2021 Biosphere Awards - Nominations Close December 1st

Biosphere Hall of Fame

The Biosphere Hall of Fame was created by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) to recognize and celebrate the organizations that make the region a more sustainable destination.

The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program recognizes tourism organizations within the Thompson Okanagan region and gets them involved through TOTA’s Biosphere Certified Gold Destination status.

Biosphere Committed Companies are already taking steps to participate in the value-added programs to working towards the Sustainable Development Goals and are working together to make the destination more sustainable and resilient.

The Biosphere Hall of Fame recognizes Biosphere Committed Companies that have gone above and beyond.

2021 Awards Are Open for Nominations

We want to acknowledge the hard work and sustainable efforts of our Biosphere Committed Companies.

We have created the three awards to further recognize Biosphere Committed Companies:

• Sustainable Project of the Year Award

• Pioneer Award

• Eco Efficiency Excellence Award

Do you know a Biosphere Committed Company that has gone above and beyond? Nominate this business so their work can be recognized.

Winners will receive an award certificate, featured blog post, additional marketing coverage on TOTA social channels, and a feature in the monthly Biosphere Commitment Newsletter.

Nomination Details

There are no entry fees.

Self nominations welcomed.

Nominations are anonymous.

Nominations close December 1, 2021

Travel Advisory: REMINDER – Travelling to the U.S.? COVID-19 Border Measures and Testing Requirements Remain in Place when You Come Home

While Canadians have been welcoming US residents for what's deemed non-essential travel since early August, the US began allowing fully vaccinated travellers from Canada to enter their country at land and ferry points of entry for discretionary (non-essential) reasons, such as tourism on Monday, November 8th.

Travellers are reminded that border measures remain in place for travellers entering or returning to Canada and that they should get informed and understand their obligations as they make their travel plans.

Fully vaccinated travellers coming or returning to Canada must complete the mandatory pre-arrival molecular COVID-19 test and submit their information, including their digital proof of vaccination in English or French using the free ArriveCAN (App or website) within 72 hours before arriving in Canada. Antigen tests, often called “rapid tests,” are not accepted. Fully vaccinated travellers who are eligible to enter Canada continue to be subject to mandatory random testing on arrival.

For short trips that are less than 72 hours, Canadian citizens, people registered under the Indian Act, permanent residents and protected persons travelling to the United States are allowed to take their pre-arrival molecular test before they leave Canada. If the test is more than 72 hours old when they re-enter Canada, they will be required to get a new pre-arrival molecular test in the United States.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers who are eligible to enter Canada must continue to follow pre-arrival, arrival and Day-8 molecular COVID-19 testing requirements, and quarantine for 14 days.

Resources:

• Full details on the current measures in place for travellers entering or returning to Canada

• Information on Canada's proof of vaccination for travel.

• ArriveCAN

Destination BC - Tourism Digital Academy, Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the next two intakes of the Tourism Digital Academy, which will run on January 10 and 17. It is a free, eight-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.

Designed for business owners or marketing team members, this comprehensive program provides actionable guidance that includes building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing and analytics.

This Online Program Includes:

• 8 weeks of interactive sessions led by digital marketing experts and ongoing access to the video recordings (Tuesdays & Thursdays each week for a total of four hours per week)

• Technical tutorials to dig deeper into specific areas and share experiences with other participants (Wednesdays each week for one hour)

• One-to-one coaching available, on demand, to answer your sticky questions

• Audits of your business website, SEO and social media channels, to assess your current situation

• A marketing plan template to guide development of your own plan

• Opportunities for peer support and networking

Eligibility and Application:

The application-based program is free for all participants. To be eligible for the program you must:

• Be a BC-based tourism business, whose product or service is regularly available for purchase within BC (community tourism and sector organizations are also eligible);

• Have an active business website;

• Demonstrate, through the application form, a minimum level of digital marketing experience; and

• Be able to dedicate up to 10 hours per week to the program: five hours to attend classes and tutorial sessions during business hours, and up to five hours to apply the learning to your marketing plan as you go.

If you have any questions, please email: IndustryDevelopment@DestinationBC.ca

TOTA Award Remembers George Hanson, Supports Okanagan College Viticulture Student

Winemaker George Hanson, who passed away in February 2021, was widely acknowledged for his efforts to grow the B.C. wine scene. A new award funded by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will commemorate his legacy, while helping a viticulture student at Okanagan College to cultivate their future in the industry Hanson so dearly loved.

In honour of Hanson, TOTA donated $1,500 to create the George Hanson Memorial Bursary, which will be open to students in the college’s Viticulture Certificate program starting in January.

“We are very pleased to be able to support this award in memory of George Hanson,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of TOTA. “George’s legacy of excellence will live on in the high bar he set for future grape growers and winemakers, such as those coming out of Okanagan College. George is dearly missed, and we hope this award will plant a seed of inspiration in the heart of a budding viticulturist.”

“George Hanson was truly larger than life and will be remembered as someone who left an inspirational legacy in the Okanagan wine and tourism industry,” said Jonathan Rouse, Associate Dean for the School of Business and Director of Food, Wine and Tourism at Okanagan College. “We're deeply grateful to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association for this meaningful tribute to George, which will aid and inspire an Okanagan College viticulture student as they step out into the industry and carry on the tradition and passion of winemaking, creativity, and excellence that he embodied.”

About George Hanson

After a career in telecommunications, George Hanson arrived in the Similkameen Valley in 1999 with the goal of following his dream of winemaking. The rest is B.C. wine history.

He purchased a 20-acre parcel of land near Cawston and planted Bordeaux varietals. Four years later, he released his first vintage. A few years after that, he formalized and built what would become Seven Stones Winery. By the time he retired in 2019, Hanson and his wines had garnered international attention and awards—cementing his place as a pioneer in the industry and a respected name among B.C.’s acclaimed winemakers.

George Hanson served as a TOTA board member from 2013 to 2018, and as a Symphony Tourism Services (a subsidiary of TOTA) board member from 2019 to 2021.

About Okanagan College Viticulture Certificate

Those future viticulturists looking to follow in his footsteps can learn more about the College’s Viticulture Certificate at www.Okanagan.BC.ca/viticulture-certificate. The popular program starts in January at the Penticton campus. Students gain the skills and knowledge needed to master the art and science of grape growing, and gain vineyard operation and management skills needed to start and thrive in the industry.

Viticulture students interested in applying for the award are encouraged to do so through the College’s Financial Aid and Awards application portal on their myOkanagan account. General information for applying for awards at OC can be found at www.Okanagan.BC.ca/awards.  

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For more information:

Tyler Finley, Interim Director, Public Affairs

Okanagan College


250-762-5445, ext. 4211

TFinley@Okanagan.BC.ca

Accessible Graphic Design - Destination British Columbia

Destination BC has published an article to help provide information on Accessible Graphic Designing.

While it’s easy to get hung up on the visual details, graphic design is first and foremost a visual communication method used to convey information with a specific objective. Ease of understanding is the main goal. Everything else – colour, layout, and typography, etc. – is the means designers use to communicate messages more effectively.

So, if getting a message across is the goal, then shouldn’t it be accessible to everyone – or at least to the widest audience possible? To that end, it’s important to consider the diversity of peoples’ abilities, needs, and preferences; What works for one person, may not work for everyone. Some people may perceive colour differently. Others might find it hard to see very light fonts with thin strokes. Many find busy layouts and too much information overwhelming. The more we consider these things when making design decisions, the more likely we are to reach a wider audience with our message.

Whether the design is for print or online, every format has its own considerations and complexities. There are some general rules you can follow regardless of whether you’re creating a website, social media post, digital ad, poster, or slide deck.

Indoor Mask Mandate Extended | BC Gov News

On October 29th, the Provincial Health officer extended the mask mandate that requires masks to be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout British Columbia.

The previous order, which was set to expire on October 31st, has been extended to continue to slow the transmission of COVID-19.

Masks are required in all public indoor settings for all people five and older, regardless of vaccination status. These settings include:

• Malls, shopping centres, coffee shops and retail and grocery stores, liquor and drug stores

  Airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres

• Restaurants, pubs and bars (unless seated)

• On public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle

• Areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided

• Common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity

• Common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations

• Inside schools for all K-12 staff, visitors and students

Masks may be removed temporarily in indoor public places:

• To identify the individual wearing the mask

• To consume food or beverage at a location designated for this purpose

  While participating in a sport or fitness activity in a sport facility

• While receiving a personal or health service that requires the mask to be removed

People who cannot wear a mask or who cannot put on or remove a mask without the assistance of others are exempt. A person may not be able to wear a mask for a psychological, behavioural or health condition or due to a physical, cognitive or mental impairment.

Operators of indoor public spaces, schools, and post-secondary institutions and organizers of inside events must post signage at the entrance to all indoor areas covered by this order notifying that face coverings are required to be worn in accordance with this order.

Nothing in this order prevents an operator, school or post-secondary institution or organizer of an inside event from having additional requirements in relation to face coverings.

Indigenous Tourism Infrastructure Survey

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) partnered with iTOTEM Analytics to assess the economic and societal benefits of investment in Indigenous tourism infrastructure. This survey is asking Indigenous tourism operators from across Canada to participate and provide information about their operations.

Aligned with the ITAC’s strategic recovery plan and vision for the industry, the results from the initiative will be invaluable for ITAC’s advocacy efforts as they push for increased investment and program supports to be made available to Indigenous tourism operators between 2022-2024.

The insights will help inform the action plan by highlighting how our industry has sustainably thrived in the past and help us understand the adjustments needed to get back on track.

BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 - Session Recordings Now Available

On November 3 and 4, TOTA co-hosted the 2021 BCRTS Tourism Summit with the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). 

The conference was filled with inspiring moments and key insights to reimagine the future of tourism. The virtual format allowed us to connect with over 900 delegates from British Columbia, Canada, and over 60 other countries.

As a virtual event, many aspects will live on beyond the days of the Summit and can be accessed until December 5, 2021.

You can still register, free of charge, to access the session recordings and downloadable resources. Feel free share this opportunity with others in your organization and network.

How to Access Session Recordings and Resources

1. Go to BCTourismSummit.com

2. Click Register and complete the form

3. Click "Login" in the top right corner and enter the email address you registered with. No password is required.

4. Click the building to enter the virtual lobby.

5. In the top navigation bar, click "Auditorium."

6. Scroll to the session and click "Play."

Session Recordings

This year's summit featured over 40 speakers in 9 sessions. Thank you to the speakers and panelists for sharing their expertise and insights in the following sessions:

• GSTC Destination Management Workshop 1 - Measuring Carbon Emissions

• GSTC Destination Management Workshop 2 - Engagement with the Private Sector

• GSTC Destination Management Workshop 3: Natural Areas and Visitor Management

• Panel: Shaping the Future of Tourism

• Panel: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Tourism

• Panel: Tourism Operators Creating a Positive Net Impact

• Panel: Truth, then Reconciliation

• Panel: Access for All

• Session: How to Imagine a Regenerative Future for Tourism - Cultivating the mindset, creativity and process to enact change

The recordings are now available and can be viewed any time over the next 30 days (see details above).

Exhibition Hall Videos & Downloads

The virtual booths will remain in the Exhibition Hall for the next 30 days, with links, videos, and downloadable resources at your fingertips. The booth chat will not be monitored but feel free to reach out to exhibitors by email.

Globox™ Raffle Tickets to Support Wildfire Relief for Indigenous Communities

Glohaven Community Hub is holding a raffle featuring Globox™ gift boxes. Proceeds will be donated to support wildfire relief for Thompson Okanagan Indigenous communities through the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society.

The remaining Globox™ prizes are:

• Eldorado Resort Experience VIP Globox™

• Sicamous Houseboats Experience Family Fun Globox™

• Spirit Ridge Resort Experience Indigenous Globox™

• Summerland Resort Experience Remarkably Loved Globox™

• SilverStar Experience Family Fun Globox™

Important Dates

• 2nd Early Bird Draw: November 24 at 1 PM - Globox™ #5

• Main Draw: December 15 at 12 PM - Globoxes™ #1 - 4

Support for B.C. Tourism Businesses

If your company is facing challenges in British Columbia due to COVID-19 or other difficulties, you can access many free resources through the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, another initiative of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS).

Visit TourismResiliency.ca to register for a one-on-one meeting with a regional advisor and access support programs, educational webinars, research reports, resources, and more. 

Thank You to the Event Sponsors

This event would not have been possible without all of our amazing sponsors. As such, we would like to extend a big thank you to GreenStep, WebAdvisors, Navigator Multimedia, FortisBC, Toni Lepore, StratIS Group, Community Futures BC, TELUS, Air Canada, and YLW Kelowna International Airport.

Lastly, a special thank you to GiGn and The Gary Cable Project for hosting the virtual concert!

Destination BC Renews Funding for Over 100 Community Visitor Centres

Destination BC is supporting the valuable contribution of BC’s network of community-based Visitor Centres, by renewing its three-year commitment to base funding throughout the province. In addition, Destination BC is increasing the minimum level of base funding to $15,000, for those currently receiving $10,000 to $12,500 per year.

There are 129 community-owned Visitor Centres throughout British Columbia that are members of Destination BC’s Visitor Services Network Program. They each play a pivotal role in providing accurate and timely travel information to those looking to explore communities, locate accommodation, visit attractions, and participate in tourism activities in British Columbia. In a typical year, community Visitor Centres, collectively serve over 2.9 million visitors at their physical locations, over the phone, and via email and other digital channels.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, community Visitor Centres were instrumental in communicating Provincial Health Orders and health and safety protocols, supporting local businesses, and boosting local economies. During recent wildfire activity, community Visitor Centres supported evacuees and travelers by sharing on-the-ground safety and travel information.

This three-year commitment will support long-term business planning, increase stability, encourage innovation, and provide for the increasing hard costs of providing visitor services in communities across BC. In 2021/22, $2.105 million has been allocated to this vital tourism support program through the Province of BC.

View 31 Thompson Okanagan Visitor Centres

The Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. & Canada: 2021 Readers' Choice Awards | Condé Nast Traveler

Once again, one of the most prestigious travel magazines in the world has awarded Big White Ski Resort as the best in British Columbia, rating #12 in North America and Whistler #15.

The Condé Nast article says its rankings, "reflect the kinds of places you longed to visit when you couldn’t travel and the ones you returned to first once you could. These ski resorts were picked by the readers as the best in North America for their trails, lifts, and après-ski spots." According to the article, "all listings featured in this story were independently selected by our readers."

Big White Ski Resort is described as Canada’s largest full ski-in/ski-out village located just 45 minutes from Kelowna International Airport, and features all the amenities skiers are looking for.

The number 1 resort voted by readers went to Deer Valley, Utah.

Climate Hackathon - Accelerate Okanagan

On Thursday, November 25th, Accelerate Okanagan will be hosting the Zero Waste Valley Climate Hackathon. Community members are invited to attend and will explore innovative solutions and business models around the vision of eliminating waste from the Okanagan Valley.

Climate change has proven to be an unpredictable disruptor to both individuals and businesses alike. That’s why we need to have critical conversations and take action for the health of our climate. The world has never needed as much creativity and innovation as it does now — nor as much collaboration across industry, academia, and all levels of government.

Flair Adding New Routes from YLW in Spring 2022 | Kelowna International Airport

Starting May 16, 2022 Flair will have three flights a week to both Vancouver and Victoria from YLW, Kelowna International Airport. Flair’s Spring 2022 schedule will expand from twelve aircraft to sixteen, delivering 33% schedule growth.

Flair is adding new 737 MAX aircraft as it strives to achieve the lowest cost per seat mile of any Canadian airline. The aircraft deliver fuel savings and reduce the airline’s CO2 emissions by 14%. Lower per passenger emissions are a vital step in lowering Flair’s carbon footprint as it works to become Canada’s greenest and most sustainable airline.

All routes and schedule details can be viewed at flyflair.com

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service

Now more than ever, the Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian businesses grow with confidence by connecting them with funding and support programs, international opportunities, and a network of trade commissioners in over 160 cities worldwide.

Get Help Exporting:

• Funding and support - Apply for financial support, or take part in programs that help innovative firms and under-represented groups.

• Trade missions and events - Join a trade mission or event and connect with the right people to grow your business.

• Export guides and statistics - Access guides and information about what you need to do business in international markets.

Know Your Markets:

• Country and sector information - Research your next target market. Access up-to-date information and reports on markets and sectors abroad.

• Tariffs, sanctions and export controls - Plan for the tariffs, sanctions, and export and import controls that you may encounter when exporting abroad.

• Canada’s trade agreements - Take advantage of Canada’s free trade and foreign investment agreements.

The Trade Commissioner Service website provides additional information on funding & support, trade missions & events, export guides & statistics and more. Follow the button bellow to gain access to these valuable tools and guides.

Dine Around Interior BC | Registration Open for January 19 - February 10, 2022 Event

Impact Events and the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association (BCRFA), are once again teaming up to organize Dine Around & Sip, Savour & Save Interior BC, a popular food festival with over 50 of the best restaurants offering set three-course menus at deliciously low prices.

Participating restaurants offer three course menus at set prices, $20, $30, $40, $50 or $60 per person (excludes beverages, tax, service) giving locals and visitors the chance to channel their inner foodie, try new menu items or a new restaurant. It’s the perfect time to find new customers, generate repeat business, and grow your bottom line.

Registration is now open for Restaurants & Hotels. Register by November 30 to receive early bird pricing of $220 and save $125.

All restaurants must be a member in good standing of the BC Restaurant & Food Services Association (BCRFA) to participate in the program. Current members can register at no charge.

Participating Areas:

• Okanagan-Similkameen (all communities)

• Thompson-Nicola (Kamloops, Merritt & surrounding towns)

• Kootenays (Nelson, Trail, Cranbrook, Kimberly, Fernie)

• Prince George

Restaurants in a hotel can offer a promo winter rate alongside a Dine Around menu for two.

BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 - Thank You to Our Event Sponsors

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Our event would not have been possible without all of our amazing sponsors.  As such we would like to extend a big thank you to:

TELUS

Air Canada

YLW International Airport

GreenStep

Web Advisors

FortisBC

Navigator Multimedia

Stratis

Toni Lepore CPA CGA CFP

Community Futures BC

BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 Day 1

The BCRTS Tourism Summit starts tomorrow on Wednesday, November 3, followed by more virtual sessions on Thursday, November 4. We're looking forward to seeing you as we come together as a tourism community to Reimagine the Future of Tourism with the five regions of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Day 1 Agenda - Wednesday, November 3

All times listed in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

• 8:00 AM: Exhibition Hall Opens

• 9:00 AM: Indigenous Welcome & BCRTS Tourism Summit Opening Ceremony

• 10:00 - 10:50 AM: GSTC Destination Management Workshop 1: Measuring Carbon Emissions

• 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: GSTC Destination Management Workshop 2 - Engagement with the Private Sector

• 1:15 - 2:30 PM: Panel: Shaping the Future of Tourism - Rebuilding the BC and Canadian Visitor Economy

• 2:30 - 3:30 PM: Panel: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Tourism

• 3:40 - 4:40 PM: Panel: Tourism Operators Creating a Positive Net Impact

• 4:40 - 5:00 PM: Day 1 Closing Remarks

• 5:30 PM: Virtual Concert: The Gary Cable Project

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Summit Overview

BCRTS Tourism Summit Virtual Concert Featuring The Gary Cable Project

Wednesday, November 3 at 5:30 PM PDT

The Gary Cable Project is a 9-piece Pop/Rock band, comprised of all-star musicians who have performed and recorded with the likes of legends from Michael Bublé to Bryan Adams. Join us for a trip back to the ‘Golden Age’ of Pop and Rock!

The virtual concert is hosted on GiGn, an easy to use, high-quality, live streaming platform designed specifically to transfer most of the revenue earned to the artists themselves. You can watch the show on any device (smart phone, tablet, computer, smart TV, etc.) as long as you are connected to the internet.

Creating a GiGn account enables you to engage with the artist and attendees during the concert. There's also an option to tip the artists to support their work.

To create an account, go to the GiGn event page and click Sign In, then Create New Account Here.

The virtual concert can be accessed through the Auditorium Day 1 Agenda OR directly through the GiGn event page. 

International Flights Resume at YLW

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) announced that it will regain its international status for flights to and from Kelowna effective November 30. 

“Although our international status will be reinstated Nov. 30, it will take some time to have international flights operating again out of YLW. Some airlines have had to push back previously scheduled routes until 2022, due to the uncertainty of timing of YLW’s international status,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “We are thrilled to be able to once again connect passengers internationally and welcome visitors to our region, and are working closely with airlines to have these routes in place as soon as possible.”

Currently YLW is anticipating the return of the following routes in the near future:

• Alaska – Seattle – Dec. 16, 2021

• Sunwing – Varadero – January 2022

• WestJet – Phoenix, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun – January 2022

These routes are subject to change.

What passengers need to know about international flights:

• COVID testing requirements

  • When departing YLW:

    • As of Oct. 30, all passengers, 12 years of age and older, are required to be fully vaccinated in order to board domestic or international flights. For more information on this mandate, please visit travel.gc.caopen_in_new or ylw.kelowna.ca/covid-19

    • Passengers are encouraged to talk to their airline to understand what the COVID-19 testing requirements are to enter their destination country.

    • The Whitecap RSC testing facility is available for any passenger who requires a COVID-19 antigen or molecular test (PCR test) prior to travel. Passengers wishing to access this testing can do so, for a fee and by appointment only, by visiting whitecapcovidtesting.com/kelownaopen_in_new or by open_in_newcalling 604-966-3777

  • When arriving in Canada:

    • Passengers can use ArriveCAN to provide mandatory travel information before and after your entry into Canada.

  • More information about Government of Canada requirements can be found at travel.gc.ca/Travel-Covidopen_in_new

  • For more information about what to expect when travelling through YLW, visit: ylw.kelowna.ca/HealthyTravel

Expressions of Interest & Nominations for 2022 Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Advisory Council

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is requesting expressions of interest for new additions to the 2022 Advisory Council.  A position on the Advisory Council offers individuals an opportunity to contribute to the strategic vision of the COEDC.

Applicants will possess demonstrated executive level experience and in-depth knowledge of one or more primary business sectors in the Central Okanagan, detailing any specialized areas of expertise (commerce, finance, law, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, aerospace, agriculture, tourism, etc.). All expressions of interest will be considered, however, priority for 2022 will be considered to individuals in the Agriculture/Viticulture, Cleantech/Environmental, Small Business/Tourism, Health, and Construction & Development sectors.

Applications close Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

Please submit your resume or a summary of your business background in addition to your contact information (mailing address, phone number and email) to sandra.ballan-brown@rdco.com.

The Commission is funded by and accountable to the elected board of the Regional District of Central Okanagan representing Central Okanagan Electoral Areas West and East, City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, City of West Kelowna, and  Westbank First Nation.

The COEDC’s Advisory Council is a conduit of information and ideas between business, community leaders and government. Made up of 40+ influential industry leaders, community shapers and elected officials, the council meets monthly to share information and work together towards sustainable economic growth.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Commission Advisory Council Chair, Terry Edwards, to clarify any questions you may have. 

The Advisory Council’s role includes:

• Attend Advisory Council meetings and communicate economic development opportunities of the region,

• Review and make recommendation(s) on the RDCO EDC programming,

• Communicate the RDCO EDC activity reporting to member’s organizations.

Commitment of Time

• Ten board meetings annually (1.5 hours per meeting starting at 7:30am, usually the 4th Thursday of each month except July and August). Meetings are held at the Regional District of Central Okanagan offices, although are currently being held virtually until further notice,

• Occasional presentations in relationship to market intelligence in the sector you represent

Term

Board members appointed for a term of two years commencing January 1st, 2022, with the option of serving up to two terms

TIAC 2030 International Business Model Industry Questionnaire Survey

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is working to research and collaboratively design a strategy to attract more international visitors and business to Canada. This strategy needs to be responsive to its changing environment, instill confidence in the industry, look to a future where Canadian tourism is flourishing, and strengthen our advocacy efforts.

Everyone’s unique perspective is valued, and opinions on the future of collective international business development efforts are important to the tourism sector as a whole.

Please take the time to complete this 5-question online survey before the end of day on November 4. You will have the opportunity to have your name entered into a random draw taking place on November 8 for one in-person ticket to the 2021 TIAC Tourism Congress being held from November 30th – December 1st, valued at $795-$995.