News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Worn or Damaged Highway Signs
Many highway signs throughout the province are either old, worn, dirty, out-of-date, or heavily damaged by weather and other factors. Poorly maintained signs don't serve us well as a visitor destination.
TIABC and BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) are looking to provide the Province with recommendations on how to improve the province-wide service and attraction highway signage program.
During your travels throughout various regions, please take photos of any recent blue and white signs that are in disrepair and send them to info@TIABC.ca at your earliest convenience.
Many highway signs throughout the province are either old, worn, dirty, out-of-date, or heavily damaged by weather and other factors. Poorly maintained signs don't serve us well as a visitor destination.
TIABC and BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) are looking to provide the Province with recommendations on how to improve the province-wide service and attraction highway signage program.
During your travels throughout various regions, please take photos of any recent blue and white signs that are in disrepair and send them to info@TIABC.ca at your earliest convenience.
Tourism and Hospitality Focused Summer Courses | Okanagan College
Okanagan College is currently offering low-cost programming to support the Tourism and Hospitality sector throughout the summer months. They are pleased to offer short courses delivered online that will fit both your schedule and provide additional support.
Employers may be reimbursed for 60% of training costs through the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG), a reimbursement program from WorkBC for employers to support workforce training. The Okanagan College training programs falls into the Workforce Training Stream.
Okanagan College is currently offering low-cost programming to support the Tourism and Hospitality sector throughout the summer months. They are pleased to offer short courses delivered online that will fit both your schedule and provide additional support.
Employers may be reimbursed for 60% of training costs through the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG), a reimbursement program from WorkBC for employers to support workforce training. The Okanagan College training programs falls into the Workforce Training Stream.
Air Canada Expanding Services from YVR
As travel measures ease and more people consider their next trip from YVR, Air Canada announced an impressive roster of new flights and the return of familiar favourites across North America and Europe.
Flights include new nonstop service to Austin and Halifax. Air Canada is also restoring service to Anchorage, Boston, Quebec City, Sacramento and Yellowknife, as well as Dublin, Frankfurt and Zurich.
This is great new for international visitors planning a trip to the Thompson Okanagan through YVR Airport.
As travel measures ease and more people consider their next trip from YVR, Air Canada announced an impressive roster of new flights and the return of familiar favourites across North America and Europe.
Flights include new nonstop service to Austin and Halifax. Air Canada is also restoring service to Anchorage, Boston, Quebec City, Sacramento and Yellowknife, as well as Dublin, Frankfurt and Zurich.
This is great new for international visitors planning a trip to the Thompson Okanagan through YVR Airport.
New Biosphere Committed Company, Neuron Mobility
Neuron Mobility has joined the Biosphere Commitment Program and hopes to inspire communities they operate in to choose sustainable transportation options when possible. They are a certified carbon neutral business with sustainability a core value of their company. They are also prepared to be held accountable, and alongside the Biosphere Commitment Program they have also committed globally to The Climate Pledge, joining the world’s most progressive companies to meet net-zero by 2040.
Neuron Mobility
Neuron Mobility is committed to supporting the Okanagan region in meeting its environmental goals. A top focus is on their footprint and they hope to inspire other companies to join the Biosphere Commitment Program and do the same. The Biosphere Commitment Program offers Neuron Mobility a community of like minded business individuals and advisors to help them understand how best to work towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
“We are, at our core, a sustainability company. One of our main objectives is to provide a sustainable alternative to passenger vehicles through innovative micro mobility solutions. With this, sustainability is part of every decision we make as a business. As we have an impact on the communities we operate in, we take a broad view of sustainability and ensure that we are not just creating environmental benefits, but also promoting accessibility, while bolstering the local economy and providing support to social institutions.”
- Olivia Onderdonk, Neuron Mobility
Urban transport is responsible for nearly 25% of global GHC emissions, which needs to be addressed. To ensure the healthy future of communities, Neuron Mobility believes we must see a modal shift in how people move across them. They are proud to provide their riders a green alternative to passenger cars and a complementing service to public transport. Neuron Mobility is committed and proud to be helping drive the change they want to see in communities they operate in.
Neuron Mobilities sustainability achievements include:
Help get cars off streets: from rider surveys, they know that 46% of rides on Neuron devices in Canada replace rides that would have otherwise been in passenger vehicles.
Certified Carbon Neutral: they are certified carbon neutral globally through Carbon Reduction Institute and have committed to reduce their emissions, and offsetting any unavoidable emissions.
Publicly committed: They are also prepared to be held accountable, and alongside the Biosphere Commitment Program they have also committed globally to The Climate Pledge, joining the world’s most progressive companies to meet net-zero by 2040.
Pioneering technology improves operations: Their devices are built to last, their fully modular scooter, designed in-house, means they can repair and replace parts, rather than replacing the whole scooter. The first micro mobility provider globally to deploy swappable batteries across their entire fleet - now a sustainability prerequisite in the industry. This allows them a very small operational vehicle footprint.
Create quality jobs in the cities they operate: They are proud to hire local teams across their operations and to be a Living Wage Employer, certified by Living Wage for Families BC.
Thompson Okanagan & bookeco Join Forces to Connect People with Eco-Friendly Tourism Providers
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and bookeco have formed a strategic alliance and partnership to promote sustainable tourism products and services in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada.
As part of the partnership, bookeco will feature the Thompson Okanagan as a sustainable destination.
Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses who demonstrate sustainable practices will have the opportunity to be featured on the bookeco website. TOTA Biosphere Committed Companies will receive up to 4 months free when they sign up for the bookeco Advantage Plan.
The partnership agreement will also include a series of projects to promote sustainable tourism and responsible tourism providers through email and social media initiatives.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and bookeco have formed a strategic alliance and partnership to promote sustainable tourism products and services in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada.
bookeco is an online platform that connects people to eco-friendly places to stay, things to do, and places to eat and drink. Launched in November of 2021 with an initial focus on the Canadian market, bookeco already has over 1,200 sustainability focused businesses listed on its platform and boasts a rapidly growing eco-conscious customer base. As a map-based platform, bookeco also gives the added advantage of highlighting eco-friendly businesses that are local to users.
bookeco is helping to rebuild the tourism industry by implementing a subscription based model to save sustainability focused businesses on high third party booking fees, and giving businesses the option to drive customers directly to their website. bookeco is focused on helping the tourism industry fight climate change through sustainability, which includes planting trees for every booking made.
“The bookeco platform makes it easy for people to find and select eco-conscious travel options in order to minimize the impact of tourism on the planet,“ said Ellen Walker-Matthews, TOTA CEO. “We look forward to sharing the Thompson Okanagan’s sustainable travel providers with people planning a trip.”
The Thompson Okanagan region is nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Home to over 120 communities, including 33 Indigenous communities, the landscape is as varied as the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies to the semi-arid climate of the Okanagan Desert. This diverse area with 9 sub-regions ranges from Christina Lake and the Shuswap to the east, Cache Creek and Princeton to the west, Valemount and Mount Robson in the north, and Osoyoos and Midway in the south near the Canada-US border.
“We are excited to partner with TOTA, an organization which shares a similar sustainability vision to bookeco,” said Liam Duffy, bookeco Co-Founder. “The Thompson Okanagan region being a Biosphere Certified Gold Destination is a testament to TOTA’s sustainability focus. This partnership offers an exciting opportunity to connect bookeco’s eco-conscious customers to the incredible sustainability focused businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region.”
As part of the partnership, bookeco will feature the Thompson Okanagan as a sustainable destination.
Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses who demonstrate sustainable practices will have the opportunity to be featured on the bookeco website. TOTA Biosphere Committed Companies will receive up to 4 months free when they sign up for the bookeco Advantage Plan.
The partnership agreement will also include a series of projects to promote sustainable tourism and responsible tourism providers through email and social media initiatives.
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia and the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.
TOTA is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.
Learn more at TOTABC.org.
About bookeco:
Founded in Canada, bookeco was launched in November 2021 with a goal to help neutralize tourism’s negative impact on the planet. As a map-based platform, bookeco connects people to eco-friendly places to stay, things to do and places to eat and drink. For every booking made, bookeco plants trees.
Learn more at bookeco.com.
For more information, contact:
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
For information on the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program:
Kavan Vijayakumar
Industry Relations & Stewardship Specialist
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours Welcomes Bamboo Bicycles
Biosphere Committed Company, Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours has their focus on SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production - with the introduction of bamboo bicycles. By introducing bamboo bicycles produced and sold in a small village in Ghana, it provides a more sustainable option and education tool for their business.
Introducing Bamboo Bicycles for Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours
Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours is one of our Biosphere Committed Companies. The Biosphere Commitment Program aligns with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and empowers tourism stakeholders to take action within the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. The SDGs were adopted by the UN in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, reduce inequality and ensure that by 2030, all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs address global challenges and serve as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours has their focus on SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production with the introduction of bamboo bicycles.
These bamboo bicycles are being introduced to their fleet to see how they can withstand the elements and weather the beautiful Okanagan has to offer. The bamboo bicycles are created and sold from a small village in Ghana. By purchasing and supporting this small village it allows their village to create jobs and assists in building schools locally.
The hope from Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours, is that the bicycles hold up well to the demands and allows the company to buy more bamboo bicycles to add to their fleet. A big draw to adding these bamboo bicycles to their fleet is that these bicycles are a more sustainable option and help provide insight to customers about choosing sustainable products.
The bamboo bicycles will be available through their Half Day Guided Myra Canyon Tours. The tours include transportation pick up in Kelowna or West Kelowna and drop off at guests desired location. Reservations are now open on their website, so test out these sustainable bamboo bicycles!
As tourism stakeholders it is our responsibility to support sustainability and localism in our offerings as businesses. This is important locally but also to help educate our customers and visitors. It takes not only a village but everyone working towards a better future to ensure that we have a better world for generations to come.
To learn more about the Biosphere Commitment Program and how you can join this international, world recognized certification that TOTA holds, talk to our Biosphere Team today.
Host a Green Wine Future Virtual Expo Booth on May 23 to 26, 2022 | Apply by March 18, 2022
TOTA is seeking wineries to represent the Thompson Okanagan wine regions by hosting a Green Wine Future virtual booth.
Hosts of the Green Wine Future Virtual Expo will have the opportunity to showcase their wines, products, and services. Delegates, speakers, and exhibitors can network virtually with companies through the booths on the days of the event, May 23 to 26, 2022, starting two weeks prior to the event.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has joined with Green Wine Future (GWF) as a corporate sponsors and strategic partners. The event is the most ambitious environmental conference ever organized for the wine community and will launch as a fully online gathering May 23-26, 2022.
Wineries in the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program are invited to represent the Thompson Okanagan wine regions by hosting a Green Wine Future Virtual Expo Booth.
Hosts will have the opportunity to showcase their wines, products, and services to an international audience interested in sustainable wine. Delegates, speakers, and exhibitors can network virtually with companies through the booths on the days of the event, May 23 to 26, 2022, and starting two weeks prior to the event, May 9.
Availability is limited.
Benefits of hosting a virtual booth include:
Virtual booth networking opportunities during the conference, beginning 2 weeks prior.
Share company information including description, video, and website link.
Operate a Video Chat with ability to share your video with up to 10 people and share a presentation.
Host live virtual tastings with up to 10 clients.
Advertise an Event Offer, a special promotion curated especially for attendees, with a Call to action button.
Receive attendee Registered Interest requests to engage.
How to Apply
The cost for the virtual expo booths is $1,000 USD (invoiced in CAD based on the exchange at the time of invoicing + GST). The first ten Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program wineries to apply by March 18 are eligible to receive a $250 USD discount.
Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program members or those interested in joining can apply for the virtual expo through TOTA. Email Kavan@TOTABC.com with any questions.
Other wineries can can email Wendy Vallaster, Green Wine Future Canadian Agent and Contact at WendyVallaster@Gmail.com.
New B.C. Ministers Appointed for Land Stewardship, Municipal Affairs
Premier John Horgan appointed Josie Osborne as Minister of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship and Minister Responsible for Fisheries, and Nathan Cullen as Minister of Municipal Affairs. Premier Horgan has also named MLA Doug Routley as Parliamentary Secretary for Forests to support the work of Minister Katrine Conroy to modernize forestry in British Columbia.
The establishment of the Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship follows government’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, protecting BC's environment and building a strong economic recovery. Minister Osborne will work with First Nations, local communities and industry to build a vision for land and resource management that will embrace shared decision making on the land base and to build certainty and create further opportunity.
As Minister of Municipal Affairs, Cullen will work with local governments to support their communities as they recover and rebuild after COVID-19 and extreme weather. Cullen will support municipalities to address their priorities, from building infrastructure to responding to challenges posed to businesses and neighbourhoods by homelessness.
Premier John Horgan appointed Josie Osborne as Minister of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship and Minister Responsible for Fisheries, and Nathan Cullen as Minister of Municipal Affairs. Premier Horgan has also named MLA Doug Routley as Parliamentary Secretary for Forests to support the work of Minister Katrine Conroy to modernize forestry in British Columbia.
The establishment of the Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship follows government’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, protecting BC's environment and building a strong economic recovery. Minister Osborne will work with First Nations, local communities and industry to build a vision for land and resource management that will embrace shared decision making on the land base and to build certainty and create further opportunity.
As Minister of Municipal Affairs, Cullen will work with local governments to support their communities as they recover and rebuild after COVID-19 and extreme weather. Cullen will support municipalities to address their priorities, from building infrastructure to responding to challenges posed to businesses and neighbourhoods by homelessness.
Government of Canada Support for the Air Transportation Ecosystem in B.C.
On February 22nd, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI) funding of over $18.8 million in federal support for 11 airports and two air carriers in B.C. In the Thompson Okanagan, Kelowna International Airport received $3,261,330 of RATI funds.
The funding will ensure these airports and carriers can continue essential route maintenance and facility operations, as well as maintain employment and restore growth in the region.
On February 22nd, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI) funding of over $18.8 million in federal support for 11 airports and two air carriers in B.C. In the Thompson Okanagan, Kelowna International Airport received $3,261,330 of RATI funds.
The funding will ensure these airports and carriers can continue essential route maintenance and facility operations, as well as maintain employment and restore growth in the region.
REMINDER | Lightened Border Measures Now in Effect
A reminder that effective Monday, February 28, Canada will be transitioning to a new phase at the border.
All fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada may be randomly selected for testing. However, they will no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting their test result.
Children under 12 years old, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, will be exempt from quarantine without any prescribed conditions limiting their activities.
Travellers will now have the option to use a COVID-19 rapid antigen test result or a molecular test result to satisfy pre-entry requirements.
The Government of Canada will adjust its Travel Health Notice from Level 3 to Level 2. This means that government will no longer recommend Canadians avoid travel for non-essential purposes.
International flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at all Canadian airports that are designated by the Canada Border Services Agency to receive international passenger flights.
Travellers should understand the risks that are still associated with international travel given the high incidence of Omicron, and take necessary precautions.
A reminder that effective Monday, February 28, Canada will be transitioning to a new phase at the border.
All fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada may be randomly selected for testing. However, they will no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting their test result.
Children under 12 years old, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, will be exempt from quarantine without any prescribed conditions limiting their activities.
Travellers will now have the option to use a COVID-19 rapid antigen test result or a molecular test result to satisfy pre-entry requirements.
The Government of Canada will adjust its Travel Health Notice from Level 3 to Level 2. This means that government will no longer recommend Canadians avoid travel for non-essential purposes.
International flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at all Canadian airports that are designated by the Canada Border Services Agency to receive international passenger flights.
Travellers should understand the risks that are still associated with international travel given the high incidence of Omicron, and take necessary precautions.
Funding for Intern Programs | Mitacs
Mitacs designs and delivers research and training programs in Canada, including the Business Strategy Internship and Accelerate Program, which match an organization’s funding towards the project, up to $7,500, which covers a student’s stipend. BSIs are focused on designing and implementing an innovation strategy to tackle a business problem. Accelerate supports research projects that are eligible for peer-review.
Mitacs designs and delivers research and training programs in Canada, including the Business Strategy Internship and Accelerate Program, which match an organization’s funding towards the project, up to $7,500, which covers a student’s stipend. BSIs are focused on designing and implementing an innovation strategy to tackle a business problem. Accelerate supports research projects that are eligible for peer-review.
Business Strategy Internship
Mitacs is bringing their Business Strategy Internship (BSI) program back for a second year. The BSI connects students from academic institutions with businesses and nonprofits to support innovation. With the guidance of an academic supervisor, these interns provide technical expertise on everything from operations to finance, to marketing, to intellectual property, and beyond to help businesses develop and implement their innovation roadmap—and Mitacs funding will support you to bring these students onboard!
Accelerate Program
The Accelerate Program supports organizations to enlist students to work on research projects. Solve your research challenges with academic expertise, leveraged funding, and one-to-one support from Mitacs. Internships start at four months and can scale up as much as you need — your financial contribution starts at $7,500.
Okanagan Rail Trail to Be Completed by Okanagan Indian Band, District of Lake Country, and City of Kelowna
The Okanagan Indian Band, District of Lake Country and City of Kelowna announced agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will pave the way toward building important health, safety, and infrastructure improvements, including completion of the Okanagan Rail Trail.
On February 8, 2022, the Okanagan Indian Band, District of Lake Country and City of Kelowna announced agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will pave the way toward building important health, safety, and infrastructure improvements, including completion of the Okanagan Rail Trail.
Staff discussions among the three neighbours over many months have resulted in an agreement to move toward resolving infrastructure needs. Some preliminary work is already underway on agreements to overcome historical jurisdictional challenges.
Working within the spirit of the agreement, all parties are committed to meeting the following goals:
OKIB Objectives
the opportunity for water and sewer services to existing properties and availability of servicing for future developments,
a road access to a parcel of land on the east side of Duck Lake, and
an Addition to Reserve for the Okanagan Rail Trail corridor.
Lake Country Objectives:
to have Commonwealth Road opened as an arterial access to Jim Bailey Road from Highway 97 to address capacity issues on Beaver Lake Road,
to complete the Okanagan Rail Trail,
to secure interim sewer servicing from the City of Kelowna,
dedication of a road right-of-way north from Beaver Lake Road to the Clearwater/Copperhill subdivision, and
a minor boundary adjustment.
City of Kelowna Objectives:
to complete the development of the Okanagan Rail Trail,
to protect the City’s main sewer line within the rail trail right-of-way through the IR#7,
to obtain full access for the industrial lands via Commonwealth Road, and
later supply from Lake Country for the entire neighbourhood.
The three jurisdictions agree to work together to upgrade Beaver Lake Road to an arterial standard from Highway 97 to Jim Bailey Road.
OKIB has agreed to provide access to the Okanagan Rail Trail once the Government of Canada adds the lands to Reserve. This connection will provide the final link to this important recreational corridor.
Over the coming months, the parties will formalize legal agreements to address responsibilities and funding for the various works.
OKIB Chief Byron Louis, Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran, and Lake Country Mayor James Baker will take part in a ceremonial signing event in the near future.
Small Business BC Awards - Vote for Thompson Okanagan Nominees
The Small Business BC Awards are open for nominations and voting until February 28, 2022. This year’s competition consists of two categories, the Business Impact Award and the returning Premier’s People’s Choice Award.
The Thompson Okanagan small business nominees are:
Click the profile links to cast your vote and support these outstanding small businesses!
The Small Business BC Awards are open for nominations and voting until February 28, 2022. This year’s competition consists of two categories, the Business Impact Award and the returning Premier’s People’s Choice Award.
The Thompson Okanagan small business finalists are:
Click the profile links to cast your vote and support these outstanding small businesses!
Once a small business is nominated, they must gain as many public votes as possible. The businesses with the most votes in the SBBC Business Impact Award category will be narrowed down to the top twenty, then judged by an internal panel of business experts to select the Top Five finalists. The Top 5 Finalists will be invited to present to a panel of judges.
The winner of the Premier’s People’s Choice award will be selected based on the most votes, after a normalization process to allow for regional populations.
On April 28, 2022, a virtual gala will be hosted by Small Business BC to announce and honour the winners.
CleanBC Communities Fund Intake 3 Now Open | Apply by May 25, 2022
The CleanBC Communities Fund (CCF) intake 3 is now accepting applications to fund projects that support the management of renewable energy, access to clean energy transportation, improved energy efficiency of buildings, and generation of clean energy. The fund invests in public infrastructure owned by local governments, Indigenous communities, not-for-profits and projects in partnership with for-profit entities.
The CleanBC Communities Fund (CCF) intake 3 is now accepting applications to fund projects that support the management of renewable energy, access to clean energy transportation, improved energy efficiency of buildings, and generation of clean energy. The fund invests in public infrastructure owned by local governments, Indigenous communities, not-for-profits and projects in partnership with for-profit entities.
Integrating People with Disabilities into the Workplace
There are several B.C. employment agencies that help to successfully match tourism employers with non-traditional labour pools, including people with disabilities.
Once the recruitment process is done, how can employers look beyond obligatory compliance to accommodate people with disabilities so they can do their jobs as effectively as possible?
Learn more in go2HR’s guide to Integrating People with Disabilities into the Workplace →
There are several B.C. employment agencies that help to successfully match tourism employers with non-traditional labour pools, including people with disabilities.
Once the recruitment process is done, how can employers look beyond obligatory compliance to accommodate people with disabilities so they can do their jobs as effectively as possible?
Learn more in go2HR’s guide to Integrating People with Disabilities into the Workplace →
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Collaborates with Green Wine Future 2022
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has joined with Green Wine Future (GWF) as one of its corporate sponsors and strategic partners. The event is the most ambitious environmental conference ever organized for the wine community and will launch as a fully online gathering May 23-26, 2022.
Miami, Florida, USA - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), to show its commitment to protecting the environment and sustainability, has joined with Green Wine Future (GWF) as one of its corporate sponsors and strategic partners. The event is the most ambitious environmental conference ever organized for the wine community and will launch as a fully online gathering May 23-26, 2022.
“Because Green Wine Future is an international summit which will be broadcast around the globe and from eight different time zones, we will be able to show the entire planet, why and how the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada became the first destination in the Americas to successfully achieve the Biosphere Certified designation distinction from the Responsible Tourism Institute,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO for TOTA.
As part of TOTA’s participation in the conference, TOTA is supported by several provincial and regional funding partners: Destination British Columbia, Wine Growers British Columbia, Sustainable Winegrowing British Columbia; and host wineries who will showcase the Thompson Okanagan wine region: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, CedarCreek Estate Winery, and Monte Creek Winery.
To address critical topics of sustainability, wine, and matters related to the climate crisis and the environment, Chrand Events has created Green Wine Future as the culmination of its Climate Change & Wine and Wine Future conferences. The conference will be broadcast in four languages simultaneously (English, Spanish, French, Italian) from 8 different parts of the planet in their respective time zones: USA, Chile, Portugal, Spain, France, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
In 2006, Chrand Events pioneered the world’s first international conference on Climate Change and Wine, and the first event examining the impacts of the climate crisis upon any one industry. Since that edition in Spain, Chrand Events has organized numerous other international conferences in Hong Kong, Portugal, and other parts of the world featuring the most influential names of the wine industry and such visionary global leaders as US President Barack Obama, Nobel Laureate Al Gore, and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan amongst many others.
“Green Wine Future will share with wine professionals innumerable, valuable aspects of how their peers are addressing sustainability issues in creating solutions to problems in the vineyard, winery, supply, and sales streams,” said David Furer, host and co-organizer of this unique international event.
In response to current world conditions, the premiere edition of Green Wine Future will offer a totally new way to attend a conference and for speakers to present their information: a hands-on and practical approach through video footage, and documentaries. Live broadcast from vineyards, footage from innovative solutions to the climate crisis, interactive documentaries specially recorded for the event are just a few highlights of GWF.
This virtual technology will allow wineries and wine companies to be present at the GWF Virtual Expo, showcasing their wines, products, and services. The innovative technology will also allow delegates, speakers, and exhibitors to network virtually for a period of 2 weeks prior to the conference.
GWF also announces the addition of “Wine for the Planet” (W4P) docuseries which will showcase the wine industry’s work in protecting areas of the Earth most sensitive to the climate crisis, including:
Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland, the Arctic;
Coral reefs in different parts of our planet;
The Amazon and other rainforests;
Regions already suffering from water shortages and floods;
Areas implementing sustainable initiatives, such as the Thompson Okanagan region in British Columbia, Canada.
Recorded and presented by GWF and W4P founder Pancho Campo and his team from the above listed regions, W4P will stream free globally during regular breaks of GWF. Documentaries will be available through Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, where the team will highlight wine tastings in Greenland, Iceland, Antarctica, the Amazon, and the Great Coral Reef.
As part of these documentaries, Pancho will travel to the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia at the beginning of April to record a documentary that will showcase the region’s wine industry, sustainable tourism commitments, and environmentally friendly strategies and initiatives that are being undertaken as part of the provincial focus to address the global climate crisis.
The event has obtained the support of many key wine organizations and allies including the International Institute of Vine and Wine, Wine Institute of California, Napa Valley Vintners, Interprofesional del Vino de España, Barossa Australia, Wines of Chile, Wines of Portugal, and the Porto Protocol.
Registrations and all information regarding GWF’s speakers and program, as well as the program for W4P, are available at GreenWineFuture.com.
About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, & Sport. It is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.
For more information, visit TOTABC.org.
About Chrand Events
Chrand Events, founder of Green Wine Future, is an agency founded by former tennis professional and Olympic captain Pancho Campo. Chrand has organized world-class events for over 30 years in more than 20 countries. Chrand has managed and produced concerts, sporting events, summits, and conferences with some of the most important world leaders, celebrities, and Nobel Prize winners including: US President Barack Obama, US Vice-President Al Gore, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, film director Francis Ford Coppola, Sting, Pink Floyd, Andre Agassi and Enrique Iglesias amongst other notables.
For more information, contact:
Pancho Campo
Founder / Conference Director
Sponsorships
Michael Wangbickler
Publicity & Communications Director
Balzac Communications & Marketing
David Furer
Host / Program Director
DF Consults
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Kavan Vijayakumar
Industry Relations & Stewardship Specialist
Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program Winery Virtual Trade Booths
Wendy Vallaster
Certified ISG Sommelier & Professional Wine Consultant
Green Wine Future Virtual Trade Booths
New BC Tourism Learning Portal from the BC Tourism Resiliency Network
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) launched the BC Tourism Learning Portal, a free resource designed to support all B.C. tourism businesses through long-term access to resources.
The portal includes a high-functioning search tool so tourism businesses can ask a question and be provided with helpful information, including: articles, webinar recordings, case studies, links to resources on other sites, and experts offered by the Tourism Resiliency Program.
Thompson Okanagan companies can combine the learning portal with free 1-1 support from a TOTA Advisor through the Tourism Resiliency Program.
The recordings from the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network Online Learning Day held September 28, 2021 are now available on the Learning Portal, and new content will be added on an ongoing basis.
Access Resources at Learn.TourismResiliency.ca
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) launched the BC Tourism Learning Portal, a free resource designed to support all B.C. tourism businesses through long-term access to resources.
The portal includes a high-functioning search tool so tourism businesses can ask a question and be provided with helpful information, including: articles, webinar recordings, case studies, links to resources on other sites, and experts offered by the Tourism Resiliency Program.
Thompson Okanagan companies can combine the learning portal with free 1-1 support from a TOTA Advisor through the Tourism Resiliency Program.
The recordings from the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network Online Learning Day held September 28, 2021 are now available on the Learning Portal, and new content will be added on an ongoing basis.
Access Resources at Learn.TourismResiliency.ca
BSAFE™️ Program Updated with Proof of Vaccination Information
go2HR's free online health and safety program for employees, BSAFE, has been updated to reflect Provincial Health Orders. BSAFE now includes BC Proof of Vaccination protocols as well as Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan.
go2HR's free online health and safety program for employees, BSAFE, has been updated to reflect Provincial Health Orders. BSAFE now includes BC Proof of Vaccination protocols as well as Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan.
This program is designed to ensure foundational health and safety knowledge for BC’s tourism and hospitality businesses to keep everyone — workers, guests and communities — safe as we continue to move through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Course details:
Free for BC tourism and hospitality employers and employees
Created by go2HR in partnership with tourism and hospitality stakeholders and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports
Asynchronous, online training course, 90-minutes in length
Organizations and individuals are able to sign up to take part in the BSAFE training. You can join the over 400 organizations who are already registered and working on becoming BSAFE Trained businesses. Upon full completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of achievement.
Employers who have 75% of their workforce successfully complete the training course, will be recognized with a “BSAFE Trained” certificate. They can use this certificate in different ways to demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe environment for guests and workers, thereby increasing consumer confidence. go2HR will provide a communications toolkit for BSAFE Trained business to easily assist them in promoting this new designation.
PHO Order on Workplace Safety Updated
The provincial health officer (PHO) has updated the Provincial Health Officer Order on Workplace Safety, to support the transition of employees back into the workplace.
The requirement for employers to allow workers to work from their private residence, if possible, has been lifted.
All workplaces must continue to have COVID-19 safety plans in place, and the PHO’s Face Coverings Order continues to apply to some workplaces.
The Province and the PHO recognize that every workplace is different. Many workplaces will be able to transition to in-person work again quickly. Others may wish to continue with remote or hybrid models. Workplaces and businesses are encouraged to choose the option that works best for them.
The provincial health officer (PHO) has updated the Provincial Health Officer Order on Workplace Safety, to support the transition of employees back into the workplace.
The requirement for employers to allow workers to work from their private residence, if possible, has been lifted.
All workplaces must continue to have COVID-19 safety plans in place, and the PHO’s Face Coverings Order continues to apply to some workplaces.
The Province and the PHO recognize that every workplace is different. Many workplaces will be able to transition to in-person work again quickly. Others may wish to continue with remote or hybrid models. Workplaces and businesses are encouraged to choose the option that works best for them.
Student Hiring Resources from ACE-WIL - Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon
ACE-WIL BC/Yukon, the Association of Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning, connects post-secondary students and employers for co-operative education and work-integrated learning experiences. Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a model and process of curricular experiential education which formally and intentionally integrates a student’s academic studies within a workplace or practice setting.
ACE-WIL offers several resources for hospitality and tourism employers, including:
Talent MATCH: Talk to an advisor to learn which student talent programs best fits your organizational needs. Talent MATCH will connect you to the appropriate post-secondary school(s) and help you identify funding sources and wage subsidies. Organizations of all sizes are eligible through go2HR.
Resource Hub: The ACE-WIL Resource Hub offers tips for recruiting, accessing funding, and managing students remotely. You’ll find webinars, events, and funding opportunities.
Student Recruitment Guide: Talent MATCH created a student recruitment guide with lists of post-secondary institutions with hospitality, tourism, and culinary related programs and student hiring timelines.
ACE-WIL BC/Yukon, the Association of Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning, connects post-secondary students and employers for co-operative education and work-integrated learning experiences. ACE-WIL is a provincial not-for-profit that works with 25 accredited, publicly funded, post-secondary institutions in the BC/Yukon region that offer co-op and work-integrated learning programs.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a model and process of curricular experiential education which formally and intentionally integrates a student’s academic studies within a workplace or practice setting. WIL experiences include an engaged partnership between an academic institution, a host organization, and a student.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) students can offer so much to your organization, whether it’s taking on a one-off research project, developing a safety plan or user manual, managing your social media channels, handling accounting duties, plus so much more.
Talent MATCH
Talk to an advisor to learn which student talent programs best fits your organizational needs. Talent MATCH will connect you to the appropriate post-secondary school(s) and help you identify funding sources and wage subsidies. Organizations of all sizes are eligible through go2HR.
Resource Hub
The ACE-WIL Resource Hub offers tips for recruiting, accessing funding, and managing students remotely. You’ll find webinars, events, and funding opportunities.
Student Recruitment Guide
Talent MATCH created a student recruitment guide with lists of post-secondary institutions with hospitality, tourism, and culinary related programs and student hiring timelines.