News & Resources

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

 
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Memorandum of Understanding Signed Between Thompson Okanagan Tourism & Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

Organizations pledge a collaborative approach to promoting growth of tourism on the Gold Rush Trail

For Immediate Release
May 31, 2019
Syilx/Okanagan Territory (Kelowna, BC)

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during Tourism Week in British Columbia. The MOU recommits a coordinated and collaborative approach in promoting growth and development of tourism on the Gold Rush Trail.

 
TOTA+CCCTA MOU.jpg
 

“The Gold Rush Trail is a tourism must-see that ties together such a large part of the stunning and diverse landscape of the interior to the nationally-recognized historic site of Barkerville,” says Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “The development and promotion of the Gold Rush Trail will highlight a historically-rich piece of British Columbia’s past, support new business growth in the area, while enriching the experience for visitors today.”

The parties agree there is an opportunity to promote awareness and connectivity to tourism stakeholders, policy makers, leaders and organizations to understand the value of the Gold Rush Trail corridor. This relationship will allow the organizations to leverage each other’s programs, expertise and resources to support this key economic corridor and help to cultivate a sustainable visitor economy in all parts of the province.

“There are exceptional experiences and untapped potential along the Gold Rush Trail,” shares Amy Thacker, CEO of Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association. “I am thrilled with the memorandum of understanding signing as we recommit to this vital corridor and celebrate a living ‘History Shaped by Nature’ for future generations.”

TOTA and CCCTA developed the MOU to more clearly define their partnership in enhancing and expanding the Gold Rush Trail corridor, supporting communities and individual entrepreneurs as they develop new product and programming, respond to emergencies, grow marketing assets and support Indigenous tourism growth.

“This important commitment between our two organizations will ensure there are the resources made available to grow the tourism industry in the Gold Rush Trail corridor including increasing engagement programs with Indigenous communities, providing the latest research, advancing responsible sustainable tourism practises, and ensuring coordinated Emergency Management leadership and communications,” says Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO of Thompson Okanagan Region.

The Gold Rush Trail Management Committee, made up of stakeholders from New Westminster to Barkerville, will continue to provide advice and guidance to the teams supporting tourism in the corridor.


About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society governed by an elected Board of Directors who represent business and community tourism interests throughout the region and is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia (DBC). 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. www.totabc.org

About Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association

CCCTA is a non-profit, stakeholder-based Regional Destination Management Organizations that leads tourism in development and marketing in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Destination British Columbia, Destination Canada and industry partners to help foster the growth of the tourism and the visitor economy. www.landwithoutlimits.com.

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Expedia Presents: Generation Alpha and Family Travel Trends

Expedia

How the world’s youngest generation is influencing family travel

Read the Full Article Here: Generation Alpha and Family Travel Trends

GETTING TO KNOW GEN ALPHA:

  • BORN AFTER 2010 and known as the children of Millennials, the first generation born entirely within the 21st century

  • DIGITAL NATIVES growing up with Instagram and the iPad (which both also debuted in 2010), this generation are already tech power-users

  • WILL REACH NEARLY 2 BILLION by the time the last of this generation is born in 2025, with 2.5 million born around the world every week

  • CULTURAL & ECONOMIC IMPACT of Alphas and Gen Z are expected to be equal to that of their parents or older siblings, the Millennials

  • GREAT POTENTIAL as Alphas are expected to be the most formally-educated, longest-living and wealthiest generation

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • On average globally, travellers with Gen Alphas are taking more than three family trips per year

  • Most Trips are domestic for those with Gen Alphas, whether travelling as a family or without kids

  • Family friendly fun for all, kid-friendly entertainment and safety drive family travel decisions

  • When it comes to family travel, experience beats expense

  • Entertainment when travelling also includes device time for Gen Alphas

  • Plane and Car are preferred modes of transportation for family travel

For more research information by Expedia, visit: https://advertising.expedia.com/

For more research information by TOTA, Visit us online at: https://totabc.org/research/

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Destination Canada: Australia Global Tourism Watch

Destination Canada

2017 Australia Public Summary Report

Read the Full Report Here: 2017 Destination Canada Australia Public Summary Report

Key Highlights Include:

Market Potential:

  • The immediate potential market increased significantly from the previous year: 2.67 million travellers are definitely or very likely to visit Canada in the next 2 years (versus 1.95 million in 2016).

Competitive Environment:

  • Although results are consistent to 2016, Canada’s ranking on unaided consideration moved from 6th to 4th in 2017. The US remains in 1st position, followed by the UK and Japan.

  • Knowledge of Canada has improved, resulting in a move up from 12th spot in 2016 to 7th place.

Path-to-Purchase:

  • Younger travellers aged 25-34 are more likely to be actively planning a trip to Canada.

  • Canada is a top performer when it comes to converting awareness into dreaming, but only average at converting travellers further along the purchase cycle.

  • Additional focus could be placed on moving travellers from creating a vacation movie to itinerary planning, where Canada performs much weaker than the US.

Destinations: 

  • There are several significant shifts in likelihood to visit in 2017, with the Prairies, Regina, Mont Tremblant, and Fredericton trending downwards year-over-year.

  • St. John’s saw a significant increase as the most appealing destination.

Vacation Activities:

  • Natural attractions, Northern lights, cruises, historical sites, and local food and drink are the top trip anchor activities Australian travellers.

  • Popular activities that Canada could better promote to Australian travellers: historical sites, Northern lights, food and drink festivals, breweries/wineries, exploring places most tourists won’t go, fall colours, and spring blossoms.

Barriers:

  • Cost remains the key barrier to visiting Canada, followed by distance to travel.

  • Concerns about safety and delays/hassles at airports and borders are up significantly in 2017.

  • For younger travellers aged 25-34, concerns about lack of vacation time and language barriers are higher.

  • Older travellers 55+, have fewer barriers to visiting and are most likely to say nothing will prevent them from travelling to Canada.

For more research information by TOTA, Visit us online at: https://totabc.org/research/

For more research information by Destination Canada, Visit: https://www.destinationcanada.com/en/research

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TOTA Wins Prestigious International Marketing Award

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 4, 2019

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been named the Tourism Laureate and winner of the International Place Marketing Award at the Place Marketing Forum in Lille, France for its leadership work in Sustainable Responsible Tourism.

 
Place Marketing Award - Glenn Mandziuk.jpg
Place Marketing Speech - Glenn Mandziuk.jpg
 
 
Place Marketing Speaker Lineup.jpg
 

The awards “recognize the most emblematic achievements of place marketing worldwide” and projects are selected based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation or idea bringing a major improvement in one or more areas

  • Remarkable Results with unquestionable qualitative and quantitative results

  • Emblematic Projects practice or realization that is emblematic of current trends and new practices in place marketing

The Forum is an annual 2-day event organized by the New Place Marketing and Attractiveness Chair (A&NMT) of the Public Management Institute (Aix-Marseille University) that brings together international leaders, elected officials, and decision-makers to exchange best practices in destination marketing around the globe.

As part of winning this award, TOTA CEO and President, Glenn Mandziuk, was recognized as a Laureate by the University and presented on the collective efforts of the Thompson Okanagan region to the over 500 in attendance. “Our team is so honoured to be recognized for our collective work in sustainable destination marketing and to have this opportunity to share the exciting initiatives underway in our region with the world”, says Mandziuk. “This would not be possible without the strong collaboration of our industry stakeholders, community Destination Marketing Organizations, corporate partners, Destination BC and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, whom we are so grateful for their support and innovative activities.”

TOTA is committed to creating a strong and healthy tourism economy while minimizing the impact on our natural and cultural resources by promoting sustainable business practices and responsible travel. The Association is guided by “Embracing Our Potential,” a 10-year Regional Tourism Strategy, working to strengthen seasonality, territorial cohesion, preservation of the environment, and enhancing local culture.

In the tourism category, TOTA was able to receive the award over some incredible international organizations and projects including:

  • Amsterdam Marketing, City of Amsterdam – Netherlands

  • America’s Musical Journey, Brand USA – United States

  • Comptoir des Loisirs d’Evreux – France

  • Culture Captcha – Kenya Tourism Board – Kenya

  • Made in Pic Saint Loup Association – France

  • Bisca Grands Iacs Tourist Office – France

  • Route of Industrial Culture, Ruhr Region – Germany

  • Biot Glass Factory – France

  • Visit Victoria – Australia

  • Wonderful Copenhagen – Denmark

 
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Rebuilding the Visitor Economy- FAQ

Destination Canada

As the national organization responsible for sustaining a vibrant and profitable Canadian tourism industry through marketing, research, destination development and partnerships, we are committed to working with industry to rebuild confidence and help travellers navigate the new landscape.

What are the most important elements for the recovery of the industry besides human resources and sanitary measures?

There are many important elements for recovery of the industry but the number one thing we need is for Canadians to keep their holiday dollars in Canada this year to speed up our sector’s recovery. We encourage you to do whatever you can to channel domestic demand to your business and DC is doing the same.

To help do this, we need to do the following:

  1. Increase Canadians’ understanding of the importance of Canada’s tourism industry.

  2. Inspire confidence and desire to travel domestically – this includes showcasing all of the extensive health and hygiene protocols you’ve put into place and also reminding Canadians what a beautiful country we live in!

  3. Re-ignite the welcoming spirit of Canadian communities – to ensure they feel ready to welcome visitors back again.

Learn More

For more research information by TOTA, Visit us online at: https://totabc.org/research/

For more research information by Destination Canada, Visit: https://www.destinationcanada.com/en/research

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B.C. Launches New Roadmap to Bolster Tourism As Economic Driver

Government of British Columbia

A new strategic framework, launched at the annual Tourism Industry Conference, will guide year-round tourism growth that benefits people and communities while protecting British Columbia’s natural environment.

The industry has proven itself as an economic force in B.C., with nearly 6.1 million international visitors from around the globe choosing destinations throughout the province last year – a new record and an increase of 6.4% over 2017.

This framework, entitled Welcoming Visitors, Benefiting Locals, Working Together: A Strategic Framework for Tourism in British Columbia, outlines the government’s vision for continued, sustainable growth in B.C. tourism.

“People from all over the world are discovering all that our beautiful province has to offer and are taking those memories back home with them, “ said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “With diverse vacation opportunities like wildlife viewing, storm watching and world-class festivals, every corner of B.C. offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. We want to see this momentum continue to build, and that’s why we launched this new strategic framework. We’re making sure the tourism industry’s benefits are shared with people and communities throughout the province, throughout the year.”

In conjunction with the Tourism Industry Association of BC’s conference, Destination BC released the 2017 Value of Tourism Snapshot. The snapshot shows that in 2017, B.C.’s tourism industry generated $18.4 billion in revenue — up 8.4% over 2016 and 41.3% since 2007.

The tourism industry contributed $9 billion to the B.C. economy, as measured through the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017. This is an increase of 6.7% over 2016, compared to the GDP of B.C.’s economy as a whole, which grew by 4.0% in 2017.

These statistics show that B.C.’s tourism industry added the largest value to the provincial economy between 2007 and 2017, relative to primary resource industries, such as oil and gas, mining, forestry and logging, and fishing.

B.C.’s tourism economy will continue to be supported through marketing and destination development. Budget 2019 included an increase of $1 million to Destination BC for the next three years. This increase will allow Destination BC to continue to promote B.C. to international and Canadian visitors in order to develop and grow that industry.

Quotes:

Marsha Walden, CEO, Destination British Columbia –

“Over a 10-year period, tourism contributed the largest added value to the B.C. economy, relative to other primary resource industries. As an industry, this is something we can all be immensely proud of. And by all accounts, 2019 is going to be another strong year for tourism across the province – bringing jobs and opportunities to communities across British Columbia. As B.C.’s tourism marketing organization, we look forward to working closely with Minister Beare, ministry staff and British Columbia’s vibrant tourism industry to implement the new strategic framework.”

Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia –

“The Province’s new strategic framework for tourism provides a blueprint for both the growth and sustainability of B.C.’s visitor economy for the foreseeable future. We commend the Province for its extensive consultation with tourism leaders to develop a framework that allows the industry to reach its full potential as one of B.C.’s leading business sectors.”

Quick Fact:

  • GDP is the total monetary value of all finished goods and services produced within a geographic area during a specific time period, usually a year.

Learn More:

For more information on the Economic Value of Tourism in British Columbia, visit:
https://www.destinationbc.ca/content/uploads/2019/02/Pages-from-2017-Value-of-Tourism_Snapshot_FINAL.pdf

For tourism information and planning: www.hellobc.com/

For more information on Welcoming Visitors, Benefiting Locals, Working Together: A Strategic Framework for Tourism in British Columbia:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/tourism-resources/bcs-tourism-framework

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/tourism-and-immigration/tourism-industry-resources/our-tourism-strategy/welcoming_visitors_benefiting_locals_working_together_-_final.pdf

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British Columbia’s Regional Tourism Secretariat Supports Minister’s Strategic Framework

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
March 1, 2019

Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueum and Squamish Territory (Vancouver, BC)

Members of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat were present as the Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Lisa Beare unveiled the new strategic framework for tourism in BC at the annual tourism industry conference in Vancouver.

“On behalf of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, representing each of the Provinces’ Tourism Regions, we could not be more proud with the bold leadership and direction outlined in this strategic framework for tourism by Minister Beare today,” shared Secretariat Chair, Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. “This bold new strategy presents a blueprint for the Province’s future, clearly articulating a responsible and sustainable approach to the advancement of tourism which respects and recognizes people, culture and our environment as the critical path to success.”

Putting people, culture and environment at the heart of tourism are principals strongly supported by our members. The Secretariat looks forward to supporting implementation of this transformative strategy with industry and staff across government ministries.

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About British Columbia’s Regional Tourism Secretariat

British Columbia’s Regional Tourism Secretariat is a coalition of industry-led, not-for-profit organizations that provide a trusted voice for businesses, communities and residents. Consisting of the five regional tourism organizations, the goal of Secretariat is to put people and communities at the heart of BC’s tourism industry.

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association:
Glenn Mandziuk, CEO E: ceo@totabc.com

Northern BC Tourism Association:
Clint Fraser, CEO E: clint@nbctourism.com

Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association:
Kathy Cooper, CEO E: kathy@kootenayrockies.com

Tourism Association of Vancouver Island:
Anthony Everett, CEO E: anthony@tourismvi.ca

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association:
Amy Thacker, CEO E: amy@landwithoutlimits.com

 
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TOTA Celebrates Potential with Industry

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 22, 2019

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) — a not-for-profit society which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region — congratulated their stakeholders by hosting a “Celebrating Our Potential” event at the Kelowna Yacht Club on Wednesday, February 20.

The evening was all about thanking and congratulating industry for their role in the success of the regions and their ongoing initiatives and marketing in responsible tourism.

Celebrating Our Potential.jpg

Over the last three months, TOTA has won several prestigious responsible tourism awards. Namely, the World Travel Award for World’s Responsible Tourism, and for the second time, North America’s Responsible Tourism Leader at the World Travel Awards. In addition, TOTA winning the WTA North America's Responsible Tourism Award in September and the World Travel and Tourism Council's Tourism for Tomorrow Award in April, in addition to numerous other commendations this year.

"We, as a tourism industry, need to take a strong leadership role to ensure our destination — which we all call home — is not negatively impacted by its developments and activities," said Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO of TOTA. "The honour of our Association and our region receiving this important international recognition shows we are on the right track with our collective focus on responsible and sustainable tourism."

"Such positive outcomes do not happen without a great deal of help and leadership," said Mandziuk. "Without the support of Destination Canada; BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Destination BC; the community; non-governmental organizations; corporate partners; and our 4,500 industry tourism stakeholders, this recognition would not be possible."

The Region's many accolades are, to a significant degree, the result of a hugely ambitious strategic program which launched in 2012, titled "Embracing Our Potential." This 10-year regional tourism strategy has an aim to maximize the benefits of the region's popularity, while simultaneously protecting its natural, cultural, social, and economic heritage. To date, individual actions under the strategy have included the installation of more than 1,000 electric-car charging stations at key tourism locations; the establishment of Human Resources, Indigenous Tourism, and Accessibility Tourism strategies and Specialists; a series of free online webinars to help local tourism stakeholders operate more sustainably; regional rail trail initiatives; and usage of "Big Data" to market and attract visitors at the right time, to the right locations, with the right commitment to the future protection and understanding of the region, and much more.

In late 2017, the Thompson Okanagan Region was officially certified as the first destination in the Americas to have successfully achieved the Sustainable Tourism Destination accreditation from Biosphere International and the Responsible Tourism Institute. The designation showcases that the Region is both undertaking and committed to the 17 sustainability development goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations and the World Tourism Organization.

The Thompson Okanagan attracts more than four million visitors annually generating over $2.2 billion in direct revenue, making tourism the region's top economic driver. It is TOTA's aim, through the focus on Responsible Tourism, to ensure that for decades to come, the region will have a healthy and sustainable economic, social, environmental, and cultural future.


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 throughout the region, and is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia. 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 further information:

Media Contact:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Destination & Industry Development
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

industry@totabc.com
250.809.9290

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Destination Canada: USA Global Tourism Watch

Destination Canada

2017 United States Public Summary Report

Read the Full Report Here: 2017 Destination Canada USA Public Summary Report

Key Highlights Include:

Market Potential:

  • The immediate potential market has increased from the previous year: 53.0 million travellers are definitely or very likely to visit Canada in the next 2 years (versus 47.6 million in 2016).

  • The international outlook for US travellers continues to soften, while the outlook for domestic travel, both within and beyond state of residence, has seen significant increases.

Competitive Environment:

  • Domestic destinations continue to dominate on an unaided basis, spurred by increases for California.

  • Canada has jumped 2 spots to 7th in terms of aided mentions due to significant declines in mentions for New England and the Midwest.

  • Travellers from New York are among the most likely to mention Canada on both an unaided and aided basis.

Path-to-Purchase:

  • New Yorkers and travellers aged 25-44 are among the most likely to be actively planning a trip to Canada.

  • Canada’s performance is no longer below average at converting US travellers between the creating a movie and itinerary planning stages.

  • Additional focus could be placed on moving travellers from the consideration phase to creating a vacation movie, where conversion is weakest.

Destinations: 

  • There are several significant downward shifts in likelihood to visit in 2017, including with BC’s Rocky Mountains, Edmonton, Fredericton, other PEI regions, and the Prairie provinces (including Churchill, Regina, and other regions within Saskatchewan).

  • Montreal saw a significant decline in 2017 for most appealing destination

Vacation Activities:

  • Natural attractions, Northern lights, historical sites, cruises, nature parks, trying local food and drink, and wildlife viewing are the top trip anchor activities for US travellers.

  • Popular activities that Canada could better promote to US travellers: Northern lights, food and drink festivals, cruises, canoeing/kayaking/paddle boarding, amusement parks, and fall colours.

Barriers:

  • Cost remains the primary deterrent to visiting Canada. Mentions of inclement weather have fallen significantly.

  • Not enough time to take a vacation is the 2nd most frequently mentioned barrier among those at both the evaluation (gathering information or planning a visit) and consideration stages.

For more research information by TOTA, Visit us online at: https://totabc.org/research/

For more research information by Destination Canada, Visit: https://www.destinationcanada.com/en/research

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Expedia’s 2018 Year in Review Trends Report

Expedia

Read the Full Report Here 

Based on Expedia flight data, the following cities all saw an increase in U.S. visitors of at least 40% in 2018, compared to the year prior.

  • Barcelona, Spain

  • Victoria, B.C., Canada

  • Alexandria, Virginia, USA

  • Valencia, Spain

  • Vientiane, Laos

  • George’s, Bermuda

  • Mykonos, Greece

  • Azores, Portugal

  • Kenai, Alaska

  • Inverness, Scotland

Novelty reigns supreme when it comes to accommodation type

Travelers are increasingly interested in staying somewhere novel or unique during their getaways. “Tentalows” (a cross between a tent and a bungalow, usually outfitted with plumbing and other modern-day comforts), agritourism properties (think farms, ranches, etc.), castles and chalets all saw increased demand this year.

For more research information by Expedia, visit: https://advertising.expedia.com/

For more research information by TOTA, Visit us online at: https://totabc.org/research/

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TOTA Receives Second Major International Award This Year For Leadership In Sustainable Tourism

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 24, 2018

Montego Bay, JAMAICA

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been awarded North America’s Responsible Tourism Award 2018 at the 25th Annual World Travel Awards. The Awards Gala, which was hosted in Montego Bay this past weekend, is highly regarded as one of the most important hospitality events of the year, with government officials, industry leaders, and international media in attendance.

 
Frank Antoine (TOTA Chair) and Glenn Mandziuk (TOTA President &amp; CEO) with the award for North America’s Responsible Tourism 2018

Frank Antoine (TOTA Chair) and Glenn Mandziuk (TOTA President & CEO) with the award for North America’s Responsible Tourism 2018

 

The World Travel Awards is a renowned global initiative, founded in 1993, that celebrates distinction and recognizes collective success in the travel and tourism industry. Throughout the past 26 years, the coveted Awards have grown to set the benchmark for excellence across the globe.

This recognition comes on the heels of another international accolade, with TOTA taking home the Tourism for Tomorrow Destination Award at the World Tourism and Travel Council’s Global Summit in Argentina earlier this year.

“We are so very honoured to be receiving this international award for the work we are doing in this important area of tourism management”, said Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO of TOTA. “This recognition does not come without a great deal of effort and collaboration from industry, communities and partners who have come together with a common belief in the critical nature of protecting our economic, environmental, cultural and social systems for future generations”.

TOTA’s commitment to sustainability was established in 2012, when the region’s 10-Year Regional Tourism Strategy, “Embracing Our Potential,” was completed. The strategy, the first of its kind in North America, was officially endorsed by the 90 communities and hamlets, and 33 Indigenous communities in the region, and has provided the roadmap for tourism development since then.

In 2017, the Thompson Okanagan Region was officially certified as the first destination in the Americas to have successfully achieved the Biosphere Sustainable Tourism Destination accreditation from the Responsible Tourism Institute, an international accreditation body that is affiliated to the World Tourism Organization and is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

TOTA has also been nominated for the prestigious World’s Responsible Tourism Award 2018, which will be awarded in Portugal on December 1, 2018. Voting is now open and can be found on the World Travel Awards website.

 
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Destination BC: Thompson Okanagan Regional Profile (2017)

Destination BC

Read the Full Profile Here: Thompson Okanagan Regional Profile (2017)

The Thompson Okanagan Regional Profile summarizes tourism indicators and provides a general overview of the area. The most recent annual data are presented including visitor volume, accommodation and transportation indicators, and information about seasonality and activities.

Top Markets for the Thompson Okanagan
BC residents make up the largest share of overnight visitation (61%) and spending (44%) in
the Thompson Okanagan region. Alberta residents make up the second largest share of overnight visitation (19%) and spending (28%).

Trip Characteristics by Origin

The Thompson Okanagan received 3,721,000 overnight visits in 2014 and generated over $1.4 billion in related spending. Domestic overnight travellers accounted for 85% of visitation and 83% of related spending. International travellers accounted for 15% and 17%, respectively.

On average, travellers to the Thompson Okanagan region stayed 3.6 nights and spent $105 per night. BC travellers stayed 3.0 nights and spent $90 per night during their trip. Other Canadian travellers stayed 4.9 nights and spent $123 per night.

Overnight vs. Same-Day Travel

Same-day travel encompasses travellers who enter and leave a destination (i.e. region) in less than 24 hours. Same-day travellers accounted for 56% of visitor volume and 19% of visitor expenditures in the Thompson Okanagan region.

For more research information by Destination BC, Visit: https://www.destinationbc.ca/Research.aspx

For more research information by TOTA, Visit us online at: https://totabc.org/research/

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