Tourism Industry Association of Canada Survey on Needs for Recovery | Closes March 28

Algonquin College’s School of Business is conducting a research project on behalf of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) to understand what is needed for the full recovery of the tourism industry and thoughts on emerging travel trends.

The research team hopes to identify the expectations of visitors as the pandemic lingers on, the regions of the tourism market that may be first to rebound, the international markets that may be the first to return, and more.

Share your thoughts and support the recovery of the industry with your feedback by March 28.

Take Survey →

Signage Request: Invasive Species Signage | Submit by March 31

The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) has just received funding from the Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) to distribute another 200 CDD signs to places in BC with either no signs or outdated signage.

The Invasive Species Council is asking for input to:

• Determine if there is a need for signage.

• Seek requests for signage.

ISCBC's goal is to expand the messaging of these best practices for preventing the spread of invasive species to help protect the ecosystems of our province.

Attached in the link below is to determine a signage request form to determine which signs are needed and where they will be placed. This is a FREE initiative (installation not covered).

Note: The updated deadline for signage requests is March 31st, and there is no limit on the signage you can request.

View Request Form →

Important Message from Vivek Sharma

“I am very sorry and deeply regret the insensitive and inappropriate comments I made at the start of last week’s BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference. Not only did my words cause distress for several women in the audience but I also offended many other delegates.

My unacceptable remarks did not set the intended tone for the conference and consequently placed TIABC and BCHA’s board and staff in a very difficult position. I am also mindful that what I said does not reflect the views of either TIABC or BCHA, both of whom have worked hard to advocate for the tenets of equality, inclusion, and diversity in our sector. I’ve spent many years working alongside these reputable organizations to help our industry grow and flourish. As a result of my recent conduct, I have let down valued colleagues who love and care about me.

Since last Wednesday I have had multiple conversations with delegates, industry leaders and associates, as well as a time for sobering reflection on what transpired at the conference. As such, I have chosen to step down from the boards of both TIABC and BCHA effective immediately.

This decision is not to hide from my major mistake or leave the industry that I truly love, but rather to see how, through my remorse, I can use this opportunity to learn and to contribute to making the tourism and hospitality sector a safer place and one that advances the values of equality and opportunity for women, youth, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups in our society.

As much as my actions caused harm, industry leaders like me have the opportunity to make amends if given the chance.

Again, I offer my sincerest and heartfelt apology for my serious indiscretion.”

- Vivek Sharma

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Joint Statement from TIABC and BCHA

“The Board of Directors for both TIABC and BCHA acknowledge the impact of last week's incident and have taken decisive action that includes wholeheartedly committing to additional steps to elevate and empower women in tourism and hospitality. We look forward to communicating these actions over the coming months. Importantly, the past few days have sparked important conversations that have forced us to confront the responsibility we each hold in creating a fair and equitable industry, free of bias. We invite you to join this conversation and connect with us.”

JJ Belanger | jj@crystalcove.ca

Chair, Tourism Industry Association of BC

Bryan Pilbeam | chair@bcha.com

Chair, British Columbia Hotel Association

Claim Your bookeco Sustainable Tourism Listing

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.

bookeco is a fast growing, customer focused platform that connects customers to businesses that care about the planet. 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 along with a rapidly growing eco-conscious customer base.

bookeco will feature the Thompson Okanagan as a sustainable destination and home to many responsible places to stay, things to do, and places to eat and drink.

Tourism businesses who demonstrate sustainable practices can register to be featured on the bookeco website, which will increase bookings and revenue by attracting sustainability focused customers to their business.

TOTA encourages all businesses taking sustainable actions to create a profile on bookeco to help customers easily find sustainable tourism providers in the Thompson Okanagan region.

Register for bookeco listing

Businesses can register for the free Basic Plan and link customer bookings through external booking partners websites, or the Advantage Plan to eliminate external booking partner fees.

With the Advantage Plan, companies will:

• Drive bookings directly to your website.

• Stop paying high booking partner fees.

• Gain access to a sustainability focused customer base.

• Showcase your sustainability initiatives to the world.

• Add video content to your profile to increase booking conversion rates.

• Receive priority email support.

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bookeco Biosphere Discount

As part of TOTA’s partnership, Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies will receive a discount when they sign up for the bookeco Advantage Plan. The discount is 3 months free on the monthly plan or 4 months free on the yearly plan.

The Biosphere Commitment Program is open to Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses taking action towards sustainability and costs $250/year to participate.

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bookeco Plans

When registering for the Advantage Plan, companies can choose their business category and either a monthly or yearly subscription:

$9.99 CAD / month or $99 CAD / year

$14.99 CAD / month or $149 CAD / year

$24.99 CAD / month or $249 CAD / year

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If you have any questions or to receive the discount code, email Biosphere@TOTABC.com.

Post a Job on the go2HR Job Board

The go2HR job board is free for tourism and hospitality employers operating in British Columbia. Post jobs and hiring events to find quality employees in Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Entertainment, Transportation, and Travel Services.

The go2HR Job Board receives 20,000 monthly visits from qualified candidates looking for front-line, supervisory, management or executive positions.

Learn More & Post a Job →

How to Make St. Patrick's Day Eco-Friendly

St. Patrick’s Day is annual celebration of Irish culture on March 17, featuring green outfits, decorations, beer, and food. Like other holidays, celebrations may result in consumerism and unnecessary waste.

As a Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to make St. Patrick’s Day more eco-friendly and greener this year, and every year.

TOTA has compiled the following tips to make St. Patrick’s Day even greener with a few eco-friendly activities or actions:

• Eat green - make food and beverages with local produce, reduce food waste, and compost what can’t be used.

• Drink green local and/or organic beer.

• Decorate green - use biodegradable or reusable decor, rather than single-use plastic decorations. If needed, Recycle paper, cardboard, and hard plastic decorations.

• Host events outside in the fresh air to improve health and wellness.

• Plant something green in the garden.

• Encourage guests to use green transportation options, like bikes, buses, shuttles, or carpooling.

• Dress green - Sell green clothing made of responsibly sourced and sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and wear reusable outfits.

Wines of British Columbia Ambassador Program - Level 1 & 2 Now Available

Registration is now open for the Wines of BC Ambassador Program, a one-of-a-kind, exclusively B.C. focused series of educational courses designed to share what makes B.C. wine so unique, and worth getting in your glass.

Level 1: Introduction is an online certification designed for everyone making, growing, serving, or simply enjoying B.C. wine. Wine professionals can use promo code BCWINETRADE22 for a complimentary course.

Register →

Level 2: Intermediate is a more in-depth course offered in-person by a trained Ambassador Facilitator, and includes an educational tasting of B.C. wines alongside international benchmarks. This course will give you more in-depth knowledge and understanding of the regions, subregions, soils and wine laws that affect the production of BC wine. Highly recommended for wine professionals in the winery, retail, and restaurant setting.

The course will be hosted in Kelowna, Kamloops, and other B.C. and Alberta communities.

Learn More & Register →

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BC Tourism & Hospitality Award Thompson Okanagan Recipients

The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) and Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) announced the winners of the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards. The winners were announced during the 2022 Awards Gala on March 10, presented by Indigenous Tourism BC.

The awards recognize and celebrate excellence within British Columbia's tourism & hospitality industry.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the awards for remarkable leadership and outstanding contribution.

Congratulations to the following award winners, which operate in the Thompson Okanagan:

• Accessibility Award: Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association (KASA) for a significant contribution towards making B.C. an inclusive and welcoming destination for everyone, that has built the capacity to support more accessible tourism & hospitality products, services and experiences, and provides an outstanding experience for guests with disabilities.

• Employees First Award: Accent Inns & Hotel Zed for being employer who has upheld high standards of excellence in occupational health & safety, human resource management practices, and workplace culture.

Learn More →

B.C. Launches Plan to Revitalize Tourism, Creating Opportunities for People

B.C. has launched a new three-year roadmap for rebuilding and revitalizing tourism, creating jobs and opportunities for people and communities in every part of the province.

The renewed Strategic Framework for Tourism responds to the call to action from the sector to support its recovery from COVID-19. It outlines a roadmap for a more resilient tourism sector by rebuilding to 2019 levels by 2024.

Requested by B.C.’s tourism industry leaders and the Tourism Task Force, the update of this framework focuses on provincial priorities of putting people first; lasting and meaningful reconciliation; equity and anti-racism; a better future through fighting climate change; and a strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone.

To continue to support tourism businesses in B.C. to come back stronger, the Province is investing $1 million toward investments in event-bid preparation and sponsorships to attract large-scale arts, culture, and sport events, and public conferences and exhibitions.

Investing now in event programs will kick-start the events industry’s recovery and will position B.C. as a safe, world-class, event-hosting jurisdiction once again. This is in addition to the $8 million government recently announced for the Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund to help restart business travel by attracting and hosting business events, conferences and exhibitions.

The Tourism Task Force emphasized how challenging it has been for industry to find the skilled workers it needs. This is why government is investing a further $2 million for post-secondary education and training to support B.C. students who enrol in tourism and hospitality certificate, diploma or degree programs, tourism-related apprenticeships, and trades training and development programs. This program, will prioritize students who are Indigenous, immigrant, or refugee applicants, as well as those from rural or remote locations, and people with accessibility needs. More details will be provided soon.

As part of the Province’s continuing tourism recovery initiatives, government has committed $6 million this year through 2024 for Destination BC to market B.C. as a destination of choice in the highly competitive international market.

This funding builds on the $570 million the B.C. government has invested in recovery supports for the tourism sector, including the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant and the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant that are providing funding to nearly 8,200 tourism and hospitality businesses.

View Announcement →

View Strategic Framework →

View At A Glance →

Service Provider Feature & Discount: Rezgo Booking Platform

The Rezgo booking platform has flexible tools designed to help manage your business efficiently, market more effectively, process payments faster and more securely, and make smart decisions informed by real-world data—no matter the scale or the volume of your business.

Customers can book on any device through your website or a convenient white-label service, and you can take secure payments online, in person, or over the phone with the payment gateway of choice. The system helps to build better relationships with your customers with in-depth reporting, email automation, comprehensive waivers, and verified reviews.

There are no monthly subscriptions, booking volume costs, or user account limits. The only cost is the payment fee for bookings, so you only pay when you’re doing business. The fee can be included in the transaction so customers cover the fee.

Rezgo is Canadian owned and operated, headquartered in Vancouver.

Rezgo is offering a discounted rate to Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses of 3.4% (-1.5% off listed price) for front-end online bookings. To receive the discount, tell the Rezgo sales/support team that you are a TOTA stakeholder.

Learn More & Book Demo →

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British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network Wins BC Tourism & Hospitality Award for Community Contribution

BC Tourism Resiliency Network RDMO CEOs with BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Community Impact Award 2022 - Clint Fraser, Kathy Cooper, Anthony Everett, and Ellen Walker-Matthews. Amy Thacker not pictured.

(Richmond, B.C.) March 11, 2022 - The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) has been recognized with a 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Award in the category of Community Contribution & Impact.

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers. See the full list of nominees.

“We are honoured to have served B.C. tourism businesses and communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and support their survival,” said Anthony Everett, President & CEO, Tourism Vancouver Island and Chair, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat. “This program was designed by the tourism industry for the tourism industry, utilizing our sector’s specialized understanding of our own needs to guide the recovery of B.C.’s visitor economy.”

Evolving from a program initiated by Tourism Vancouver Island shortly after the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is a long-term resiliency program led by the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), providing B.C. tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt, and work towards eventual recovery.

The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network has helped 2,033 tourism businesses to date, including 158 Indigenous-owned, 440 women-owned, and six youth-owned businesses in communities spanning the province. 1,333 participants have successfully secured aid from government relief programs and an estimated 3,694 jobs have been preserved.

“By working together across the province, the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is maximizing our collective expertise and resources, and leveraging the local knowledge and long-standing relationships we’ve held with stakeholders in our five regions for over 50 years,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Treasurer, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat. “The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network provided a vehicle for us to work together like never before and allowed the development of infrastructure that can be repurposed into managing other crises, but also future partnerships for the betterment of B.C.’s tourism industry.”

The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO), including: Tourism Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA), Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA), and Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (NBCTA).

The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat gratefully acknowledges funding for the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network from Island Coastal Economic Trust and Western Economic Diversification Canada, and support from numerous additional partners.

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards were announced and presented at an awards gala on Thursday, March 10, 2022, as part of the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of BC and British Columbia Hotel Association.

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About the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS)

The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO), including: Tourism Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA), Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA), and Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (NBCTA). The BC Tourism Resiliency Network is a long-term resiliency program providing BC tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt, and work towards eventual recovery.

Learn more at TourismResiliency.ca.

B.C. Lifting Mask Requirement on March 11, 2022

Starting March 11, 2022 at 12:01 am, because of B.C.'s lowered hospitalization and transmission rates, these activities can return to normal:

• Masks no longer required in public indoor settings under a public health order

• Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries, but not required

• Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises

• Masks are still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel

• No restrictions on worship service capacity

• Overnight camps for children and youth allowed

By March 18, there will be no visitor limits at long-term care and seniors' assisted living facilities.

When K to 12 schools return from spring break, masks will no longer be required for students, staff and visitors.

On April 8, 2022 at 12:01 am, further restrictions will be lifted:

• Proof of vaccination will no longer be required to access businesses, events and services

  • Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring proof of vaccination for entry

  • Proof of vaccination is still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel

• Businesses will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan. They must follow communicable disease guidance from WorkSafeBC

• Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for post-secondary student housing

Learn More →

Survey on Business Names Renewal | Deadline: May 15, 2022

Participate in the Business Names Renewal Consultation to share your thoughts on the potential for a required business name registration renewal process with the corporate registry. 

The Corporate Registry holds information on all corporations, partnerships, and businesses. Initial research suggests that many business names registered with the Corporate Registry belong to non-operational businesses. Currently, there is no process to remove the names of these non-operational business entities from the Corporate Registry.

A renewal process would ensure that the Registry is up-to-date for people and businesses, and there is greater access to names for new businesses in B.C.

For more information, visit the consultation website and read the letter from the Deputy Minister of Finance.

Your feedback can be submitted through the online survey or by writing to biz.consult@gov.bc.ca. The deadline is May 15, 2022.

Take Survey →

IMPACT Tourism Sustainability Conference | May 8-11, 2022

On May 8 to 11, 2022, industry leaders will gather in Victoria for IMPACT, work to ensure tourism across Canada comes back far more sustainable and regenerative than it was before COVID.

During this time of disru ption in the world, tourism can support jobs, the economy, conservation, culture, and peace. Sustainable tourism is a collaborative effort that needs many diverse voices to result in positive action.

The founders of IMPACT have worked hard to build out a program that features experts, case studies and real solution around topics including:

• The Fundamentals of Diversity and Inclusion

• Doughnut Economics and Tourism

• Destination Master Planning

• Pathways to Decarbonization for Tourism

• Ancient Ecosystems and the value of biodiversity

• Decolonization of Tourism

• Clean Tech solutions for Tourism

• A vision for regenerative tourism

Join these sessions to see exceptional speakers like Wade Davis, Keith Henry, Marion Joppe, and Robert Sandford among many others to work towards a more sustainable future.

Learn More & Register →

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Rapid Tests for People 60+ at Pharmacies

Rapid antigen test kits are now available through community pharmacies to people aged 60 and older.

Eligible individuals can pick up one kit containing five tests every 28 days from participating pharmacies at no cost. Individuals must present their personal health number when picking up the kit or, if others are picking up kits on their behalf, in addition to the individual’s name and personal health number, date of birth must also be supplied.

Individuals should pick up a test kit when they are asymptomatic to use at a future time when they have symptoms. B.C. is expecting to receive an additional 9 million tests from the federal government, which will support the province’s strategy to further distribute tests to members of the broader community.

Learn More →

Driving Female Success | Royal Roads University Survey for Female Executives

The School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Royal Roads University is collecting data from women to understand how women in executive leadership roles, specifically in the hospitality and tourism sectors, have successfully obtained top positions. They invite women to describe experiences as a leader in the tourism and hospitality industry in a survey of 17 questions. It should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Upon completing this research, the objective is to submit a peer-reviewed journal article to share with current industry professionals and graduate students looking for more guidance and successful leadership pathways.

Take Survey →

Merritt Raising Funds for 3D Home Printer

Following November’s catastrophic flooding events, roughly 600 Merritt residents still haven't returned to 250 homes. The City of Merritt considered a variety of different types of homes and discovered that 3D printing is cost-effective and quick.

The next step is raising roughly $700,000 to purchase a $1.3 million 3D printer. The city is hoping to find grants, charities, and donations to get half of the printer’s cost. The cost will be matched by UBC as they have all the engineering and would like to perform case studies.

Learn More →

New Biosphere Member: Olive Us Oils & Vinegar Tasting Room

Since opening their doors in 2013, Olive Us Oils & Vinegar Tasting Room has operated on a triple bottom line model of People, Planet, and Profit. This has designed their stores and products to match the same ethos. Olive Us sees the Biosphere Commitment Program as an opportunity to take their environmental efforts to the next level and join a community of likeminded Okanagan businesses who are passionate about sustainable tourism. Beyond the steps they’ve already taken, like collecting and washing thousands of Olive Us bottles for reuse, they are excited to get started on the 17 United Nation Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, they are looking forward to learning how to exemplify the 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations Regional Pledge.

“Sustainability means living in ways that support the environment, our community, and ourselves. At Olive Us we believe that encompasses treating our team with respect and compassion, doing business with integrity, delivering excellent customers service, and finding ways we can be gentler to the earth. The foundation of our tasting rooms is just that - tasting! We use compostable tasting cups and spoons to lighten our footprint. To support our community we sell local, artisan products that support growers and makers around BC, and we donate thousands of dollar of product per year in silent auctions and giveaways to causes that spark our hearts. Most of all, we love to have fun in our stores, share delicious food, and create memories. We will even encourage you to “Go ahead… play with your food!”

- Janet Cody & Bailey Morin, Olive Us Oils & Vinegar Tasting Room

At their tasting rooms in Vernon, Lake Country, and Salmon Arm, Olive Us features high-quality extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and an array of gourmet eats. They source responsibly, delivering the freshest olive oils possible, from growers who value the land they farm. To build their beautiful tasting rooms they repurposed materials destined for the landfill, installed LED lighting, and invested in a bottle washing system to rescue their used bottles from recycling. They are excited to take on new challenges and expand their sustainable efforts!

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Free Business Energy Assessment

TOTA offers complimentary virtual Energy Assessments to tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region. Since beginning the program in July 2020 with FortisBC, TOTA has helped businesses identify annual cost saving opportunities ranging from $100 to $2,500, with additional cost savings available through rebates.

Whether you are a business owner or are a long-term leaseholder of a commercial building or industrial facility, the Energy Analyst can help you save on operating costs by improving the efficiency of your energy usage, furthermore reducing your environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions.

TOTA's Energy Analyst, Harshit Srivastava, has a Masters in Clean Energy Engineering from the University of British Columbia and relevant industry experience. Harshit is eager to work with regional tourism stakeholders to help reduce energy costs through energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.

Register for Free Energy Assessment →

Schedule an Introduction Call with Harshit →

Entrée Destinations Stories of Canada: B.C. & Thompson Okanagan Itinerary

Entrée Canada signed an historic agreement with Destination Canada to create the Stories of Canada™, a collection of 20 new travel itineraries covering all 13 provinces and territories. These itineraries dig deep on Canada’s landmarks, cultures and people, and aim to facilitate authentic, memorable connections between visitors and the communities where they travel.

The Stories of Canada British Columbia is an eight-night itinerary with 3 nights in Kelowna, featuring the Eldorado Resort, a walk on Ancestral Paths and welcoming Smudge Ceremony with Moccasin Trails, lunch at two wineries, an orchard tour, a day trip to Penticton, paddling on Okanagan Lake, and biking on the Kettle Valley Railway.

View B.C. Itinerary →