 to $15.65 per hour. The increases have benefited close to 400,000 British Columbians over those years, the majority of whom are women, immigrants, and youth.

As of June 1, an increase of 2.8% will also apply to the live-in camp leader and live-in home support worker minimum daily wages; and resident caretaker minimum monthly wage.

As well, effective Jan. 1, 2023, an increase of 2.8% will apply to minimum piece rates for hand harvesting of 15 specified crops in the agricultural sector.

View Announcement →

 
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Destination BC Launches Spring Marketing Campaign in BC & Alberta | Download Partner Toolkit

Over the past two weeks, Destination BC has completed its launch of Let’s do Something Together in BC: a domestic seasonal marketing campaign urging BC and Alberta residents to plan and book a spring trip in BC, while reconnecting with loved ones and doing something unforgettable, together. Running from now until May 27, the campaign is designed to create a sense of urgency, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of spring experiences in BC, and encouraging travellers to embrace new adventures as they explore the province with fresh eyes, brighter days, and restored connection with the important people in their lives.

Learn More →

As part of the spring campaign, Destination BC has created a partner toolkit to help industry learn more about the campaign, suggested messaging, how to align content and marketing efforts, and opportunities to get involved – including industry media discounts.

Download Toolkit →

 

Over the past two weeks, Destination BC has completed its launch of Let’s do Something Together in BC: a domestic seasonal marketing campaign urging BC and Alberta residents to plan and book a spring trip in BC, while reconnecting with loved ones and doing something unforgettable, together.

Running from now until May 27, the campaign is designed to create a sense of urgency, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of spring experiences in BC, and encouraging travellers to embrace new adventures as they explore the province with fresh eyes, brighter days, and restored connection with the important people in their lives. 

Learn More →

Partner Toolkit

As part of the spring campaign, Destination BC has created a partner toolkit to help industry learn more about the campaign, suggested messaging, how to align content and marketing efforts, and opportunities to get involved – including industry media discounts.

Download Toolkit →

 
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Important Message from Vivek Sharma

Vivek Sharma has shared a message about comments made at the start of the BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference.

 

“I am very sorry and deeply regret the insensitive and inappropriate comments I made at the start of last week’s BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference. Not only did my words cause distress for several women in the audience but I also offended many other delegates.

My unacceptable remarks did not set the intended tone for the conference and consequently placed TIABC and BCHA’s board and staff in a very difficult position. I am also mindful that what I said does not reflect the views of either TIABC or BCHA, both of whom have worked hard to advocate for the tenets of equality, inclusion, and diversity in our sector. I’ve spent many years working alongside these reputable organizations to help our industry grow and flourish. As a result of my recent conduct, I have let down valued colleagues who love and care about me.

Since last Wednesday I have had multiple conversations with delegates, industry leaders and associates, as well as a time for sobering reflection on what transpired at the conference. As such, I have chosen to step down from the boards of both TIABC and BCHA effective immediately.

This decision is not to hide from my major mistake or leave the industry that I truly love, but rather to see how, through my remorse, I can use this opportunity to learn and to contribute to making the tourism and hospitality sector a safer place and one that advances the values of equality and opportunity for women, youth, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups in our society.

As much as my actions caused harm, industry leaders like me have the opportunity to make amends if given the chance.

Again, I offer my sincerest and heartfelt apology for my serious indiscretion.”

- Vivek Sharma


Joint Statement from TIABC and BCHA

“The Board of Directors for both TIABC and BCHA acknowledge the impact of last week's incident and have taken decisive action that includes wholeheartedly committing to additional steps to elevate and empower women in tourism and hospitality. We look forward to communicating these actions over the coming months. Importantly, the past few days have sparked important conversations that have forced us to confront the responsibility we each hold in creating a fair and equitable industry, free of bias. We invite you to join this conversation and connect with us.”

JJ Belanger | jj@crystalcove.ca

Chair, Tourism Industry Association of BC

Bryan Pilbeam | chair@bcha.com

Chair, British Columbia Hotel Association

 
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BC Tourism & Hospitality Award Thompson Okanagan Recipients

The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) and Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) announced the winners of the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards. The winners were announced during the 2022 Awards Gala on March 10, presented by Indigenous Tourism BC.

The awards recognize and celebrate excellence within British Columbia's tourism & hospitality industry.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the awards for remarkable leadership and outstanding contribution.

Congratulations to the following award winners, which operate in the Thompson Okanagan:

  • Accessibility Award: Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association (KASA) for a significant contribution towards making B.C. an inclusive and welcoming destination for everyone, that has built the capacity to support more accessible tourism & hospitality products, services and experiences, and provides an outstanding experience for guests with disabilities.

  • Employees First Award: Accent Inns & Hotel Zed for being employer who has upheld high standards of excellence in occupational health & safety, human resource management practices, and workplace culture.

Learn More →

 

The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) and Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) announced the winners of the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards. The winners were announced during the 2022 Awards Gala on March 10, presented by Indigenous Tourism BC.

The awards recognize and celebrate excellence within British Columbia's tourism & hospitality industry.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the awards for remarkable leadership and outstanding contribution.

Congratulations to the following award winners, which operate in the Thompson Okanagan:

  • Accessibility Award: Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association (KASA) for a significant contribution towards making B.C. an inclusive and welcoming destination for everyone, that has built the capacity to support more accessible tourism & hospitality products, services and experiences, and provides an outstanding experience for guests with disabilities.

  • Employees First Award: Accent Inns & Hotel Zed for being employer who has upheld high standards of excellence in occupational health & safety, human resource management practices, and workplace culture.

Learn More →

 
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