
News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Indigenous Community Business Fund
Indigenous Tourism BC in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and the Aboriginal Financial Institutions in BC are once again delivering a Tourism and Hospitality Fund through the Indigenous Community Business Fund. This fund will provide non-repayable grant contributions to First Nation owned businesses and micro-businesses in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Indigenous Tourism BC in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and the Aboriginal Financial Institutions in BC are once again delivering a Tourism and Hospitality Fund through the Indigenous Community Business Fund.
The fund supports the operation of the businesses as well as costs to support the adaptation, planning and reopening of businesses.
It is intended to relieve financial pressure and allow these businesses and micro-businesses to strengthen operations and support their viability during the pandemic, with the goal of positioning them for recovery.
This fund will provide non-repayable grant contributions to First Nation owned businesses and micro-businesses in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Who can Apply
Your community or collectives are eligible if the business:
is First Nations, community or collectively-owned business
is located in the provinces of BC
has been in operation since October 1, 2019
has either incurred a negative financial impact due to COVID-19 or that financial support will prevent layoffs, bankruptcy or permanent closure
has been solvent, financially viable, and not declared bankrupt prior to the economic disruptions associated with COVID-19
currently operates as a for profit entity and expects to continue to operate with a reduction in revenues from the previous year over the coming months as a result of COVID-19 in line with the terms of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
has previously applied for federal business support and been declined, in whole or in part, or does not qualify under business support eligibility criteria:
this may include applications to more than 1 federal program depending on the requested support
First Nations, may apply for funding for 1 or more community-owned businesses.
A Need for an Accommodation Plan in B.C.
Emergency Management BC is asking people in wildfire-affected communities to plan their accommodations, in the event of an evacuation order, in advance to help ensure capacity for evacuees who need hotel rooms. If possible, the best option would be to arrange to stay with family or friends, so commercial accommodations have capacity for evacuees who have no other option. If you are under an evacuation order, you can self-register with ESS online.
Emergency Management BC is asking people in wildfire-affected communities to plan their accommodations, in the event of an evacuation order, in advance to help ensure capacity for evacuees who need hotel rooms.
If possible, the best option would be to arrange to stay with family or friends, so commercial accommodations have capacity for evacuees who have no other option.
If you are under an evacuation order, you can self-register with ESS online.
If you cannot self-register online, go the reception centre designated by your local government or First Nation to register in-person. By registering, your community will know where you are, and loved ones can find out if you are safe.
Emergency Management BC urges people who have self-evacuated to larger communities due to smoky conditions to consider returning home. Because smoky conditions shift and move, self-evacuating to another community does not guarantee a person’s exposure will be reduced. Unnecessary relocation or travel will only add stress and anxiety that can also have negative health effects.
In many communities, accommodations are reaching capacity. By returning home, people can help host-community ESS create capacity for people who have been evacuated from their homes due to a direct wildfire threat.
If you are not on evacuation order and you are worried about smoke issues in your area:
Stay indoors and keep the air clean (windows/doors closed, no smoking, no burning fireplaces/candles/incense, no vacuuming).
Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors. Avoid vigorous outdoor activities.
When in a vehicle, keep windows closed with air conditioning set to recirculate.
Visit places with controlled air supply, such as shopping malls, swimming pools, public libraries, etc.
People with asthma or other chronic illnesses should ensure they have an adequate supply of inhalers/medication, and should activate their asthma or personal protection plans.
For information on evacuation orders and alerts, stay tuned to your local authority’s public information channels and Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca
Click here to read the full news release.
Changes for Travellers Entry to Canada
Effective August 9th, to be eligible to enter Canada, fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents 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.
Effective August 9th, to be eligible to enter Canada, fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents 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-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must provide evidence supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation (along with the original).
What Changes August 9th:
Allow discretionary (non-essential) travel for fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents, currently residing in the U.S., who meet all required criteria. This includes the need to submit information electronically through ArriveCAN.
Allow entry of unvaccinated children under 12 years of age, or unvaccinated dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition), who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently residing in the U.S. and who are accompanying a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor who either has a right to enter Canada (e.g. Canadian citizens and permanent residents), is a U.S. citizen and permanent resident currently residing in the U.S, or is otherwise is permitted entry under the US Prohibition on Entry Order made under the Quarantine Act. They must meet all other required criteria, including submitting information electronically through ArriveCAN and all testing requirements.
Travellers who do not meet all the required eligibility requirements for discretionary (non-essential) travel will be denied entry into Canada, precluded from boarding their flight, and/or could face additional fines on arrival. It is therefore important that all travellers find out about whether they are eligible to enter Canada well in advance of their travel, and understand applicable requirements.
Testing Requirements
Allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents travelling to the U.S. for less than 72 hours to do their pre-entry test in Canada.
Allow individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, but continue to test positive, to present a positive COVID-19 molecular test result on a specimen taken 14 to 180 days prior to arrival in Canada as part of the pre-arrival test requirements.
Adjust post-arrival testing for fully vaccinated travellers. Using a new border testing surveillance program at airports and land border crossings, fully vaccinated travellers will not need a post-arrival test unless they have been randomly selected to complete a Day 1 COVID-19 molecular test. This shift responds to the pandemic's evolution and will monitor prevalence in travellers. It will also identify new variants of concern entering Canada and provide intelligence, including vaccine effectiveness.
There are no changes to the mandatory testing requirements for unvaccinated travellers.
Temperature screening requirements
Due to the improving epidemiological situation in Canada, effective August 9, 2021, Transport Canada will remove the requirement for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to perform pre-board temperature screening of passengers on all domestic flights and international departures (including Transborder), as well as airport workers.
Quarantine Requirements
Eliminate the three-night government-authorized hotel stay requirement for all travellers arriving by air as of 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 9.
Continue to require unvaccinated travellers to undergo Day 1 and Day 8 COVID-19 molecular tests, and complete a mandatory 14 day quarantine, subject to limited exceptions.
Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age and dependent children (due to a mental or physical condition) of fully vaccinated travellers will no longer have to complete a 14 day quarantine, but must follow strict public health measures. This includes those travelling from the U.S for discretionary purposes. This means they can move around with their parents, but must avoid group settings - such as camps or daycares - during the first 14 days after their arrival. Unvaccinated children will remain subject to the Day 1 and Day 8 testing requirements. Provinces and territories may have more stringent rules around people who have recently returned from travel. More details will be available in the coming days.
Proof of vaccination for foreign nationals permitted entry for discretionary purposes, who enter on the basis of their vaccination status
Starting August 9, 2021, air carriers will be verifying that the travellers coming to Canada have submitted their information digitally by using the ArriveCAN app or website before they board their flight. Discretionary travellers who are unable to show their ArriveCAN receipt – either on their mobile device or a printed copy - will not be allowed to board their flight to Canada, as they are ineligible to enter Canada. In addition to their ArriveCAN receipt, travellers should carry their actual vaccine certificate with them to show officials at the border entry point.
Discretionary travellers include:
Fully vaccinated American citizens or permanent residents who reside in the U.S., and are entering from the U.S. for discretionary (non-essential) travel (starting on August 9, 2021); and
Other fully vaccinated foreign nationals coming to Canada for discretionary (non-essential) purposes (intended to start on September 7, 2021)
Travellers with a right to entry, (e.g. Canadian citizens and permanent residents), or travellers who qualify for entry under another exemption (e.g. immediate or extended family member) or who are coming to Canada for essential reasons (such as temporary foreign workers, or international students) will not be denied boarding, but will be required to submit information relating to their vaccination status via the ArriveCAN app or website.
Read the full announcement from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
BC Provincial State of Emergency Declared
The B.C. government is declaring a provincial state of emergency to support the provincewide response to the ongoing wildfire situation, based upon the recommendation from the BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Management BC. The declaration will be in effect starting July 21, 2021 and will be in effect for 14 days once issued and may be extended or rescinded as necessary.
The B.C. government is declaring a provincial state of emergency to support the provincewide response to the ongoing wildfire situation.
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, made the declaration on July 20, 2021, based upon the recommendation from the BC Wildfire Service and Emergency Management BC. The declaration will be in effect starting July 21, 2021.
The state of emergency is initially in effect for 14 days once issued and may be extended or rescinded as necessary. The state of emergency applies to the whole province and ensures federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a co-ordinated response to protect the public, which remains the provincial government's top priority.
“Public safety is always our first priority, and as wildfire activity is expected to increase, this is a progressive step in our wildfire response to make sure British Columbia has access to extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act,” Farnworth said. “In a briefing last night, I received word that we’ll be facing a few days of very difficult weather in the Interior. This declaration will address the potential of a mass evacuation scenario and provide our government with the means to secure the accommodation spaces necessary to house our citizens, if necessary.”
As of July 20, there were 299 wildfires burning in B.C., with 40 evacuation orders affecting approximately 5,724 people (2,862 properties), in addition to 69 evacuation alerts impacting approximately 32,076 people (16,038 properties). The extended weather forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions, with heightened wind activity in the Interior and southeastern B.C.
More than 3,180 firefighters and resource staff are currently actively engaged in fighting fires in all fire regions in the province. This includes 1,080 contractors and 135 out-of-province resources.
The federal government has responded to and accepted British Columbia’s request for firefighting assistance. In the coming days, federal personnel and resources will be arriving in B.C. to assist with wildfire efforts.
The state of emergency gives agencies, such as the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Emergency Management BC, the fire commissioner and the RCMP, the authority to take every action necessary to fight the wildfires and protect people and communities.
Quick Facts:
Declarations of provincial states of emergency may be issued by the minister responsible under the Emergency Program Act.
The provincial government can extend the period of a declaration made by the minister responsible for further periods of time.
Learn More:
For information on evacuation orders and alerts, visit Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
Keep up to date on the provincial wildfire situation: www.bcwildfire.ca
Government of Canada Announces Easing of Border Measures for Fully Vaccinated Travellers
The Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific entry requirements as of September 7. As a first step, starting August 9, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents residing in the United States for non-essential travel.
We look forward to welcoming back fully vaccinated American visitors as of August 9, and those from other countries on September 7.
On September 7, 2021, provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favourable, the federal government intends to open Canada’s borders for recreational travel by fully-vaccinated travellers from any country. Fully vaccinated travellers are those who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.
As a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for recreational travel. This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7, and recognizes the many close ties between Canadians and Americans.
Fully vaccinated travellers must also:
provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN (app or web portal) including proof of vaccination prior to departing for Canada (subject to limited exceptions);
meet the pre-entry testing requirements;
be asymptomatic upon arrival; and
have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation in English or French (or certified translation, along with the original) ready to show a government official on request.
We encourage all tourism businesses to share information around this next phase of re-opening, so we can all be ready to welcome back visitors first from the US, and then around the world. Destination BC will update the Messaging Guidance for BC's Tourism Industry prior to August 9, but for now, here are some key messages to share with your partners:
Visitors can feel confident in making travel plans as tourism businesses throughout Canada have made huge investments in new hygiene protocols.
Canada’s adult population has one of the world’s highest rates of COVID-19 vaccination.
Travel to Canada is going to be different than it was prior to the pandemic.
We encourage all travellers to be fully informed of the pre-entry and on-arrival public health and testing requirements both federally and provincially. This includes the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. Travellers should plan for extra time in the lead up, and upon the arrival of their trip.
For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated federal requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada's Travel and Tourism page.
In alignment, Destination BC will launch marketing campaigns for US and international markets beginning in August, with more details available soon. Throughout the pandemic, Destination BC has continued to work in lockstep with federal and provincial government partners, and any new marketing campaigns or existing campaign extension tactics will continue to fall in line with BC’s Restart Plan.
For the full announcement, please see the Government of Canada press release.
Related Government of Canada Information
Associated Links
IArT Kicks Off Meet Me On Bernard in Downtown Kelowna
The IArT Mobile Gallery has relocated to Meet Me On Bernard, an open street animation initiative on Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna, meant to encourage active modes of transportation. From July 1 to September 6, 2021, the street will be transformed to provide new opportunities for performances, public art, demonstrations, and programs, including the IArT Mobile Gallery.
The outdoor stage was utilized by the City of Kelowna, Downtown Kelowna Association, and Tourism Kelowna to kick off Meet Me On Bernard for the summer.
Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran sharing opening remarks for Meet Me On Bernard from the IArT stage, July 2021.
The Indigenous Artisan Trails (IArT) Mobile Gallery has relocated to Meet Me On Bernard, an open street animation initiative on Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna, meant to encourage active modes of transportation. From July 1 to September 6, 2021, the street will be transformed to provide new opportunities for performances, public art, demonstrations, and programs, including the IArT Mobile Gallery.
IArT’s outdoor stage was utilized by the City of Kelowna, Downtown Kelowna Association, and Tourism Kelowna to kick off Meet Me On Bernard for the summer.
Kelowna is situated on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of the Syilx First Nations people. IArT highlights Indigenous art and culture, particularly from Indigenous artisan crafters and performers of the Thompson Okanagan region.
Featured Exhibition: Being Out On the Land: Feeds, Streams, and Captures
From July 6 to August 18, IArT is housing a digital Indigenous art exhibition curated by UBC Okanagan Assistant Professor Tania Willard as part of the Indigenous Art Intensive, in partnership with the Rotary Centre of the Arts. The exhibition, Being Out On the Land: Feeds, Streams, and Captures is a series of video works by artists Maureen Gruben (Inuvialuk), Krista Belle Stewart (Syilx), and Christine Howard Sandoval (Obispeño Chumash and Hispanic), following as the artists trace out pathways, trails, and positions of engaging with the indigeneity of land.
The outdoor stage will be used for Indigenous cultural performances. The schedule will be announced shortly.
Experience IArT
From July 6 to August 18, IArT will be located on Bernard Ave near Ellis St, with the exhibition open for viewing Wednesday to Friday, 12 PM to 7 PM and Saturday to Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM.
IArT will travel to Riverside Park in Kamloops on August 21.
For performance and location schedules, visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/iart
Several TOTA team members worked together to move the trailer from the Rotary Centre of the Arts to Meet Me On Bernard, including the wheelchair accessible ramp:








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.
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.
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.