News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Tourism Kelowna Visitor Experience Team Renamed Community & Visitor Engagement
To acknowledge Tourism Kelowna's dedication to both the local community and to visitors from outside of the Central Okanagan, Tourism Kelowna has changed the name of the Visitor Experience department to Community & Visitor Engagement. The shift towards this new name has happened naturally, particularly since the 2018 opening of the Kelowna Visitor Centre (KVC), which is now a community hub providing valuable services to both residents and visitors. During the past year, local traffic to the KVC was the highest ever, with 64% of traffic being made up of residents, an increase from 52% in 2020. The KVC's reputation is a community-shared value and hub for the Central Okanagan.
To acknowledge Tourism Kelowna's dedication to both the local community and to visitors from outside of the Central Okanagan, Tourism Kelowna has changed the name of the Visitor Experience department to Community & Visitor Engagement.
The shift towards this new name has happened naturally, particularly since the 2018 opening of the Kelowna Visitor Centre (KVC), which is now a community hub providing valuable services to both residents and visitors. During the past year, local traffic to the KVC was the highest ever, with 64% of traffic being made up of residents, an increase from 52% in 2020. The KVC's reputation is a community-shared value and hub for the Central Okanagan.
2021 Pioneer Award Winner - Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel
Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel’s Tim Rodgers, has been awarded the 2021 Pioneer Award! Through his consistent implementation of sustainability practices provides the inspiring leadership of solutions to improve the Thompson Okanagan.
Best Western Plus Kamloops’s Tim Rodgers was selected as the 2021 Pioneer Award Winner!
Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel has always operated with sustainability in mind. They are a leader in the Best Western Brand Green Program, and Tim Rodgers, General Manager, has been instrumental in making changes throughout the brand. For example Best Western up until a few years ago did not have a green towel option, but with Tim's initiative, Best Western now has a green towel program to choose a more environmentally friendly option for towels.
Pioneer Recognition
Tim Rodgers was the first General Manager in Kamloops to have a Green Key rating, which he has continued with every property since then.
Caring about the local water systems is another area of focus, therefore instead of using dishes that need to be washed in an industrial dishwasher with many chemicals, Best Western Plus Kamloops opts to use biodegradable products in their breakfast room.
Cleaning guest rooms and public areas they use Lotus Pro, which uses ozonated water to clean and sanitize rooms, they are the first Best Western in BC to do so.
The Lotus Pro ensure that any guests who may have perfume allergies will be able to stay without worry
Tim continues to inspire and search for more areas to improve through sustainability and ensures that each project implemented has sustainability as a focus.
“Being a Biosphere Committed Entity has been really great for us, we get to connect with like minded individuals and hear new ideas that will benefit us all for years to come.”
Coquihalla Highway Set to Reopen to Regular Traffic, Highway 1 Partially reopened from Kanaka Bar to Spences Bridge
Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon reopened to all vehicle traffic at noon on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, marking another milestone in British Columbia’s recovery from November’s flooding. This restores a major route connecting the Lower Mainland to B.C.’s Interior and North, helping the movement of people and goods.
Check DriveBC for current road conditions.
On Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) will reopen to regular vehicle traffic between Hope and Merritt.
This will be a much more convenient route for people who need to travel between the Lower Mainland and the Interior, and is another significant milestone in the province’s recovery from the devastating storms.
Temporary repairs to the Coquihalla are in place while the ministry plans permanent repairs to the damaged sections. This means travel-pattern changes and reduced speed limits, with the trip between Hope and Merritt taking about 45 minutes longer than normal. This is a high-mountain route that can experience adverse weather and rapidly changing conditions that could require closure with minimal notice.
Electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations at Britton Creek are still out of operation. The nearest EV charging stations are in Hope and Merritt. There will continue to be increased enforcement on this route to ensure drivers are obeying the traffic laws and driving according to conditions.
Before travelling, drivers should be prepared and check for updates on DriveBC.ca.
Highway 1 Update
Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon reopened to all vehicle traffic at noon on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, marking another milestone in British Columbia’s recovery from November’s flooding.
This restores a major route connecting the Lower Mainland to B.C.’s Interior and North, helping the movement of people and goods. Repairs to the highway were completed, despite the record snowfalls, avalanche risks and cold temperatures over the past few weeks.
Winter Driving
Drivers are reminded that B.C.’s winter-tire and chain-up regulations are in effect. Other safety tips for winter driving include travelling with a full tank of gas, food and water, and warm clothes.
Check DriveBC for updated road conditions
2021 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award Winner - Kelowna Yacht Club
Through the expertise that the Eco Efficiency Program provided to the Kelowna Yacht Club, the recommendations were implemented through 2021. Kelowna Yacht Club’s continued efforts by creating three in-house sustainability programs, development of an environmental team and sustainability policy, and executed an Energy Campaign, awarded them as the 2021 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award Winner.
Kelowna Yacht Club selected as the 2021 Eco Efficiency Excellence Award Winner!
The Kelowna Yacht Club actively participated in most of the TOTA programs and workshops throughout 2021 that were centered around sustainability. By participating in the Eco Efficiency Program the recommendations provided to the Kelowna Yacht Club were implementing an internal recycling program, the data collected assisted in measuring their organizational level carbon footprint, and created three in-house sustainability programs; Save Energy, Save Water, and Waste Reduction Program.
Eco Efficiency Highlights
Key Impacts Kelowna Yacht Club Has Implemented:
Internal recycling program
Participated in the Eco Efficiency Program
Created their “Save Energy” program
Created an environment team and a sustainability policy
70% of lights at the Kelowna Yacht Club are LED
Created an Energy Conservation Campaign
Developing waste program
Developing and continuing to work towards the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030
“We wish to collaborate and partner with other businesses to promote the transition into more environmental-sustainable actions to generate a bigger impact and push towards a positive change in our city.”
Brenda Cortes, Environmental Manager
Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund | Apply by February 14, 2022
The Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund is a response to the Tourism Task Force’s recommendation to provide relief from fixed costs like property taxes, BC Hydro fees, and Crown tenure and park permit fees.
One-time grants to offset certain fixed costs are available for:
Large accommodation providers
Tourism-based commercial recreation businesses operating on Crown land or in BC Parks
The Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund is a response to the Tourism Task Force’s recommendation to provide relief from fixed costs like property taxes, BC Hydro fees, and Crown tenure and park permit fees.
One-time grants to offset certain fixed costs are available for:
Large accommodation providers
Tourism-based commercial recreation businesses operating on Crown land or in BC Parks
To be eligible for this grant, businesses must:
Be majority-owned by one or more B.C. residents
Not owe any tax payments from before the 2020 tax year
Not have permanently ceased operations
Businesses that are seasonal or temporarily closed are eligible
Funding will be awarded in 3 streams:
Property tax relief for large accommodation providers
BC Hydro cost relief for Indigenous-owned large accommodation providers operating on reserve
Relief of fees for rent under Land Act Tenures or Park Use Permits for tourism-based commercial recreation operators
Tourism Relief Fund
The Tourism Relief Fund supports tourism businesses, non-profits, and organizations to adapt operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate future growth.
UPDATE: Indigenous sole proprietors are now eligible under the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) with costs qualified on a retroactive basis up to twelve months prior to the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021.
The Tourism Relief Fund supports tourism businesses, non-profits, and organizations to adapt operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate future growth. With a budget of $500 million over two years (ending March 31, 2023), including $50 million specifically dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives, and $15 million for national initiatives, this fund will position Canada to be a destination of choice when domestic and international travel is once again safe by:
empowering tourism operators to create new or enhance existing tourism experiences and products to attract more local and domestic visitors
helping the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors by offering the best Canadian tourism experiences we have to offer the world
Tourism Relief Fund projects will focus on:
Product development: For example, projects that enhance tourism experiences; help tourism businesses adapt to the “new normal” and modernize their offerings; and, encourage the adoption of more environmentally sustainable and inclusive practices.
Destination development: For example, projects that position communities to take advantage of post-pandemic opportunities through strategic planning for medium- to long-term investments, as well as supporting destination development prospects in line with objectives set out in the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
Applications will be accepted and funded on a continuous intake basis over the next two years or until such a time as the allocated funding is fully distributed.
CanExport SMEs Program Accepting Applications for 2022 Projects
To help small- and medium-sized tourism businesses prepare for international markets, the CanExport SMEs program is accepting new applications for projects starting after April 1, 2022.
For-profit businesses with $100,000 to $100 million in annual revenue can receive funding up to 50 percent of eligible costs, or between $10,000 and $50,000 per project. The program includes search engine optimization, translation and virtual trade events, and support costs tied to online advertising on social media platforms, online marketplaces and search engines.
To help small- and medium-sized tourism businesses prepare for international markets, the CanExport SMEs program is accepting new applications for projects starting after April 1, 2022.
For-profit businesses with $100,000 to $100 million in annual revenue can receive funding up to 50 percent of eligible costs, or between $10,000 and $50,000 per project. The program includes search engine optimization, translation and virtual trade events, and support costs tied to online advertising on social media platforms, online marketplaces and search engines.
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.