News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Ingrid Jarrett Appointed President and CEO of BC Hotel Association
BC Hotel Association
Vancouver, BC (February 6, 2020): The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ingrid Jarrett as president and chief executive officer. Ingrid brings to the position more than three decades of experience in business leadership, strategic hospitality & tourism development and successful collaboration with partners and stakeholders. She is the first female president/CEO in the organization’s 103-year history.
A highly respected and longstanding member of BC’s tourism and hospitality sector, Ingrid has spent the past three decades building impactful partnerships across the province; working directly on behalf of industry with government and partner organizations; and excelling at leadership roles in globally recognized companies like Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Boutique Hotels & Resorts of BC, Watermark Beach Resort, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Destination British Columbia and Canadian Vacation Ownership Association, where she recently held the position of president and CEO. In 2013/14, she sat as Board Chair and subsequently was appointed executive committee director of BCHA, where she channeled her extensive knowledge into supporting and advocating for the organization’s strategic goals.
Ingrid has earned multiple awards over the years for her contributions to tourism and business, including BCHA’s Hotelier of the Year Award (2017) and WXN’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada (2017). Passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders, Ingrid has taught tourism and business courses at Camosun College, the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University; and supports young entrepreneurs by providing assistance with business plans, strategy and marketing. She has established a well-earned reputation for inspirational leadership and tangible development of the hospitality industry in BC.
Ingrid takes the reins from longtime President and CEO James Chase, who retired in December 2019 after 28 years of devoted service. As incoming president and CEO, Ingrid will be responsible for successful leadership and management of BCHA according to the strategic direction set by the board of directors. She will also communicate on behalf of the organization with partners, government and BC communities, establishing new connections while preserving and strengthening current partnerships.
“On behalf of the entire board of directors, we are delighted to welcome Ingrid as our new president and CEO,” said Bryan Pilbeam, BCHA board chair. “Ingrid’s longstanding reputation as a champion and leader in the hospitality industry is complemented by her many accomplishments as a member of our board. She is truly the best person for the job, and I have the fullest confidence she will achieve great things in her new role.”
“It is an honour to accept the position of president and CEO, and I could not be more proud to be BCHA’s first female leader in over a century,” said Ingrid. “I look forward to working with the board of directors and our entire membership, as well as the Alberta Hotel Association and the Hotel Association of Canada, to accelerate the evolution and growth of our industry both nationally and provincially. By collaboratively advocating on behalf of our industry, I have no doubt we can exponentially increase awareness globally of BC’s exceptional hotel industry.”
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About the BC Hotel Association:
The British Columbia Hotel Association is a non-profit organization that has represented and advocated for the hospitality industry throughout the province since 1917. Working closely with members, government and regulatory authorities, BCHA ensures a positive environment that cultivates success and contributes to the tourism and hospitality industry’s staggering revenue of $3.2 billion. The organization also acts on behalf of hoteliers at federal, provincial and community levels, and champions issues such as taxation, tourism, marketing, corporate relations, labour and consumer services. The BCHA has over 600 hotel members and 120 associate members, representing an industry made up of over 80,000 rooms and more than 60,000 employees. For more information, visit www.bcha.com.
Media Contacts:
Samantha Geer
samanthageer@gmail.com
778.996.5956
Maddie Davidson
BC Hotel Association
communications@bcha.com
604.358.0011
bcha.com
Be Part of Our Mission to Develop and Promote Barrier-Free Travel in the Thompson Okanagan Region
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Diverse experiences for All Travellers in the 2020 Travel Guide
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association invites you to participate in the 2020 Travel Guide.
Like you, TOTA is committed to becoming a world-class, universally accessible destination for all and, through this guide, we will highlight barrier-free tourism adaptive outdoor adventures and services experiences throughout the region. Tap into this emerging market for longer stays, and those seeking adventure travel, culinary tours, accommodations and more.
Featuring iconic experiences of our region with an emphasis on sustainability and accessibility, the guide is a new opportunity to promote your business.
Through strong partnerships, community collaboration and a commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism practices, TOTA will promote your business throughout western Canada with our new 2020 Travel Guide. And, as an added opportunity, participating businesses may access the expertise of Sonja Gaudet, three-time Paralympic Gold Medalist, who provides accessibility and barrier-free recommendations through her position, which is funded in part by Spinal Cord Injury BC.
View pricing information and specs here
Distribution:
40,000 copies of the guide will be distributed throughout Alberta and British Columbia,
an online guide feature on thompsonokanagan.com.
it will also be distributed at Quartzite, North America’s largest RV show
7,000 copies will also be distributed throughout BC’s campgrounds
Tourism Kamloops Supports TRU’s Limitless Campaign
Tourism Kamloops
For Immediate Release
January 30, 2020 – Tourism Kamloops has joined the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Limitless campaign, announcing at the 4th Annual BOLD Hospitality Awards a $50,000 donation to fund hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Limitless is the university’s largest-ever fundraising campaign, with a goal to raise $50 million for TRU’s 50th anniversary, in support of students, research, equipment and community-related initiatives.
Left to Right - Dustin McIntyre - TRU, Director of Development, Beverley DeSantis - Tourism Kamloops CEO, Douglas Booth - TRU, Dean of the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts, and Tourism, David Carter - TRU, Lecturer & Steve Earl - Tourism Kamloops Board Chair.
The $50,000 donation goes toward the Tourism Innovation Lab founded by Tourism Kamloops, a collaboration with the Kamloops Innovation Centre (KIC) and the department of Tourism Management. This funding gives students the opportunity to take ideas developed in class and, when successfully pitched, incubate and accelerate in partnership with KIC to transform them into new tourism businesses.
“Our partnership with TRU and KIC and investment in our students is a dedicated effort directly supporting the future of Kamloops as a robust tourism destination,” said Beverley DeSantis, Tourism Kamloops chief executive officer.
“Endorsed by our stakeholders, experience development is a top priority for Tourism Kamloops. To engage, mentor and guide future tourism entrepreneurs from idea to start-up to create the right experience, for the right visitor, at the right time is vital to a thriving visitor economy.”
“This combination of industry and academic partners helps establish an initiative that benefits students, the city and the tourism sector,” said Douglas Booth, dean of the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts, and Tourism.
“The Tourism Innovation Lab is a perfect example of Thompson Rivers University working with a local enterprise, Tourism Kamloops, to provide an opportunity for students to develop entrepreneurial skills, tourism-based products and tourism-based ventures,” he said.
“These new skills, products and ventures will contribute to the prosperity, growth and sustainability of Kamloops and the Thompson-Okanagan region.”
Kamloops welcomes 1.8 million visitors annually and the local tourism industry generates nearly $500 million in economic impact each year. Retaining TRU tourism students and supporting their work benefits the whole city, noted DeSantis.
To date, TRU’s Limitless campaign has raised $42.7 million. For more information, go to tru.ca/limitless
Media Contacts:
Beverley DeSantis, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Kamloops
250-517-9094 | bev@tourismkamloops.com
Douglas Booth, Dean, Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts, and Tourism
250-852-7138 | dobooth@tru.ca
Why Measure Sustainability?
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Biosphere Adhesion Monthly Newsletter
Why Measure Sustainability?
Measuring business practices, as it pertains to reducing negative impacts, establishes a baseline and framework for the development of programs/projects, such as waste reduction projects, energy-efficient programs and carbon measuring adoption. Measurement is also essential in communicating progress, anticipating new requirements and managing the progress towards the sustainability goals.
This month we will highlight businesses’ featuring work relative to SDG Thirteen: Urgent adoption of measures against climate change. We will take a look at how they integrate climate change measures into their strategic planning.
Leaders in Biosphere
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Adhesion Program
Tourism Kamloops continues to elevate its commitment to the Biosphere Adhesion Program by focusing on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 17- partnerships for the goals.
Tourism Kamloops strives to strengthen relationships with Tk’emlups te Secwepemc, Thompson Rivers University, and Kamloops Innovation. Understanding the impact of educational opportunities, Tourism Kamloops is committed to providing diverse workshops for the community on accessible and inclusive destination development; digital marketing skills; destination ambassadorship, and more. The team supports the Bee City Program, as well as participates in the Impact Sustainability Travel & Tourism Forum.
Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm is the first company in North America to use 100% biodegradable containers, Sulapac, while continuing to explore more sustainable solutions. Their Earth Tube system passively controls the temperature by circulating the air between the rooms and the ground outside. This saves up to 78% of energy compared with traditional HVAC systems. They allow one paper checkout bag per purchase and charge a fee for any additional bags. All proceeds are donated to Tree Canada’s National Greening Program, specifically for reforesting areas in BC damaged by wildfires and invasive pests.
Since the first 19 solar panels went live in May 2019 The Sorrento Centre has been living up to their commitment to environmental sustainability by generating lots of clean, green and abundant energy from the sun, and sending power back into the BC Hydro grid to share with their neighbors. Even with the shorter and darker days of the fall and winter, the solar array is still generating plenty of energy for the building. The Solar system had seen an immediate positive impact. The BC Hydro bill for May of 2019 showed a 62% decrease in daily average inflow and 386kWh of surplus energy back into the grid. This meant a savings of $226.00 for the month of May!
Plans are underway for another 32 panels. This will boost projected annual production by 9,500 kWh/year and enable the Sorrento Centre to install an EV charging station to power electric vehicles – a first for the community of Sorrento, BC!
Global Biosphere Example
Barcelona, as the first urban destination to obtain the Biosphere Certification, is also the first European city to require solar water heaters to be installed in all new buildings and renovations. Education and maintenance are the keys to success. The Barcelona Energy Agency strongly believes that solar panels should be managed like elevators and be inspected on a regular basis. The Energy Agency runs the information center to provide assistance in solar panel installation and maintenance. In 2006, Spain enacted building codes that included solar water heaters. This initiative has helped Barcelona to reduce the carbon intensity of its electricity by about 30% since 2000.
Welcome Newly Committed Entities
SDG 13: Urgent adoption of measures against climate change
Commit to sustainable tourism practices
Follow the guidelines for sustainable tourism based on the Seven Generations Principle. Take the Pledge today!Gather baseline data
What gets measured gets managed! You can start with water, energy, waste, then expand to other consumption. The Eco-efficiency program will get you started with these endeavors.Brainstorm actions to help achieve goals
Finding ways to conserve energy in a more sustainable direction. This would not only make your organization greener but also can save you money immediately. Here are some tips for energy-saving.Engaging all stakeholders
Anything worth knowing is worth sharing. Sustainability education is essential to create a large impact and build a sustainable destination. You can start by educating your staff and guests. For example, does it matter how your staff and your guests arrive? This article may give you some ideas to encourage green travel. Read here.
CedarCreek Estate Winery Wins ‘Canadian Winery of the Year’
CedarCreek Estate Winery
Acclaimed Okanagan Winery also Celebrates a Prestigious International Riesling Award
Kelowna, British Columbia (December 18, 2019) – CedarCreek Estate Winery is the winner of the ‘Canadian Winery of the Year’ title at the 2019 InterVin International Wine Awards, with more than 1,100 wines entered from 15 countries. This is the third ‘Canadian Winery of the Year’ title for CedarCreek, and the 2019 honour caps off a momentous year as CedarCreek celebrates some of the most noteworthy achievements in its 32-year history.
The InterVin International Wine Awards recognize and celebrate the very best wines available to Canadian consumers. The competition’s rigorous judging process is led by some of the most respected wine writers, educators and sommeliers in the country. CedarCreek won a total of 15 medals for its portfolio of premium wines across virtually every category in the competition. In addition to the coveted ‘Canadian Winery of the Year’ title, CedarCreek also won Gold Medals for its 2018 Platinum Block 3 Riesling and its 2017 Platinum Haynes Creek Syrah.
“As one of the original eight wineries in the Okanagan Valley, CedarCreek has championed quality winemaking practices and a vineyard-specific focus from the start,” noted Christopher Waters, Head Judge of the InterVin International Wine Awards. “If one were to look for a winery that’s emblematic of the dynamic changes afoot in the Okanagan Valley, CedarCreek’s renewed focus is a great case study.”
‘World’s Best Semi-Dry Riesling’ Trophy
CedarCreek is also making its presence known on the world stage with a key win at the Canberra International Riesling Challenge in Australia, the largest and most competitive Riesling competition in the Southern Hemisphere. At this year’s competition, CedarCreek’s 2018 Estate Riesling won the esteemed Wolf Blass Trophy for ‘World’s Best Semi-Dry Riesling’, and was awarded a score of 97 points – topping its category and beating out more than 500 Riesling wines entered from nine countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, and China.
Commenting on the awards, CedarCreek Winemaker Taylor Whelan stated: “We’re in a constant state of evolution here. Our team continues to push the boundaries of winemaking and viticulture even further with sustainable practices that will improve the quality of our entire portfolio of wines. These awards clearly underscore that we are on the right path with our organic commitment in our vineyards and at the winery.”
Commitment to 100% Organic Farming
CedarCreek wines are taking their place alongside the best in the world as a result of a bold and long-term vision to convert 100% of the winery’s vineyards to organic farming. The results of this commitment are evident in the vineyards, with soils that are more alive, vines that are healthier and stronger, and grapes that have increased varietal character.
The 2019 growing season marks the third year of CedarCreek’s transition to organic farming. The winery’s Home Block vineyard and winery have now achieved official organic certification. The 50-acre Home Block vineyard — originally planted in the 1930s — produces several certified organic wines from the current harvest, including the Estate Riesling and Estate Pinot Noir. By 2021, all of the wines made by CedarCreek will be produced organically.
About CedarCreek Estate Winery
From its 50-acre property in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, CedarCreek Estate Winery is building on more than three decades of winemaking, and defining a new chapter with bright, expressive north Okanagan Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and aromatic white wines. The family-owned winery produces certified organic wines from its 100% estate-grown fruit. The year-round tasting room and Home Block restaurant, housed in contemporary farmhouse buildings crafted from fieldstone and 100-year-old reclaimed barn wood, offer visitors an exceptional experience in a serene natural setting. For more information, visit
cedarcreek.bc.ca.
Route 97 Road Trip Map Advertising Opportunities Now Available
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Advertising opportunities are now available for interested stakeholders.
Due to overwhelming demand, a Route 97 Road Trip Map will be published and distributed across BC and WA in 2020.
Where Will the Map Be Distributed?
50,000 Copies will be distributed throughout Visitor Centres in British Columbia (40,000 copies) and Washington State (10,000 copies from Wenatchee to the Oroville Border)
5,000 Copies will be available at the Quartzsite RV Show, the largest RV show in North America with over 750,000 attendees
What’s Included in the Advertising Package?
5 Price Tiers available from map listings to title sponsorship
Creation of advertising assets to ensure consistency and accessibility of map design
Website listing on matching corridor page on route97.net
For more information or to secure your spot, please contact Ingrid Dilschneider, Director of Marketing, at route97@totabc.com
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Biosphere Adhesion Monthly Newsletter
Leaders in Biosphere
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Adhesion Program
Giro Okanagan is a cycling tour provider that offers immersive and authentic experiences based on their deep understanding of the region and their own personal connections. They embrace sustainability by promoting cycling as the ideal way to explore the Okanagan Valley. They work towards achieving their sustainability targets by dramatically reducing single-use plastics and use locally sourced products whenever possible.
For 2020, they will expand their sustainability initiatives to include further training in Biosphere Adhesion targets for their guides and support staff. They will be introducing a Rider’s Pledge for guests which will be aligned with Biosphere goals. The website messaging will be revised to stress sustainability initiatives more fully. They will expand the educational initiatives to include new self-guided options for both single day and multi-day tours that will provide guests with a further understanding of the Okanagan’s unique cultural heritage.
Osoyoos Golf Club‘s restaurant and Pro Shop are wheelchair accessible. For the area out on the golf course they allow members with mobility issues to drive their golf carts closer to the tees and greens than is allowed in regulation. They also support local suppliers in sustainable tourism activities and services. For example, they consider seasonality and healthy food options on their menu in their day to day offerings. They also have a large riparian area that they strive to maintain and protect and keep their members informed.
Welcome Newly Committed Entities
SDS 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent employment
It is extremely important to pay attention to employees’ safety and well-being. Unfortunately, as much we talk about workplace safety and well-being in daily life, it still presents a serious challenge in Canada.
TOTA in partnership with go2HR will be providing occupational health and safety assessments for Biosphere Adhesion Businesses.
Our partnership will provide:
Occupational Health and Safety Overview Training
Safety Basics Assessment
Employer Consultation Meetings
Foundation of Workplace Safety Training
And many more added benefits
Stay posted for an upcoming release of the full program details!
Do you know SuperHost Service For All Program? The “one size fits all” concept simply does not apply to the way the tourism sector’s set expectations and practices around specific customer groups. It is extremely important for all employees, especially front-line employees to understand multiculturalism and practices around specific customer groups. Take go2HR’s SuperHost Service For All Program to learn best practices around customers from various backgrounds and identities.
Thompson Okanagan to Host 2020 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
For the first time, the 2020 Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Global Conference will be hosted in Canada.
The conference will be hosted at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna, British Columbia, from November 19 – 22, 2020. The announcement was made in Terceira Island, Azores, on December 6th, 2019 by GSTC CEO Randy Durband and Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) CEO Glenn Mandziuk.
Randy Durband, CEO, GSTC; Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, TOTA; and Luigi Cabrini, Chairman, GSTC
“GSTC is proud to be hosted for our 2020 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference by TOTA and their family of supporters,” says Randy Durband, CEO of the GSTC. “They have been winning many awards for good reason, having put in place and sustainable very sound tourism management practices. They are a model for destination management on many counts, especially in our view for meaningful stakeholder engagement and long-term planning.”
TOTA CEO, and new GSTC Board Director, Glenn Mandziuk recognizes the impact the conference will have on the region as a whole. “We could not be more excited to welcome the GSTC Global Conference to the Thompson Okanagan and look forward to hosting sustainable tourism leaders in Kelowna from around the world. It is truly a privilege to share our destination with the world as we work toward a more sustainable future for us all. It is an opportunity to showcase the region and our sustainable commitment on a global stage to professionals actively involved in the development and promotion of sustainable tourism.”
The annual event will see Kelowna and the Thompson Okanagan welcome over 300 international leaders together with up to 200 local and national delegates specializing in sustainable tourism including destination management and marketing professionals, airlines, travel agents, tour operators, the hospitality sector, and international media.
The conference brings together industry professionals to discuss key challenges and opportunities surrounding smart destination management and sustainable tourism development by featuring a series of panels and presentations from an array of speakers from around the world.
“Kelowna is proudly located in a Biosphere accredited region and hosting the GSTC annual conference will showcase our commitment to local responsible tourism as well as the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals,” says Lisanne Ballantyne, President and CEO of Tourism Kelowna. “Industry reports tell us that more travelers than ever are seeking sustainable destinations, with 87% wanting to travel sustainably and 67% of travelers willing to pay more for travel that impacts the environment less.”
“Every Thompson Okanagan resident should be proud. This event won’t just benefit your region, with its amazing climate, golf courses, wineries, and scenery. It will also remind world travellers that Canada offers an exciting and diverse range of sustainable tourism experiences. Bravo!” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.
“I’m thrilled that Kelowna was selected to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference for the first time in Canada in 2020,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “British Columbia looks forward to hosting the world next year to continue the important dialogue on responsible tourism. This will be an incredible opportunity to showcase how we are prioritizing sustainability, environmental protection, and making sure the benefits of tourism are shared with everyone in our province.”
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About the Global Sustainable Tourism Council
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) manages the GSTC Criteria, the global baseline standards for sustainable travel and tourism; as well as acts as the international accreditation body for sustainable tourism certification. The GSTC is an independent and neutral organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including UN agencies, NGO’s, national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.
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.
Thompson Okanagan Repeats as World’s Responsible Tourism Winner at the World Travel Awards
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
For the second year in a row, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been named the 2019 World’s Responsible Tourism Award Winner at the 26th Annual World Travel Awards.
The announcement was made at the Grand Final Gala Ceremony held in Muscat, Oman, on November 28th, 2019.
President and CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, stated: “We are so honoured to be recognized for a second time with this prestigious global award for our commitment to sustainable growth and responsible tourism practices. This reinforces our collective focus on this critical component of destination development and marketing and would not be possible without the dedication and support of our board, staff, partners, and stakeholders.”
The World Travel Awards has become the international benchmark for recognizing excellence in the travel industry. Voting is conducted by industry professionals around the world. This announcement follows TOTA’s win of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in January 2019.
“Sustainable tourism plays a vital part in Canada’s economy, creates good jobs for the middle class and builds a fairer and greener society. For the second time, TOTA’s initiatives bring honour not just to the organization and region but also to our entire country. Congratulations!” stated the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
“British Columbia is a sought-after destination for visitors from around the globe, in large part because of its stunning scenery and breathtaking wilderness,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Our strategic framework for tourism seeks to responsibly grow the visitor economy by respecting nature and the environment, and making sure that everyone sees the benefits of this important industry. The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a leader in putting these principles into action. I would like to congratulate them for winning this award and I applaud their continued leadership in responsible tourism.”
TOTA has been actively committed to being a sustainable destination, as a result of an ambitious strategic program launched in 2012, titled “Embracing Our Potential.” The 10-year strategy laid out the foundation for maximizing the economic benefits of tourism in the region, while simultaneously protecting its natural, social, and cultural resources. To date, it has seen the installation of more than 1,000 electric car charging stations; the establishment of regional Human Resources, Indigenous Tourism, and Accessibility strategies and specialists; hosted the largest Indigenous Tourism Conference in the world; organized specialized stakeholder workshops and tools for operating more sustainably; advanced regional rail trail initiatives; utilized leading research and data analysis techniques to manage and market the destination; launched an Indigenous Artisan Mobile Gallery; and prepared and unveiled a Regional Visitor Pledge.
Further, the Thompson Okanagan Region was the first destination in the Americas to become a Biosphere Certified Destination; recognized in the Top 100 Sustainable Tourism Destinations on the planet for three years and second in all of the Americas by Green Destinations; received the Tourism for Tomorrow Award for destination management from the World Travel and Tourism Council; received first runner up recognition in the United Nations Award for best non-profit organizations on the globe; and most recently, became the first Canadian destination invited to join the United Nations World Tourism Organization as an International Sustainable Tourism Observatory.
About the World Travel Awards
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit worldtravelawards.com.
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.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Asks Public To Take Pledge
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
For Immediate Release
November 20, 2019
Kelowna — The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is excited to announce the launch of its Regional Pledge, which provides the framework for sustainable tourism in the region for all visitors. The pledge was announced at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference on November 14, 2019.
Signatories of the Pledge included representatives from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada; Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture; Destination British Columbia; Indigenous Tourism British Columbia; Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia; Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association; Shackan Indian Band; Xeni Gwet’in First Nation; Tourism Kamloops; Tourism Kelowna; Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association; Tourism Vancouver Island; Northern BC Tourism Association; Kootenay Rockies Tourism; Big White Ski Resort; as well as a youth representative from Kelowna.
“The signing of the Regional Pledge is more than an announcement of intent; it is a commitment to the Seven Affirmations for Seven Generations,” says Mandziuk. Those affirmations are a part of the Seventh Generation Principle, which reminds us that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world, generations in the future. “The steps we take today will have an impact now, and long term, for generations to come.”
“I am honoured to witness the adoption of the Seven Affirmations for Seven Generations pledge, and I applaud Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association for their continued leadership in sustainable tourism management,” said Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Lisa Beare. “As part of our provincial tourism framework, we are committed to working with the tourism sector to develop and adopt common sustainability policies and practices. This pledge is a great example of alignment between regional and provincial objectives to foster responsible visitor travel.”
“As we enjoy the unprecedented growth of Indigenous tourism, sustainability guidelines are essential to preserve authentic cultural experiences for future generations,” said Brenda Baptise, chair of Indigenous Tourism BC. “The Thompson Okanagan Regional Pledge benefits First Nations land and culture, while ensuring the actions taken today help to protect the development of the Indigenous communities of tomorrow.”
The Regional Pledge was conceived as part of the larger sustainable tourism mandate the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has prioritized over the last several years. Through a lengthy consultative process that involved international tourism, academic and indigenous stakeholders, the philosophies of respectful, authentic travel in the region, visitors, tour operators and residents alike were integrated into a comprehensive pledge document.
To learn more about the Seven Affirmations for Seven Generations, please go to thompsonokanagan.com/pledge
To support the pledge, TOTA has created a video to inspire both visitors and residents to make a commitment to the Thompson Okanagan. With a strong, emotional storyline set against the scenic backdrop of the region, the video aims to connect with viewers by encouraging them to ensure our destination can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Sustainable Tourism Destinations and Heritage
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Biosphere Adhesion Monthly Newsletter
Thank You for Joining Us!
Last month (Oct 16th), we held a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) training workshop at The Laurel Packinghouse. We collaborated with Tourism Kelowna and the Kelowna Museums Society to organize the workshop that was open to all Biosphere Adhesion Entities. We are very lucky to have Angela Nagy from GreenStep Solutions (GSTC trainer) providing an overview of tips and resources on how to offset operational impacts. We will be hosting another GSTC workshop in Kamloops in the coming months, with the exact date to be determined.
This is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainability Goals, particularly goal eleven Sustainable Tourism Destination and Heritage. This month we are featuring several organizations that are leaders in social, cultural and environmental protection through tourism activities.
LEADERS IN BIOSPHERE
Highlights of businesses committed to the Biosphere Adhesion Program
Moccasin Trails aims to provide people with an authentic experience of Indigenous culture. They share Indigenous culture through tourism and believe through sharing and storytelling the whole culture is revitalized, preserved and promoted. They want to bring people from around the world to experience learning and reliving the indigenous culture. As the main organizer of the Okanagan Cultural Getaway, they have planned a three-day trip (Nov 15th-17th) which includes museum tours, food tastings, walks on ancestral paths and a Canoe excursion where people can touch, smell, see, hear and feel the Indigenous culture.
Grizzli Winery is located in the beautiful West Kelowna’s wine trail. They are proud to celebrate local authentic culture and create tourism activities and products based on local cultural heritage. They organize various events throughout the year that promote local artists and artisans. Their Arts in the Park event successfully combines food, wine, and art. Locally inspired creations such as stone, glass, wood and fiber arts are displayed with the backdrop of the vineyards.
Monte Creek Ranch Winery is on the South Thompson River east of Kamloops. They promote a sustainable community by supporting various community organizations with donations and sponsorship. An example is their efforts to support the Canadian Red Cross with their wildfire relief fund. They did this in partnership with the Kamloops Wine Trail, Sips for Support. They are also bio diverse in various daily practices. They use manure from their cattle to fertilize the vineyard and have a honey bee colony onsite to promote wildflower health and the health of their Haskap grove.
Global Biosphere Example
The Historic Centre of Évora the capital of the Alentejo Province in Portugal, one of the biosphere adhesion certified destinations, shows its remarkable success in culture and heritage preservation. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Évora’s overall integrity has been preserved through strict regulation and conservation measures. The rural landscape to the north has remained largely unchanged. In 2013, Évora has concluded their joint project as part of the World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Program on capacity-building for tourism management.
SDG 11: Sustainable Tourism Destinations and Heritage
Cultural tourism as one of the largest and fastest-growing global tourism markets is increasingly being developed to promote sustainable destinations and enhance authenticity. The development of cultural experiences includes the preservation, protection, and promotion of cultural heritage.
1. Discover and understand the Okanagan Heritage
2. Review successful examples of heritage integrations
Want to join Green Okanagan for a Vermi-Composting workshop?
Green Okanagan is hosting an all-inclusive vermi-composting workshop!
Composting your organic and food waste helps to reduce your environmental impact. Instead of creating methane in a landfill, it will turn your organic waste into nutrient-rich soil! How cool is that?
Join this hands-on evening where you will be learning all about this form of composting whilst making your own apparatus to take home with you.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Launches Mobile Indigenous Artist Studio
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
November 13, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelowna—The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has partnered with First Nations communities in the Interior to create a mobile space where artists’ works can be displayed and sold.
“We are honoured to be a part of an initiative that showcases to the world the designs and culture of the Indigenous people of the Thompson Okanagan region,” says TOTA President and CEO Glenn Mandziuk. “The goal of IArT is to promote awareness to cultural appropriation, encouraging guests and consumers to purchase only authentic art, through the recruitment of artisans whose work reflects the history and culture of the Thompson Okanagan Three Nations, and we are proud to provide a venue for these art pieces.”
The trailer is sponsored by TOTA and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC) and was funded in part by the Western Economic Development Fund, the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust and the Rural Dividend Fund, will travel to areas within the Thompson Okanagan starting in March 2020. Currently, there are almost a dozen artists involved in the project, with many more slated to come on line.
“The IArT trailer is a great opportunity for many artists, to express themselves, assist in the preservation of our beautiful art and tools, and share our stories and culture,” says trailer manager Amanda Adams. “This opportunity brings together three Nations—Secwepemc, Nlaka’pamux and Syilx/Okanagan—and shows their support, dedication and commitment to keeping their history, culture and ways of life alive and prosperous.
“Possibilities are endless when you learn, work, and grow together.”
“Our government values the significant contributions of Indigenous artists to B.C.’s identity and creative economy, and I am so excited that through the IArT Trailer’s unique vision, people all across the Thompson Okanagan will be able to experience the power of Indigenous art,” said Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Lisa Beare.
“The trailer is contributing to an authentic cultural experience that can only be found in this part of the province and ensuring more Indigenous cultures are represented in B.C.’s art
community.”
“The trailer is meant to grow the number of cultural and experiential travellers contributing to the year-round economic growth of First Nation communities throughout the Thompson Okanagan,” said Mandziuk.
“It is time to tell their authentic story of resilience and renewal through their art.”
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Media Contacts:
Glenn Mandziuk
President and CEO
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
ceo@totabc.com
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Vice-President Destination Development
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
industry@totabc.com
(236) 361-4433
Backgrounder
About the IArT Trailer:
The Indigenous Artisans Trail (IArT) trailer has been developed with the support of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), the Indigenous Tourism of British Columbia (ITBC) and funding provided by the Western Economic Development Fund, the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust and the Rural Dividend Fund.
The trailer is meant to grow the number of cultural and experiential travellers contributing to the year-round economic growth of First Nation communities throughout the Thompson Okanagan. It is time to tell their authentic story of resilience and renewal through their art.
IArT is the combination of a cooperative and sustainable retail approach that enhances the visitor experience while telling the unique story of the Interior-Salish indigenous people. A coordinated and interactive retail network, connecting artists to the public, has not yet been established in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia.
Until now.
The goal of IArT is to promote awareness to cultural appropriation, encouraging guests and consumers to purchase only authentic art, through the recruitment of artisans whose work reflects the history and culture of the Thompson Okanagan Three Nations: Nlaka’pamux, Syilx, and Secwépemc.
Why mobile?
Mobile models allow merchants the opportunity to bring product to market in a responsive and contemporary format. The model mitigates the burden of seasonal shopping trends (fluctuations) through the flexibility of its structure. The mobile shopping experience accommodates unique inventory that is not easily replicated, is authentic, and/or one-of-a-kind.
The IArT trailer will travel to festivals and events throughout the region starting in March 2020. To book the trailer, please go to www.iart-gallery.com. For more information on the trailer or to apply to participate, please contact Amanda Adams at iart@totabc.com.
Thompson Okanagan Invited to Join the UNWTO as International Observatory
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
MEDIA RELEASE
October 30, 2019
For Immediate Release
The Thompson Okanagan Region is the first Canadian destination to join the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), joining 27 committed partners across 5 continents.
TOTA President & CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, with UNWTO Director - Sustainable Development of Tourism, Dirk Glaesser, and UNWTO Coordinator - Member Relations, Beka Jakeli
The network was established 15 years ago to “support destination stakeholders to take focused and coherent action to accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption patterns, thus turning the goals proposed by the international community into reality.”
Through a lengthy application process, destinations are required to meet the criteria outlined in the INSTO framework and commit to the ongoing monitoring and reporting of 9 core issue areas including Tourism Seasonality, Employment, Local Satisfaction, and Energy Management.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Observatory was recognized last week at the UNWTO Global INSTO Meeting in Madrid, Spain, and is the first Canadian destination to join the network.
“We warmly welcome the new sustainable tourism observatory of Thomson Okanagan, which has demonstrated already at this early stage its strong commitment to advance sustainability based on evidence and participatory processes, key elements of successful sustainability strategies,” said Dirk Glaesser, the UNWTO’s Director, Sustainable Development of Tourism.
Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association spoke to the recognition: “We are honoured to be selected as Canada’s first destination to join a network of leading organizations from around the world as part of the UNWTO‘s INSTO program that will help us share, measure, and understand the economic, social and cultural implications of tourism. We believe this important announcement continues to showcase our Region’s strong commitment to developing tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner.”
Lisa Beare, British Columbia Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, added: “This international recognition of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association showcases years of innovative work towards sustainable tourism management. Our vision for tourism in British Columbia is one of responsible growth, where the benefits of tourism are shared with everyone. Successful tourism practices have evolved beyond focusing solely on economic returns, and today also consider the social, cultural and environmental impacts as well. Congratulations to everyone involved in achieving this designation in the Thompson Okanagan and thank you for your leadership.”
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.
About the UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories
The UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) was created in 2004 with the main objective to support the continuous improvement of sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector through systematic, timely and regular monitoring of tourism performance and impact and to connect dedicated destinations in order to better understand destination-wide resource use and foster the responsible management of tourism.
Through the systematic application of monitoring, evaluation and information management techniques, the initiative provides policy makers, planners, tourism managers and other relevant stakeholders with key tools to strengthen institutional capacities to support the formulation and implementation of sustainable tourism policies, strategies, plans and management processes. Visit insto.unwto.org for more information.
Media Contacts:
Glenn Mandziuk
President and CEO
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
ceo@totabc.com
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Vice-President Destination Development
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
industry@totabc.com
(236) 361-4433
TOTA Nominated for World’s Responsible Tourism Award at the 2019 World Travel Awards
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been nominated for the World's Responsible Tourism Award 2019 in the 26th Annual World Travel Awards.
TOTA was the recipient of the 2018 award and was named the 2019 Winner for North America earlier this year for our work and commitment to sustainability.
The World Travel Awards is a renowned global initiative 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.
Verified travel professionals can complete the Travel Industry Voters section upon registration and have each vote they cast count as two votes, so long as a minimum of ten votes are submitted. As a member of the tourism industry, you are eligible for verification and thus, your vote for TOTA will be worth double.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to register and vote. Voting closes October 20th, 2019 with the Grand Finals Ceremony and Winners Announcement taking place in Muscat, Oman on November 28th, 2019.
Thank you for your participation and support. Happy Voting!
ABOUT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit worldtravelawards.com.
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. Find TOTA on Twitter and Facebook. For more information, visit totabc.org.
TOTA Enters Into New Technology Partnership with Bell Media
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 17, 2019
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has entered into a unique digital technology partnership with ‘Canada’s leading content creation company,’ Bell Media.
Bell Media Mobile launched a Route 97 Digital Mobile Campaign on September 15, utilizing proprietary mobile technology in layered targeting strategies.
This competitive advantage allows Bell Media to employ historical geo-targeting to remarket in conjunction with device origin and live location data for effective and relevant results. Additionally, detailed insights provided by advanced reporting will measure offline attribution, tracking conversions and allowing TOTA to measure campaign effectiveness.
Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO of TOTA, speaks to the power of technology in tourism. “I am thrilled to be partnering with Bell Media on this initiative. I’m looking forward to utilizing new technology and hyper-focused targeting to determine ROI on destination marketing.”
Brock Raddatz, Account Manager, shares the sentiment. “Bell Media is excited to provide our mobile advertising services to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. Our advanced mobile marketing technology will allow TOTA to target key geographic locations and consumers who fit their specific target profiles. We look forward to helping promote all of the incredible tourism experiences our region has to offer.”
For more information, please contact Ingrid Dilschneider, Director of Marketing.
About Route 97
Route 97 is a partnership between the North Central Washington Economic Development District (NCWEDD) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and endeavours to advance tourism in both regions by inspiring travel along this paramount Canada-United States corridor. The cross-border tourism partnership pivots around road trips that can be taken throughout the area, with suggested loops and corridors that connect communities on and off the highway.
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. Find TOTA on Twitter and Facebook. For more information, visit totabc.org.
Okanagan Valley A Winner in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 6, 2019
The Okanagan Valley has been named one of ten winners in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Destination – Fall Foliage.
An expert panel announced the nominees at the end of July where it was then up to the public to vote for their favourites to determine the winners.
The Okanagan Valley is in great company placing 6th after Door County, Wisconsin; White Mountains, New Hampshire; Finger Lakes, New York; Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania; and the Upper Peninsula, Michigan.
With the 10Best.com website averaging 5 million visitors a month, this level of exposure for the Okanagan Valley in fall is extremely exciting and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote. It is so greatly appreciated and a fantastic opportunity to share the Okanagan Valley with the USA TODAY audience.
Here’s a collection of fall foliage shots we love. Make sure to tag us or use #ThompsonOkanagan on social media to share your photos.
About USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. The Readers' Choice Award Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. 10Best.com averages 5 million visitors per month. It was acquired by USA TODAY in January of 2013.
USA TODAY is a multi-platform news and information media company. Founded in 1982, USA TODAY's mission is to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation. Through its unique visual storytelling, USA TODAY delivers high-quality and engaging content across print, digital, social and video platforms. An innovator of news and information, USA TODAY reflects the pulse of the nation and serves as the host of the American conversation — today, tomorrow and for decades to follow.
Source: 10BestAwards.com (Provided)
TOTA Signs 3-Year Partnership Deal with National Geographic Traveller for Route 97 Publication
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 4, 2019
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has secured a three-year agreement with National Geographic Traveller Magazine (UK) to produce and publish its Route 97 guide.
The partnership is the first of its kind in North America and will see TOTA’s Route 97 Road Trip and Map Guide Initiative evolve into National Geographic Traveller Discover Route 97. The magazine will be written and photographed entirely by National Geographic Traveller’s editorial team with the first edition set to hit stands in May 2020.
TOTA President and CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, couldn’t be more thrilled with the opportunity. “It is such a privilege to work with such a well-regarded, leading global brand on this initiative and I’m excited to put both Route 97 and the Thompson Okanagan on the map for international audiences.”
National Geographic Traveller Magazine will produce 100,000 copies of the Discover Route 97 publication with 50,000 to be distributed throughout the United Kingdom, and 50,000 to be distributed through British Columbia and Washington. In addition to the physical edition, a hub will be created on www.nationalgeographic.co.uk to host articles and the Route 97 website will host a digital copy of the magazine as well.
“National Geographic Traveller UK is thrilled to be partnering with Route 97 for the next three years creating a destination guide for the region. As one of the most beautiful and iconic driving routes in the world our team are excited to work together with the Route 97 team to develop content that will inspire visitors to explore the opportunities on offer throughout the region,” commented Matthew Jackson, Publisher of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
A digital campaign will announce the launch of the magazine in the United Kingdom and National Geographic Magazine is set to feature a two-page spread on Route 97 in their February 2020 publication.
Advertorial participation is available to relevant businesses, communities, and organizations and any interested stakeholders should direct any interest or queries directly to Director of Marketing, Ingrid Dilschneider.
About Route 97
Route 97 is a partnership between the North Central Washington Economic Development District (NCWEDD) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and endeavours to advance tourism in both regions by inspiring travel along this paramount Canada-United States corridor. The cross-border tourism partnership pivots around road trips that can be taken throughout the area, with suggested loops and corridors that connect communities on and off the highway.
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. Find TOTA on Twitter and Facebook. For more information, visit totabc.org.
About National Geographic
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com.
TOTA President & CEO Elected to Global Sustainable Tourism Council Board of Directors
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
August 30, 2019
Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has been elected to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Board of Directors. Mandziuk was voted in during the annual election, the results of which have now been validated by the GSTC Election Committee.
He joins Dr. Kelly S. Bricker (University of Utah, USA), Dr. Ioannis Pappas (Green Evolution, Greece), CB Ramkumar (Green Dreams for the Planet & Our Native Village, India), Koko Tang (Vinetree Tourism, China), and Patricio Diaz (Responsible Tourism Institute, Spain) in what will be a 3-year term of leadership for the organization.
Returning Board members include Chairman Luigi Cabrini, Dr. Jane Ashton (TUI Group), Chi Lo (Pacific Asia Travel Association), Randy Durband (GSTC), Dr. Anna Spenceley, Beatriz Barreal Danel (Sustainable Riviera Maya), Cathy Parsons (GSTC), Clark Stevens (Airbnb), Dr. Dave Randle (USF College of Global Sustainability), Heidi van der Watt (Better Tourism Africa), Ingunn Sornes (Innovation Norway), Jorge Moller (Darwin’s Trails Chile), Paul Snyder (InterContinental Hotels Group), Dr. Rosemary Black (Charles Sturt University, Australia), and Wu Wnda (Mt. Huangshan Scenic Area Administrative Committee).
“Welcome to the newly elected Directors and to those who will continue for a new term. The composition of the Board reflects the sectoral and geographical variety that makes the GSTC a really global organization” said GSTC Board Chair Luigi Cabrini with regard to the election results.
Mandziuk shares his excitement about the opportunity to contribute to the global organization: “I am extremely honoured to have been elected to the Board and to work closely with the GSTC, their members, and fellow Directors in leading the future of sustainable tourism development.”
The new terms commence September 1st, 2019.
About the Global Sustainable Tourism Council
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) manages the GSTC Criteria, the global baseline standards for sustainable travel and tourism; as well as acts as the international accreditation body for sustainable tourism certification. The GSTC is an independent and neutral organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including UN agencies, NGO’s, national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.
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. Find TOTA on Twitter and Facebook. For more information, visit totabc.org.
Media Contacts:
Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
250-860-5999 ext 216
ceo@totabc.com
Ellen Walker-Matthews, VP Destination Development
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
250-809-9290
industry@totabc.com
The World Travel Awards to be Hosted in the Thompson Okanagan, BC
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
July 31, 2019
For the first time in its 27-year history, the World Travel Awards will be hosted Canada.
The Thompson Okanagan has won a 3-year bid to host the World Travel Awards in the region. Predator Ridge Resort in Vernon, British Columbia will host the first year, welcoming over 300 international delegates at the North American Gala Ceremony in October 2020, as part of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour.
Photo from the World Travel Awards European Gala Ceremony in Madeira, Portugal.
The host city for the second and third years will be announced in Spring 2020 and Spring of 2021, respectively. The event will place the Thompson Okanagan Region and its communities firmly on the World Stage as delegates from global airlines, tour operators, travel agents, international media, and hospitality professionals join us in the region for the award ceremony.
After a joint application was put forward by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Predator Ridge Resort, and the City of Vernon earlier this year, the World Travel Awards announced the successful 3-year bid at the European Gala Ceremony in Madeira, Portugal. Previous host cities include New York, Montego Bay, Orlando, as well as Turks & Caicos, the Bahamas, and Antigua.
TOTA is a two-time recipient of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award (2018, 2019), and was named the winner of the esteemed World’s Responsible Tourism Award at the 25th Annual World Travel Awards last year in Lisbon, Portugal. President & CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, recognizes the impact an opportunity like this affords the region as a whole. “We are so honoured to welcome such a prestigious event to the Thompson Okanagan and look forward to hosting international tourism industry leaders in Vernon. This would not have been possible without the support of our stakeholder and community partners and it is a privilege to share our region with the world.”
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “We are deeply honoured to host our North America Gala Ceremony 2020 in Thompson Okanagan. This fascinating region of British Columbia, Canada is leading the way in sustainable tourism practice and serving as a benchmark of how to preserve Mother Nature for the benefit of future generations.”
He added: “Thompson Okanagan is blessed with overwhelming beauty that ranges from towering waterfalls and soaring mountains to verdant valleys and glacial lakes. I look forward to welcoming the most senior decision-makers of North America’s travel industry for what promises to be a most memorable ceremony in this phenomenal region.”
Claus Larsen, Chair of the Tourism Vernon Commission, shared a similar sentiment. “As an emerging four-season tourism destination, being selected to host the World Travel Awards is an amazing opportunity for Vernon to be recognized as an attractive destination for international conferences and events.”
Predator Ridge, home to a thriving year-round community and two award-winning golf courses, is proud to have attracted such a high-profile event. “We are thrilled to be host to this international gala and very pleased to be once again partnering with TOTA and the City of Vernon. All of us who live here realize how special this region is and know that we have iconic tourism assets and it will be great to host the WTA awards that recognize leadership in the category,” said Brad Pelletier, Senior Vice-President of Wesbild Okanagan, owners of Predator Ridge Resort.
About the World Travel Awards
The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit worldtravelawards.com.
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. Find TOTA on Twitter and Facebook. For more information, visit totabc.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ingrid Dilschneider, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
trade@totabc.com
Ange Chew, Tourism Vernon
achew@vernon.ca
Keeping Visitors to the Thompson Okanagan Safe During Emergencies
Government of British Columbia
From the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture
For Immediate Release
2019TAC0067-001125
“The last two summers of unprecedented wildfires were hard on tourism-dependent communities,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “We know that one of the biggest challenges the industry faced was getting accurate, up-to-date information to visitors. This year, we’re helping the tourism sector prepare to keep visitors safe during emergencies and making sure tourism in affected areas can rebound quickly.”
The B.C. government is providing a total of $200,000 in one-time grants to support regional destination marketing organizations’ emergency preparedness, including $25,000 to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.
“Timely, accurate information is essential in emergencies,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness. “The tourism sector can play a critical role in keeping people safe, especially in rural and remote areas. This investment is helping the industry plan ahead so people can get the information they need, when they need it, keeping visitors safe and local economies strong.”
The regional destination marketing organizations will use this funding to create a common set of communications tools, emergency management training for regional teams and co- ordinators, and expand their tourism database to enable real-time information sharing in the event of an emergency. Together, these activities will help mitigate the effects of natural disasters on B.C.’s tourism reputation through better preparedness, co-ordination and communication.
“On behalf of the Thompson Okanagan Region, we applaud the Province in recognizing the importance of improving our crisis management and in providing emergency management funds in order to make this a reality,” said Glenn Mandziuk, president and CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. “In a short time, we will announce the addition of a crisis management co-ordinator in the Thompson Okanagan to work closely with our other regional partners. Through this process, we envision accurate, timely and concise information will be more readily available to residents and tourists alike during emergency situations.”
The government announced the grants as part of B.C. Tourism Week, May 26-June 2, 2019, which highlights the industry’s vital importance to B.C.’s economy by creating jobs, strengthening communities and promoting year-round tourism in all four corners of the province.
LEARN MORE:
Learn how tourism operators can prepare for emergencies: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response- recovery/preparedbc
Learn more about how to personally prepare for an emergency: http://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
Read the minister’s statement on B.C. Tourism Week: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019TAC0039-001066
A backgrounder follows.
CONTACT:
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
Government Communications and Public Engagement
BACkgrounder
Facts about tourism and emergency preparedness:
The B.C. government supports municipalities by investing more than $145 million annually in the tourism sector.
B.C. is a top destination for visitors from around the globe:
In 2018, more than six million visitors came to B.C.
In 2018, the tourism sector generated approximately $18.4 billion in revenue and employed more than 137,000 people.
Over the most recent two years, the Province has invested $2.7 million to help attract tourists back to areas affected by wildfires.
To support community resiliency in the face of wildfires, floods and other emergencies, the B.C. government gave a $31-million boost to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) for local governments and First Nations, bringing the total to $69.5 million.
The Province is also supporting volunteer and composite fire departments throughout B.C. with a $5-million boost for equipment and training through the Province’s CEPF.
In addition, the B.C. government provided $10 million in provincial funding to support communities in their recovery from the 2018 wildfire season.
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: news.gov.bc.ca/connect