News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Destination BC’s Content Marketing Series, Featuring "How To Use a Content Calendar"
Content planning is critical to the success of executing your marketing plan. If you have several digital platforms to manage, use this content calendar template to keep on track.
Content planning is critical to the success of executing your marketing plan. If you have several digital platforms to manage, use this content calendar template to keep on track.
Destination BC Appoints Alison McKay as Acting VP, Destination Management
Destination BC has announced that Alison McKay has assumed the role of Acting Vice President, Destination Management.
In her role, Alison will oversee Destination BC’s destination management programs and will also lead the Destination Management team in implementing annual plans, programs and projects; work with the executive team to support corporate-wide projects such as Invest in Iconics, Destination Stewardship, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and collaborate with Indigenous Tourism BC on projects specific to Indigenous communities.
Congratulations to Alison! We look forward to working with you.
Destination BC has announced that Alison McKay has assumed the role of Acting Vice President, Destination Management.
In her role, Alison will oversee Destination BC’s destination management programs and will also lead the Destination Management team in implementing annual plans, programs and projects; work with the executive team to support corporate-wide projects such as Invest in Iconics, Destination Stewardship, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and collaborate with Indigenous Tourism BC on projects specific to Indigenous communities.
Congratulations to Alison! We look forward to working with you.
WORTH Mentorship Program | Register by January 31
The WORTH (Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality) Mentorship Program matches mentees with an experienced leader as a mentor for a 6-month period between February and July, 2022.
Mentors and mentees both benefit from improved communication skills, growing their personal network, increased industry & job satisfaction, and the opportunity to learn from someone else. In this program they will also leverage peer-mentoring for all registered in the various events and workshops to further grow your network. In addition to the mentorship, the program includes 2-3 networking events and 2-3 development workshops.
The WORTH (Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality) Mentorship Program matches mentees with an experienced leader as a mentor for a 6-month period between February and July, 2022.
Mentors and mentees both benefit from improved communication skills, growing their personal network, increased industry & job satisfaction, and the opportunity to learn from someone else. In this program they will also leverage peer-mentoring for all registered in the various events and workshops to further grow your network.
In addition to the mentorship, the program includes 2-3 networking events and 2-3 development workshops.
Registration closes January 31, 2022
2022 Drivers License ID Checking Guides Now Available from ABLE BC
The 2022 North American ID Checking Guide Book and 14th Edition International ID Checking Guide Book are now available to order through the ABLE BC office.
The ID Checking Guide Books help you and your staff make accurate, on-the-spot verification of driver's licenses and ID cards - your best protection against ID fraud. These books also help ensure you are kept updated on the latest versions of all ID formats.
The North American Guide has been updated for 2022. The International Guide has not been updated since 2021 but is valid through 2022.
Place your order for the ID Checking Guide Book by Friday, January 21, 2022 to access the group buying discount.
The 2022 North American ID Checking Guide Book and 14th Edition International ID Checking Guide Book are now available to order through the ABLE BC office.
The ID Checking Guide Books help you and your staff make accurate, on-the-spot verification of driver's licenses and ID cards - your best protection against ID fraud. These books also help ensure you are kept updated on the latest versions of all ID formats.
The North American Guide has been updated for 2022. The International Guide has not been updated since 2021 but is valid through 2022.
Place your order for the ID Checking Guide Book by Friday, January 21, 2022 to access the group buying discount.
For more information on the ID Checking Guide Books, including pricing, download the FAQ produced by ABLE BC.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) Releases Revised Three-Year Strategic Plan
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has released its 2022-25 Strategic Plan: Building Back Better, which will focus on revitalizing the Indigenous tourism industry from the ongoing devastating impacts of COVID-19. As the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada recovers from COVID-19, ITAC has set sights on moving forward in the most adaptable and sustainable manner possible, contributing meaningfully towards several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
While COVID-19 has paused the Indigenous tourism industry’s growth, ITAC has revised its targets to build back to pre-COVID levels by 2025, three years sooner than projected.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has released its 2022-25 Strategic Plan: Building Back Better, which will focus on revitalizing the Indigenous tourism industry from the ongoing devastating impacts of COVID-19.
As the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada recovers from COVID-19, ITAC has set sights on moving forward in the most adaptable and sustainable manner possible, contributing meaningfully towards several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2022-25 Strategic Plan has three main priorities:
Inspiring ITAC member businesses across the country to rebuild or refocus their business offering through targeted business support, education, and training.
Leveraging partnership opportunities and investments with the Provincial Territorial Indigenous tourism associations to maintain their membership and infrastructure.
Strengthening ITAC as the national leader and advocate for Indigenous tourism operators and stabilizing funding through the federal government, partners, and membership.
While COVID-19 has paused the Indigenous tourism industry’s growth, ITAC has revised its targets to build back to pre-COVID levels by 2025, three years sooner than projected. This includes:
$1.9 billion in direct GDP contributions
1,900 Indigenous tourism businesses
40,000 Indigenous tourism employees
Resources for Job Seekers, Workers, and Businesses from Tourism and Hospitality Emergency Recovery
As tourism and hospitality businesses kick start their operations, retaining skilled employees and attracting new workers will be critical to their success. The Tourism and Hospitality Emergency Recovery project is developing tools and resources to help operators respond to this enormous challenge.
Tools include:
Free self-guided training guides for employees
Labour force survey results
Resource listings for individuals and businesses
As tourism and hospitality businesses kick start their operations, retaining skilled employees and attracting new workers will be critical to their success. The Tourism and Hospitality Emergency Recovery project is developing tools and resources to help operators respond to this enormous challenge.
Tools include:
Free self-guided training guides for employees
Labour force survey results
Resource listings for individuals and businesses
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.