News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
TIABC Board Appoints Sandra Oldfield
TIABC welcomes Sandra Oldfield to the Board of Directors, filling a vacant position within the business category. Sandra brings a wealth of industry and wine sector knowledge to the table. She has steered innovative initiatives such as driving for BC’s first sub appellation—the Golden Mile Bench–establishing Canada’s only carbon neutral winery and winning both Canada’s safest employer award for Hospitality and Canada’s Top 100 Powerful Women awards in 2016.
TIABC welcomes Sandra Oldfield to the Board of Directors, filling a vacant position within the business category. Sandra brings a wealth of industry and wine sector knowledge to the table. She has steered innovative initiatives such as driving for BC’s first sub appellation—the Golden Mile Bench–establishing Canada’s only carbon neutral winery and winning both Canada’s safest employer award for Hospitality and Canada’s Top 100 Powerful Women awards in 2016.
She is an active board member on the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), the BC Hospitality Foundation, Chair of the BC Winery Health and Safety Committee and previous board member of TIABC.
Global Tourism Plastics Initiative
Tourism businesses and destinations are stepping up their commitment to sustainability. Aimed at reducing waste and pollution across the sector, the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) is welcoming 32 new signatories, with every global region represented behind the shared goal.
The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative unites the tourism sector behind a common vision to address the root causes of plastic pollution. It enables businesses, governments and other tourism stakeholders to lead by example in the shift towards a circular economy of plastics.
The Initiative unites the tourism sector behind a common vision to address the root causes of plastic pollution. It enables businesses, governments and other tourism stakeholders to lead by example in the shift towards a circular economy of plastics. Among the signatories are organizations such as Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, TUI Group, Palladium Hotel Group, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Hostelling International, and Visit Valencia.
These new additions bring the total number of signatories up to 93 companies and organizations. These include organizations from stages of the tourism value chain, including accommodation providers, tour operators, online platforms, suppliers, waste managers and supporting organizations.
Addressing plastic pollution is essential to sustainably restart tourism, preserve destinations and contribute to climate action
To mark the confirmation of the new signatories, UNWTO and the United Nations Environment Programme, in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, held a special panel discussion with the theme Eliminate. Innovate. Circulate. Strategies from the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative.
Alongside this, a keynote presentation on “A Life Cycle Approach – Key messages for tourism businesses” further highlighted the aims of the GTPI, with a special focus on innovation and the importance of context-based approaches to ensure plastics are circulated back into the economy rather than thrown away after use.
Workplace Accessibility Grant: Applications Now Open
The Workplace Accessibility Grant program provides up to $1,000 in support to small business employers in British Columbia by providing direct financial assistance towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons requiring universal design elements.
The Workplace Accessibility Grant program provides up to $1,000 in support to small business employers in British Columbia by providing direct financial assistance towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons with a disability(ies).
The grant can be used for the following (but not exclusively for):
Environment: ramps, lighting levels, accessible washrooms, adaptions to vehicles, etc.
Attitudes: anti-bias training
Practices: training to review and amend interview processes, ASL interpreting for new staff orientation, accessibility audit of workflow, etc.
Policies: funding for legal and consulting advice in revising policies, time for staff to revise policies, etc.
Information and Communication: job task checklists in pictorial form, ASL version of policies, application forms accessible to screen readers, reprinting hardcopies of material in large font, Braille versions of documents, update web-pages for accessibility, etc.
Technologies: purchasing software that enables production of accessible documents, flashing fire alarms for Deaf employees, specialized headsets, tablet for communication, laptop to allow some one to work from home, specialized tools, etc.
This Grant Program is available for companies with between 1 and 50 employees (both part time and full time), including yourself. Businesses must be based in and operate within British Columbia, and have been registered in BC at the time of submission.
1:1 Support to Share Travel Offers on HelloBC.com
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program is offering free 1:1 support to set up your business listing and travel offers to display on HelloBC.com.
Destination BC will promote Travel Offers as a “hook” to encourage potential travellers to explore a variety of BC experiences, attractions, and accommodations.
BC tourism businesses can list up to three "Travel Offers" at no cost. Offers do not have to be discounts.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program is offering free 1:1 support to set up your business listing and travel offers to display on HelloBC.com.
Tin Whistle Brewing's quest to become a carbon-neutral brewery
New owners, wife and husband duo, Alexis Esseltine and Timothy Scoon took over Tin Whistle Brewery in October, 2020 and are making their mark on the iconic brew-spot by announcing a new look and an environmental focus.
Founded in 1995, Tin Whistle Brewery is the original craft brewery of the South Okanagan and now they are one of the first carbon neutral certified breweries in BC. Tin Whistle worked with Climate Smart to measure and reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately achieved certification by reducing its electricity, natural gas, refrigeration and transportation use, installing a new compressor and lighting and purchasing carbon offset credits from the Great Bear Rainforest.
"You have to understand what your carbon footprint is and then go about getting that to zero," said Alexis Esseltine, owner of Tin Whistle Brewery. “We know beer, like all products, has an impact on the natural world, whether it’s through the grains grown and transported to our facilities or the energy, water and waste from production,” she said. “We knew we could make great beer, and we also knew we could lessen our impact.”
Four key areas were identified as impacts
Ingredients
Sourcing locally and thoughtfully makes a difference
Water & Energy
Big batch brewing can be wasteful
Packaging
How we package our products matters
Transportation
Shipping and delivery can quickly add up
By identifying these impacts, Tin Whistle Brewing has created action plans for each of the four areas.
In addition to Tin Whistle’s commitment to being carbon neutral, they promote investing in their local community by donating 5 cents from every can to a local charitable partner and sourcing ingredients as locally as possible. The next milestone that Tin Whistle is pursuing is making a selection of their beer certified organic.
They also plan to work towards a near-zero waste production process. Right now, the spent grains leftover after the brewing process are given away to a farmer who feeds it to his pigs and cows. Tin Whistle is looking at monetizing the spent grain by selling it to a company that will dehydrate it and mill it into flour.
Direct Flights from Downtown Vancouver to Okanagan Lake Now Available
Harbour Air and Eldorado Resort have partnered to provide weekly round trip flights from Downtown Vancouver to a private dock situated in the Eldorado Resort Marina on Okanagan Lake for summer 2021. A special package will combine air travel through Harbour Air and accommodation at the Eldorado Resort.
Harbour Air and Eldorado Resort announced an official partnership to provide weekly round trip flights from Downtown Vancouver to a private dock situated in the Eldorado Resort Marina on Okanagan Lake. A special package will combine air travel through Harbour Air and accommodation at the Eldorado Resort.
Mark Jeanes, the General Manager of Eldorado Resort said, “the Eldorado Resort is delighted to be working in partnership with Harbour Air who, as many people may know, is the largest all-seaplane airline in the world. Harbour Air customers have come to expect the very best in terms of service excellence and safety, and so for the Eldorado Resort, working with Harbour Air was a natural fit for us. This new air service also creates another seamless option for guests from the Lower Mainland wanting to come and explore the Okanagan, with the flight time being just over an hour from city centre to city centre.”
“Getting people directly to the heart of where they want to be on the coast is what we are known for,” said Harbour Air’s CEO, Greg McDougall. “Now, with working with the beautiful Eldorado Resort, we finally have an opportunity to offer that same service into a beautiful property on Okanagan Lake and we couldn’t be more excited.”
Eldorado Resort is a world class full-service waterfront resort and Kelowna’s only full waterfront resort, with two hotels beautifully located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, minutes from downtown, golf, wineries, and ski resorts. The Eldorado Resort onsite dining experiences uses fresh, regional farm-to-table ingredients and local Okanagan wine.
This unique opportunity will operate from July to September 6, 2021.
Fast Facts Tourism Research Summary
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.
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
Biweekly Fast Facts
1. Measuring Canadian Travel Patterns - Thompson Okanagan Region
2. Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program
3. TSI Live - Destination Sentiment Insights
4. Leger - North American Tracker for Week of July 5, 2021
5. Tourism HR Canada - Tourism Unemployment Month of May 2021
6. STR - BC Summary June 27- July 3, 2021
7. Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Market Segmentation Insights
South Okanagan Biodiversity Protected
A breathtaking natural landscapes in the South Okanagan will now be protected from development forever, thanks to a $1.8-million land purchase by the Nature Trust of BC. The biodiversity hot spot is home to at least five federally listed at-risk species, including the Lewis’s woodpecker, western tiger salamander, Great Basin spadefoot, Great Basin gopher snake and western rattlesnake.
A breathtaking natural landscape in the South Okanagan will now be protected from development forever, thanks to a $1.8-million land purchase by the Nature Trust of BC. The non-profit land conservation organization bought 151 acres (61 hectares) of ecologically important land, known as the Park Rill Floodplain, to expand the White Lake Basin Biodiversity Ranch conservation complex in the South Okanagan.
“It’s important to conserve and protect this land, especially in this area, because of pressures from development and climate change,” said Okanagan conservation land manager Nick Burdock. “We were actually approached by this landowner. The landowners are very much interested in the conservation of nature.”
The biodiversity hot spot is home to at least five federally listed at-risk species, including the western tiger salamander, Lewis’s woodpecker, Great Basin spadefoot toad, Great Basin gopher snake and western rattlesnake. Other animals in the protected landscape include peregrine falcons (special concern), Western Screech Owls (threatened), American Badgers (endangered), Nuttall’s Cottontail, black bears, and mule deer.
It is difficult to find low-land habitats unaffected by development, but three-quarters of the Park Rill Floodplain remains in a relatively natural state, allowing it to support six sensitive ecosystems: sagebrush steppe, open coniferous woodland, seasonally flooded fields, wet meadow, sparsely vegetated rocky outcrops and, importantly, grasslands.
The diversity of species and habitats protected by this project exemplifies the importance of the native grasslands within the South Okanagan. The Nature Trust of BC has a sterling track record for protecting, managing and restoring these and other critical habitat types in BC. For that reason, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is a proud funding partner of the Nature Trust and of our shared goals of conserving fish, wildlife and their habitats through the protection and conservation of BC’s natural landscapes.
- Dan Buffett, CEO of the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
Conservationists plan to restore the natural floodplain and mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires through prescribed burns and the thinning of trees.
Coordinated Emergency Supports in Kamloops
Representatives from the City of Kamloops, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), and Emergency Management BC (EMBC) met on July 7, 2021 to discuss the Emergency Support Services (ESS) response of each organization.
Note: Donations of gift cards, especially for food and fuel, for evacuees can be dropped off at Moccasin Square Garden on Chief Alex Thomas Way.
Downtown Kamloops. Destination BC/Tanya Goehring
The support for residents evacuated throughout British Columbia is vast and complex. There are currently three Emergency Operations Centres activated in Kamloops.
To share information and plan ways to work together, four key organizations met in Kamloops to discuss joint emergency management and support of the regional fire events.
Representatives from the City of Kamloops, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), and Emergency Management BC (EMBC) met on July 7, 2021 to discuss the Emergency Support Services (ESS) response of each organization. The goals of the session were to share information about each organization's role in emergency response, to provide a situation update on current events, and discuss opportunities for collaboration.
The key themes of the discussion were:
Capacity (both personnel and evacuation centres)
Communication
Evacuation protocol
Donations management
Comfort of evacuees
Safety
Mental health of all involved
The group reviewed lessons learned from 2017 and discussed how to apply those insights to planning for what appears is going to be a difficult summer.
The situation in Kamloops is that there are limited hotel rooms currently available, and limited municipal facilities available for evacuees. The City ESS team, with support from EMBC, are registering evacuees; however, accommodation options are a challenge.
The TNRD and the City extend a tremendous thank you to Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc for opening their facilities and lands to host evacuees.
"City ESS personnel have been assisted by other ESS teams in the region and 15 more staff have been requested from the Province. These ESS staff support the registration of evacuees and provide accommodation where possible. Hotel room availability is limited, but we are working closely with all suppliers and partners to increase capacity," said Dan Sutherland, Emergency Program Coordinator with the City of Kamloops. "The Sandman Centre concourse was opened on July 1 during the Kamloops East Fire for temporary shelter and water for residents from Juniper Ridge and Valleyview who needed a place to go."
TteS has been welcoming all fire evacuees to the Kamloops Powwow grounds for several days already.
“The Powwow Arbour is open and Moccasin Square Garden is stocked with supplies for people in need," said Councillor Thomas Blank, who is also the TteS EOC Director. "We opened our Emergency Operations Centre on June 30 and expanded to assist more evacuees on July 3, providing better coordinated supports. We are currently serving hundreds and hundreds of people every day. Approximately 100 breakfasts, 150 lunches, and 200-300 dinners are currently being served to evacuees. Today we are setting up a tent for evacuated children to stay cool and have a place to play."
"We need to continue to have lots of dialogue and to support each other," Councillor Blank continued. "We have some highly sensitive issues in TteS right now and we are raw to say the least, but we are doing our best and focusing our very limited resources in a way that can be most impactful to the most people."
“We raise our hands to every member of this team here today who has opened their community to residents of Lytton to support their evacuation last week," said Kevin Skrepnek, Emergency Program Coordinator with the TNRD. "Our immediate focus is to support the evacuees of Lytton as they begin to process the events in their community and consider the steps to rebuild their future."
A key representative from Emergency Management BC also attended the meeting to offer support to the three EOCs – the City’s, TNRD’s and TteS’s.
"EMBC is committed to supporting any community’s EOC activation through funding and capacity building," said Kayla Pepper, Director, Indigenous Partnership with EMBC “We don’t want communities to be out of pocket to host other communities. You tell us what you need, you tell us who you need, and we’ll help make that connection.”
Donations of gift cards, especially for food and fuel, for evacuees can be dropped off at Moccasin Square Garden on Chief Alex Thomas Way. There is no room for donations of items at this time.
Resiliency Resource Roundup | Marketing Supports for B.C. Tourism Businesses
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support business operators in the region and have received several questions around marketing. We have compiled a list of marketing resources and launched a new 1-1 Support Service to set up a Destination BC Travel Offer.
Sunset from atop Battle Bluff, Thompson Valley
Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support business operators in the region. We have received several questions around marketing, particularly around travel ads and travel offers.
We have compiled the latest resources to support tourism businesses.
Destination BC Business Listings & Summer Campaign
Destination BC has partnered with TripAdvisor to provide tourism businesses the opportunity for claimed listings on TripAdvisor to automatically appear on HelloBC.com.
Eligible businesses include Accommodations, Activities, Attractions, Tour operators, and large annual events. Vacation Rentals and Restaurants are not eligible at this time.
As part of Destination BC’s Open to More summer travel campaign, DBC will promote Travel Offers as a “hook” to encourage potential travelers to explore a variety of BC experiences, attractions, and accommodations. BC tourism businesses can list up to three "Travel Offers" at no cost. Offers do not have to be discounts.
Learn how to:
1:1 Support for Destination BC Travel Listings
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program is offering 1:1 support with setting up listings and travel offers to display on HelloBC.com.
Sign Up for Travel Offer Support
Watch Webinar Recording: Connect, Restart & Build Forward with B.C.'s Support Network
Learn about tourism resiliency marketing resources from five tourism industry organizations, including:
Symphony Tourism Services on Marketing Research
BC Hotel Association on Hospitality benchmarking through STR Reports and Check In Canada
Indigenous Tourism BC on strategies, considerations, and Indigenous BC Trip Planner
go2HR: BC tourism job board and BSAFE training
Canadian Mental Health Association and Workplace CARE Certification
Check In Canada
In partnership with Check In Canada (CIC), Destination BC has created a Summer Accommodation page on HelloBC.com that allows travellers to easily find rooms by their preferred location and date. Users will be redirected to the CIC website, where they can browse hundreds of listings and connect with providers to book their stay.
To take advantage of this opportunity, Accommodations can sign up or visit CheckinCanada.com to review the current listing.
CIC will provide free access to the platform, with no participation or referral fees until March 1, 2022.
Export Navigator
Do you have a large volume of stock that you would like to market and export to interprovincial and international markets? Exporting allows businesses to expand beyond local markets.
Export Navigator offers many resources, including a free course about the export process and how to grow business beyond B.C.
Register for Free Course
Export Navigator’s community-based advisors provide FREE support and ongoing guidance to help tourism businesses grow outside of B.C.
Advisors offer:
An export readiness assessment
A business readiness assessment
Market entry strategy support
Market tools and information
Streamlined service connections to support services
The Export Navigator program is funded by the Province of B.C. and Western Economic Diversification Canada and delivered by Small Business BC and Community Futures.
Register for Free 1:1 Support
Destination BC Learning Centre Resources
The Destination BC Learning Centre has a collection of articles, videos, and guides specifically for B.C. tourism businesses.
For example, learn about the Power of Story in this short article, in which Destination BC explains how tourism stories are important because they activate a part of the brain that information alone does not. This creates an emotional connection, and not just an intellectual one. Listening to a story, you relate to these stories because you, too, have overcome challenges on your own journey.
Learn More
View More Marketing Articles in the DBC Learning Centre
Small Business BC Article - Make Your Tourism Business Memorable
Tourism businesses must provide a memorable experience for your customer. There are countless ways to make your business stand out, but start with customer service. It’s the first and last memory your customers will have of your business, so make sure they remember you positively.
Optimize your customer service by:
If you’re offering experiences like kayaking or zip line tours that require pre-registration, thank them in your confirmation message.
Provide helpful information about other tourism businesses and sights that they can take advantage of while they’re visiting.
Promote discounts or sales, such as package deals, which shows that you’re generous and care about the affordability of your service.
Send a follow-up message thanking them for their business and invite them back to visit you any time.
Other Key Resources
For the latest industry info and trends, you can refer to TOTA's News Centre, Research page, Resiliency Research page and Fast Facts publication.
We also recommend signing up for the Destination BC and Destination Canada industry newsletters for additional tourism industry news.
Tourism Resiliency Program Supports
We are here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program you can access the following supports:
1-1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor
Expert Business Mentorship with an Okanagan College business professor
Mental Health Support through the Canadian Mental Health Association
Micro Loans through Community Futures
Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to schedule a 1-1 call with a TOTA advisor
B.C. Campfire Ban in Effect
Effective until noon on October 15, 2021 or until the order is rescinded, campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, and other fire activities are prohibited throughout the province of British Columbia.
Effective until noon on October 15, 2021 or until the order is rescinded, campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited throughout the province of British Columbia.
The following activities are also prohibited: Fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels/cages, tiki torches, binary exploding targets, chimineas, outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada (ULC) rating, air curtain burners in Cariboo, Coastal, Northwest, Prince George and Southeast fire centres.
The FireSmart Begins at Home Manual was developed to help people reduce the risk of personal property damage due to wildfires.
> Download FireSmart Guides & Manuals
> View more BC Government fire prevention information and resources.
Shifting to Step 3 of BC Restart Plan: Resources for Tourism Businesses
With British Columbians achieving nearly 80% adult Dose 1 vaccine coverage and COVID-19 case counts continuing to decline, the Province is safely moving to Step 3 of its four-step restart plan on July 1, 2021. Get the latest resources for BC tourism businesses.
With British Columbians achieving nearly 80% adult Dose 1 vaccine coverage and COVID-19 case counts continuing to decline, the Province is safely moving to Step 3 of its four-step restart plan on July 1, 2021.
Moving to Step 3 will signal the end of the provincial state of emergency in BC’s history. BC’s public health emergency will remain in effect during Step 3, with reduced requirements.
Moving from Step 2 to Step 3 includes:
return to normal for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings;
maximum capacity for indoor organized gatherings of 50 people or up to 50% of a venue’s total capacity, whichever is greater;
maximum capacity for outdoor organized gatherings of 5,000 people or up to 50% of a venue’s total capacity, whichever is greater;
return to normal for fairs, festivals and trade shows, with communicable disease plans;
return to Canada-wide recreational travel;
reopening of casinos, with reduced capacity and ~50% of gaming stations permitted to open;
reopening of nightclubs, with up to 10 people seated at tables, no socializing between tables and no dancing;
return to normal hours for liquor service at restaurants, bars and pubs with table limits to be determined by venue and no socializing between tables;
return to normal for sports and exercise facilities, with communicable disease plans; and
mask wearing recommended in indoor public spaces for all people 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated.
Tourism Sector Restart Step 3 Toolkit
The Province of BC, TIABC, ITBC, and DBC have prepared an updated version of the BC Restart Toolkit for tourism operators, with messaging to encourage British Columbians and Canadians to #exploreBCnow.
This toolkit is designed as a guide for operators for Step 3, which starts July 1 and will run until at least September 7.
The toolkit includes:
Summary of current guidelines
Links to help operators with recruiting and training staff
Information on topics such as the evolution of mask use from a requirement to
recommendations, and changes to capacity restrictions for events and festivalsInformation on the marketing campaigns to help restart the visitor economy, and how to participate
WorkSafeBC Communicable Disease Plans
During Step 3, businesses will gradually transition from COVID-19 Safety Plans to Communicable Disease Plans, with guidelines provided by WorkSafeBC.
These plans will continue to include physical barriers at many business and retail settings. Capacity limits, formal health screening tests and directional arrows, as well as other physical distancing measures will no longer be required. However, they may still be used during this transition period.
View Communicable Disease Prevention Guide for Employers
go2HR Webinar: Workplace Safety in Step 3
go2HR is hosting webinar on Monday, July 5 at 2 PM featuring expert panelists Mark Lysyshyn, Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer at Vancouver Coastal Health and Lisa Houle, Manager, OHS Consultation and Education Services at WorkSafeBC. Learn how to implement a communicable disease program for Step 3 of BC's Restart plan and get your questions answered.
Webinar topics include:
How to build an effective communicable disease program for step 3 of the BC Restart
How to relax existing controls for workers and customers
When you can (or should) enforce the wearing of masks and other controls in the workplace
Key considerations around occupancy levels, including for events and meetings
The practicalities of a gradual transition out of your COVID-19 safety plan and how to communicate changes to workers and customers
The forecast: fall flu season and the potential impacts of variants of concern
Travel Manners
The provincial health officer has laid out travel manners and guidelines for everyone travelling within BC, including:
Planning ahead and being respectful while visiting communities, especially smaller and rural towns, as well as Indigenous communities
respecting local travel advisories.
getting vaccinated
pre-trip planning and research before arriving at destination
respecting any local travel advisories to isolated and remote communities and Indigenous communities
following mask guidelines
respecting personal space and practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing
no travelling for anyone who is sick, and if symptoms develop while travelling – self isolate immediately and contact 811 for guidance and testing
BC Government Resources
Under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act, police and other enforcement officials will continue to be able to issue tickets for anyone who is contravening the Gatherings and Events or Food and Liquor Premises public health orders, which will remain in place. This includes fines for people who are being abusive or belligerent about the requirements of public health orders.
To view the June 29, BC Restart Plan Step 3 presentation, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/RestartBC_Step3.pdf
To learn more about BC’s Restart – a four-step plan to bring BC back together, visit: https://www.gov.bc.ca/restartbc
To learn about BC’s current travel restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/covidtravel
To learn about current PHO restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/COVIDrestrictions
To view the June 28, 2021, modelling presentation, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/6-28_PHO_presentation.pdf
Thank You to Supporters of the Tourism Skills Training Program - Masterclass
In June, the second cohort of graduates of TOTA’s Tourism Skills Training Program - Masterclass came together to celebrate with a virtual graduation ceremony. After two months of online instruction, 14 participants graduated, ready to deliver domestic tourism experiences and hospitality services in the Thompson Okanagan region. Thank you to our program supporters!
On June 11, 2021, the first cohort of graduates from TOTA’s Tourism Skills Training Program - Masterclass came together to celebrate with a virtual graduation ceremony. After two months of online instruction, 3 certificates, +50 hours of mentorship meetings, +125 workplace practicum hours, employment coaching, and job placement support, 14 participants graduated, ready to deliver domestic tourism experiences and hospitality services in the Thompson Okanagan region.
The program was a great success, with the online format enabling TOTA and UVIC to connect with participants from their homes throughout the Thompson Okanagan region, including Blind Bay, Vernon, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Westbank, Penticton, and Okanagan Falls.
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, sustainable tourism, and communicable disease health & safety practices 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.
Students completed the following certifications:
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, 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 and Government of Canada.
We would like to express a heartfelt 'thank you' to the facilitators, guests speakers, presentation panelists, mentors, and job fair employers who supported this program and the participants:
Facilitators & Guest Speakers
Participants received +196 hours of instruction from +29 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 Kelowna
Danielle Hennig - CRIS Adaptive Adventures
Wan Wan - KCR Community Services
Shawna Quinn - KelownaHR
Craig Pingle - Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
Stephanie Molina - Tourism Wells Gray
Olivia Nowek - Planet Bee Honey Farm
Tay Briggs - Wells Gray Adventures
Wendy Sieben - WorkSafeBC
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Barbara Bonnough
Jamie Bourne
Sonja Gaudet
Amy Kneller
Adam Kunis
Kavan Kumar
Chelsea McGonigal
Thivya Viswanathan
Kaitie Worobek
Symphony Tourism Services, a subsidiary of TOTA
Kelly Galaski
Terrina Barsalou
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 6 weeks, mentors connected with budding tourism professionals to share career insights and encouraging words, resulting in +50 hours of mentorship, followed by 3 weeks and +125 hours of job shadowing or practicum time.
Hazel Bennett - Dream Cafe
Donna Faigaux - BC Wine Information Centre
Kirby Barber - Entertainer
Daniel Ruel - Fairfield by Marriott Kelowna
Ingrid Dilschneider - Matrix Marketing
Danielle Lister - Prestige Hotels & Resorts
Alexandra Miege - Quaaout Lodge at Talking Rock Resort
Shelby Jeaurond - Sandhill Winery
Linda Woods - Sandhill Winery
Shirley Higgins - Schubert Centre
Katie Pease - Sustainable Winegrowing BC
Yvonne Turgeon - Trends Magazine
Job Fair & Open House
The virtual Job Fair & Open House introduced program participants to 20+ potential employers in the Thompson Okanagan Tourism industry.
Rise of Organic Viticulture in the Okanagan
With more than 150 wineries in the region, the Okanagan Valley has become well-known for its outstanding wines and wine experiences. A growing trend is set to put the Okanagan on the wine map in a new way - as one of the leading producers of organic wines in the world! By the end of 2021, the Okanagan is expected to have 20% of its 8,800 acres of vineyards certified organic, which far outpaces the global organic production rate of approximately 3.6%.
With more than 150 wineries in the region, the Okanagan Valley has become well-known for its outstanding wines and wine experiences. A growing trend is set to put the Okanagan on the wine map in a new way - as one of the leading producers of organic wines in the world!
Organic viticulture and winemaking is certainly nothing new to the region, with producers like Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Beaumont Family Estate producing organic wines for more than 20 years, however, with the recent transition from producers like Mission Hill Family Estate Winery and CedarCreek Estate Winery, the number of organic vineyards has dramatically increased. By the end of 2021, the Okanagan is expected to have 20% of its 8,800 acres of vineyards certified organic, which far outpaces the global organic production rate of approximately 3.6%.
With the overall trend moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle, consumers are looking for simple ways to reduce their impact, including their wine choices. In fact, the global consumption of organic wine doubled between 2012 and 2017 and continues to increase today.
Kelowna Biosphere Committed Members that are also organic wineries:
COVID Health & Safety Resources for BC Tourism Companies - Resource Roundup
A roundup of COVID Health & Safety Resources to support BC tourism resiliency.
Sunset from atop Battle Bluff, Thompson Valley
Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program advisors continue to support business operators in the region. We have received several questions around preparing for the summer season, particularly around employee & visitor safety, training resources, and employer vaccination policies.
We have compiled the latest resources to support tourism businesses:
Upcoming Webinars
Tourism Resource Roundup | Connect, Restart & Build Forward With B.C.'s Support Network
Wednesday, June 23, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
As we approach the next steps of the BC Restart Plan and begin to welcome visitors back in British Columbia, the BC Tourism Resiliency Network is bringing together a panel of five tourism organizations to help you leverage key resources towards resiliency.
For weekly tourism industry webinar announcements, subscribe to the TOTA Webinar Roundup email newsletter.
Training
BSAFE – “BC Safety Assured for Everyone” Online Training Program (1.5 hours)
A new online health and safety training program designed to ensure foundational health and safety knowledge in B.C.’s tourism and hospitality businesses to keep everyone safe as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business Support
Destination BC Messaging Guidance & Tourism Sector Restart Step 2 Toolkit
Tourism businesses can refer to the DBC Messaging Guidance for Step 2 of BC’s four-step Restart Plan, which includes messaging, resources, and FAQ section.
The Province of BC, TIABC, ITBC, and DBC have prepared a restart framework and toolkit for operators to better understand and support the restart plan. We encourage you to explore the Restart Step 2 toolkit and utilize the key messaging for your communications with guests, employees, and stakeholders — the aim being that the tourism industry is working together towards a safe restart.
go2HR COVID Safety Plan Review Service
The team of health and safety experts at go2HR will review your COVID safety plan, then provide recommendations and targeted feedback to help your business meet current requirements.
Vaccination Policies
The vaccine rollout has left employers with many questions about policies, such as:
Do employers need to have a vaccine policy in place?
Can employers demand proof of vaccination from their employees?
How can employers balance health and safety concerns with human rights or privacy ones?
What do employers need to consider if they want to implement a vaccine policy?
go2HR has created a COVID-19 Vaccinations in The Workplace page with detailed answers to these questions and a new Employer Toolkit.
The BC Hotel Association and go2HR recently hosted a webinar on Vaccinations the Workplace.
go2HR has summarized B.C.’s various types of leave related to COVID-19:
COVID-19 Paid Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program
There is a reimbursement program available for employers who do not have an existing sick leave program. As of June 15, 2021, employers can apply for COVID-19 Sick Leave reimbursement through WorkSafeBC.
Marketing Support
Apply to Display the Safe Travels Stamp
The World Travel & Tourism Council has granted the Safe Travels stamp to the Thompson Okanagan region. All tourism businesses are eligible and encouraged to apply and display the stamp to collectively encourage consumer confidence in the safety of tourism experiences. It's quick, easy, and free!
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We hope these resources are helpful. For the latest industry info and trends, you can refer to TOTA's News Centre, Research page, Resiliency Research page and Fast Facts publication.
We also recommend signing up for the TIABC and BCHA e-newsletters for additional tourism industry news.
Tourism Resiliency Program Supports
We are here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program you can access the following supports:
1-1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor
Expert Business Mentorship with an Okanagan College business professor
Mental Health Support through the Canadian Mental Health Association
Micro Loans through Community Futures
Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to schedule a 1-1 call with a TOTA advisor
First Phase of KVR Repairs Now Complete
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC), is wrapping up the first phase of trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Glenfir Station (above Naramata).
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), in coordination with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC), has wrapped up the first phase of trail improvements along the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail between Bellevue Trestle (above Kelowna) and Glenfir Station (above Naramata). The improvements included brushing, grading and raising the tread (trail surface) in certain areas that saw annual flooding. Locations were identified by a professional Geotechnical Engineer and the project was done using heavy machinery.
Belleview Trestle
Phase 2 of the work will include capping of the sections that saw large rock aggregate being used to raise the tread of the flooding sections. Currently, the large aggregate is not ideal for cycling, however capping will take place in the coming month to complete the work for an improved trail experience along this section of the KVR. More details on phase 2 of the work will be updated when the work commences.
TOTA is pleased to continue undertaking this work to create a better KVR experience. We would like to acknowledge the support of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure (CERIP) program funding, received through the Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development to enable TOTA to contribute to this project and implement these changes along the trail. We also appreciate the work that many have undertaken to improve the trail over the past many months, including the RDOS, RSTBC, Chute Lake Lodge and others.
Section with Raised Tread
Section with Raised Tread
Canada Easing Border Measures for Entering Travellers - Phase 1 Beginning July 5
Beginning July 5, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers who are permitted to enter Canada will not be subject to the federal requirement to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day-8. In addition, fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air will not be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel. For travellers who are not fully vaccinated, there are no changes to Canada’s current border measures.
On June 21, the Government of Canada announced details of the first phase of its approach to easing border measures for travellers entering Canada. These cautious adjustments are now possible because of the successes of the vaccine roll out in Canada and Canadians following public health measures.
Beginning July 5, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers who are permitted to enter Canada will not be subject to the federal requirement to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day-8. In addition, fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air will not be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel.
To be considered fully vaccinated, a traveller must have received the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must provide documentation supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation.
For these new measures to apply to them, fully vaccinated travellers must still meet all other mandatory requirements, including pre- and on-arrival testing. Continued testing will allow public health experts to keep monitoring positivity rates at the border, monitor for variants of concern, and make further adjustments to border measures as needed.
Fully vaccinated travellers must also be asymptomatic, have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation, and provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN prior to arrival in Canada. They must still present a suitable quarantine plan, and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet all of the conditions required to be exempt from quarantine. As with all other exempt travellers, they will be required to follow public health measures in place, such as wearing a mask when in public, keep a copy of their vaccine and test results, as well as a list of close contacts for 14 days after entry to Canada.
For travellers who are not fully vaccinated, there are no changes to Canada’s current border measures. They must continue to adhere to the current testing and federal quarantine requirements, which have been effective in reducing importation and transmission of COVID-19 and variants in Canada, and provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN before arriving in Canada. Unvaccinated air travellers must also book a three-night stay at a government-authorized hotel before their departure to Canada.
The Government of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians. As vaccination, case counts and hospitalization rates evolve, the Government of Canada will continue to consider further targeted measures at the borders—and when to lift or adjust them—to keep Canadians safe and the economy running.
New and Improved BC Rail Trails Website Launched on June 15th
The more user friendly, interactive Rail Trails website was launched on June 15th to provide a hub of information pertaining to rail trails.
Kelowna, B.C. - The updated B.C. Rail Trails website was launched on June 15th. After incorporating stakeholder feedback and improving the usability of the site, you will now find a more user friendly platform with updated accessibility information, interactive maps and quiz, and finally announcement boxes to inform users of trail maintenance.
"After many months of work behind the scenes, TOTA is happy to share the new Rail Trails Website. bcrailtrails.com will provide residents and visitors a hub of information pertaining to local rail trails. We want to thank local businesses and trail enthusiasts for their help refining the site." said Mike Overend, TOTA’s Director of Destination Development.
The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail and the Columbia & Western Rail Trail is the longest rail trail network in British Columbia extending from Hope to Castlegar. This website was created with the intent to streamline the planning of a bike ride or trip along this trail network.
“Many of our residents and visitors alike don’t realize how long and accessible the Rail Trails really are. We hope that the new interactive website will help trail users realize the potential of everything from incredible multi day bike trips to the enjoyment of a few hours on the trail.” Said Ellen Walker-Matthews, Vice President and acting President & Chief Executive Officer .
The B.C. Rail Trail website has come together with the partnership with Kootenay Rockies, and with help from the team at Navigator Multimedia Inc. We will be continuing to add relevant business listings and locations post-launch.
Explore the new Rail Trail website at bcrailtrails.com.
About TOTA
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) provides destination development, marketing, industry and experience development, and research services in an effort to minimize the industry's impact on our natural and cultural resources. Find out more information at TOTABC.org.
About Kootenay Rockies
Promoting responsible travel in the Southeast corner of British Columbia by showcasing the natural, clean, uncrowded activities and experiences that reflect the lifestyle, the culture and the community of Canada’s West. Find out more information at KootenayRockies.com.
New Biosphere Committed Members
We are very pleased to welcome two more amazing companies to the Biosphere Commitment Program: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery and Jojo’s Cafe.
We are pleased to welcome Jojo’s Cafe and Mission Hill Family Estate Winery to the Biosphere Committed Member Community!
One of the philosophies of Jojo’s Café is to support local in everything they do. This means supporting local businesses, local art and artists and supporting the environment. Their dark roast is supplied by Rock Creek Trading Post, and the other roasts and espresso beans are supplied by Max Voets Coffee Roasting in Vernon.
Learn more about Jojo’s Cafe here.
The team at Mission Hill Family Estate relentlessly pursues quality at every turn. After being recognized as Canada’s only five-time winner of Winery of the Year and receiving multiple best varietal awards on the international stage, they continue to draw inspiration from the Okanagan Valley. The culinary team also works closely with local, sustainable farmers to source foods and create regionally-inspired dishes paired with wine cultivated from their estate vineyards.
Learn more about Mission Hill Family Estate Winery here.
B.C. Safely Moving to Step 2 of Restart Plan as of June 15, 2021
Beginning on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, British Columbia will take the next step in safely bringing people back together, transitioning into Step 2 of BC’s Restart plan, including lifting restrictions on travel within B.C.
TOTA has compiled several resources for tourism businesses to prepare:
Moving from Step 1 to Step 2
Tourism Sector Restart Step 2 Toolkit
Visitor Travel Manners & DBC Messaging Guidance
Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant Extended to July 2
Business Transition to Step 3
Today, British Columbia has taken the next step to safely bringing people back together, transitioning into Step 2 of the BC Restart Plan, including lifting restrictions on travel within B.C.
Also today, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued updated Public Health Orders on Food and Liquor Serving Premises and Gatherings and Events.
TOTA has compiled several resources for tourism businesses to prepare:
Moving from Step 1 to Step 2
Tourism Sector Restart Step 2 Toolkit
Visitor Travel Manners & DBC Messaging Guidance
Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant Extended to July 2
Business Transition to Step 3
Moving from Step 1 to Step 2
Provincial health data shows that with strong safety plans in place and people continuing to use layers of protection, people can now slightly increase much-needed social connections.
Public health safety protocols, such as mask wearing in all indoor public spaces and physical distancing, will remain in place during Step 2. As well, personal indoor gatherings will be limited to five visitors, or one other household. If you or anyone in your family feels sick stay home and get tested immediately
Key Highlights:
B.C. recreational travel – non-essential travel ban lifted. Out-of-province non-essential travel advisory continues;
Organized Gatherings
Indoor seated organized gatherings up to 50 people with a COVID-19 Safety Plan but no singing, dancing or karaoke (this is especially important for business, social and government meetings to resume
50 people can attend inside, seated events at banquet halls, and in addition to the rules for other inside events, there is no self-serve food or liquor allowed
Outdoor seated organized gatherings up to 50 people with a COVID-19 Safety Plan;
Businesses (Food and Liquor Outlets)
Indoor and outdoor dining for groups up to 6 people (not restricted to your household or bubble)
Liquor service at restaurants, bars and pubs extended until midnight, so places that do not sell full meals now must close at 1 am.
Banquet halls can operate with limited capacity and a COVID-19 Safety Plan
Establishments will no longer be required to collect personal information from patrons
Patrons will still be required to be seated, but they will be allowed to stand up to throw darts, shoot pool, and bowl in the same group of six
Music will be allowed and the limits on volume will be removed
Events will be allowed at food and liquor serving premises per the indoor organized gatherings rules (i.e., maximum 50 people in attendance). Taking contact information will be required for events
Offices and workplaces
Continued return to the workplace
Small, in-person meetings allowed
Employers must continue to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and daily health check in place
Sports and exercise
High intensity group exercise is now allowed, with the same capacity, distancing limits and other requirements as other exercise that are in place
Indoor and outdoor games and practices for both adults and youth group/team sports allowed
Outside sport can have up to 50 people, and up to 50 spectators
Inside sport can have up to 50 people, no spectators
Transportation
Options increased for perimeter seating vehicles to transport passengers. Hours extended to pick up one hour after liquor sales cease (1:00 am) — increased occupancy limits to allow to carry up to 6 people, irrespective of physical distancing.
Episodic Markets
Resume sale of non-food merchandise at indoor markets, with capacity limits similar to retail
Allows sampling at markets
The above measures will continue to be in place until July 1st; at this time, the government will deliver another update on the reopening. Public health safety protocols, including mask-wearing in all indoor public spaces and physical distancing remain in place for Step 2.
go2HR offers a safety plan review service for tourism businesses.
Tourism Sector Restart Step 2 Toolkit
The Province of BC, TIABC, ITBC, and DBC have prepared a restart framework and toolkit for operators to better understand and support the restart plan. We encourage you to explore the Restart Step 2 toolkit and utilize the key messaging for your own communications with guests, employees, and stakeholders — the aim being that the tourism industry is working together towards a safe restart.
Visitor Travel Manners & DBC Messaging Guidance
British Columbians travelling within B.C. are asked to plan ahead and be respectful while visiting communities, especially smaller and rural towns, as well as Indigenous communities – including respecting local travel advisories. Travel manners and guidelines to follow during summer trips and vacations include:
getting vaccinated (Register for a first or second dose)
pre-trip planning and research before arriving at destination;
respecting any local travel advisories to isolated and remote communities and Indigenous communities;
following masks guideline;
respecting personal space and practising good hygiene, including frequent handwashing; and
no travelling for anyone who is sick. If symptoms develop while travelling, self-isolate immediately and contact 811 for guidance and testing.
Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant Extended to July 2
BC extended the deadline to apply for the small and medium-sized business recovery program until July 2nd, boosting its total investment to $430 million. Grants of $10,000 to a maximum of $30,000 remain available with up to an additional $5,000 to $15,000 for tourism-related businesses.
Business Transition to Step 3
Since the launch of the restart plan on May 25, government has been working with sector associations and WorkSafeBC to help prepare for the transition into Step 3 when public health orders will be lifted and new guidelines will come into effect.
Businesses can expect to see updated guidance available through WorkSafeBC's website prior to July 1. Businesses will then adapt their safety plans to reflect this updated guidance.
More than 200 meetings and discussions have taken place since the launch of BC’s Restart plan as part of government’s ongoing engagement. The majority have been with industry organizations that together represent thousands of employers and tens of thousands of employees.
To learn about B.C.’s current travel restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/covidtravel
To learn about the current provincial health officer’s restrictions, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/COVIDrestrictions