News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association partners with Peter B. Gustavson School of Business to offer new virtual Tourism Skill Training Program
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has teamed up with the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria, BC to provide job readiness training for Thompson Okanagan residents through a new, free certificate program.
Victoria, British Columbia (Jan 28 , 2021) – The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has teamed up with the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria, BC to provide job readiness training for Thompson Okanagan residents through a new, free certificate program.
In this fully funded, online learning program, participants will receive instruction, mentorship, employment coaching, and job placement support delivered full-time over 13 weeks. The new Thompson Okanagan Tourism Skills Training Program will prepare participants to work within all areas of the tourism and hospitality industry. Blending live virtual learning sessions and self-led online industry certificate programs, the program covers the changing landscape of the tourism industry, with featured guest speakers and virtual tours to connect participants to the typically dynamic and growing Thompson Okanagan tourism industry.
“During this unfortunate tourism slowdown, this is a great opportunity for tourism workers to upskill,” said Saul Klein, Dean of the Gustavson School of Business. “We are proud to be partnering with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association to help provide opportunities for those working in industries hard-hit by the pandemic.”
“Once we are finally in the recovery stage of tourism opening up once again across the Thompson Okanagan, we know that labour will be in high demand,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, TOTA Sr. Vice President and Acting CEO . “We hope people see this as a tremendous opportunity to learn about the many career opportunities in the tourism industry that are available today and for the future.”
Developed in response to the decline of international tourism and the increase in domestic tourism in 2021, this program will support people whose jobs have been impacted by COVID-19, as well as help Thompson Okanagan businesses capitalize on domestic tourism through skills development for the region’s tourism labour force.
The program hopes to attract new Canadians, persons with disabilities and Indigenous people. Workers over 55 years of age are also encouraged to apply. Applicants also must be currently unemployed or precariously employed (casual, seasonal, or part-time). The application deadline is February 3, 2021, with classes held February 8 to May 5, 2021. Up to 60 students will be accommodated, with a second similar program being planned for March. For more information about the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Skills Training Program, please visit TOTABC.org/Training.
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About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. Supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport, TOTA is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.
About the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business
The Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria is dedicated to providing a non-traditional business education and a dynamic learning environment that develops principled managers and leaders who can drive innovation and social change. Located in Victoria, BC at the University of Victoria, Gustavson is among the fewer than one percent of the world's business schools that hold both AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) accreditation. Gustavson offers BCom, MBA, MGB, MM and PhD programs, and has 104 international exchange partners. For more information, visit: uvic.ca/gustavson.
Media Contact
Kathryn Wu
Account Manager
Beattie Tartan
C: 604-968-5153
E: Kathryn.Wu@beattiegroup.com
TOTA Fast Facts
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association presents Fast Facts, a biweekly research roundup to provide an ongoing snapshot of how the tourism industry is being impacted as a result of COVID-19 and an overview of how things are changing through the stages of recovery.
Tourism Research Summary
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is pleased to bring you TOTA Fast Facts, an ongoing snapshot of how the tourism industry has been impacted as a result of COVID-19 and an overview of how things are changing as we begin moving through the stages of recovery. This timely data will assist you in making informed decisions through understanding how industry and consumers are responding, both in the Thompson Okanagan and the province as a whole.
Business intelligence and insights are collected from tourism stakeholders in our region; data from our partnership with Environics Analytics; and research through the UN World Tourism Organization, Destination Canada, Destination BC, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat, BC Hotel Association, go2HR, Community DMO Partners, and others.
Biweekly Fast Facts
Ideas Labs: Peer-To-Peer Learning For B.C. Tourism Business Operators
Ideas Labs are 45-minute facilitated online sessions led by an Industry Topic Specialist and The Tourism Cafe, brought to you by the BC Tourism Resiliency Network. The sessions bring small groups together in a business-to-business learning environment to address hot topics where solutions to common problems are discussed and shared, and new ideas are incubated.
Are you interested in joining tourism colleagues from around the province for engaging, informative, peer-to-peer learning sessions with a focus on sharing ideas and co-creating solutions?
From January to March 2021, the BC Tourism Resiliency Network together with the Tourism Café and the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat are pleased to be launching a new series of 12 Ideas Labs on four original topics selected by industry across the province
Ideas Labs are part of the BC Tourism Resiliency Network's suite of programs to support long term resiliency of tourism businesses as we collectively navigate the challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These 45-minute facilitated small group discussions are guided by a presentation from an inspiring Industry Topic Specialist.
For more information and to register: https://tourismresiliency.ca/ideas-labs/
Space is limited to 12 participants across the province, so if you register, please attend or cancel with sufficient notice.
Tourism Skills Training Program: Application Now Open for Free Virtual Certification
TOTA has received government funding to provide tourism training skills programs and we are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for this free Domestic Tourism Certification for the Thompson Okanagan Region.
This 13-week full-time virtual program is an opportunity for unemployed, casual, seasonal and part-time employees to upgrade their skills, knowledge, and industry connections to overcome the challenges through this uncertain time.
Online Course Dates:
February 8 - May 5, 2021 (Mon - Thurs, 9 AM - 4 PM)
Application Deadline:
February 3, 2021
Limited seats available
TOTA has received government funding to provide tourism training skills programs and we are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Canadian Tourism Professional (CTP) Program, a free Domestic Tourism Certification for the Thompson Okanagan Region.
This 13-week full-time virtual program is an opportunity for unemployed, casual, seasonal and part-time employees to upgrade their skills, knowledge, and industry connections to overcome the challenges through this uncertain time.
The Canadian Tourism Professional Program will prepare 60 participants to work in various tourism and hospitality positions in the Thompson Okanagan region with a focus on serving domestic markets in traditional employment and/or self-employment. Participants will receive instruction, mentorship, employment coaching, and job placement support.
Applicant Eligibility Requirements:
Living in Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia (including Shuswap, Boundary Country, Similkameen, and Gold Country/Nicola Valley)
Legally able to work in Canada
Currently unemployed or working casual, seasonal, or part-time
Over 15 years of age
For more information:
Website: TOTABC.org/Training
Email: Training@TOTABC.com
Phone: (778) 752-5877
Delivered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in cooperation with the University of Victoria-Peter B. Gustavson School of Business and supported by the Province of British Columbia.
Share This Opportunity
Feel free to share this opportunity with potential employees of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, particularly unemployed or part-time, casual, and seasonal employees looking to expand their career.
We have provided sample content to share on bulletins, email newsletters, website listings, and social media:
BC Hospitality & Tourism Industry Update & 2021 Outlook
The BC Hotel Association, Tourism Industry Association of BC, and the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat outlined the state of the Tourism & Hospitality industry and mapped the outlook for 2021.
The BC Hotel Association, Tourism Industry Association of BC, and the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat outlined the state of the Tourism & Hospitality industry and mapped the outlook for 2021.
Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant Eligibility Changes: Tourism Businesses Eligible for Up to $45,000 Non-Repayable Grant
The B.C. government has enhanced the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program to make it easier for businesses to qualify and has increased support for those in the hard-hit tourism sector. Tourism businesses impacted by the pandemic will be eligible to receive between $10,000 and $45,000 in a non-repayable grant.
The B.C. government has enhanced the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program to make it easier for businesses to qualify and has increased support for those in the hard-hit tourism sector.
Tourism businesses impacted by the pandemic will be eligible to receive between $10,000 and $45,000 in a non-repayable grant.
Adjustments made to the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program include a streamlined application process and simplified criteria to allow more businesses to be eligible.
Eligibility changes include:
instead of requiring a revenue loss of 50% or more, the criteria has been reduced to 30% at the time of application;
the requirement to list a variety of remittance accounts, like the registration numbers for the goods and services tax, provincial sales tax and WorkSafeBC, have been removed;
businesses that have been in operation for the last 18 months are now eligible (reduced from three years). This means businesses only need to have been in operation nine months before the pandemic to apply for the grant;
applications can now be submitted by sole proprietors; and
businesses that are temporarily closed or seasonal are now eligible for the program.
The revised application process and eligibility criteria are now in place. Small- and medium-sized businesses are encouraged to apply.
For more information on the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program, including the application process and eligibility, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/business-recovery-grant
About StrongerBC
The grant is part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, which outlines the steps the Government of British Columbia is taking to help people, businesses and communities come out of COVID-19 stronger and better prepared. The changes to the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program were made in consultation with industry associations and business groups that represent the small and medium-sized business community.
For more information on StrongerBC, visit: StrongerBC.gov.bc.ca
State of the Indigenous Tourism Video Released by Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) released a State of Indigenous Tourism Industry video showcasing the devastating impact of COVID-19. This emotional video showcases members from across Canada, including Thompson Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, an Indigenous tour company operated by TOTA’s past Board Chair, Frank Antoine.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) released a State of Indigenous Tourism Industry video showcasing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the Indigenous tourism industry at their 2020 AGM on December 15. Tied to ITAC’s second wave response and advocacy efforts to the Federal Government, ITAC hopes to receive the requested $18.2 M to support the Indigenous tourism industry and its immediate needs.
This emotional video showcases members from across Canada, including Thompson Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, an Indigenous tour company operated by TOTA’s past Board Chair, Frank Antoine. In the video, Frank speaks about the challenges for Indigenous tourism companies at 3:24, 4:00, 6:02, and 8:14.
Watch the State of Indigenous Tourism Industry Video
About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is the lead organization tasked with growing the Indigenous tourism industry across the country. Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with other groups and regions with similar mandates. By uniting the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada, ITAC works to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism businesses in a respectful protocol. Due to COVID-19, ITAC recently released a report on the financial challenges facing Indigenous tourism operators and recommended stimulus solutions. As well, a 2020-2021 revised action plan focused on sustaining Indigenous tourism in the face of COVID-19 was released in March.
Expansion of Midway Trail Network Through Community Collaboration
After a storm caused tremendous damage to the Midway Trail Network in 2018, Osoyoos Indian Band, West Boundary Community Forest, community volunteers, and foresters worked together to restore the recreational use trails in Boundary Country and develop 1,000 meters of new trail, which can accessed through the existing Midway Trail Network. Hikers and bikers can now experience areas in the community forest that were to overgrown or filled with downed trees.
A new trail in the Midway Trail Network
After a storm caused tremendous damage to the Midway Trail Network in 2018, Osoyoos Indian Band, West Boundary Community Forest, community volunteers, and foresters worked together to restore the recreational use trails in Boundary Country and develop 1,000 meters of new trail, which can accessed through the existing Midway Trail Network. Hikers and bikers can now experience areas in the community forest that were to overgrown or filled with downed trees.
The need for the project started in the summer of 2018 when a strong windstorm came through the southern Boundary region and blew over a vast number of trees.
Midway may only have a population of 649 people, but the community hosts thousands of visitors throughout the year who venture into the West Boundary Community Forest (WBCF) to explore the extensive Midway Trails network on mountain bike, snowshoes, or hiking. As locals, visitors, and school groups are actively out in the Community Forest, it was to proactively improve the health of the forest for future generations, and to remove dead and fallen trees that could pose a wildfire threat.
“This project has been a community effort,” said Dan Macmaster, Fibre Manager for Vaagen Fibre Canada and Forest Manager of the WBCF. “Our team at Vaagen worked to develop the prescription, and then supervise and implement the work using funding dollars provided by FESBC and the WBCF. This project is on actively used trail systems, so it was important to engage the community to ensure their involvement and buy in, including our First Nations partners in the planning and implementation phases.”
The Osoyoos Indian Band and their forestry team provided archaeology assessments at the outset and members of the Band have been involved in post-harvest treatments like bucking and piling trees.
“This project work has been a very light touch on the landscape using an innovative harvesting/forwarding system to minimize soil disturbance. Plus, we are doing hand treatments where possible,” said Macmaster. “We’ve even had school groups come in to learn more about their community forest and do some of the hands-on work.”
Through daily inspections by the Midway Trail Society volunteers, blowdown from the storm was noted as significant, and an aerial inspection by the WBCF verified the extent of the damage. Because the area is already susceptible to the Douglas-fir beetle, the downed trees needed to be removed to prevent further infestation in the local forest. The Mayors of Midway and Greenwood were very supportive of the project, and a Director of the WBCF Board has heard excellent reviews from local residents and community leaders alike.
“We are pleased to see the hard work of so many make an improved difference for our Community Forest and for the Midway Trails,” said Ross Elliot, Director on the Board of the WBCF. “We expressed early on to the Midway Trails Society members and to the residents of Midway and Greenwood who have joint ownership of this Community Forest that there was a lot of work to be done. The $94,200 in FESBC funding, in conjunction with a $139,500 contribution from the WBCF, has allowed us to get the work underway. Moving forward, we will continue to rely on our community volunteers to maintain the trails well into the future for everyone to enjoy.”
Noting the many benefits of the project is FESBC Operations Manager, Gord Pratt: “Our team likes to see projects that request FESBC-funding cover a number of our purposes, and this project is doing just that. Not only are excessive fuel loads being reduced to mitigate increased wildfire risk, but the work is making the forest healthier. This in turn helps create enhanced wildlife habitat, maintain forest recreation opportunities, and ensures timber supply for future generations. When marginal stands can be harvested and brought to the local mill, projects like this also create economic benefits, including jobs for the community.”
To see the project area in relation to the Midway Trails System, visit the West Boundary Community Forest website. The interpretive trail map signs will be updated for 2021.
Submitted by Forest Enhancement Society of BC
Nominations Open for Lonely Planet Best In Travel Readers' Choice Awards: Cast Your Vote!
Lonely Planet is calling for nominations for the Readers’ Choice Awards, to share and celebrate your favourite destinations, organizations, products, or experiences. The Readers’ Choice Awards will be completely selected by users’ vote, which is open now until December 31. Voting is a free and all that’s required is an email address.
Lonely Planet is calling for nominations for the Readers’ Choice Awards, to share and celebrate your favourite destinations, organizations, products, or experiences. The Readers’ Choice Awards will be completely selected by users’ vote, which is open now until December 31. Winners will be announced in January.
Voting is a free and all that’s required is an email address.
New this year, Lonely Planet has created award categories to highlight key areas of how travel has grown and evolved:
Sustainability
Community
Diversity
Vote for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Businesses
You can share and celebrate your favourite Thompson Okanagan tourism industry businesses to help them jumpstart operations when the time is right. You can vote for multiple destinations, organizations, and/or experiences.
In particular, consider entering nominations for the following subcategories:
Sustainability
Storyteller
Walks
Wildlife Program
Food Destination
Cycling Route
Accommodation
City Stay
Community
Tour
Accommodation
Revitalization
Restoration
Storyteller
Small Business
Tourism Project
Diversity
Accessible Destination
Indigenous Food
Inclusive Tours
Cultural Diversity
Welcoming Destination
Click images to download and feel free to share.
Cast Your Vote For Thompson Okanagan as a Sustainable Destination
We would appreciate your nomination to showcase the collective efforts of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry to welcome visitors sustainably and responsibly. Guided by the 10-year regional strategy, Embracing Our Potential, developed with community input in 2012 and updated in 2019, the Thompson Okanagan region aims to be a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
For more information, contact:
Summit 2020 Presentation Recordings
Watch, re-watch, and share recordings of Summit 2020 presentations by industry experts from British Columbia and around the globe. Gain insights into the latest trends and developments in tourism, climate action, community building, and more
Within every challenge lies an opportunity for transformation. Recovery, resiliency, and regeneration start from within. We invite you to learn, strategize, collaborate, and move forward better than before.
Moving Forward Better Through Tourism Recovery, Resiliency, and Regeneration
Watch, re-watch, and share Summit 2020 presentations recorded by industry experts from British Columbia and around the globe. Gain insights into the latest trends and developments in tourism, climate action, community building, and more. We invite you to learn, strategize, collaborate, and move forward better than before.
Presentations originally aired at the virtual TOTA CCCTA Summit 2020 on November 25 & 26, 2020.
Sustainable Communities | Kanaka Bar Indian Band (T’eqt”aqtn’mux)
Our environment is diminishing everyday and it is our responsibility to take environmentally sustainable and responsible actions today in order to protect tomorrow. The Kanaka Bar Band has been extremely successful in their sustainable efforts and their accomplishments are inspiring.
With a continuously changing world due to the direct impact of the actions of the people living within it, it is our responsibility to act today with our future in mind. We need to be continuously mindful that the steps we take today will leave imprints lasting for many generations. The Kanaka Bar Indian Band prides itself on carrying out its community's mandate and building with this mindfulness at the forefront of everything they do.
“... The future of humanity and indeed, all life on earth, depend on us.”
Fraser River, Taken by @snsusbjwnsk
The Kanaka Bar Indian Band, also known as “T’eqt”aqtn’mux” or “the crossing place people,” is located 18 kilometers South of Lytton in the Fraser Canyon region, on the western border of the Thompson Okanagan. They are one of fifteen Indigenous communities that make up the Nlaka’pamux Nation. Kanaka Bar’s ancestors knew that to survive, one needs air, water, food, shelter, energy, and community certainty. With these elements in mind and connecting today's science with traditional knowledge, Kanaka Bar has developed programs, plans, projects, and initiatives to ensure that they will be self-sustaining and resilient, and thus able to maintain all foundational physiological elements for generations to come.
As temperatures rise, air quality diminishes, and weather patterns become more unpredictable, Kanaka members are observing the effects of global collective actions on the local environment. In short, Kanaka membership is of the view we are all approaching, if we have not already, a point of no return regarding climate change’s adverse impacts. Changes to our day to day life, big or small go a long way. Businesses and communities who share a similar awareness have a unique opportunity to learn, adapt, and then teach environmentally sustainable habits.
Changes to your business that allow you to become self-sustaining and resilient are not only good for the environment, but for your business as well. For example, imagine not having to worry about a power outage shutting down your computer and payment systems, because your power comes from solar power and battery storage!
Aerial of Kanaka Reserve
Making sustainable and resilient changes can be a long road, but these changes will have a lasting and positive impact. While some communities and businesses may have overlooked these initiatives, the community of Kanaka Bar time and time again have been leaders in environmentally sustainable practices that have truly made a difference for their community and our planet. Some of their incredible initiatives consist of weather stations, water gauging stations, solar projects, hydro projects, wind energy with battery storage, and currently in the design phase of a Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) project, to produce fresh fruits and vegetables year-round to phase out field crops and greenhouses over time.
2020-09-02 Excavating the Restaurant lands Parcel 1
Bee Keeping at Kanaka Bar Band
Energy bills constitute a significant portion of everyone's business and community expenses these days. Thanks to Mother Nature’s generous availability of sun, water, wind, and a few low-cost and no-cost strategies implemented at Kanaka, most residential units are now paying year round approximately $60.00 per month and the administration facilities are paying approximately $20.00 per month to BC Hydro, says Chief Patrick Michell.
These energy conservation initiatives are great evidence for cost-saving opportunities that any business or community can incorporate in the same capacity.
To reduce the energy consumption of Kanaka residences, administration, and businesses, the band follows a holistic proactive 5 pillar approach to manage their energy and costs:
Solar at the Band Office, 2020
Community celebrating around Solar Panel
They use an interactive hardware system installed behind their BC Hydro meter at the Band Office and health office, to monitor solar production and minute by minute consumption. This is to inform them about their energy usage trends and “power hogs” so that they can take control of their bills. All Kanaka buildings were inspected for construction deficiencies such as insulation and air leaks. Seventeen of the buildings were upgraded which resulted in a 40%-70% reduction of daily energy use.
With the vision to become self-sufficient, sustainable, and vibrant, the Kanaka community will continue to be one of the first to research and successfully try new sustainable technologies with the end goal of overall community resilience in mind. They have a myriad of renewable energy projects to generate their electricity, which includes at this time twelve separate Solar systems, a run-off river hydro project, and two vertical axis wind turbines. The life span of the Solar Panel projects is easily fifty years and the payback period is around seventeen years. Though the payback period seems long, the benefits that these solar projects generate after the initial seventeen years is worth the wait. Kanaka has learned that payback periods are now less due to the cost decreases in both solar panels and batteries.
Food Forest Aerial Image Sept 21 2020
““It is not a loss to Kanaka today when we invest in our children and grandchildren’s future. We invest in the long term at the expense of the short term by proactively installing legacy assets… We have rebranded our thinking.””
For any community, resilient food sufficiency can be defined as finding alternatives to retail and trade by utilizing local land and resources to produce what you need to live. New permaculture initiatives and the coming of the pilot Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) project at Kanaka will provide ideal conditions for any kind of fruit or vegetable to be able to grow all year round. Transferrable anywhere, Kanaka learnings will allow for farmers to develop control over variables normally unavoidable and uncertain, for example, bugs, rain, excessive heat, drought, wind events, humidity, and growth lighting. Kanaka Bar plans to transition from working field crops and greenhouses into new, or used shipping containers and to produce, process, and distribute fresh and preserved foods throughout Kanaka, sell the food at their future visitor center, The Must Stop Rest Stop (for people passing through), and incorporate an e-commerce market for organic wind/sun-dried products. By using repurposed shipping containers they will take up less land and can be moved to wherever and whenever.
Current Raised Garden Beds
Pilot Project potential Design
Current Greenhouse, July 2020
The tipping point for our environment is nearing. Kanaka believes it will be sooner than later, which is why the Kanaka community does their best to create strategies with an extensive long term vision. If we do not get ahead of climate change now, the world will be 2 degrees Celsius higher and then 4 degrees Celsius by 2100, millions of people will suffer from dehydration and starvation, and millions of people will be displaced.
Taken by @snsusbjwnsk
Businesses and communities have a unique opportunity to set the stage and then educate other people on how they can make a difference to themselves and the environment. Taking on environmentally sustainable endeavors is not always an easy thing to do, but in the end, the short term pain will be worth the long term gain. What we do today impacts tomorrow, so let's start making a difference today to ensure our tomorrow.
“What affects one affects all – we are part of a greater whole – the body of the planet.”
About the Author
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna Labossiere loves to learn about and experience new places. She feels so lucky to live in such a beautiful place with so much to explore. As a Brand Ambassador for the Thompson Okanagan region, she hopes to be able to showcase the region’s local businesses and natural attractions to encourage others to come and enjoy them in a safe and sustainable way.
About the Author
Thivya Viswanathan is TOTA’s Energy Analyst. She is passionate about energy efficiency & renewable energy and works with the tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan to help them understand their energy consumption. She manages TOTA’s energy assessments for small businesses and a few areas of the Eco Efficiency Program.
Rocky Mountaineer Wins Big in 2020 as World’s Leading Luxury Train, Best Sustainable Train Journey, and More
Rocky Mountaineer has earned global recognition from the World Travel Awards as World’s Leading Luxury Train experience and Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Award for Best Sustainable Train Journey, following several other awards earlier this year.
Rocky Mountaineer has earned global recognition from the World Travel Awards as World’s Leading Luxury Train experience and Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Award for Best Sustainable Train Journey, following several other awards earlier this year: Best Rail Supplier at the Nexion Travel Group Supplier of the Year Awards, Favourite Rail provider in the Baxter Travel Media Agents’ Choice Awards, and Best Rail Company at the prestigious Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards in the UK.
Rocky Mountaineer in the Thompson Okanagan Region
Rocky Mountaineer features several rail routes which travel through the Thompson Okanagan region with a night stay in Kamloops, including:
First Passage to the West: Vancouver to Kamloops, passing through the Shuswap, to Banff/Lake Louise
Journey Through the Clouds: Vancouver to Kamloops, passing through the Shuswap, Pyramid Falls, and Mount Robson to Jasper
Multiple circle routes
World Travel Awards: World’s Leading Luxury Train
The World Travel Awards are a global initiative to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Rocky Mountaineer was crowned the winner after a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and a record number of the public from around the world.
This is the ninth World Travel Award for Rocky Mountaineer, which also received the award for World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012; and World’s Leading Luxury Travel Product in 2010.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) received the 2020 World’s Responsible Tourism Award for the third consecutive year and will host the World Travel Awards North America Gala Ceremony at Predator Ridge Resort in Vernon this Autumn 2021.
Lonely Planet Best in Travel: Sustainable Train Journey
Rocky Mountaineer received this award for taking steps to reduce carbon emissions, increase on-board recycling, and partner with organizations to protect the local wildlife.
Train travel is a sustainable method of transportation to the Thompson Okanagan region from both east and west. The Rocky Mountaineer is committed to sustainable tourism. The train line works to protect the areas it travels through and focuses on using resources wisely – including reducing carbon emissions. Further, the Rocky Mountaineer makes annual contributions to Tree Canada’s National Greening Program, which has resulted in over 13,500 new trees being planted across BC to date.
About Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer offers premium train experiences between Vancouver and the Canadian Rocky Mountains, showcasing the best scenery Canada has to offer. Rocky Mountaineer is an exclusive travel experience that offers unparalleled journeys in its spacious glass-domed train coaches thanks to the pristine scenery, local gourmet cuisine, and attentive service. Since it was founded in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has welcomed more than two million guests and become the largest privately-owned premium tourist train in the world. Learn are more at RockyMountaineer.com.
The Travel Foundation and TOTA Join Forces to Develop New Approaches for Destination Management and Regenerative Tourism
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is announcing a formal partnership with the Travel Foundation under the shared vision that, if managed well, tourism is a force for good. The focus of this partnership will be supporting the Thompson Okanagan region and global community through the development of new approaches, destination management strategies, tools, and knowledge products.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelowna, B.C. - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is announcing a formal partnership with the Travel Foundation under the shared vision that, if managed well, tourism is a force for good. With the considerable combined experience and expertise of both parties, the focus of this partnership will be supporting the Thompson Okanagan region and global community through the development of new approaches, destination management strategies, tools, and knowledge products.
"Tourism is undoubtedly facing monumental challenges, calling for innovative approaches, alliances, and continued dedication to best practices," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "We are proud to partner with the Travel Foundation, knowing the strong alignment of visions and values will catalyze change and consequently support the region, its residents, visitors, and natural resources."
Specifically, TOTA and the Travel Foundation plan to develop and trial ground-breaking new methodologies to develop tourism as a regenerative force that adds value to the people and places of the Thompson Okanagan while managing its burden on communities, public services, infrastructure, and the environment.
“This partnership is set to break new ground, and to inspire many other destinations to take a data-driven approach to managing their visitor economy," said Jeremy Sampson, CEO of the Travel Foundation. "Understanding benefits and burdens of different aspects of tourism is the key to optimising its regenerative force, ensuring quality experiences for visitors and quality of life for residents. TOTA is in a great position to demonstrate this through innovative pilot projects we'll explore together.”
Jeremy Sampson recently took part in the TOTA and Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) Virtual Summit on November 25 & 26, 2020 with a keynote presentation "No Tourism is an Island" and panel centered around the Future of Tourism Coalition.
Background
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. It is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.
About the Travel Foundation:
The Travel Foundation is an international sustainable tourism charity that brings together the private and public sector to create concrete, practical and collaborative solutions to alleviate current and future risks to tourism destinations and their communities. For more information, visit TheTravelFoundation.org.uk.
For More Information:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
e: Industry@TOTABC.com
p: (236) 361-4433
Thompson Okanagan Wins World's Responsible Tourism Award for the Third Consecutive Year
Among the world's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) was named the 2020 World’s Responsible Tourism Award Winner for the third consecutive year at the 27th Annual World Travel Awards. This announcement follows TOTA’s win of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in November, and recognizes many years of continued leadership efforts to exceed global standards of sustainable tourism.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelowna, B.C. - Among the world's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) was named the 2020 World’s Responsible Tourism Award Winner for the third consecutive year at the 27th Annual World Travel Awards. This announcement follows TOTA’s win of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in November, and recognizes many years of continued leadership efforts to exceed global standards of sustainable tourism.
World Travel Awards Announcement Video
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is honoured to receive the World's Responsible Tourism Award from the 2020 World Travel Awards.
"We are honoured and grateful to be recognized for a third time with this prestigious global award for our continued commitment to responsible destination management and stewardship," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "I would like to sincerely thank the World Travel Awards for this recognition, as well as our board, staff, partners, and stakeholders, without whom this would not have been possible.”
The World Travel Awards is the international benchmark for recognizing excellence in the travel industry, with voting conducted by industry professionals from around the globe.
The concept of "responsible tourism" has gained new meaning this year and, alongside continued sustainability efforts, TOTA pivoted resources to support local tourism businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic by providing one-on-one support, training, education, and advocacy through the Tourism Resiliency Program.
"It has been a truly challenging year for the travel and tourism industry. Through new trials and tribulations, the well-being and resiliency of our natural, social, and cultural environment remains at the core of our efforts," said Mandziuk. "The tourism operators of the Thompson Okanagan region have displayed impressive resiliency."
The Thompson Okanagan looks forward to welcoming and hosting the World Travel Awards North America Gala Ceremony at Predator Ridge Resort in Vernon this Autumn 2021, marking the first time that the World Travel Awards will be hosted in Canada. The 2020 World Travel Awards were planned to take place in the Thompson Okanagan in November 2020, however were moved to a virtual stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
TOTA has achieved local and international recognition in the form of designations, certifications, affiliations, and awards. For a full list, visit TOTABC.org/Recognition.
For a complete list of 2020 World Travel Award Winners, visit WorldTravelAwards.com.
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Background
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. It is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.
About the World Travel Awards (WTA):
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.
For More Information:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
e: Industry@TOTABC.com
p: (236) 361-4433
TOTA Declares a Climate Emergency With International Initiative "Tourism Declares"
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has declared a climate emergency as a signatory of Tourism Declares, a global tourism-specific initiative bringing together organizations and individuals from across the industry to take purposeful action and reduce Carbon emissions. TOTA has committed to developing and publishing a comprehensive "Climate Emergency Plan" within the next 12 months, including transparent goals, measurable reductions, and yearly progress updates.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has declared a climate emergency as a signatory of Tourism Declares, a global tourism-specific initiative bringing together organizations and individuals from across the industry to take purposeful action and reduce Carbon emissions. TOTA has committed to developing and publishing a comprehensive "Climate Emergency Plan" within the next 12 months, including transparent goals, measurable reductions, and yearly progress updates.
"The climate crisis poses an immense threat. Throughout COVID-19 recovery efforts, we must stay one step ahead to not only mitigate environmental impacts, but work toward transforming tourism into a force for good," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "Becoming a signatory of Tourism Declares is reflective of TOTA's Regional Strategy, Embracing Our Potential, which has lead to this commitment to take climate action towards long-term, measurable results."
Like all signatories of Tourism Declares, TOTA has committed to five key actions, which includes accepting current advice of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stating the need to cut global Carbon emissions to 55% below 2017 levels by 2030, sharing a public commitment, and acting as an advocate for change and urgent action. TOTA intends to support the regional as well as wider travel and tourism sector through continued leadership efforts, accelerating the transition to a low carbon tourism economy.
During the TOTA and Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) joint Virtual Tourism Summit on November 25 & 26, Jeremy Smith, co-founder of Tourism Declares, was welcomed to a panel discussion to share background, insights, and practical tools for climate action. A recording of the panel can be found at News.TOTABC.org/update/Summit-Recap/Climate-Action.
Any company, organization, or individual working in tourism is welcome to join the Tourism Declares initiative, and TOTA encourages you to take action.
Declare and Share at TourismDeclares.com.
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. It is an Industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.
About Tourism Declares:
Tourism Declares supports tourism businesses, organizations, and individuals in declaring a climate emergency and taking action to reduce their carbon emissions. As advocates for the urgent changes needed to accelerate a just transition towards carbon-free tourism, Tourism Declares is building a global community of industry leaders, developing resources to help everyone create their Climate Emergency Plans, and ensuring a fair and sustainable recovery from COVID-19. For more information, visit TourismDeclares.com.
B.C. Appoints New Tourism Minister
B.C. Premier John Horgan has announced a new cabinet, including Melanie Mark as the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.
B.C. Premier John Horgan has announced a new cabinet, including Melanie Mark as the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.
“We look forward to working closely with Melanie Mark, the new Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport to tackle the significant challenges facing the industry, and ultimately moving the sector down the path to economic recovery,” said TOTA President & CEO Glenn Mandziuk. “As well, TOTA extends our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Honourable Lisa Beare for her leadership and steadfast support of the sector during the three years in which she served as Minister for the tourism industry.”
Melanie Mark’s became B.C.’s first female First Nations MLA when she was elected to represent Vancouver-Mount Pleasant in 2016. In 2017, she became the province’s first female First Nations cabinet minister, appointed to the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.
Lisa Beare will now serve as Minister of Citizens’ Services.
Ideas Labs
Ideas Labs are 45-minute facilitated online sessions led by an Industry Topic Specialist and The Tourism Cafe, brought to you by the BC Tourism Resiliency Network. The sessions bring small groups together in a business-to-business learning environment to address hot topics where solutions to common problems are discussed and shared, and new ideas are incubated.
Ideas Labs are 45-minute facilitated online sessions led by an Industry Topic Specialist and The Tourism Cafe. The sessions bring small groups together in a business-to-business learning environment to address hot topics where solutions to common problems are discussed and shared, and new ideas are incubated.
Leveraging Technology to Pivot Your Business
TOTA is co-hosting this Ideas Labs topic with Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival. Discuss how technology can evolve business models, visitor services, and experiences with other businesses from around B.C.
Nov. 30, 2020 @ 2pm (New Date)
Creating Revenue Diversification Opportunities
In response to COVID-19, businesses are having to be creative in diversifying their services and offers in order to generate new sources of sustainable revenue and evolve their business models. In this session, Eleanor Stacey will kick start the Ideas Lab conversation, sharing how the Civic Theatre is diversifying revenue to pivot its business and drive new revenue and benefits for the organization
Nov. 19, 2020 @ 2pm
Nov. 25, 2020 @ 2pm
Dec. 2, 2020 @ 10am
Register
Tourism Resiliency Program
Expert Business Mentorship
TOTA is collaborating with Okanagan College to offer free mentoring sessions to tourism industry businesses with a focus on managing COVID-19 related challenges. Okanagan College business instructors are available to deliver virtual, one-hour individually tailored business counselling sessions based for Tourism Resiliency Program clients.
Learn More & Register
Expert Business Mentorship
TOTA is collaborating with Okanagan College to offer free mentoring sessions to tourism industry businesses with a focus on managing COVID-19 related challenges. Okanagan College business instructors are available to deliver virtual, one-hour individually tailored business counselling sessions based for Tourism Resiliency Program clients.
Learn More & Register
Registration Now Open: TOTA & CCCTA Virtual AGMs & 2020 Tourism Summit
Registration is now open for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) & Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) virtual AGMs & joint virtual Summit on November 25 and 26.
This year, the Summit is free to attend with advance registration required.
We are happy to announce that registration is now open for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) & Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) virtual AGMs & joint virtual Summit.
This year, the Summit is free to attend with advance registration required. We welcome donations to support the TOTA Tourism Excellence Scholarship Program, an annual award given to exemplary students most connected to current issues in the tourism industry.
More details will be announced over the coming weeks. To learn more, please visit BCTourismSummit2020.vfairs.com.
November 25 & 26, 2020
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, will be hosting a Virtual Wine Tasting on November 25 at 6 PM, followed by a Candlelight Vigil to reflect on the challenges faced by the tourism industry this year.
We have opened up 50 spots for this unique event, which includes a special gift mailed to you in advance. To gain access, be one of the first to register for the Summit along with a donation - by Tuesday, November 10th for registrants from within BC, and November 7th for out-of-province registrants.
Moving Forward Better: Recovery, Resiliency and Regeneration
12 panels. 2 streams. Over 50 world-renowned speakers and industry experts from around the globe.
Discover the virtual events centre for a truly immersive, streamlined experience
Gain insights into the latest trends and developments in tourism, climate action, community building, and more
Engage in live Q&A sessions, network and connect with industry leaders, colleagues, and partners
Explore industry and community resources by interacting with live representatives through virtual booths
Bid on unique experiences and products from regional businesses through our virtual silent auction
Within every challenge lies an opportunity for transformation. Recovery, resiliency, and regeneration start from within. We invite you to join us in coming together as a tourism community - to learn, strategize, collaborate, and move forward better than before.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Receives North America’s Responsible Tourism Award from World Travel Awards for Third Consecutive Year
World Travel Awards (WTA) revealed 2020's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands in North America this morning via a virtual event. The World Travel Awards announced that the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been acknowledged with "North America's Responsible Tourism Award" for the third consecutive year.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelowna, B.C. (November 6, 2020) - World Travel Awards (WTA) revealed 2020's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands in North America this morning via a virtual event. The World Travel Awards announced that the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been acknowledged with "North America's Responsible Tourism Award" for the third consecutive year.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is honoured to receive the World Travel Awards 2020 North America Responsible Tourism Award for the third time.
"On behalf of myself the Board of Directors and our entire team at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association we are extremely honoured to once again receive this award for our ongoing commitment to Responsible and Sustainable Tourism," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "Never before in the history of our industry have we faced the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has only highlighted the need for all of us to work collaboratively on building back a more sustainable, resilient, and responsible tourism industry. We appreciate and thank the World Travel Awards for recognizing the dedicated work of our association for the third year running and can assure you that this will be a continued focus of our efforts in the months and years to come."
Over the past several years the Thompson Okanagan region has garnered attention for its collective efforts to support the tourism industry in a manner that respects its social, cultural, environmental, and economic foundations. This year the association pivoted their team and resources to support stakeholders through the initial and ensuing days of the pandemic by providing one-on-one support, training, education, and advocacy through the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) Tourism Resiliency Program designed to guide stakeholders through this unprecedented time.
"As we work to build a new and different future for the tourism industry, success will not be possible without continued strong leadership, support, and innovation by the Provincial Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Destination British Columbia, community tourism organizations, and First Nations partners, as well as over 4,500 member industry stakeholders from across the region," said Mandziuk. “We have a great team of professionals at TOTA who are a true reflection of the strong efforts that have been undertaken. To be recognized for these efforts is truly special for us all.”
““The unrivalled dedication to sustainable tourism of Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association was acknowledged with ‘North America’s Responsible Tourism Award’. Nestled in an idyllic corner of British Columbia, the Thompson Okanagan region is blessed with untapped natural beauty, a rich indigenous culture and a thriving culinary scene.””
The World Travel Awards™ acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence across key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. The 2020 World Travel Awards were planned to take place in the Thompson Okanagan this November, however were moved to a virtual stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Thompson Okanagan looks forward to welcoming and hosting the World Travel Awards in the fall of 2021.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a nominee for the World's Responsible Tourism Award 2020. TOTA was the recipient of the 2018 and 2019 World’s Responsible Tourism Award for work and commitment to sustainability. Voting has closed and the World Travel Awards will announce the winners in the near future.
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For More Information:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
e: Industry@TOTABC.com
p: (236) 361-4433
Background
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 (TOTA)
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, & Sport. It is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.
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