News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Online Grant Program Expands to Support More Businesses
In response to a high number of applications, the B.C. government is investing an additional $30 million in the Launch Online Grant program. The Launch Online Grant program provides up to $7,500 to businesses to help build or expand an e-commerce site to reach more customers and to sustain and grow their business.
(From BC Gov News) - In response to a high number of applications, the B.C. government is investing an additional $30 million in the Launch Online Grant program.
The Launch Online Grant program provides up to $7,500 to businesses to help build or expand an e-commerce site to reach more customers and to sustain and grow their business.
An online presence is integral for businesses that want to adapt their operations to better reach customers in their community, throughout B.C. and beyond. These changes will help approximately 4,000 more businesses market their products and services online.
“Many small businesses have had to change the way they operate as more and more people shifted to online purchasing during the pandemic. Our government has been there to help these businesses adapt,” said Premier John Horgan. “By expanding eligibility to our successful launch online program, more B.C. small businesses from the hardest hit sectors will have access to the tools they need to boost their online presence, grow their e-commerce capacity and become more resilient as we build toward a brighter future.”
The new funding is in addition to the February 2021 announcement of $12 million to support 1,500 businesses to enhance or establish their online presence. Currently, over 3,500 businesses from around the province have applied, demonstrating the need for these supports.
Businesses in the hard-hit tourism sector, like tour operators or hotels, and businesses in the service industry, such as massage therapists, personal trainers or hair stylists, can now access the grants to build or improve their online booking systems.
As part of the eligibility enhancements, 30% of the grant funds will now be reserved for Black, Indigenous and people of colour-owned (BIPOC) businesses, as well as rural businesses. This is expanded from the original 25% of grant funds that were reserved for Indigenous and rural businesses.
“The Launch Online Grant program responds to the way the pandemic has changed the business world, and the strong demand shows we are filling an untapped need,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “In addition to expanding the program, we are reserving a portion of the funds for BIPOC businesses because our recovery must be inclusive, taking care to not leave people behind.”
As part of the program, successful applicants will work with local B.C. service providers to complete their online store. Through this model, the grant funding can be reinvested in B.C.-based marketing and technology companies to generate revenues for local companies and help secure and grow jobs.
“The pandemic has impacted so many people throughout B.C., it has also disproportionately impacted people and communities of colour,” said Nerissa Allen, president, Black Business Association of BC. “I am pleased to see funding set aside for the Black, Indigenous and people of colour business community. This change, combined with opening the grant program to service-based businesses, will give business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to access funds that will help revive their business.”
The Launch Online Grant program is part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan. The plan focuses on a recovery that is innovative, sustainable and inclusive. It outlines the latest steps the Government of British Columbia is taking to help people, businesses and communities come out of COVID-19 stronger, without leaving people behind.
The program is administered by Alacrity Canada. Small and medium-sized businesses can apply online: www.launchonline.ca
Learn More:
For more information on the Launch Online Grant program, including the application process and eligibility, visit: www.launchonline.ca
For more information on StrongerBC, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/
For more information on Alacrity Canada, visit: https://www.alacritycanada.com/
A backgrounder follows.
Global Webinar |Tourism & Happiness: For a Brighter Future
Planet Happiness, a project of the Happiness Alliance bringing the Happiness Movement to the tourism sector, held an amazing all-star event for International Day of Happiness on March 20th, 2021.
Planet Happiness, a project of the Happiness Alliance bringing the Happiness Movement to the tourism sector, held an amazing all-star event for International Day of Happiness on March 20th, 2021.
You can catch the recording below, and see the full line-up of speakers.
If you are curious to learn more - the 2021 World Happiness Report, focusing on the effects of COVID-19 and how people all over the world have fared, is out now.
If you are a resident of the Thompson Okanagan region, you are invited to partake in the regional Happiness Index Survey, measuring happiness and well-being of Thompson Okanagan residents and communities.
Eco Efficiency Excellence Award Winner for 2020
BC Wildlife Park was selected as the 2020 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award Winner!
TOTA’s Biosphere Committed Entity, BC Wildlife Park had their Eco Efficiency assessment completed in the summer of 2020 and since then GreenStep Solutions and TOTA’s Energy Analyst, has seen their management team take the top recommendations and systematically tackle them to improve their performance!
BC Wildlife Park selected as the 2020 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award Winner
BC Wildlife Park had their Eco Efficiency Assessment completed in Summer 2020 and since then, their management team has taken the top recommendations and systematically tackled them to improve their sustainability performance.
Jorrit Koedooder - BC Wildlife Park
“The BC Wildlife Park connects people to BC’s wildlife and wild places in order to encourage a sustainable society within a healthy, natural environment. With this philosophy in mind, we pride ourselves on continuing to take ownership of the environmental impact that the Park has, by continuing to make immediate, positive changes that improve environmental stewardship and reduce our carbon footprint. Upon working with GreenStep Solutions and listening to their suggestions, we’ve implemented their recommendations alongside our existing plans to improve our environmental efficiency. The BC Wildlife Park is honoured to be at the forefront of environmental stewardship and the recipient of the 2020 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award. We look forward to continuing to make strides in reducing our carbon footprint by educating ourselves and implementing innovative ways to becoming more sustainable.”
- Jorrit Koedooder, Facilities Supervisor, BC Wildlife Park
New LED Lighting
Entrance to BC Wildlife Park
BC Wildlife Park
Eco Efficiency Excellency Details
Future and in progress initiatives include ensuring that the BC Wildlife Park is accessible to all of our patrons. This accessibility upgrade also includes completely renovating exterior washrooms for maximum environment efficiency, compete with LEF lighting, low flow toilets, waterless urinal, and hot water tanks.
Removed single use paper maps, eliminating more than 120,000 paper products from annual production and replaced them with 10 large permanent park maps, alongside a downloaded able map from our website for visitor convenience.
Further to the commitment of eliminating single use products, the BC Wildlife Park will no longer carry single use water bottles by fall of 2021. Instead 4 water refill stations throughout the park grounds will be installed.
Knowing that single use plastics are harmful to the environment, all of their to go cups, utensils, and containers are all corn based and biodegradable.
Given the results of BC Wildlife Park’s waste audit, improving source separation was a top priority identified in the Eco Efficiency Report. Shortly after presenting the findings, the BC Wildlife Park team purchased additional bins to create recycling stations, placing them at entrances and along the parks pathways.
The park is now set up for success, with the ability to source separate recycling from garbage, which will improve their diversion rate and reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill.
The second recommendation was to replace their older fluorescent lighting with LED fixtures and lamps. The BC Wildlife Park team has received quotes on these upgrades, while they also began replacing a portion of the fluorescent lighting on their own in recent months.
Lastly, GreenStep Solutions identified and discussed equipment which was operating inefficiently at the time of their visit (ice build up on condensers, AHU). Therefore, the BC Wildlife Park has since had contractors in to repair the equipment.
go2HR Offers COVID-19 Safety Plan Support as Tourism and Hospitality Businesses Prepare for Summer Season
As spring awakens across BC and our summer-based tourism and hospitality businesses are busily preparing for the new summer season, don’t forget to review your COVID-19 safety plan. The goal of your COVID-19 safety plan review is to ensure your written plan meets all current WorkSafeBC and Provincial Health Order requirements.
As spring awakens across BC and our summer-based tourism and hospitality businesses are busily preparing for the new summer season, don’t forget to review your COVID-19 safety plan. The goal of your COVID-19 safety plan review is to ensure your written plan meets all current WorkSafeBC and Provincial Health Order requirements.
Need help with your review?
go2HR’s COVID-19 safety plan review service helps tourism and hospitality businesses with their review. Our health and safety experts will review your safety plan and provide recommendations and targeted feedback to help ensure your written plan meets current requirements.
You can register for this complimentary service on the go2HR website.
What if I don’t have a COVID-19 safety plan?
If you don’t currently have a written COVID 19 safety plan, download go2HR’s COVID-19 safety plan template. The template walks you through the development of your customized plan and includes handy tips and relevant resource links to assist you in developing COVID-19 safety controls across your business.
About go2HR:
go2HR is BC’s tourism and hospitality human resource and health & safety association. go2HR empowers employers to have strong human resources and health & safety culture that supports strong business performance. The programs offer tools, information, and consulting services to elevate employers’ human resources and health and safety practices. We also offer education and training for current and future workforces. Finally, the go2hR team works as a resource to inform government, stakeholders, and communities on labour market conditions and strategies in relations to the tourism and hospitality sectors in BC.
If you have any questions regarding workplace health and safety or need support with any aspect of your COVID-19 safety plan, please contact go2HR via phone: 604-633-9787, email: safety@go2hr.ca or visit our Maintaining Your COVID-19 Safety Plan webpage. Our qualified health and safety staff are available to assist and we look forward to supporting you and your team.
Sustainability in Kelowna's Official Community Plan
The City of Kelowna has entered the final refinement phase of updating its Official Community Plan (OCP). The 2040 Official Community Plan will then be adopted as a guiding document to ensure Kelowna can continue to be prosperous, vibrant, resilient in years to come. Read the article to understand the sustainability implication of the OCP.
The City of Kelowna has entered the final refinement phase of updating its Official Community Plan (OCP). The 2040 Official Community Plan will then be adopted as a guiding document to ensure Kelowna can continue to be prosperous, vibrant and resilient in years to come.
Sustainability in 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP)
Sustainable Transportation Network
Transportation infrastructure will be funded, designed, constructed and maintained to meet the needs of users and according to the following priority, recognizing that Urban Centre streets play an important role in supporting a range of transportation modes beyond cars:
i. Active Transportation (Walking and Biking)
ii. Transit
iii. Shared Mobility
iv. Movement of Goods & Services
v. High‐Occupancy Vehicles (HOVs)
vi. Single‐Occupancy Vehicles (SOVs)
Ensure Active Transportation Corridors are designed for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities in accordance with the objectives of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
Prioritize bicycle parking and end‐of‐trip facilities through site planning and design of new development to ensure biking is an attractive and convenient transportation option
Continue to support pilot programs and partnerships to improve access to emerging on‐demand mobility options that reduce greenhouse gases and enhance sustainable transportation options.
Integrate electric vehicle charging stations in off‐street parking plans for new multi‐family, institutional and commercial developments.
Protect and restore our environment
The citizens of Kelowna have crafted a bold vision called Imagine Kelowna which outlines what kind of city they want to live in. Imagine Kelowna envisions a city where the protection of our land, water and air resources is strengthened and the health of Okanagan Lake is preserved. Other actions stated in Imagine Kelowna,
Reduce the community’s greenhouse gas emissions,
Become a more resilient community in the face of a changing climate.
Focusing future growth in compact neighbourhoods with more energy-efficient buildings and provision of a variety of transportation options that produce few greenhouse gas emissions
Here are some objectives and policies stated in the OCP
To manage and protect water resources
Objective 12.9. Adapt to a changing water supply.
Objective 13.3. Design stormwater infrastructure to mitigate flooding and pollution to our neighbourhoods, streams and Okanagan Lake.
Objective 13.4. Provide a secure supply of water.
Objective 13.5. Protect the supply of high‐quality drinking water.
Objective 14.3. Preserve Okanagan Lake for its environmental, traditional, cultural, spiritual, and recreational
To contribute to the improvement of community health, safety, and social wellbeing
Objective 9.1. Incorporate equity into planning decisions and resource allocation in our community.
Objective 9.2. Strengthen the relationship with the Syilx/Okanagan people through initiatives and processes to advance and support reconciliation in Kelowna.
Objective 9.3. Develop diverse partnerships to advance complex social planning issues and increase community wellbeing.
Objective 10.1. Acquire new parks to enhance livability throughout the city.
Objective 14.1. Promote strategies that reduce local air pollution and people’s exposure to air pollutants
To support a regional food system that is healthy, resilient and sustainable
Objectives 4.9, 5.8, 6.5 and 7.5. Strengthen the local food system to increase food security, equitable access to healthy food and social connections.
Objective 8.3. Strengthen the local food system to increase food security and social connections.
To minimize regional greenhouse gas emissions and respond to the impacts of climate change
Objective 12.1. Design the community to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Objective 12.4. and 12.5 Improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions of new buildings and existing buildings
Objective 12.6. Transition toward 100 per cent renewable energy by 2050.
Objective 12.7. Support the transition to emerging low‐ emission transportation technologies.
Objective 12.8. Support the community to prepare for and become resilient to the impacts of climate change.
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 once again bring you Friday Fast Facts providing 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 as we begin moving through these first stages of recovery.
We will continue to gain and share business intelligence and insights which come directly from tourism stakeholders in our region via telephone and online surveys; data from our partnership with Environics Analytics received and analyzed weekly, and additional research has been sourced through the UN World Tourism Organization, Destination Canada, Destination BC, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat, BC Hotel Association, go2HR, Community DMO Partners, and others.
Now more than ever we understand the importance of providing timely data that will assist you in making informed decisions, understanding how industry and consumers are responding, both in the Thompson Okanagan and the province as a whole, and that will assist you in making adjustments to how you do business.
Watch for Friday Fast Facts bi-weekly and for more information please visit Research Roundup on the TOTA News Centre.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is proudly supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture.
- TOTA Research
Biweekly Fast Facts
Tourism Kamloops | Luv'n the Loops Passport Wins Marketing Innovation Award
Congratulation to Tourism Kamloops, as one of our Biosphere Commitment Program members, for making great achievements in their marketing innovation.
Tourism Kamloops received top honours in Marketing Innovation for the 2020/21 Luv’n the Loops Passport at the BC Economic Development Association’s annual conference and awards ceremony.
The Luv’n the Loops Passport is an innovative partnership with Kamloops This Week Digital and is free to use. The campaign highlights and supports small business and strives to reinvigorate Kamloops’ visitor economy by providing incentives that residents could engage with independently. To date, over 1,100 Kamloops-area residents have participated in the passport program to receive discounts at over 36 local businesses.
Tourism Kamloops received top honours in Marketing Innovation for the 2020/21 Luv’n the Loops Passport at the BC Economic Development Association’s annual conference and awards ceremony.
The BC Economic Development Association Awards distinguish top performance in marketing innovation, community project, and recovery and resilience across the province. The awards recognize organizations for their efforts in creating positive change in urban and rural communities. In 2021, the awards committee received a record-breaking number of applications.
The Luv’n the Loops Passport is an innovative partnership with Kamloops This Week Digital and is free to use. The campaign highlights and supports small business and strives to reinvigorate Kamloops’ visitor economy by providing incentives that residents could engage with independently. To date, over 1,100 Kamloops-area residents have participated in the passport program to receive discounts at over 36 local businesses.
Seasonal prize packages encourage participants to visit several participating businesses in a certain period. The prizes include local experiences and showcase seasonal highlights.
How to Participate
To participate, visit luvntheloops.com, create an account, visit participating locations, scan the QR code to access the discount or incentive, then receive a digital passport stamp to complete the transaction. Collect 10 or more stamps to be eligible for April’s prize package as well as the grand prize package at the end of June.
As a Biosphere Committed Member
Tourism Kamloops is a Biosphere Committed company in the Biosphere Commitment Program since 2019. Since then, Tourism Kamloops has been making headway towards sustainability, while also act as a regional Biosphere champion in supporting Biosphere companies in the Kamloops area. For more information on Tourism Kamloops, visit tourismkamloops.com.
Free Digital Support Services Now Available
The Digital Support Services Program has been developed to provide tourism businesses with one on one guidance to determine where you currently are digitally and where your business needs to be.
The Digital Support and Literacy Services Program has been developed to provide tourism businesses with one on one guidance to determine where you currently are digitally and where your business needs to be.
As part of this program, a digital marketing expert will offer complimentary services to:
Make urgent updates to your website, such as changes to your operations and the addition of your COVID-19 Safety plan
Claim your Google My Business listing
Set up your TripAdvisor listing (linked to the HelloBC listing)
Set up a social media account (Facebook, Instagram)
Provide recommendations on where your efforts should be focused now and into the coming weeks
Get support on onboarding onto an eCommerce platform and have fees covered for one year (up to a certain amount)
Now is the time to make sure your business is competitive and easily accessible to consumers as we move toward a time in the near future when our visitors are coming back.
Available for a limited time.
UNWTO Releases Inclusive Recovery Guide for Women in Tourism
UNWTO is marking International Women’s Day 2021 with the release of our Inclusive Recovery Guide for women in tourism, compiled in collaboration with UN Women.
The Inclusive Recovery Guide provides recommendations to policymakers, businesses and civil society actors in tourism for designing gender-responsive measures in response to the ongoing pandemic.
As the sector enters the second year of an unprecedented crisis, the impact this has had on women in tourism has been made clear. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the pandemic, and the unprecedented drop in international tourist arrivals, risks rolling back progress made towards achieving gender equality and efforts to empower women and girls
-UNWTO
Tourism is a Proven Driver of Equality and Opportunity
UNWTO data shows that women make up the majority of the tourism workforce (54%). However it was identified that women are often concentrated in low-skilled or informal work. Due to that concentration is means that women in tourism are feeling the economic shock caused by the pandemic crisis more acutely and quicker than their male counterparts.
UNWTO is marking International Women’s Day 2021 with the release of our Inclusive Recovery Guide for women in tourism, compiled in collaboration with UN Women.
Big White Ski Resort Hosts Donation Drive for International Women's Day
In celebration of International Women's Day, Big White Ski Resort Ltd is hosting a week-long donation drive for the Kelowna Women's Shelter. The resort has set-up drop-off bins at the Concierge Desk in the Village Centre Mall for donations of gently used clothing, household items, non-perishable food, and/or gift cards for collection and distribution. Donations will be accepted until Sunday, March 14.
In celebration of International Women's Day, Big White Ski Resort Ltd is hosting a week-long donation drive for the Kelowna Women's Shelter. The resort has set-up drop-off bins at the Concierge Desk in the Village Centre Mall for donations of gently used clothing, household items, non-perishable food, and/or gift cards for collection and distribution. Donations will be accepted until Sunday, March 14.
The drive was spearheaded by Ashley Vander Laan, Food and Beverage Manager at Big White Ski Resort.
"I was fortunate to grow up with amazing and strong women in my life who shaped me into my weird and wonderful self," she says. "I have continued to grow and be inspired by some of the most outstanding women I’ve met here at Big White; from the amazing women in various leadership roles to entrepreneurs and amazing moms, friends, and sisters that form this wonderfully supportive community at Big White.
"I wanted to share some of what makes us so wonderful and to give back to our community, that’s when I reached out to Esther at the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, and the initiative was born!"
The Kelowna Women’s Shelter provides free food, shelter, counselling, support and preventive education to women and their children who have experienced partner violence. To donate directly, head to kelownawomensshelter.ca
This year's International Women's Day theme is "Choose to Challenge." To learn more, head to internationalwomensday.com.
Big White Ski Resort has also asked its team members and community to send in a photo of themselves and their company/department for a video. You can watch the video here. here
Opportunities to Support Labour Force
TOTA is seeking tourism operators to provide mentoring and job placements for up to 75 job-ready participants.
By volunteering as a mentor you can make a difference for a budding tourism professional by sharing career advice, positive support, and encouraging words. The deadline for mentor applications is March 16.
Mentoring | Job Placements | Virtual Job Fair
TOTA is facilitating two virtual Tourism Skills Training Programs in order to support displaced employees and professionals transitioning to a career in the tourism industry. The curriculum prepares participants to work in various tourism and hospitality positions in the Thompson Okanagan region with a focus on serving domestic markets in 2021, ultimately increasing the labour pool for tourism companies. Curriculum topics were determined by TOTA through survey responses from tourism operators about labour needs, skills gaps, and general feedback.
Industry support is essential to help these up and coming tourism professionals achieve success as they journey down the path of their career.
TOTA is seeking tourism operators to provide mentoring during the program and job placements post-program for up to 75 job-ready participants.
You may choose to participate with one or all of these opportunities. Please submit a form for each corresponding opportunity.
The upcoming opportunities for tourism operators to get involved are:
Mentoring for 8 Weeks | Apply by March 16
By volunteering as a mentor you can make a difference for a budding tourism professional by sharing career advice, positive support, and encouraging words. Connect with a participant through virtual meetings or phone calls for 1 hour per week for an 8 week period between March 18 and June 13. We will attempt to match you with a mentee in your community or region.
Job Postings & Work Placements
Are you hiring? TOTA is matching participants with work placements. Participants will have a strong understanding of current tourism industry practices from the curriculum, have varying professional experience, and are seeking a range of positions from entry level to middle management roles.
Sign up to receive a list of potential candidates based on location, interest, and experience. Job postings will be shared during and after the Job Fair.
Virtual Job Fair | April 22, 2021
TOTA is hosting a virtual job fair for Tourism Skills Training program participants on April 22. Employers will host a virtual booth and have the opportunity to meet with participants. Tech support for the virtual platform will be provided.
After you sign up, we will contact you with further details.
Spread the Word
Please share these industry opportunities with any tourism managers and leaders in the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry that may be interested.
Contact Us
Feel free to contact us if you have further questions about TOTA's Training Centre and programs:
Barbara Bonnough
Training Program Manager
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
(778) 752-5877 | Training@TOTABC.com
The Tourism Skills Training Programs are 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.
Inaugural Virtual Youth Summit on Climate Friendly Travel | April 29
SUNx Malta will host the first ever climate friendly youth travel summit in 2021. The ‘Strong Earth Youth Summit’ will focus on creating awareness of Climate Friendly Travel (CFT) and on fostering ways to encourage changes for a resilient Travel & Tourism future. It aims to promote climate hope in the recovery of the tourism industry through awareness and education, youth empowerment, and engagement and action.
The Strong Earth Youth Summit (SEYS) is named in honor of Maurice Strong, the architect of the Climate Framework and UN Sustainable Development for half a century.
The virtual event, held on April 29, will be in partnership with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), British Columbia, Canada; Institute of Tourism Studies, Malta (ITS); and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO). Events will be held in three centres, with regional outreach - the Mekong for Asia Pacific; Malta for Europe, Middle East and Africa and British Columbia for the Americas.
Get ready for two full days of penetrating insights and a great line-up of speakers! The summit will highlight the urgent need for Climate Friendly Travel and spread the much needed message of Climate Hope.
SEYS will highlight the need for a clean and green post-COVID future for the tourism sector, in accordance with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and 2050 Paris Agreement. A full line up of sessions and speakers will follow in the coming weeks.
Why Climate Friendly Travel is important
Climate change is an existential threat!
The climate crisis requires urgent action across all sectors. Climate Friendly Travel (CFT) provides a conduit to the long-term transformation to a cleaner and greener Travel and Tourism industry. CFT will help businesses in the industry shift to more climate friendly operations.
Canada’s Airports Reinforce Call for Government Action as Expected Losses Grow with New Travel Restrictions
Airports expect an additional $1 billion in lost revenues as a result of new travel restrictions and extended traffic suppression according to this press release by the Canadian Airports Council.
March 4, 2021 | Canadian Airports Council
Canada’s airport are calling on federal and provincial governments to work with airports and other industry stakeholders as a matter of urgency if our country is to emerge from the pandemic with a functioning air sector that supports Canadian travel, tourism and trade. The air sector needs a plan that will reverse domestic and international travel restrictions when the time is right, and ensure Canada has a strong, competitive air sector on the other side of this crisis.
With the increase in air travel restrictions, and new quarantine and testing requirements imposed during the last quarter of 2020 and early 2021, the Canadian Airport Council’s December outlook projects that revenue losses for Canada’s airports have deepened to $5.5 billion for 2020 and 2021 – a $1 billion deterioration since the last analysis was released in August. Given that no more than 20 percent of the measures outlined in the federal Fall Economic Statement will come in the form of direct grants to address operational losses, Canada’s airports expect to take on about $2.8 billion in additional debt in 2020 and 2021.
Daniel-Robert Gooch, president of the Canadian Airports Council is worried that the effects will be permanent. “While the federal government has been supportive, it is missing the sense of urgency to act quickly and decisively. The reality is that these
losses are unsustainable. Without government action, air travel will not only become a lot more expensive, but Canadians everywhere will have fewer choices of routes and destinations, including at the four major hub airports.”
Prior to the onset of COVID-19, the majority of Canada’s airports were almost entirely funded through passenger and aeronautical fees, which have dropped catastrophically with passenger traffic at zero to 15 per cent of pre-COVID levels at most airports. Unfortunately, the government’s mitigations such as ground lease rent relief and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy provided only minimal aid.
“These measures provided some assistance, but not enough to help support airports dealing with higher costs and cratering revenues,” Mr. Gooch said. “In fact, our analysis shows that even their modest impact was far less than the government projected.”
When the 2020 rent waiver was announced in March the government asserted that it would provide the equivalent of $330 million in relief to the airport sector. The CAC’s data, aggregated directly from airports, show that the waiver saved only $137 million, 90 per cent of which benefited just four airports. Moreover, the majority of Canadian airports pay no rent, so most airports saw no benefit from the waiver at all.
Similarly, the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) provided $139 million in support to airports in 2020 – a fraction of the $1.7 billion that the federal government says has been provided to “air sector workers” – with 84 per cent going to the four busiest airports. Moreover, about 200 municipal airports in Canada are not even eligible to participate in the program.
If the government does not increase its support, airports will have no choice but to make some stark choices that will have a direct impact on their passengers and communities. They can raise their fees significantly, continue to take on unprecedented amounts of new debt, or reduce operations even more dramatically.
To complicate matters further, air travel is very price-sensitive and airports must compete with each other for service. If their rates increase too much, air carriers may elect not to return or may do so at fares that are no longer competitive, driving Canadians to fly on foreign air carriers and out of American airports as part of a vicious spiral that further degrades air connectivity for Canadian communities.
The CAC has identified a number of government-led actions to avoid the worst of these outcomes, including
• Working inclusively with Canada’s airports and industry partners on a plan to safely restart air travel when it is safe to do.
• Implementing a moratorium on ground lease rents and provide options for interest-free loans (or equivalent operational support) until the business recovers, which could take five years or longer.
• Expanding national transportation infrastructure funding to meet safety and security requirements and adapt to COVID-19 and climate change.
• Making permanent the elevated Airports Capital Assistance Program funding and expanded eligibility criteria to ensure sustainable recovery at Canada’s regional airports.
”Since the outset of the pandemic, airports have worked with transport, border and public health officials, among others, to ensure that air travel is as healthy and safe as possible and to continue to provide essential and emergency services for Canadians,” said Mr. Gooch. “We look forward to working with our government colleagues to rebuild confidence in air travel and save the industry from long term and irreparable damage.
Electric Car Charging Stations in Kelowna
Have an electric car, but are unsure if Kelowna has the right charging station for your car? Below is a map of over 20 different charging stations in Kelowna and the area.
Look for more information? Download your Tourism Kelowna’s online digital visitors' guide to go paperless.
Have an electric car, but are unsure if Kelowna has the right charging station for your car? Below is a map of over 20 different charging stations in Kelowna and area.
Look for more information? Download your Tourism Kelowna’s online digital visitors' guide to go paperless.
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 once again bring you Friday Fast Facts providing 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 as we begin moving through these first stages of recovery.
We will continue to gain and share business intelligence and insights which come directly from tourism stakeholders in our region via telephone and online surveys; data from our partnership with Environics Analytics received and analyzed weekly, and additional research has been sourced through the UN World Tourism Organization, Destination Canada, Destination BC, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat, BC Hotel Association, go2HR, Community DMO Partners, and others.
Now more than ever we understand the importance of providing timely data that will assist you in making informed decisions, understanding how industry and consumers are responding, both in the Thompson Okanagan and the province as a whole, and that will assist you in making adjustments to how you do business.
Watch for Friday Fast Fact bi-weekly and for more information please visit Research Roundup on TOTA News Centre.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is proudly supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture.
- TOTA Research
Biweekly Fast Facts
A New Look · Carbon Training Workshops
This month we have a new look to our Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter. With the majority of the communication and engagement moved online, you might found it overwhelming to read all the great contents, sometimes it is just impossible to read them all. That's why we are launching a new format that summarizes the content into four major categories
Biosphere Member Highlights
Sustainability News
Industry Trend
Education & Training
Another exciting update is our upcoming workshops, in collaboration with GreenStep Solutions, we are excited to deliver to Carbon Training Workshop Sessions on March 4th and March 25th at 10 am PST. See details in the post below.
Biosphere Commitment Monthly Newsletter
A New Look
Our Biosphere Commitment Program Newsletter has a new look this month! With the majority of communication and engagement moving online, you might find it overwhelming to keep up with all of the industry newsletters you receive. That's why we are launching a new format that summarizes the content into four major categories:
Biosphere Member Highlights
Sustainability News
Industry Trends
Education & Training
Click on Read More below each section, which will direct you to our News Centre to read the content that interests you.
Another exciting update is our upcoming carbon workshop sessions. We are excited to deliver two Carbon Training Workshops in collaboration with GreenStep on March 4 and March 25. See the post below for further details.
Stay up to date on the latest news about the Biosphere Commitment Program by subscribing to our Biosphere Monthly Newsletter below.
TOTA Carbon Training Workshop
An emission reduction opportunity you don't want to miss!
For many small and mid-sized businesses, measuring your carbon footprint is easier than you may think. In partnership with GreenStep, TOTA will be hosting two carbon training workshop sessions in March to outline the key steps to measure the carbon footprint of your business, and then uncover opportunities to both reduce emissions and save money. These sessions will be highly interactive, engaging, and leave you with actionable steps. The two sessions build on each other, as outlined below.
1st session - Thursday, March 4 - 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Open to all TOTA stakeholders
Overview of the Carbon Challenge and how to select emissions sources that apply to your organization
Identifying data you need to collect and how to collect it
Brief intro to EcoBase carbon software
2nd session - Thursday, March 25 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Requires a subscription for EcoBase carbon software (1 year subscription included with the Biosphere Commitment Program).
A deeper dive into how to use EcoBase to calculate your footprint, and how to identify opportunities, set and achieve emission reduction targets, and offset your remaining carbon footprint
The sessions will also be recorded in case you are not able to attend live.
News Highlights
A Few Biosphere Updates Highlights from this month:
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Sustainable Project of the Year Award Winner for 2020
Best Western Plus Kamloops was selected as the 2020 Sustainable Project of the Year Award Winner!
The Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel was able to accomplish no small feat in their renovation refresh on their 4th floor. The goal going into the project was to repurpose, resell or recycle 90% of the materials being changed. They are very proud, and so are we, that they were able to beat that goal to 95%.
Best Western PLUS Kamloops selected as the 2020 Sustainable Project of the Year Award Winner!
The Best Western PLUS Kamloops Hotel was able to accomplish no small feat in their renovation refresh on their 4th floor. The goal going into the project was to repurpose, resell or recycle 90% of the materials being changed. They are very proud, and so are we, that they were able to beat that goal and achieve 95%!
Jen Krohn - Best Western PLUS Kamloops
“At the Best Western PLUS Kamloops Hotel, owner John Hampel has been carrying on the passion his father started, building to a sustainable standard. The Hampel family were the first hoteliers in Kamloops to add solar and geothermal to hotels. When they started planning the Best Western PLUS, John Hampel took his father’s passion and experience and built the hotel to “Green Hotel” standards. We have geothermal heating for all public areas and pool, heat pumps, Power smart lighting, etc. to name a few items. Our footprint is 45% of a standard hotel of this size. This Biosphere award means a lot to the owner and the team who operates the hotel. We have always strived to be green, sustainable and give back to our community. This award shows our passion has been recognized by our peers. The Biosphere Commitment Program has allowed us to continue and grow our Green Programs. As Kamloops “Award Winning Eco-friendly Hotel”, the award shows we are maintaining a high standard in all areas of our operations, including sustainability!”
- Jen Krohn, Operations Manager, Best Western PLUS Kamloops
Best Western Plus Lobby
Best Western Plus Kamloops Pool
Best Western Plus Kamloops Exterior
Sustainable Renovation Details
Original window dressings and skirtings were sold to another local Kamloops property
All hallway and room carpets were able to be recycled but they were able to repurpose 20% internally in storage areas, 35% was sold to local motels/hotels and the remaining carpet was donated to Habitat for Humanity. The only part of the project that was unable to be recycled or reused was the carpet bases due to the glue and other materials which only contributed to 5% lost in being a 100% sustainable project.
The vinyl baseboards were purchased to allow them to recycled or reused in the future, while the hallway baseboards were made from 85% recycled material.
The new carpet and vinyl planks were again ordered to the same commitment to be recycled at same end of life.
24 toilets were donated to Habitat for Humanity which resulted in all 24 being able to be resold locally. The new replacement toilets are 25% more efficient than the original toilets.
Since choosing to replace the beds on the 4th floor earlier than needed, they were able to use 40% of the beds on another floor that had high use beds (ie. team rooms). The remaining beds were donated to Ask Wellness, where the beds were then stripped, recycled or reused 98% of the material. The new beds are made from a higher amount of recycled materials than the original beds.
The room furniture is solid wood and granite toppings, thus being able to refresh them effectively.
ShareYourLoveForBC Contest
We are very lucky to live in British Columbia. There is so much to do and to love, which is why Destination BC has created a contest, ShareYourLoveForBC, to hear what you love most about this province.
We are very lucky to live in British Columbia. There is so much to do and to love, which is why Destination BC has created a contest, Share Your Love For BC, to hear what you love most about this province. All you need to do is send in a photo with a brief description and your submissions will be entered into a draw where you have the opportunity to win $500 in gift cards or vouchers to spend at up to 3 local businesses in your own community. This contest will end on March 22nd.
For more information visit ShareYourLoveForBC.com.
If you would like to share this contest with your customers, use the stakeholder toolkit to find contest details, suggested messaging, graphics and imagery, and ways you can participate.
Innovation at UNWTO | 2020 A Year in Review · UN Innovation Toolkit
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) believes that innovation is the key to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
UNWTO Innovation Services 2020: A Year in Review. This past year has presented unprecedented challenges to the sector but has also stimulated innovation to recover and build back a safer, more resilient sector. Read the full year in review here.
UNSSC collaborated with UNWTO, Google to discuss the use and contextualization of the UN Innovation Toolkit, with a special focus on one of the critical pillars of innovation: Partnerships. Read more here.
A Glance at Innovation At UNWTO
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) believes that innovation is the key to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. To drive the digitalization of tourism, create an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem that will maximize the potential of the sector in terms of economic growth, job creation and sustainable development, and to anticipate, address and overcome the new challenges and trends of the tourism sector, in 2018 UNWTO developed a framework for Innovation, Education, Digital Transformation and Investments.
UNWTO Innovation Services 2020: A Year in Review
This past year has presented unprecedented challenges to the sector, but has also stimulated innovation to recover and build back a safer, more resilient sector. Entrepreneurs have provided ground-breaking ideas and solutions to reboot the sector, specially aimed at mitigating the impact of COVID-19. This year’s top winning and shortlisted Startups came from all regions of the world, especially Europe and the Americas.
UNSSC live with UNWTO on the UN Innovation Toolkit –Partnerships to Achieve the SDGs
Following the success of last year’s first United Nations Innovation Toolkit online event, the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) is hosting a second edition, geared towards fostering innovations in partnerships.
This is the second event, taking place on 25 February 2021 14:00-15:00 CET is hosted in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Google, the Vice Minister of Tourism of Colombia, Telefónica and Refundit. In the form of a moderated panel discussion, this multi-stakeholder event will explore the use and contextualization of the UN Innovation Toolkit, with a special focus on one of the critical pillars of innovation: Partnerships.
About Moccasin Trails Consulting
Moccasin Trails Consulting is an Indigenous-owned company dedicated to supporting economic development - specifically in Indigenous tourism, partnership building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, inspiring keynote presentations, skills development, training, and more.
Moccasin Trails Consulting is an Indigenous-owned company dedicated to supporting economic development - specifically in Indigenous tourism, partnership building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, inspiring keynote presentations, skills development, training, and more. The company was formed around Indigenous values, cultures, teachings, and beliefs, and therefore know how to navigate and recognize opportunity and hardship within Indigenous communities rural or urban.
Before the Pandemic Moccasin Trails also provided Cultural Tours of ancestral paths, which they look forward to continuing once restrictions permit.
