News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Invest in Iconics - Virtual Regional Workshops with Indigenous Tourism BC on January 13 & 18, 2022
Indigenous Tourism companies are invited to join Indigenous Tourism BC for an engaging session where you contribute your ideas to shape the future of tourism in B.C.
Indigenous Tourism Stakeholders, non-Stakeholders, communities, entrepreneurs and knowledge keepers are invited to join Indigenous Tourism BC for an engaging session where you contribute your ideas to shape the future of tourism in B.C.
In this session, you will:
Participate in a series of interactive activities.
Learn more about the Invest in Iconic’s strategy.
Meet other Indigenous Tourism leaders in your area.
Share your perspective in a respectful space.
Have fun! Indigenous Tourism BC is working with graphic designers to create a more interactive session that allows you to visually see your feedback in real-time.
Reward yourself with multiple chances to win a $100 honorarium for your time.
The workshop will be facilitated by Beverley O’Neil (Ktunaxa) and Brian Payer (Objibwe) of O’Neil Marketing and Consulting. With more than 60 years experience and proven results, Beverley and Brian are excited to bring their expertise in tourism and economic development.
Register for a Thompson Okanagan Session:
Thursday January 13, 2022 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tuesday January 18, 2022 from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
If you have any questions related to event registration, please email Jordie@IndigenousBC.com
Government Resources for Managing a Business During COVID-19
The Government of Canada has compiled resources for companies, employees, and self‑employed individuals including financial support, loans, and access to credit.
The Government of Canada has compiled resources for companies, employees, and self‑employed individuals including financial support, loans, and access to credit.
U.S.A. Advises Against Travel to Canada
Residents in the United States are being advised not to travel to Canada due to COVID-19 hospitalizations.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Level 4 notice to avoid travel to Canada due to the emerging COVID-19 situation.
The CDC currently lists about 80 destinations worldwide at Level 4. It says that if people must travel, they should make sure they are fully vaccinated.
TIABC has contacted the Prime Minister's Office to enquire about what the Government of Canada is doing to see that the advisory is lifted given the ramifications the advisory has had on the tourism industry already.
Residents in the United States are being advised not to travel to Canada due to COVID-19 hospitalizations.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Level 4 notice to avoid travel to Canada due to the emerging COVID-19 situation.
The CDC currently lists about 80 destinations worldwide at Level 4. It says that if people must travel, they should make sure they are fully vaccinated.
TIABC has contacted the Prime Minister's Office to enquire about what the Government of Canada is doing to see that the advisory is lifted given the ramifications the advisory has had on the tourism industry already.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Survey of Marketers
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) in partnership with the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA), invites marketers to participate in the second Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Survey of Marketers.
The purpose of the research is to understand how diverse, equitable and inclusive the Canadian marketing community is for individuals at all stages of their careers. The findings will help CMA understand how they can cultivate an environment that is inclusive, respectful and supportive of all.
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) in partnership with the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA), invites marketers to participate in the second Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Survey of Marketers.
The purpose of the research is to understand how diverse, equitable and inclusive the Canadian marketing community is for individuals at all stages of their careers. The findings will help CMA understand how they can cultivate an environment that is inclusive, respectful and supportive of all.
Cap U Program Available to Assist in Creating Recruitment Strategy
In this difficult labour shortage, Capilano University School of Tourism Students are available to help develop business recruitment strategies. The Human Resources class will be working with tourism businesses to create a comprehensive recruitment strategy throughout the month of February.
After an initial consultation with the manager, students will analyze your needs and assess opportunities to help you attract a larger pool of candidates. In their report, students will design recruitment policies, audit current practices, and create recommendations on employer branding.
They will recommend recruitment sources and present a digital strategy, helping you take a broader talent management approach. They will present their findings to your team via zoom and prepare a comprehensive report. The time commitment for employers is 1-2 hours of virtual meetings. There is no cost to participate.
Email Joanna Jagger at joannajagger@capilanou.ca for more information.
In this difficult labour shortage, Capilano University School of Tourism Students are available to help develop business recruitment strategies. The Human Resources class will be working with tourism businesses to create a comprehensive recruitment strategy throughout the month of February.
After an initial consultation with the manager, students will analyze your needs and assess opportunities to help you attract a larger pool of candidates. In their report, students will design recruitment policies, audit current practices, and create recommendations on employer branding.
They will recommend recruitment sources and present a digital strategy, helping you take a broader talent management approach. They will present their findings to your team via zoom and prepare a comprehensive report. The time commitment for employers is 1-2 hours of virtual meetings. There is no cost to participate.
Email Joanna Jagger at joannajagger@capilanou.ca for more information.
Support Systems and Emerging HR Practices Survey
OTEC and Tourism HR Canada have developed an eight-minute survey to better understand support services available across the country, as well as any innovative practices tourism businesses are implementing to mitigate workforce shortages. The findings of this survey will help to recommend where investments in products or services could/should be made in order to build a toolkit that will help employers or communities address workforce recovery needs.
Across the country, governments, industry associations and other key tourism stakeholders have been developing support services for hard hit tourism businesses and workers. This support is desperately needed but has also created confusion due to the many subsidies and services available.
To help understand the complete ecosystem of support services available across the country, we are asking your organization to complete an eight-minute survey. This survey asks you, or another member of your organization, to identify the government programs and industry support services available in your region or to your industry members. The survey also asks about any innovative practices tourism businesses are implementing to mitigate workforce shortages. Please feel free to share the survey with other associations and service providers in your network.
This survey was developed in partnership with OTEC and Tourism HR Canada as part of the Tourism and Hospitality Emergency Recovery project.
The findings of this survey will help to recommend where investments in products or services could/should be made in order to build a toolkit that will help employers or communities address workforce recovery needs.
Government of Canada Support Programs Available for Tourism and Hospitality Businesses
The following federal business recovery programs are available to support your business:
Note: If you applied for the Tourism & Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) for period 22 (October 24 to November 20, 2021), you may have been affected by an error in the calculation spreadsheet for wage and hiring support, which erroneously showed they were ineligible for the THRP when they may have been eligible.
The following federal business recovery programs are available to support your business.
To understand what your company is eligible for, complete the Determine Your Eligibility form.
Note: These programs were formally known as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS).
Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
Apply for wage/hiring subsidy, rent/property subsidy, or both. Business, charity, or non-profit part of the tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment, or recreation sectors, or affected by a qualifying public health restriction.
Note: If you applied for the Tourism & Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) for period 22 (October 24 to November 20, 2021), you may have been affected by an error in the calculation spreadsheet for wage and hiring support, which erroneously showed they were ineligible for the THRP when they may have been eligible.
Local Lockdown Program
The Local Lockdown Program is a way businesses, charities, and non-profits affected by a qualifying public health restriction can be eligible for wage and rent support through the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP).
You do not have to be in the tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment, or recreation sectors to be eligible for this support.
Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program
Eligible organizations, regardless of their sector, may qualify for the HHBRP if they don’t qualify for the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP).
Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP)
Eligible employers can claim either the higher of the CRHP, or the wage portion of:
the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP), or
the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP)
Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB)
Temporary income support to employed and self-employed people who cannot work due to a COVID-19 lockdown. Employees can receive $300 ($270 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period. You may apply for any weeks your region has a COVID-19 lockdown order between October 24, 2021 and May 7, 2022.
Tourism Kamloops Job Opportunity: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Tourism Kamloops’ Board of Directors is looking for a passionate leader to champion and drive the visitor economy in Kamloops. As a community champion the CEO will lead with innovative solutions in support of the organization's mandate, our community, and our stakeholders.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Tourism Kamloops is responsible for the leadership and management of all daily operations of the organization in its mission to brand, market, and grow Kamloops as a valuable tourism destination.
Tourism Kamloops’ Board of Directors is looking for a passionate leader to champion and drive the visitor economy in Kamloops. As a community champion the CEO will lead with innovative solutions in support of the organization's mandate, our community, and our stakeholders.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Tourism Kamloops is responsible for the leadership and management of all daily operations of the organization in its mission to brand, market, and grow Kamloops as a valuable tourism destination.
COVID Impact Report on Francophone and Bilingual Tourism Services in Canada (outside of Quebec)
The Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité (RDÉE Canada) commissioned Léger to conduct a study on the evolution of Francophone and bilingual tourism in Canada almost 15 months after the start of the pandemic. The report is based on a web survey of Canadian tourism companies outside Quebec, which offer services in French and in both languages to a Francophone clientele. The results of this report will allow RDÉE Canada and its members to establish a strategy and an action plan to support tourism businesses in welcoming visitors from the French-speaking markets of Quebec, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Eastern Europe.
The Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité (RDÉE Canada) commissioned Léger to conduct a study on the evolution of Francophone and bilingual tourism in Canada almost 15 months after the start of the pandemic. The report is based on a web survey of Canadian tourism companies outside Quebec, which offer services in French and in both languages to a Francophone clientele.
The results of this report will allow RDÉE Canada and its members to establish a strategy and an action plan to support tourism businesses in welcoming visitors from the French-speaking markets of Quebec, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Eastern Europe.
Read the Report:
Sell Products or Services through the London Drugs Local Central Initiative
London Drugs is offering up centre aisle shelf space in select stores to local small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19. 100% of all sales will go back to the business or individual helping customers. Small businesses in Western Canada are welcome to submit products for consideration, including health and wellness companies.
London Drugs is offering up centre aisle shelf space in select stores to local small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19. 100% of all sales will go back to the business or individual helping customers.
Small businesses in Western Canada are welcome to submit products for consideration, including health and wellness companies.
Business Access to Employee Rapid Testing
With the intention of keeping businesses open and employees safe, the Province of B.C. has launched Safe Screen BC to provide businesses with the toolkits, resources, and guidance to access rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for employees.
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), Safe Screen BC will guide businesses through the required application process for provincially available test-kits and support businesses in the set-up of onsite rapid workplace screening programs for employees.
Program Eligibility
Safe Screen BC supports businesses interested in offering voluntary screening for employees without symptoms in close contact settings.
Participating businesses will be asked to contribute a fee to cover the cost of the services provided by the Safe Screen BC program which include: tailored support services to apply for test kits, access to a custom-designed reporting solution, and access to training resources and additional support services to assist businesses with the implementation of onsite rapid screening.
Test kits are provided free of charge by the province via Health Canada Rapid Screening Program for employers COVID-19 rapid testing and screening in workplaces.
For more information, contact info@safescreenbc.ca.
With the intention of keeping businesses open and employees safe, the Province of B.C. has launched Safe Screen BC to provide businesses with the toolkits, resources, and guidance to access rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for employees.
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), Safe Screen BC will guide businesses through the required application process for provincially available test-kits and support businesses in the set-up of onsite rapid workplace screening programs for employees.
Program Eligibility
Safe Screen BC supports businesses interested in offering voluntary screening for employees without symptoms in close contact settings.
Participating businesses will be asked to contribute a fee to cover the cost of the services provided by the Safe Screen BC program which include: tailored support services to apply for test kits, access to a custom-designed reporting solution, and access to training resources and additional support services to assist businesses with the implementation of onsite rapid screening.
Test kits are provided free of charge by the province via Health Canada Rapid Screening Program for employers COVID-19 rapid testing and screening in workplaces.
For more information, contact info@safescreenbc.ca.
Business Continuity Planning Resources from Invest Kelowna
With the surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, businesses need to develop and update contingency plans to continue operations with expectations of up to one-third of staff potentially being off sick.
Invest Kelowna has provided resources to support businesses, including templates for business continuity planning, how to address critical elements of your business to protect your cash flows and your workforce, and best practices for business operations during COVID-19.
With the surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, businesses need to develop and update contingency plans to continue operations with expectations of up to one-third of staff potentially being off sick.
Invest Kelowna has provided resources to support businesses, including templates for business continuity planning, how to address critical elements of your business to protect your cash flows and your workforce, and best practices for business operations during COVID-19.
GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Destination Standard Achieves GSTC-Recognition
Congratulations are in order for GreenStep and the recent announcement of their achievement of the “Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)-Recognized Standard status.” GreenStep is the only North-American based provider of GSTC-recognized standards for Destinations. The status offers the market a proof that these standards adhere to international norms.
GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Standards are used by GreenStep Solutions in their assessment and verification programs which provide tools, resources, and consultative support to destinations and businesses across the tourism industry. The Sustainable Tourism standards enable tourism businesses and destinations to measure their sustainability performance in several key categories: management, social, economic, natural, cultural, and environmental.
Congratulations are in order for GreenStep and the recent announcement of their achievement of the “Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)-Recognized Standard status.” GreenStep is the only North-American based provider of GSTC-recognized standards for Destinations. The status offers the market a proof that these standards adhere to international norms.
GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Standards are used by GreenStep Solutions in their assessment and verification programs which provide tools, resources, and consultative support to destinations and businesses across the tourism industry. The Sustainable Tourism standards enable tourism businesses and destinations to measure their sustainability performance in several key categories: management, social, economic, natural, cultural, and environmental.
The GSTC-Recognized status refers to the standard itself and means that a sustainable tourism standard or system has been reviewed by GSTC technical experts and the GSTC Assurance Panel and deemed the standard or system equivalent to the GSTC Criteria for sustainable tourism. It shows that the set of standards are based on the 4 pillars of the GSTC Criteria: Environment, Social, Cultural, and Management principles.
New go2HR Restaurant Safety Initiative
go2HR's newest restaurant safety initiative provides free resources to prevent the most common injuries in restaurant kitchens and make your kitchen a safer space.
go2HR's newest restaurant safety initiative provides free resources to prevent the most common injuries in restaurant kitchens and make your kitchen a safer space.
BC Farmers’ Market Expansion Program | Apply by January 28, 2022
The new BC Farmers’ Market Expansion Program will support the expansion of farmers’ markets to accommodate more vendors and maintain operations during emergencies to ensure communities throughout B.C. have continued access to food. The one-time program is providing $475,000, with up to $15,000 available for each eligible applicant.
Applications will be accepted until Jan. 28, 2022 on a first-come, first-served basis or until available funding has been fully committed.
Farmers’ markets in the province are receiving funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia to help cover the costs to expand local food and beverage sales, and operate during emergencies.
The new BC Farmers’ Market Expansion Program will support the expansion of farmers’ markets to accommodate more vendors and maintain operations during emergencies to ensure communities throughout B.C. have continued access to food. The one-time program is providing $475,000, with up to $15,000 available for each eligible applicant.
Farmers’ markets can use the funding for signs and merchandising, storage and transportation, and power and operations costs. Eligible applicants include non-profit groups, co-operatives, for-profit corporations, local governments, and First Nations that operate a farmers’ market that primarily sells B.C. food and beverage products.
The funding is a one-time, cost-shared, reimbursement-based program delivered through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, in collaboration with the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. It will help markets come back stronger from their pre-pandemic operating levels, set a strong foundation for future growth and long-term success, and support efforts to strengthen B.C.’s food security.
Applications will be accepted until Jan. 28, 2022 on a first-come, first-served basis or until available funding has been fully committed.
Kelowna International’s Samaddar becomes Chair of Airports Council
Congratulations to Kelowna International Airport Director Sam Samaddar on becoming the Chair of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) as of Jan. 1.
A complete list of the ACI-NA Board of Directors and leadership is available on the ACI-NA website.
Kelowna International Airport Director Sam Samaddar became Chair of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) on Jan. 1. Samaddar was elected to the position in November 2021 and succeeds outgoing Chair Lew S. Bleiweis, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority.
Samaddar began his airport career at the Vancouver International Airport in 1988 and began working for the Kelowna International Airport as superintendent of airport operations in 1992. In 2008, he was appointed Airport Director of the Kelowna International Airport. He is also a board member at Tourism Kelowna and Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission.
In addition to welcoming Samaddar, ACI-NA announced the election of several new Board members and Policy Council leadership. A complete list of the ACI-NA Board of Directors and leadership is available on the ACI-NA website.
Village of Midway Promotional Video
The Village of Midway in Boundary Country has released a promotional video for potential residents and visitors.
The Village of Midway in Boundary Country has released a promotional video for potential residents and visitors:
About Midway
Midway is full of history and things to explore. It is built on the people of the past and present looking towards the people of the future. Like the old saying goes, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, you will not find that stronger sense of community anywhere else. Everyone here smiles and says Hi, making it a wonderful place to live and visit. Midway is safe, friendly and built on trust. There is a true sense of the community being a family here. The Village of Midway fully embraces its history of forestry, railroads, mining, ranching and first nations. Join us for a walk on the historic KVR Trail, camping on the Kettle River or get your hands dirty in the community garden. There is something here for everyone.
The Right Amount Campaign
The Right Amount is an initiative for Canadian wineries to promote responsible consumption of alcohol, providing Canadians with tools and information to make informed and responsible decisions about alcohol, and promote drinking wine in moderation.
Wine Growers Canada encourages all wineries to participate, as industry-wide participation will help the campaign to be truly effective in engaging Canadian consumers and promoting the responsible consumption of Canadian wines.
The Right Amount is an initiative for Canadian wineries to promote responsible consumption of alcohol, providing Canadians with tools and information to make informed and responsible decisions about alcohol, and promote drinking wine in moderation.
The campaign navigates the audience to The Right Amount website which contains public low risk drinking guidelines and resources, the definition of a standard drink, and a drink calculator that will determine the number of standard drinks in a glass or bottle based on volume and alcohol percentage.
The Right Amount Campaign launched November 2021, with an online advertising campaign and media promotion to well position the industry in the lead up to the holiday season. The campaign is designed to grow organically over time, strengthened by participation of all wineries across Canada to become an industry standard practice.
Industry-wide participation is required for campaign to be truly effective in engaging Canadian consumers and promoting the responsible consumption of Canadian wines. Wine Growers Canada encourages all wineries to participate.
B.C. Paid Sick Leave Now in Effect & Industry FAQs
Effective January 1, 2022, employees are entitled to employer paid leave for personal illness and injury. This new, permanent paid sick leave entitlement will provide up to 5 paid days and 3 unpaid days of job-protected leave each year for eligible employees.
The BC Employment Standards website provides information for employees and employers regarding the application of the new paid sick leave entitlement, including eligibility criteria and how to calculate an “average day’s pay.”
To ensure clarity and that industry is prepared with updated policies and training, employers can review the following resources:
Effective January 1, 2022, employees are entitled to employer paid leave for personal illness and injury. This new, permanent paid sick leave entitlement will provide up to 5 paid days and 3 unpaid days of job-protected leave each year for eligible employees.
The BC Employment Standards website provides information for employees and employers regarding the application of the new paid sick leave entitlement, including eligibility criteria and how to calculate an “average day’s pay.”
To ensure clarity and that industry is prepared with updated policies and training, employers can review the following resources:
Paid Sick Leave Details Include:
Effective January 1, 2022, you are required to provide your eligible employees with up to five days of paid sick leave per year if they need to stay home because they are sick or injured.
The paid sick leave entitlement applies to all employees covered by the Employment Standards Act (ESA), including part-time, temporary or casual employees.
You need to pay your employees their regular wages for these days. They do not have to be taken consecutively.
Employees must have been employed for at least 90 days
Employers may ask for reasonable proof of sickness (e.g. a doctor’s note)
Employees are also entitled to 3 days of unpaid sick leave.
Invasive-Wise Tourism Training & Support Program
The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) has partnered with a group of tourism operators across B.C. to pilot the new Invasive-Wise Tourism program, a training and support program for B.C.’s tourism industry. The program includes an eLearning course, print, and digital resources for staff and clients, support from ISCBC, and a recognition program.
Learn More & Become an Invasive-Wise Tourism Partner →
Tourism staff are invited to take part in a complimentary eLearning course developed for the tourism industry, which increases awareness of invasive species and identifies practical steps to prevent their spread.
The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) has partnered with a group of tourism operators across B.C. to pilot the new Invasive-Wise Tourism program, a training and support program for B.C.’s tourism industry. The program includes an eLearning course, print, and digital resources for staff and clients, support from ISCBC, and a recognition program.
The overall goal of the program is to protect species at risk and B.C.’s rich biodiversity from the threats of invasive species by focusing on high-risk pathways such as movement by tourists, anglers, boaters, floatplanes, and recreationists.
Learn More & Become an Invasive-Wise Tourism Partner →
Invasive Species E-Learning Course
Tourism staff are invited to take part in a complimentary eLearning course developed for the tourism industry, which increases awareness of invasive species and identifies practical steps to prevent their spread.
By the end of the course, staff will understand:
The impacts of invasive species on BC’s environment, economy, and the tourism industry
The connections between tourism activities and invasive species
Simple actions to take to prevent the spread of invasive species