Community Futures British Columbia Workshops

Community Futures BC offers free, on-demand workshops for businesses in British Columbia.

These workshops can be accessed by signing up for a free myCommunityFutures account.

Accommodation Plastic Use and Reduction Survey Results

The Accommodation Plastic Use Survey highlights the ongoing efforts by businesses in the Thompson Okanagan and Vancouver Island regions to address plastic waste. While many accommodations have already taken steps to reduce single-use plastics, significant opportunities remain for further improvement and collaboration.

This survey underscores the interest and potential among accommodators to adopt innovative, sustainable practices. By fostering dialogue, sharing insights, and exploring new strategies, the tourism industry can make meaningful progress toward reducing its environmental impact.

Thank you to all participants and partners for contributing to this initiative. For further inquiries, please contact Eve Layman at eve@totabc.com.

Navigating Vintage 2024 – Winery, Restaurant, Retail Guides

Wines Growers British Columbia (WGBC) has developed strategic plans to support the wine industry through the use of out-of-province grapes for the 2024 vintage.

The plan involves the “Crafted in BC” messaging - a temporary positioning created to support BC wineries during the challenges of the 2024 vintage, a year marked by severe crop losses due to extreme weather. This allows wineries to transparently communicate the inclusion of out-of-province grapes in some wines, while still maintaining their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the long-term sustainability of the BC wine industry.

How Do You Measure Up? Tourism Sustainability Guide

The new How Do You Measure Up? Guide summarizes efforts across the tourism industry in BC on key environmental sustainability and climate resiliency indicators — including emissions, waste, and climate adaptation — and provides practical actions that businesses can take to measure and track their sustainability performance.

This guide provides helpful resources to businesses at any stage of their sustainability journey. This guide and additional resource are available through the BCTCRI Sustainability & Climate Adaptation Data Framework webpage.

Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey Report

The first-ever province-wide Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey was successful, with more than 550 tourism businesses participating between January 21 and February 21, 2025.

The results provide baseline data on a common set of measures that will track sustainable practices and climate adaptation initiatives across the tourism industry in BC.

Key findings across three priority areas:

Emissions

• Tourism-related GHG emissions represent 3.1% of total industry emissions in BC

• 40% of tourism businesses have invested in energy management

• Transportation accounts for 68% of tourism-related emissions, primarily from domestic air travel and ground vehicle fuel consumption

Waste Management

• 17% of tourism businesses have performed waste audits in the past two years

• 40% have invested in waste management practices like reducing single-use plastics and food waste diversion

Climate Adaptation

• 27% of tourism businesses feel prepared for natural events like wildfires, floods, and droughts

• 64% have invested in climate adaptation measures, with 17% participating in FireSmarting programs

Short-term Rental Regulation Update and Business License Applications now open for the City of Kelowna

Kelowna City Council updated its short-term rental rules to match the new Provincial standards on April 14, 2025. The changes, backed by a strong long-term rental market, aim to protect housing availability, boost enforcement, and make things simpler for everyone. Short-term rentals are allowed in an operator’s principal residence, and for the first time, in secondary suites and carriage houses too. The City is now accepting business licence applications again as operators must get a City business license and register with the Province to avoid extra penalties.

To learn more or apply for a licence, head to kelowna.ca/short-term-rentals

Bringing the Salmon Home 2024-2025 Annual Report

Last summer the technical team at Bringing the Salmon Home translocated 57 adult sockeye from the Okanagan and released them into the Arrow Lakes Reservoir. In November, they witnessed a tagged adult female sockeye in a creek north of Castlegar: the first adult salmon recorded returning into an Arrow Lakes spawning tributary in over 85 years.

The full 2024-2025 report highlights the Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative, an Indigenous-led collaboration of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Secwépemc Nation, and Ktunaxa Nation, with Canada and British Columbia.

Short-term Accommodation Registration Guidelines Webinar

May 1, 2025, is the provincial deadline to register short-term rental properties. Ahead of this, the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs has delivered a webinar to provide an overview of the registration guidelines, key dates, and what accommodations need to know to stay compliant.

Working with Travel Media - Destination BC

Travel media relations is an essential marketing channel to tell our brand story, build awareness and encourage travellers to visit BC.

Check out this guide to help you prepare your destination or tourism business to engage with travel media to tell your story, while outlining both the benefits and the potential pitfalls.

Emergency Preparedness Week - British Columbia

Emergency Preparedness Week, May 4th to 10th, is a great time to encourage preparedness in your communities! This year’s theme is “In it together.”

Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Now, more than ever, it’s important to:

• Work together on a shared goal of being prepared

• Get to know your neighbours and community

• Identify people around you who may need extra support

• Be personally prepared so you can support others and your community

During the week, the PreparedBC team will host free webinars. Find out more and register today via Zoom. All attendees will be entered to win a four-person home emergency kit.

Manufacturing Excellence Forum - Kelowna

Join EMC for a dynamic in-person event tailored to tackle today’s manufacturing challenges while unlocking opportunities for future growth. Designed to spark ideas, foster collaboration, and drive innovation, this forum will leave you energized, informed, and ready to lead with confidence.

Monday, May 12, 2025 8:00 am PST

Hear presentations from industry and industry partners on sustainability in manufacturing and productivity and join a tour of local manufacturing facilities.  For more information and to register, click here.

WORTH Beneficiary Fund for Single Moms in the Industry

Single moms within the food, beverage, tourism, or hospitality industry are juggling more than most, and they deserve more than applause. 

With support from Cause We Care and in partnership with BCHA, WORTH is pleased to launch a dedicated Single Moms Cohort in May 2025, a supportive space for women navigating both leadership and parenthood.

Through personalized coaching, practical tools, and a strong community of peers, this cohort honours the realities of single motherhood while helping women thrive in their careers. 

Destination BC Thompson Okanagan Regional Profile

Destination BC has released 6 regional profiles that detail the overview of the region’s tourism industry. This profile includes:

• Resident perceptions about tourism

• Top regional markets

• Regional comparisons

• Top regional activities

• and more

Please download the full profile to learn about the tourism research and region.

2SLGBTQI+ Newcomer Entrepreneur Initiative

​The Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) offers the Advisor Access Program, a specialized initiative designed to support 2SLGBTQI+ newcomer entrepreneurs in Canada. This program provides structured sessions and personalized networking opportunities with expert advisors, focusing on common business challenges and tailored to the unique needs of 2SLGBTQI+

Applications are open now.

TOTA Honours Michael J. Ballingall

At the recent Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Board Retreat at Sun Peaks Resort, Michael J. Ballingall was honoured for his extraordinary service and leadership as outgoing Board Chair.

With over 25 years of involvement on the TOTA Board and six years as the Chair, Ballingall’s influence was essential as he helped guide the region’s tourism industry through the COVID-19 pandemic.

TOTA celebrates his legacy of collaboration, innovation, and community building. Though Ballingall is stepping down as Chair, his commitment to the region endures as he assumes the role of Past Chair, continuing to lend his expertise and passion to support TOTA’s mission.

Save the Date: BC Outdoor Recreation Conference 2026

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is celebrating 50 years of advocacy in 2026, and they’re marking it a big occasion! Join them at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC, for this milestone event.

This conference will bring together outdoor recreation leaders, advocates, and enthusiasts from across British Columbia to reflect on our past, celebrate our achievements, and shape the future of public recreation.

BC Tourism Week 2025 - April 7 - 11

BC Tourism Week is an annual celebration of the tourism industry in BC and across Canada. This week celebrates and showcases the destinations, businesses, and employees that make up this industry.

This year, BC Tourism Week takes place from April 7 to 11, 2025. The Tourism Industry Association of BC and Destination BC have created resources for businesses to celebrate and showcase the value of tourism.

Tourism Kamloops is seeking a candidate for the Director of Brand & Marketing

Tourism Kamloops is seeking an enthusiastic leader for the Director position of their brand & marketing department.

Applications are open until April 20, 2025, and interested candidates can send their resumes and cover letters to careers@tourismkamloops.com.

Camping reservations now open for Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Park

On April 2, 2025, people can begin reserving camping. Tent pad rentals will be available at any of the seven backcountry campgrounds along the Berg Lake Trail for arrivals starting June 26, 2025, the same day the entire trail is scheduled to reopen. Reservations will open for the entire season and are required to stay at campgrounds along the trail until Sept. 29, 2025.

Visitors are encouraged to check the park webpage for updates about the final phase of construction: https://bcparks.ca/mount-robson-park/

DBC Learning Centre - How to work with Receptive Tour Operators

This video from DBC will explain how Receptive Tour Operators (RTO’s) open your business up to new markets.