News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Shuswap and Kelowna Listed in Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Travel Destinations Around the World
The Tourism Sentiment Index has released a report, Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World for 2021. For the first time ever, destinations around the world have been ranked to uncover those that are truly most loved, according to the Tourism Sentiment Score. To produce the rankings, Tourism Sentiment Index conducted a study of a massive volume of online data – more than 1.6 billion online conversations and content pieces publicly available about 21,330 global destinations.
In the Thompson Okanagan, the following destinations were in the Top 100:
96. Kelowna
99. Shuswap
Congratulations to Kelowna and the Shuswap for earning some of the world's most positive feedback and content in 2021.
The Tourism Sentiment Index has released a report, Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World for 2021.
For the first time ever, destinations around the world have been ranked to uncover those that are truly most loved, according to the Tourism Sentiment Score. To produce the rankings, Tourism Sentiment Index conducted a study of a massive volume of online data – more than 1.6 billion online conversations and content pieces publicly available about 21,330 global destinations.
In the Thompson Okanagan, the following destinations were in the Top 100:
96. Kelowna
99. Shuswap
Congratulations to Kelowna and the Shuswap for earning some of the world's most positive feedback and content in 2021.
Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Announces Glenn Mandziuk as new CEO – Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
Last week, Glenn Mandziuk, former President and CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), was announced as the new CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance based in London, England.
Glenn Mandziuk, former President and CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), has been announced as the new CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance based in London, England.
“Building a sustainable and responsible tourism destination was foundational to the work undertaken by Glenn during his tenure at TOTA and this new role is in perfect alignment for his vision and passion in this area,” said Michael J. Ballingall, TOTA Board Chair. "On behalf of the board and our team at TOTA, we extend our congratulations to Glenn on this new role and wish him every success going forward."
About Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
The organization was originally founded in 1992 as the International Hotels Environment Initiative and part of the Prince of Wales Charities group with His Royal Highness as President.
Following a rapid period of growth, the organization became an independent charity and united under the name Sustainable Hospitality Alliance in 2020.
Members are made up of representatives from the global hotel industry, including 35,000 properties and 14 leading hotel companies, representing 30% of the world's hotel rooms or approximately 5.5 million rooms.
Addressing issues related to human rights, youth employment, climate action, and water stewardship, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is taking collective action and responsibility on behalf of the tourism industry to ensure destinations and communities are supported now and into the future.
Fuelling 2050: The Road Forward
The Conference Board of Canada has released an Impact Paper, Fuelling 2050: The Road Forward, about Canada’s aspirations for net-zero GHG emissions and an achievable pathway for the transportation sector.
The Conference Board of Canada has released an Impact Paper, Fuelling 2050: The Road Forward, about Canada’s aspirations for net-zero GHG emissions and an achievable pathway for the transportation sector.
Document Highlights
Getting to net zero requires decoupling emissions from economic growth and the energy use it embodies. For the transportation sector, this challenge is daunting.
Canada’s transportation sector accounts for about 29 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, half of which come from passenger cars and other light-duty vehicles.
By 2050, Canada’s transportation energy mix will still be dominated by oil and gas, but their share will drop by about a third from today’s 90 per cent. The magnitude of that drop will depend on new liquid fuels, gas, and electricity technologies, and consumer behaviour changes.
This transition goes beyond switching to electric. It means reimagining urban spaces, increasing mobility options, supporting public transit, and investing in urban planning.
An achievable pathway should be viewed through a sustainability lens—including realistic costing of impacts; support for Canadians’ social fabric and standard of living; and climate change objectives that are economically and scientifically sound.
Kelowna Mill Site Community Engagement
Over the past two years, Tolko has been engaged in the safe and orderly decommissioning work for the Kelowna Mill Site and, more recently, joined in preliminary discussions with the City of Kelowna regarding redevelopment of the property and the opportunity to work with the community to create the vision and plan that will guide that process.
The City of Kelowna is launching a public process for the North End Plan. At the same time, the Mill Site Planning Team will undertake a separate community planning process to create the Mill Site Redevelopment Plan. This process will be integrated with the community’s vision and aspirations for the North End.
The planning team is looking for community input to inspire the vision and objectives for the conceptual design of the site. The community is invited to contribute to crafting a vision for this new neighbourhood an interactive virtual workshop to help us envision the mill site.
There are currently three workshop dates to choose from:
Saturday, February 5, 10am-12pm
Tuesday, February 8, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Thursday, February 10, 10am-12pm
Over the past two years, Tolko has been engaged in the safe and orderly decommissioning work for the Kelowna Mill Site and, more recently, joined in preliminary discussions with the City of Kelowna regarding redevelopment of the property and the opportunity to work with the community to create the vision and plan that will guide that process.
The City of Kelowna is launching a public process for the North End Plan. At the same time, the Mill Site Planning Team will undertake a separate community planning process to create the Mill Site Redevelopment Plan. This process will be integrated with the community’s vision and aspirations for the North End.
Get Involved
Redevelopment of the Kelowna Mill Site area presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transition a large, industrial property to a new, master-planned, destination waterfront neighbourhood adjacent to the downtown core. The site could also benefit the local tourism industry.
The planning team is looking for community input to inspire the vision and objectives for the conceptual design of the site. The community is invited to contribute to crafting a vision for this new neighbourhood an interactive virtual workshop to help us envision the mill site.
There are currently three workshop dates to choose from:
Saturday, February 5, 10am-12pm
Tuesday, February 8, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Thursday, February 10, 10am-12pm
Can't make any of those times? There will be many more opportunities to engage throughout the Mill Site Area Redevelopment Plan process.
Nominate a Business for Small Business BC Awards | Closes Feb 28, 2022
The annual Small Business BC Awards present an opportunity to showcase owners of small businesses and validate their efforts, highlighting the impact they make in our lives.
Nominations and voting for the 2022 SBBC Awards are open until February 28, 2022.
Winners and finalists split a prize pool of $15,000. Taking part is easy - nominate your business, or a business you love for a Small Business BC Award today!
The annual Small Business BC Awards present an opportunity to showcase owners of small businesses and validate their efforts, highlighting the impact they make in our lives.
Nominations and voting for the 2022 SBBC Awards are open until February 28, 2022.
There are two categories this year:
The Business Impact Award; goes to the business owner(s) that are truly making a difference. - Awarded to the Top 3
Premier’s People’s Choice Award; presented to a BC-based small business that can demonstrate they have the unwavering and loyal support of their community. - One winner
Note: Winners and finalists split a prize pool of $15,000. Taking part is easy - nominate your business, or a business you love for a Small Business BC Award today!
DBC Messaging Guidance for B.C. Tourism Industry | Updated January 18, 2022
Destination BC has updated its Special Edition: Emergency Response to the BC Storm Messaging Guidance document which outlines key messaging, information, and resources for BC’s tourism industry. It includes guidance for Regional and Community/City Destination Marketing Organisations, Sector Associations, and Tourism Businesses. Please refer to the messaging guide for information on how you can support your community, residents, visitors, and each other during this difficult time. Messaging will continue to be updated as the situation evolves.
Destination BC has updated the Messaging Guidance for B.C. Tourism Industry: How to Travel in B.C. this Winter.
The document provides key messaging, information and infographics, and resources for B.C.’s tourism industry as it relates to travel to and within B.C. this Winter. Topics include travel routes, trip planning, transportation, visitor servicing, health protocols, entry requirements, and proof of vaccination requirements for various activities and businesses. The document will be updated as needed, as the situation evolves.
ITBC Seeking Indigenous Knowledge Keepers
ITBC is looking for Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to add to a list of reliable resources to share with partners and for invitations to participate in a variety of upcoming projects.
Indigenous Knowledge Keepers are invited to apply, including Elders, language speakers, storytellers, dancers, singers, drummers, land tour guides, artists, or plant medicine enthusiasts.
The main benefit of involvement is increased global exposure for Indigenous tourism operation. ITBC will also provide an honorarium based on the type of involvement.
If your business and/or community works with an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, please share this opportunity with them.
ITBC is looking for Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to add to a list of reliable resources to share with partners and for invitations to participate in a variety of upcoming projects.
Indigenous Knowledge Keepers are invited to apply, including Elders, language speakers, storytellers, dancers, singers, drummers, land tour guides, artists, or plant medicine enthusiasts.
The main benefit of involvement is increased global exposure for Indigenous tourism operation. ITBC will also provide an honorarium based on the type of involvement.
If your business and/or community works with an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, please share this opportunity with them.
UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2022 Report Underscores the Importance of Tourism for Economic Recovery
The United Nations (UN) has released the 2022 World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) Report. According to the report, the global economic recovery is facing significant headwinds amid new waves of COVID-19 infections, persistent labour market challenges, lingering supply-chain challenges, and rising inflationary pressures.
Tourism recovery is expected to drive growth in every world region. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The sudden halt in international tourism caused by the pandemic has emphasized the sector’s importance to both national economies and individual livelihoods. The flagship UN report makes use of UNWTO data and analysis to assess the cost of declining tourism and illustrates just how important restarting tourism will be in 2022 and beyond.”
Further analysing the sector’s role in economic recovery, the UN report notes that many destinations, in particular tourism-dependent countries, will need to diversify their tourism throughout 2022 and beyond.
Again drawing on UNWTO analysis, the publication shows how many destinations are developing domestic and rural tourism to help local economies in rural and depressed areas to boost job creation and protect natural resources and cultural heritage, while at the same time empowering women, youth, and indigenous peoples.
The United Nations (UN) has released the 2022 World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) Report.
According to the report, the global economic recovery is facing significant headwinds amid new waves of COVID-19 infections, persistent labour market challenges, lingering supply-chain challenges and rising inflationary pressures.
Tourism recovery is expected to drive growth in every world region.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The sudden halt in international tourism caused by the pandemic has emphasized the sector’s importance to both national economies and individual livelihoods. The flagship UN report makes use of UNWTO data and analysis to assess the cost of declining tourism and illustrates just how important restarting tourism will be in 2022 and beyond.”
Further analysing the sector’s role in economic recovery, the UN report notes that many destinations, in particular tourism-dependent countries, will need to diversify their tourism throughout 2022 and beyond.
Again drawing on UNWTO analysis, the publication shows how many destinations are developing domestic and rural tourism to help local economies in rural and depressed areas to boost job creation and protect natural resources and cultural heritage, while at the same time empowering women, youth and indigenous peoples.
YLW welcomes Lynx Air to Kelowna
Lynx Air (Lynx) will begin service for YLW Kelowna International Airport in April 2022 with non-stop service to Calgary and Vancouver twice a week on a fleet of brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft. By May, Lynx will be operating 76 flights per week and will continue to add destinations and routes in the summer.
Special launch fares are offered from $39 one-way (for a limited time).
Flights are now available for booking at FlyLynx.com →
Lynx Air (Lynx) will begin service for YLW Kelowna International Airport in April 2022 with non-stop service to Calgary and Vancouver twice a week on a fleet of brand-new Boeing 737 aircraft.
Lynx launched in November 2021 with the ultra low-cost carrier model which has revolutionized air travel across Europe and the United States by offering low fares, flexibility, and choice. The airline has selected Calgary as its headquarters. Lynx announced the launch of its booking website, with tickets going on sale for flights to the airline’s first five destinations: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Kelowna, and Winnipeg.
An affordable airline like Lynx will open doors for travellers looking to explore our beautiful region and increase travel opportunities for the Okanagan community. Special launch fares are offered from $39 one-way (limited time).
By May, Lynx will be operating 76 flights per week and will continue to add destinations and routes in the summer.
Lynx will compete directly with Flair Airlines and Swoop in the ultra-low-fare market, giving travellers three low-cost options out of Kelowna. Alaska Airlines recently announced they will be doubling the number of flights from Kelowna to Seattle starting in March 2022.
Flights are now available for booking at FlyLynx.com →
UNWTO records modest tourism increase in 2021
Global tourism experienced a four per cent upturn in 2021 when compared to the prior year, with a total of 415 million international trips made.
However, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) were still 72 per cent below the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to preliminary estimates by UNWTO. This follows on from 2020, the worst year on record for tourism, when international arrivals decreased by 73 per cent.
Europe and the Americas recorded the strongest results in 2021 compared to 2020 (up by 19 and 17 per cent respectively), but still both 63 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.
Global tourism experienced a four per cent upturn in 2021 when compared to the prior year, with a total of 415 million international trips made.
However, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) were still 72 per cent below the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to preliminary estimates by UNWTO.
This follows on from 2020, the worst year on record for tourism, when international arrivals decreased by 73 per cent.
Europe and the Americas recorded the strongest results in 2021 compared to 2020 (up by 19 and 17 per cent respectively), but still both 63 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.
Get Youth Working Program | Funding Available for Re-Hiring and Preventing Layoffs
The Get Youth Working Program offers eligible employers in B.C. a negotiated Wage Subsidy as an incentive to hire eligible youth age 17 to 29. The business must employ youth for a minimum of 3 months with preference given to long-term positions over 6 months
At any time during the recruiting process (before signing an agreement), businesses can complete and submit a 5-minute online application. If program criteria is met, an agreement can be signed, and payment disbursed at the end of the work experience period.
There's also a free job board. To post a job, complete an application to gain access and post your position.
The Get Youth Working Program offers eligible employers in B.C. a negotiated Wage Subsidy as an incentive to hire eligible youth age 17 to 29. The business must employ youth for a minimum of 3 months with preference given to long-term positions over 6 months
At any time during the recruiting process (before signing an agreement), businesses can complete and submit a 5-minute online application. If program criteria is met, an agreement can be signed, and payment disbursed at the end of the work experience period.
There's also a free job board. To post a job, complete an application to gain access and post your position.
COVID-19 What to Do | BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has guidance for what to do in various scenarios if someone has COVID or has been in contact with COVID. As of January 2022, the guidance is:
If tested positive:
If fully vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 5 days since the start of symptoms. Wear a mask even in settings where a mask isn’t required and avoid higher risk settings, such as long term care facilities and gatherings, for another 5 days after ending isolation.
If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 10 days since the start of symptoms.
If not better after the 5 or 10 days, keep self-isolating until feeling better and fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
If you feel worse, call 8-1-1 or your medical care provider.
Public health will let you know if you need to self-isolate for more than 10 days.
If you tested negative:
Self-isolate until symptoms improve and you feel well enough to return to regular activities.
If there's a fever, stay home until the fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
Close contacts: If you were identified as a close contact and need to self-isolate, you still need to complete your self-isolation.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has guidance for what to do in various scenarios if someone has COVID or has been in contact with COVID.
As of January 2022, the guidance is:
If tested positive:
If fully vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 5 days since the start of symptoms. Wear a mask even in settings where a mask isn’t required and avoid higher risk settings, such as long term care facilities and gatherings, for another 5 days after ending isolation.
If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, self-isolate for at least 10 days since the start of symptoms.
If not better after the 5 or 10 days, keep self-isolating until feeling better and fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
If you feel worse, call 8-1-1 or your medical care provider.
Public health will let you know if you need to self-isolate for more than 10 days.
If you tested negative:
Self-isolate until symptoms improve and you feel well enough to return to regular activities.
If there's a fever, stay home until the fever is gone (without taking medicine that reduces fever).
Close contacts: If you were identified as a close contact and need to self-isolate, you still need to complete your self-isolation.
Province Extends Restrictions, Gyms Able to Reopen
The Province announced gyms and fitness centres across B.C. will be allowed to start gradually reopening as of Thursday. Other previous restrictions, including the ban on gatherings like weddings and funerals, is being extended until February 16. Bars, nightclubs, and lounges must also stay closed.
Here are the revised PHO orders:
The Province announced gyms and fitness centres across B.C. will be allowed to start gradually reopening as of Thursday.
Other previous restrictions, including the ban on gatherings like weddings and funerals, is being extended until February 16. Bars, nightclubs, and lounges must also stay closed.
Food & Liquor Serving Premises Summary (as prepared by ABLE BC):
Premises which are licensed to serve liquor, and which do not have full meal service, must be closed.
“full meal service” includes food provided by a caterer to the premises or available from a food truck located beside or on the premises, but does not include snacks, appetizers or tapas on their own.
Patrons must stay in the seat to which they are assigned, or at which they seat themselves, and must not move from table to table or mingle with patrons from other parties when not seated.
No more than 6 patrons may be seated at a table, unless the party consists of one set of parents and their minor children.
Patrons must remain seated, other than in private clubs or tasting rooms with a liquor manufacturer’s licence, except:
to to use a self- serve food or drink station, a self-serve lottery ticket dispenser, pay at a pay station, use washroom facilities, to provide assistance to another person who requires care or first aid, when leaving the premises, or
to play pool, billiards, snooker, or darts, or bowl (if there is a bowling alley on premises), with a maximum of five other persons who are in the same party as the patron and who are seated with the patron:
There must be a distance of two metres between the backs of the seats of patrons seated at adjacent tables or booths, even if members of the same party are seated at adjacent tables or booths, unless the adjacent tables or booths are separated by physical barriers.
There must be two metres between patrons seated at a counter, unless the patrons are in the same party or they are separated by physical barriers.
If there are physical barriers between tables or booths or seats at a counter, the tops and bottoms of the physical barriers must be positioned so that the physical barriers block the transmission of droplets produced by breathing, talking, coughing or sneezing between patrons who are seated at adjacent tables, booths or seats at a counter.
Patrons must not dance on the premises and dance floors must be closed with physical barriers or occupied with tables
Here are the revised PHO orders:
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.