Promoting Innovation and Sustainability

The International Spanish Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) was the last global in-person trade fair to take place before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first one to return, sending a clear message of the resolve of the tourism sector for a safe and responsible restart.

This year’s trade fair ran from May 19-23, 2021 in Madrid and continued the long-standing partnership between UNWTO and FITUR. On the opening day of FITUR, UNWTO hosted an expert meeting on Accessible Tourism, featuring good practice in accessibility with a particular focus on tourism in rural and natural areas.

Sustainability was the focus of the UNWTO Affiliate Members meeting on May 21, giving its members - from the private sector, local and regional governments and academia - the opportunity to present their work, and to network both in-person and virtually.

The 25 winners of the UNWTO SDG Global Startup Competition met for a special workshop on winning investment for scaling up. The top entrepreneurs and innovators and their award-winning ideas for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals were also celebrated at a special event at the Royal Theatre in Spain.

TOTA Fast Facts

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 continue moving through the 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

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Biweekly Fast Facts

1. Measuring Canadian Travel Patterns - Thompson Okanagan Region

2. Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program

3. Leger's North American Tracker - May 

4. 2021/22 Fiscal Overview - Government of British Columbia

5. Anti-Asian Racism - Insights West

6. Tourism Employment Tracker - Tourism HR

7. Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Market Segmentation Insights

Tourism Consortium Creates Resource to Assist Travellers Along Highway 1 Once Restrictions are Lifted

A new tourism consortium, Get Into BC, aims to mitigate barriers for travel along Highway 1. Tourism Revelstoke, Tourism Golden and Shuswap Tourism have partnered to mitigate negative perceptions and potential barriers associated with travelling through the extensive road work taking place along Highway 1, in Kicking Horse Canyon.

When allowed to resume marketing, the consortium will target Alberta consumers with relevant and up-to-date information about highway closures, along with promotions of each destination’s authentic experiences.

When restrictions are lifted, be sure to share this helpful resource on your social channels and with any visitors travelling on Highway 1.

Destination BC Stay Local, Support Local Campaign

Public Service Announcement

In alignment with the latest travel restrictions, Destination BC will begin airing a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) the week of May 3, encouraging BC residents to “Stay Local, Support Local” so we can bend the curve and save our summer. The video will air on Global TV, CTV, City TV and CBC, and will be distributed through paid ads on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram until restrictions are lifted and people can resume travel within the province.

Community Guides for Outdoor Dining & Takeout

BC residents are more interested than ever in spending time outside to improve their physical and mental well-being, and that they want to continue supporting their community by buying direct from local businesses and producers.

As a warmer season unfolds, and in an effort to encourage British Columbians to stay local while adhering to the latest public health orders, Destination BC will continue to curate and share community guides that feature outdoor dining and take-out options on HelloBC.com and other consumer-facing channels.

Here’s where partners come in:

1. Let your local DMO know if you create content that promotes food and drink establishments that are a) currently open; b) follow current public health orders; and c) have posted information about their health and safety protocols to their website.

2. Ask your local destination marketing organization (DMO) about their take-out and/or outdoor dining guide (as described above) for your community or area for DBC to promote.

3. Share photos of outdoor dining on Instagram with #ExploreBC and your local DMO hashtag

Here are some examples of content created by BC DMOs:

• Tourism Kelowna’s Patio Guides on Instagram

• Tourism Prince George’s “Grub”

• Tourism Vancouver’s “take-out and delivery restaurants” listing.

Calling All Employers in B.C.’s Tourism & Hospitality industry | go2HR Survey

You are invited to complete go2HR’s health and safety practices in tourism and hospitality survey today. Providing your feedback on go2HR’s services and programs will help inform what else they can do to support your business.

The survey will take about ten minutes to complete, and your responses will remain anonymous and confidential. Your submission will also enter you into a draw to win one of seven prizes!

B.C.’s paid sick leave will support workers, reimburse businesses

Workers will soon have access to a made-in-B.C. paid sick leave program that will support workers to stay home when they are sick during the pandemic and afterward, including permanent paid sick leave, as a result of legislation tabled Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

To better support workers during the pandemic, amendments to the Employment Standards Act will bring in three days of paid sick leave related to COVID-19, such as having symptoms, self-isolating and waiting for a test result. Employers will be required to pay workers their full wages and the Province will reimburse employers without an existing sick leave program up to $200 per day for each worker to cover costs.

The legislation will also create a permanent paid sick leave for workers who cannot work due to any illness or injury beginning Jan. 1, 2022. The number of paid sick days and other supports will be determined following consultations with the business community, labour organizations, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders.

The short-term paid sick leave related to COVID-19 will bridge the gap for workers between when they first feel sick and when they can access the federal Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit. B.C.’s COVID-19 paid sick leave will continue to protect workers longer - to Dec. 31, 2021.

To support this leave, WorkSafeBC will set up and, beginning next month, administer the employer reimbursement program on behalf of the Province. This will include reimbursing employers up to $200 per day per worker. For the small percentage of employers that have a highly paid workforce, but do not already have paid sick leave, those employers will be required to cover any remaining wages owed above $200 for each COVID-19 sick day taken.

Quick Facts:

• An estimated 50% of B.C. employees do not currently have access to paid sick leave. This means upwards of one million workers in B.C. will benefit from receiving these new paid sick leaves.

• The ability to take paid leave will be especially beneficial to many vulnerable and low-wage workers (often women or migrant workers) who lack benefits.

Thank You to Supporters of the Tourism Skills Training Program - Cohort 1

On May 6, 2021, the first cohort of graduates from TOTA’s Tourism Skills Training Program came together to celebrate with a virtual graduation ceremony. After two months of online instruction, 4 certificates, +240 hours of mentorship meetings, employment coaching, and job placement support, 46 participants graduated, ready to deliver domestic tourism experiences and hospitality services.

The program was a great success, with the online format enabling TOTA and UVIC to connect with a large number of participants from their homes throughout the Thompson Okanagan region, from Clearwater to Osoyoos, Keremeos to Christina Lake, and many communities in between.

Students learned about Tourism and Hospitality trends, regional experiences, and the delivery of day-to-day guest service, including an overview of Indigenous tourism, accessible tourism, and sustainable tourism from a diverse roster of tourism experts.

The virtual Job Fair & Open House introduced program participants to 20 potential employers in the Thompson Okanagan Tourism industry, leading to 200+ connections.

Students completed the following certifications:

• LGBT+ Market-Ready Diversity Training | Tourism HR Canada

• SuperHost Foundations of Service Quality | go2HR

• SuperHost Service for All (Accessibility and Inclusive Tourism) | go2HR

• WHMIS Certification | Velocity Training

Thank You To The Program Supporters

The program came at a time when many of the participants were in search of next steps, resources, and a sense of connection, due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. The training program was offered to participants free of charge, in cooperation with the University of Victoria-Peter B. Gustavson School of Business and supported by the Province of British Columbia.

We would like to express a heartfelt 'thank you' to the facilitators, guests speakers, mentors, and job fair employers who supported this program and the participants:

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Facilitators & Guest Speakers

Participants received 288+ hours of instruction from 30+ instructors with expertise in Tourism & Hospitality Industry Trends, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Region, Tourism Career & Professional Development, and other required areas of knowledge to enable participants to provide exceptional tourism experiences in the Thompson Okanagan region.

University of Victoria: Peter B. Gustavson School of Business

• Avril Matthews

• Dr. Brent Mainprize

• Martin Rissley

• Christian Van Buskirk

Domestic Tourism Industry

• Chief Frank Antoine - Bonaparte Indian Band

• Aaryn Secker - CMHA British Columbia

• Deanna Wampler - Indigenous Tourism BC

• Francine Douglas - Indigenous Tourism BC

• Wan Wan - KCR Community Services

• Shawna Quinn - KelownaHR

• Craig Pingle - Mission Hill Family Estate Winery

• Clee Varon - Mission Hill Family Estate Winery

• Shauna Stewart Douglas - Mommble

• Stephanie Molina - Tourism Wells Gray

• Tay Briggs - Wells Gray Adventures

• Wendy Sieben - WorkSafeBC

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)

• Ellen Walker-Matthews

• Barbara Bonnough

• Adam Kunis

• Amy Kneller

• Elizabeth Neef

• Kaitie Worobek

• Kavan Kumar

• Chelsea McGonigal

• Mike Overend

• Sonja Gaudet

• Thivya Viswanathan

• Terrina Barsalou

Symphony Tourism Services, a subsidiary of TOTA

• Kelly Galaski

• Shelby Campbell

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Mentorship Program

Industry support is essential to help up and coming tourism professionals achieve success as they journey down the path of their career. Over 8 weeks, mentors connected with budding tourism professionals to share career insights and encouraging words. Participants connected with a mentor through weekly meetings or calls, resulting in +240 hours of mentorship.

• Sue Willis - Accredited BC Accommodations

• Tim Rodgers - Best Western PLUS Kamloops Hotel

• Gabriel Newman - Caetani Cultural Centre

• Darcia Ball - Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops

• Shannon Bruckshaw - Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort

• Kelley Glazer - Destination Osoyoos / Osoyoos Visitor Centre

• Bryce Manske - Distinctly Kelowna Wine Tours (retired)

• Matt Vader - District of Lake Country

• Kimo Linders - En Route Travel Canada

• Alex Ross - Fresh Adventures Canada

• Angela Case - Glohaven

• Darcey Godfrey - Glow SUP Adventures

• Angela Nagy - GreenStep Solutions

• Lyndie Hill - Hoodoo Adventure Co

• Mark Jeanes - Hotel Eldorado Kelowna

• Christina Ferreira - Impact Events & Project Management Inc.

• Terri Hadwin - Kamloops Arts Council

• Ingrid Dilschneider - Matrix Marketing

• Janik Livera - Maverick Estate Winery

• Yvette Astorga - Mezcal People

• Craig Pingle - Mission Hill Family Estate Winery

• Frank Antoine - Moccasin Trails

• Patti Lefkos - Patti Shales Lefkos / Loon Island Press

• Darlene Hartford - Peachland Visitor Centre

• Michelle Smith - Peaks Bed & Breakfast

• Krista Frasz - Predator Ridge Golf Resort

• Robyn Yenney - Prestige Hotels and Resorts

• Victor Laderoute - QB Gelato

• Katrin Harry - Raven Events

• Robin Piche - Rustic Retreat

• Jana Gohl - Sparkling Hill Resort & Wellness Hotel

• Kerry Werner - Sparkling Hill Resort & Wellness Hotel

• Jennifer Tocher - SpearHead Winery

• Gabe Cipes - Summerhill Pyramid Winery

• Kelly Galaski - Symphony Tourism Services (STS)

• Sherry Humphries - The Cove Lakeside Resort

• Jon Kreke - The Painted Turtle Restaurant

• Sonja Gaudet - Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)

• Colin Brost - Tourism Sun Peaks

• Stephanie Molina - Tourism Wells Gray

• Jude Brunt - United Way of the Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen

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Job Fair & Open House

The virtual Job Fair & Open House introduced program participants to 20+ potential employers in the Thompson Okanagan Tourism industry, leading to 200+ connections.

• Best Western Plus Kelowna

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops

• Eldorado Resort & Manteo Resort

• Fairfield Inn & Suites Kelowna

• Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna

• go2HR

• Hampton Inn & Suites Kelowna

• Jackson Triggs Estate Winery

• Manning Park Resort

• Mission Hill Family Estates Winery

• NK'Mip Cellars

• Planet Bee

• Sea Legs Water Bikes

• See Ya Later Ranch

• Sparkling Hill Resort

• Sumac Ridge Estate Winery

• Summerland Waterfront Resort

• The Cove Lakeside Resort

• Time Family of Wines

• Wood Lake RV Park

Local Food Sustainability

Photo: Lindsay Peltz/Okanagan Bioregion Food System Project

“I’ve watched it 30 times and I still get shivers up my spine. It captured what we are doing here, and it’s fantastic to get the recognition.”

- Chef Chris Van Hooydonk, Backyard Farm

Van Hooydonk emphasizes that his main goal is for people to make an authentic connection with him, his farm and the community around them. Smith spent a day on the farm, hanging out in the kitchen while Van Hooydonk prepared the next menu. It wasn’t long before Smith observed a real passion that the chef demonstrated for sustainable agriculture.

Read what Chef Van Hooydonk had to add here.

British Columbia has what it takes to rival Napa Valley

Okanagan Lake (Photo contributed)

The Okanagan Valley is developing a reputation as one of the world’s best wine destinations. Fiona Sims of The Times writes, “You might not have heard of or tasted wine from the Okanagan Valley. Canadians, wisely, drink pretty much all of it themselves, exporting only 5 per cent, but it deserves to be more widely enjoyed. More than 80 per cent of British Columbia’s vineyards are in the valley, making a visit there every bit as rewarding (and delicious) as a trip to Napa.”

Lunch at The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry

‘British Columbia has what it takes to rival Napa Valley’

Fiona Sims raises a glass in the lake‑filled Okanagan Valley, weaving along the lakes, through country lanes, and past orchards of soft fruit trees and grapes ripening in the sun.

Tourism Development in the Thompson Okanagan grows with StrongerBC investment

Fourteen new destination and tourism infrastructure developments are underway in the Thompson Okanagan tourism region with support from the Province.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) in partnership with community destination management organizations, local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits and other partners have worked together to identify initiatives that will enhance the region’s tourism amenities and experiences.

“We know recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for businesses and people in the tourism sector are critically important. This fund creates new tourism infrastructure, which will help the sector recover, create local jobs and spur economic development,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Building on the calls to action from the sector, this fund invests in initiatives that link communities together and encourages visitors to spend time at several destinations within a region.”

Initiatives underway in Thompson Okanagan tourism region include installation of iconic public Secwépemc landmarks in the Shuswap Lakes region, enabling accessible adventure experiences, and expanding iconic Nordic skiing destinations with night lighting and enhanced trail networks.

Examples in other parts of the region include improvement of trail systems throughout a region for hiking, Nordic skiing or mountain biking, self-guided tour signage to highlight agri-tourism areas and series of Indigenous landmarks through a region. The Province has provided $2.3 million toward these projects.

“TOTA is pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with the ministry, regional districts, municipalities and other organizations to allocate the funds to important destination development initiatives across our region,” said Mike Overend, director of destination development, TOTA. “The successful projects highlight a variety of initiatives that will increase visitation over time, build cultural and social awareness and open up new outdoor activities.”

As part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the province’s six tourism regions have received a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and increase economic diversification within communities.

The Targeted Regional Tourism Initiative is one of three infrastructure investment programs for tourism as part of StrongerBC, including the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure program, Destination Development and the Tourism Dependent Communities Initiative. The approved projects must be completed by March 2023.

For more information on StrongerBC, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca

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Quotes:

Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee –

“Attracting more visitors to the Thompson-Okanagan is a boost for our local operators, their families and our communities at large. We are already fortunate enough to live in a world-class tourist destination that plays a crucial role in our economy, and I’m happy to see these investments helping make sure our communities recover quickly by creating even more opportunities for people to explore our beautiful part of the world.”

Shelley Buchanan Gilmore, CEO and general manager, CRIS Adaptive Adventures –

“This funding is going to ensure we can continue to make the outdoors accessible, improve overall health and wellness for everyone and increase diversity and inclusion in our region.”

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Kelowna Businesses Showcased: Sustainability in Action

Tourism Kelowna showcased four Biosphere Committed Companies in their recent Earth Day post: Accent Inns, Tantalus Vineyards, Meadow Vista Honey Wines & The Harvest Golf Club. Their commitment to preserving and restoring our region is inspiring and we appreciate how sustainability is woven into everything they do. More than 30 Tourism Kelowna stakeholders are now participating in the Biosphere Commitment Program and making a commitment to the United Nations (UN) 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Together, it is vital to strength the sustainable development in our region so it can be enjoyed by both residents and visitors for years to come.

The four businesses answered: “Why did you decide to join the Biosphere Commitment Program? How has it helped your business in its goals to be more sustainable?”

Accent Inns Kelowna

“We were really attracted by the Biosphere Commitment Program’s holistic view of sustainability and we love that all of the Thompson Okanagan tourism region is getting behind it. We are proud to be part of these big community initiatives. Many of the UN's SDGs, such as Good Health and Wellbeing, Gender Equality, and Responsible Consumption and Production, speak to our company’s longstanding Core Values. We’ve been thrilled to participate in recent Biosphere programs like Energy Audits, in partnership with GreenStep, and with support from Go2HR, we are working towards our Certificate of Recognition for Workplace Health & Safety. We love the leadership the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is taking in ensuring our whole region is moving the needle on this holistic view of sustainability in our region. Thank you, TOTA!”

Meadow Vista Honey Wines

“We decided to join the Biosphere Program when it was first introduced in Kelowna, as we saw a similar vision to our values and goals and decided we needed to support and be a part of it immediately! We were extremely fortunate to have one of the Biosphere Commitment Program’s Energy Analysts come and do an eco-efficiency assessment for us last fall. This was extremely helpful with accolades for programs we have in place and suggestions for increasing our eco-efficiency. We were able to introduce a full composting program, energy-saving practices, and make a green team to work on more plans for the future!”

Tantalus Vineyards

“As a farm and winemaking facility, we have always been very focused on our practices that directly affect the land that we are farming but as we grew, we wanted to take a more critical look at the public-facing pillar of our business – our tasting room and wine shop. We were drawn to the program mostly because it looked at the eco-efficiency of our business, such as our energy and water use. But more importantly, it dove into the human resources and labour make-up of our team, opening up discussions for us about hiring practices, work/life balance (especially in COVID times), occupational safety, and diversity. It has been a valuable tool for our business so far and we are excited to dive into more of the training opportunities and resources available with Biosphere.”

The Harvest Golf Club

“One of our members saw firsthand that the practices we had in place were at the highest level of sustainability, so he encouraged us to be part of the Biosphere program. The Harvest Golf Club wants to be part of the community and we believe that what we are doing aligns with the program very well.”

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B.C. Hospitality & Tourism Industry Update - Recording & Presentation Slides

The Tourism industry Association of BC (TIABC) and BC Hotel Association (BCHA) co-hosted an industry update webinar to discuss the state of the hospitality and tourism industry and an outlook on the future.

Review Presentation Slides

Watch Recording

Legislation for Paid COVID-19 Vaccination Leave Now in Force

Amendments to the Employment Standards Act providing workers with up to three hours of paid leave to get each dose of their COVID-19 vaccine are now in effect, retroactive to April 19th. Bill 3 is now law and ensures that no employee will lose pay if they need time away from work to get vaccinated. Both full-time and part-time employees can take up to three hours of paid leave.

TOTA Fast Facts

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 continue moving through the 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

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Biweekly Fast Facts

B.C. Large Operator Survey | TIABC / BCHA / ITBC

The BC Hotel Association, the Tourism Industry Association of BC, and Indigenous Tourism BC have been advocating for the needs of larger BC tourism and hospitality operators. As part of that advocacy, they have been meeting with various levels of government to discuss relief and assistance measures. As a result of those discussions, they have been asked to provide additional industry level data, specific to the large operators, about your collective situation and needs.

The purpose of collecting this data is to aggregate the data for us to use in our conversations with various levels of government about the types of relief and assistance packages required for the industry and for large operators. No individual company data, nor individual responses to any of the questions will be shared with government officials or other entities. This information will be treated as confidential and only used at the aggregate level.

The survey has 21 questions and should take approximately 10-12 minutes to complete.

Preparation for Survey

There are several questions that require more detailed data on BC assets, financial metrics, and employee demographics. We would recommend that you have your financial data for 2019 and 2020 available, and your employee demographics data if you collect that type of information. We have provided a preview of the full list of questions as an attachment in order for you to prepare to complete the online survey. 

Should you have any questions or concerns about the survey, or the purpose of it, please contact membership@bcha.com

Share Your Story with TIABC in Hardest Hit Campaign | Deadline: May 6

A growing coalition of tourism and hospitality businesses and sectors from around the province is adding its voice to a BC version of the “Hardest Hit” campaign to compel federal and provincial governments to work with our sector on a restart plan that includes the lifting of travel restrictions for immunized people and for those that have tested negative for the COVID-19 virus.

As part of the advocacy efforts, TIABC is collecting information in the form of stories from businesses like yours to inform government on the extent of the impact that travel restrictions have had on the visitor economy since the start of the pandemic.

We encourage you to write your story using the format (template) below to a maximum of two pages. Be as candid as you feel comfortable. By telling your story, you give permission to share the information with government. TIABC may call on you to tell your story through social and/or traditional media channels, as well as via industry communiques.

Please send your (maximum 2-page) summary to info@tiabc.ca by May 6, 2021.

Template

Background: Business name; location/s in BC; date established; ownership structure; # of full and/or part-time employees.

Primary Customers: Where your customers are from; demographics; who your booking partners are; what primary marketing channels you use.

Revenue Base: State pre and post-COVID revenues (actual or range & % drop); how much longer you can afford to remain in operation; support programs you’ve applied for and either received or been rejected (state reasons for rejection).

Tourism Supply Chain: List other tourism businesses or other sectors that you work with and how your business supports these enterprises.

Government Decisions: State how federal and/or provincial government orders, directives and measures have affected your business; provide recommendations on what government can do differently or better to lessen the impact on your business.

Community Contribution: Illustrate why your business is a key part of your community and how travel restrictions have impacted you, your employees, your business in general, as well as the community you call home.

Personal Implications: Illustrate the ways the pandemic has affected you personally, professionally, mentally, physically, emotionally or spiritually.

Increased funding & expanded eligibility for BC Circuit Breaker Relief Grant

The BC government announced the addition of $75 million to the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, bringing the amount available for hard-hit BC businesses to over $125 million.

The grant is now also open to hotels, motels, and other short-term accommodations impacted by the April 23 emergency order to restrict travel between BC's regional zones

Additionally, the grant remains open to bars, pubs, restaurants, breweries, wineries, gyms, and fitness facilities impacted by the March 31, 2021, provincial health officer's orders. The orders remain in place until May 25.

With the increased funding, eligible businesses will receive up to $20,000 (double the original grant amount) to help with expenses like employee wages, rent, maintenance, and utilities. The individual amount a business received will be based on the number of employees with no cap on the number of employees.

To be eligible for the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, a business is required to:

• confirm it has been affected by the recent provincial health officer’s orders and emergency order;

• provide electronic banking information;

• confirm that it is registered as a B.C. business;

• produce a business validation document, such as a business license, liquor license, notice of assessment or lease agreement; and

• confirm majority ownership and operations and payment of taxes in B.C.

The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant is open to businesses of any size impacted by the March 31 to May 25, 2021, provincial health officer’s orders and the April 23 emergency order to restrict travel between B.C.’s regional zones.

Businesses that previously applied for or received the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant that opened on April 12, 2021 do not need to apply again. They will automatically receive the additional funding.

We strongly encourage you to apply now, if you haven't already. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted until June 4, 2021, or when the funds are disbursed.

Learn more and apply

See full press release

go2HR Launches Safety Training Program: BC Safety Assured For Everyone (B SAFE)

BC Safety Assured For Everyone (B SAFE) is a new 90-minute, online course oriented toward staff in BC’s tourism and hospitality industry. The training aims to provide staff with a strong foundation in COVID-19 health and safety protocols, and to assist them in understanding ever-evolving best practices. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are awarded a certificate that demonstrates their knowledge of and commitment to COVID-19 health and safety. B SAFE will become an industry standard: a recognizable indicator of the extent to which health and safety is a priority for BC’s tourism and hospitality employers. 

Delivered by go2HR and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, B SAFE aims to build community and staff confidence in the health and safety protocols of BC’s tourism and hospitality industry as the province navigates and emerges from the COVID-19 era.

Access is complementary for BC Tourism and Hospitality employers and workers.

Courses will begin mid-May 2021. Registration is now open.

Toward a Climate Friendly Future

Last week, we were very pleased to be part of an Earth Day announcement that saw Tourism Vancouver Island, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism, Northern BC Tourism, and Kootenay Rockies Tourism sign a commitment letter with the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) to move forward with Biosphere Certification. Together, they join the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association in our collective commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Tourism. The video of last week's announcement, also featuring guest speakers from across the globe referencing the important role that tourism plays in Sustainability, can be found here.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association received Biosphere Certification in November 2017 and maintains its designation through a continuous reporting process to RTI on our ongoing initiatives. Our overall focus is on the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), some of which has been achieved through our work with Communities and Stakeholders on the Biosphere Commitment program, our Eco Efficiency Audits, and the recent release of the new Biosphere Academy.

Building on our climate friendly commitment, TOTA will be co-hosting the Strong Earth Youth Summit on Thursday, April 29th, 2021 together with SunX Malta. This event will be taking place in three locations around the world with a line-up of international speakers. Registration is complimentary to all interested in being a part of this important conversation and movement for a resilient, climate-friendly future for travel & tourism. For more information and to register go to: TOTABC.org/seys-2021.

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- The TOTA Team

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Recent News Highlights

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Latest Research

New Mountain Biking BC Website Encourages Visitors to Dream Now, Travel Later

Through the Co-op Marketing Program, the Western Canada Mountain Bike Tourism Association (MBTA) has continued to elevate the profile of mountain biking in BC. While currently pausing all marketing activities, the MBTA has been busy working on a newly launched website, which features stunning imagery demonstrating the variety of terrain in BC, provides inspiration for road trips and encourages outdoor enthusiasts to find their ride. Key messaging is focused on dreaming about mountain biking now and travelling later, including important information on riding safely by observing COVID-19 protocols.