News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Sonja Gaudet Inducted to Canadian Sports Hall of Fame
It is with great pleasure that the Board of Directors, Management, and Staff at Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association would like to recognize one of our own, Sonja Gaudet, TOTA's Accessible Tourism Specialist, on her latest accomplishment for being inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame!
Sonja's journey is an inspiring one. A horseback riding accident left her paralyzed from the chest down at the young age of 31, it was her resilient nature that refused to stop her from aspiring to new heights. With the help of her family, friends, and her strong disposition and iron will, Sonja not only adapted to life in a wheelchair but went on to accomplish many remarkable achievements. Paramount of which was becoming a three-time gold medal Paralympian in curling (Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014) and being selected as the Canadian flag bearer for the opening ceremonies in 2014 at the Sochi Paralympic Winter Games.
Even more admirably, Sonja is constantly giving back to her region, her province, and her country, acting as an accessibility advocate, inspirational speaker, and Peer Support Specialist, among many other distinguished roles.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is more than grateful to have Sonja contributing to our organization and industry as the Accessibility Tourism Specialist. Every member of our organization feels motivated to reach new heights thanks to her path of commitment, achievement, and inspiration.
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Business Pivot Highlights during COVID-19
COVID-19 has changed the way businesses in the tourism industry operates, both in the short term and long term. Admittedly, adjusting to various new health guidelines and regulations has been challenging. However, businesses and organizations in the tourism sector have displayed a tremendous amount of initiative and creativity to provide their products and services to the communities they operate in.
While we cannot recognize every entity making remarkable adjustments during this time, over the coming weeks we would like to proudly present some of the most innovative and resilient efforts that have been brought to our attention.
Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber and Visitor Centre
The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber and Visitor Centre received a donation from Kohler Canada which allowed them to start a delivery service to greatly help businesses in their area who had been limited to offering take-out and delivery.
Okanagan Lifestyle
The team at Okanagan Lifestyle possess a strong e-commerce presence and a passion for connectivity in their community. Seeing an opportunity to help during COVID-19, Okanagan Lifestyle has created a hub on its website where local business owners can sell virtual gift cards.
On Alex
On Alex has partnered with Downtown Salmon Arm to create a Local Gift Box initiative. The collaboration sourced artisanal products from other local businesses in the Salmon Arm area to fill the boxes. The idea was well received as the boxes, sold on On Alex's online store, were gone in a week
CRIS Adaptive Adventures
CRIS hasn’t been able to operate their events or guided tours at full capacity, unfortunately. The need for adaptive equipment hasn’t disappeared though, so CRIS has pivoted to make equipment rentals available to the community! Enjoying the outdoors is one of the only recreation options available to our region right now, and CRIS is doing its part to make sure everyone can enjoy it.
Oliver Eats
Oliver Eats recognizes their community's desire for a quality dining experience so they have opened their doors with a number of measures taken to ensure patrons in the restaurant are comfortable and safe. Oliver Eats' biggest contribution is through the Hope Fund, where they provide a prepared meal for four to those in need with every $5 raised from the fund.
Over the coming days and weeks please look for more highlights on inspirational efforts we have noticed around our region. If you are a tourism operator or know of a tourism entity that has done an exceptional job in pivoting during COVID-19, please share their story with us at recovery@totabc.com.
Weekly Webinar Roundup - 5/25/2020
UPCOMING WEBINARS
WEEK 5/25/2020
Webinar on Using Social Media to Support Re-Opening - 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday 5/26/2020
Social has been and will continue to be, the most effective way to educate, inspire, and communicate with our audience of guests. Now, however, is a special time with special considerations Our communities are more important than ever, but how can we maintain a safe, responsible message while easing back to business?
In this session, we'll look at techniques and tactics being used in currently-recovering markets, and draw on other crises for lessons. Key topics to be covered include:
Curating and collecting existing assets to prepare for the recovery
Creating a phased-in content plan
Lessons from currently recovering markets
What to avoid on social media during a recovery
BC Hotel Association COVID-19 Best Practices Webinar - 1:00 p.m. on Thursday 5/28/2020
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) will be providing an overview and Q&A session of the draft best practice guidelines submitted to Government and to Industry. These best practices are intended to support reopening in phase 3 of the restart plan to support employee, guest, and business health and safety. Ingrid Jarrett, BCHA President and CEO, will be hosting an open Q&A from participants to conclude the session.
LAST WEEKS WEBINARS
WEEK 5/18/2020
WorkSafeBC Health & Safety Guidelines Webinar
In advance of WorkSafeBC's development of health and safety guidelines specific to tourism (expected in June), Chris Back, Director of OHS Consultation & Education Services, will provide an overview of what employers and employees should consider as you develop your plans for re-opening and a return to work. This webinar also touches on what future visitors will expect and need from a health and safety perspective.
Register Now - WorkSafeBC Health & Safety Guidelines Webinar
WorkSafeBC Health & Safety Guidelines Webinar
Friday May 22nd, 2020 - 1:00 p.m.
The Thomson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) invite you to join us for a WorkSafeBC Health & Safety Guidelines Webinar as part of our ongoing industry support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the Tourism Resiliency Network Program.
In advance of WorkSafeBC’s development of health and safety guidelines specific to tourism (expected in June), Chris Back, Director of OHS Consultation & Education Services, will provide an overview of what employers and employees should consider as you develop your plans for re-opening and a return to work.
This webinar will also touch on what future visitors will expect and need from a health and safety perspective. WorkSafeBC’s Consultation & Education Services assists the workers and employers of British Columbia by positively influencing health and safety behaviours and disability management practices through partnerships, consultation, and outreach.
To register for the WorkSafeBC Health & Safety Guidelines Webinar on Friday May 22nd, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. go to: Webinar Registration
Weekly Webinar Roundup - 5/11/2020
UPCOMING WEBINARS
WEEK 5/11/2020
Return to Work Webinar: Employment Law and COVID-19 - 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday 5/13/2020
This Webinar will be featuring a team of lawyers from the law firm Fasken, who will provide information and advice on how to respond to changes employers are facing and how to properly prepare for the 'new normal' in the post-pandemic landscape.
Topics to be covered will include:
Temporary layoffs and recalling of employees
Temporary reduction in employee compensation
How to respond if an employee tests positive for COVID-19
Ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety obligations
Current impacts of COVID-19 on immigration applications and work permits
Marketing in a Crisis Webinar - 11:00 a.m. on Thursday 5/14/2020
All indicators show that there are challenging days ahead, which means marketing for small businesses matters more than ever. It's time to be proactive and attempt to drive results. eLearning University is going to focus this webinar on how to strategically market during a crisis, topics will include:
Finding your competitive advantage
Messaging that works & what to avoid
Where to focus efforts
How to drive impact
*Use the coupon code 'TOTA' for free access*
Tourism Industry Town Hall Webinar - 1:00 p.m. on Thursday 5/14/2020
Tourism Kelowna is hosting a Tourism Industry Town Hall Webinar featuring renowned Okanagan tourism industry leaders in Lisanne Ballantyne, Tourism Kelowna President & CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association President & CEO, and Krista Mallory, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Manager.
The Webinar presents an opportunity for tourism-related businesses to hear insights from each organization on their efforts surrounding business recovery and to understand more about available resources and enrolling in COVID-19 relief programs. Interested participants are welcome to submit questions by 12:00 pm on May 12th for consideration of the panelists. Submit questions at the Registration address.
LAST WEEKS WEBINARS
WEEK 5/4/2020
How to Use the CEWS Calculator
Jenn Bogwald, CPA, CA, Partner and Business Advisor for MNP provides hands-on guidance for properly utilizing the CEWS Calculator on the Canada Revenue Agency website. Jenn has a wealth of experience assisting owner-managed businesses in a wide variety of industries.
NowMedia Group Business Matters Webinar
Rob Cupello, VP of Business Development for NowMedia Group, was joined by industry leaders Ingrid Jarrett (BC Hotel Association), Michael J Ballingall (Big White Ski Resort), and Miles Prodan (BC Wine Institute) to discuss the current opportunity presented to the tourism industry to pivot and adapt to cultivate a new tourism reality.
Reputation Management Webinar
This webinar, presented by Deirdre Campbell, Managing Director, Canada for Beattie Tartan talked through the critical steps our tourism and hospitality businesses should take to build and maintain a trusted brand image during a global crisis.
Register Now - Return to Work Webinar: Employment Law & COVID-19
Return to Work Webinar: Employment Law & COVID-19
Wednesday May 13th, 2020 - 10:00 a.m.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) invite you to join us for a Return to Work Webinar focusing on Employment Law and COVID-19 as part of our ongoing industry support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the Tourism Resiliency Network Program.
This Webinar will be featuring a team of lawyers from the law firm Fasken, who will provide information and advice on how to respond to changes employers are facing and how to properly prepare for the 'new normal' in the post-pandemic landscape.
Topics to be covered will include:
Temporary layoffs and recalling of employees
Temporary reduction in employee compensation
How to respond if an employee tests positive for COVID-19
Ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety obligations
Current impacts of COVID-19 on immigration applications and work permits
To register for the Return to Work Webinar on Wednesday May 13th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. go to: Webinar Registration
Now Media Group Presents Business Matters with Rob Cupello
Register Now for this upcoming Tourism Industry Webinar presented by Now Media Group and hosted by Rob Cupello, live streaming on Thursday May 7th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
Featured Panelists including Ingrid Jarrett, BC Hotel Association, Michael J Ballingall, Big White Ski Resort and Miles Prodan, BC Wine Institute.
***Click this link to Register ***
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2Zudtwx4QM-YS2JJPTnIhw
Register Now - Reputation Management Webinar - May 5th, 2020
Reputation Management Webinar - Tuesday May 5th, 2020 - 10:00 am.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) invite you to join us for a Reputation Management Webinar hosted by the BCRTS as part of our ongoing industry support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the Tourism Resiliency Network Program.
This webinar, presented by Deirdre Campbell, Managing Director, Canada for Beattie Tartan will talk through the critical steps our tourism and hospitality businesses should take to build and maintain a trusted brand image during a global crisis.
To register for the Reputation Management Webinar Tuesday,May 5th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. go to: Webinar Registration
Information for Accommodation Providers
We are cautiously optimistic that this is the beginning of a careful, but positive opportunity for our accommodation businesses to implement a “new” normal approach as they find alternate ways to welcome guests. It cannot be stated enough that our industry must practice rigorous adherence to these guidelines as we continue to monitor and work to minimize the impacts of COVID-19.
Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Hotel Sector - 2020 Apr 28_FINAL