News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Share Feedback on BC Pandemic Response | Submit by April 20, 2022
The Province is launching an independent review and public consultation on government’s operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic to better inform preparations and responses to future emergencies and ensure British Columbians are protected.
Until April 20, people in British Columbia can provide written feedback about how they, or their business/organization, have been affected by government’s operational measures and communication throughout the pandemic.
A report with a comprehensive summary of the findings is expected by fall.
The Province is launching an independent review and public consultation on government’s operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic to better inform preparations and responses to future emergencies and ensure British Columbians are protected.
The goal is to learn about how government agencies worked together to address the effects of COVID-19 that affected everyone, changed rapidly and continues to cause a high level of uncertainty.
The review will include what aspects of preparedness, engagement, communications and implementation worked well, what changes were made to improve operational effectiveness as the pandemic evolved, and what improvements can be made to better prepare for pandemics and emergencies.
Until April 20, people in British Columbia can provide written feedback about how they, or their business/organization, have been affected by government’s operational measures and communication throughout the pandemic.
A report with a comprehensive summary of the findings is expected by fall.
New BC Parks Reservations System
Camping enthusiasts can now use the improved BC Parks reservation service, launched March 21.
The new online reservation service, Camping.BCParks.ca, is part of a broader redesign of BC Parks’ digital services to improve the park experience from computer to campground.
With the new reservation service, people will be able to reserve a campsite up to two months before the desired arrival date at most campgrounds.
Designed with input from campers, park operators, and other service organizations, the new reservation service includes:
more flexible search options such as a map to search campgrounds by region, park listing or site availability;
information on nearby facilities and large photos of campsites so people know what to expect when they arrive;
an interactive calendar that shows when booked sites will become available; and
saved booking preferences within customer accounts.
Camping enthusiasts can now use the improved BC Parks reservation service, launched March 21.
The new online reservation service, Camping.BCParks.ca, is part of a broader redesign of BC Parks’ digital services to improve the park experience from computer to campground.
With the new reservation service, people will be able to reserve a campsite up to two months before the desired arrival date at most campgrounds.
Designed with input from campers, park operators, and other service organizations, the new reservation service includes:
more flexible search options such as a map to search campgrounds by region, park listing or site availability;
information on nearby facilities and large photos of campsites so people know what to expect when they arrive;
an interactive calendar that shows when booked sites will become available; and
saved booking preferences within customer accounts.
BCTHC | In Memoriam Tribute
During the BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards Gala, BC Hotel Association and the Tourism Industry Association of BC shared a tribute to those in the BC tourism industry industry lost in recent years, in honour of their contribution and memory.
During the BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards Gala, BC Hotel Association and the Tourism Industry Association of BC shared a tribute to those in the BC tourism industry industry lost in recent years, in honour of their contribution and memory.
Take the Digital Maturity Assessment
Companies with a higher level of digital maturity enjoy higher sales and profit growth than their peers. How does your company’s digital maturity compare?
Use BDC’s free Digital maturity assessment to find out standings and compare with industry peers, as well as to identify areas for improvement.
With the results, a detailed, printable report containing recommended readings and information on best practices is available for download.
Want to improve your digital maturity? Learn about the free Canada Digital Adoption Program.
Companies with a higher level of digital maturity enjoy higher sales and profit growth than their peers. How does your company’s digital maturity compare?
Use BDC’s free Digital maturity assessment to find out standings and compare with industry peers, as well as to identify areas for improvement.
With the results, a detailed, printable report containing recommended readings and information on best practices is available for download.
Want to improve your digital maturity? Learn about the free Canada Digital Adoption Program.
New UNWTO Guidelines Put Women's Empowerment at Heart of Tourism's Restart
A new set of guidelines from the UNWTO will help both governments and businesses better address the needs of women in the tourism sector.
The guidelines aim to ensure an inclusive and resilient recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. The guidelines recognize that, given the disproportionate loss of employment suffered by women, as well as the high proportion of women workers within tourism and their concentration in lower-skilled and lower-paid jobs, plans for the sector’s restart and recovery must address their specific needs.
A new set of guidelines will help both governments and businesses better address the needs of women in the tourism sector.
The guidelines published by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) were developed with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development (BMZ), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and UN Women.
The guidelines aim to ensure an inclusive and resilient recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. The guidelines recognize that, given the disproportionate loss of employment suffered by women, as well as the high proportion of women workers within tourism and their concentration in lower-skilled and lower-paid jobs, plans for the sector’s restart and recovery must address their specific needs.
Groundbreaking for Gateway 286 at Former Merritt Rest Stop
Ground was broken in Merritt on an ambitious project that aims to bolster support for First Nations economic development in the area.
Gateway 286 is a project taking shape on 11.6 hectares of land near the old Merritt visitor information centre. The rest stop was closed in 2018 and, in 2020, the provincial government transferred the land to five Nicola Valley First Nations — Coldwater Indian Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band, and Upper Nicola Indian Band.
Spayum Holdings was created by the five bands to oversee Gateway 286, plans for which include a redeveloped visitor information centre and 30,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Two industry partners, Troika Management Corp. and PR Petroleum, have signed on to work on the project.
Ground was broken in Merritt on an ambitious project that aims to bolster support for First Nations economic development in the area.
Gateway 286 is a project taking shape on 11.6 hectares of land near the old Merritt visitor information centre. The rest stop was closed in 2018 and, in 2020, the provincial government transferred the land to five Nicola Valley First Nations — Coldwater Indian Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band, and Upper Nicola Indian Band.
Spayum Holdings was created by the five bands to oversee Gateway 286, plans for which include a redeveloped visitor information centre and 30,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Two industry partners, Troika Management Corp. and PR Petroleum, have signed on to work on the project.
Air Canada Expands Flights to New Zealand and Australia
Air Canada announced a strategic expansion of its South Pacific schedule with the return of daily service to Sydney and resumption of services to both Brisbane and Auckland.
Air Canada's Australia and New Zealand flights operate from its trans-Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport which the carrier has built to conveniently connect its international network to its vast North American network, including Kelowna.
Air Canada announced a strategic expansion of its South Pacific schedule with the return of daily service to Sydney and resumption of services to both Brisbane and Auckland.
Air Canada's Australia and New Zealand flights operate from its trans-Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport which the carrier has built to conveniently connect its international network to its vast North American network, including Kelowna.
BC Minimum Wage Increasing June 1 to Support Workers & Families
Effective June 1, BC's lowest-paid workers will get a pay boost, with the general minimum wage increasing from $15.20 to $15.65 an hour. An increase of 2.8% will also apply to the live-in camp leader and live-in home support worker minimum daily wages; and resident caretaker minimum monthly wage.
Effective June 1, BC's lowest-paid workers will get a pay boost, with the general minimum wage increasing from $15.20 to $15.65 an hour.
The Province is following through on a 2020 commitment to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour through measured, predictable increases, and then tie future increases to the rate of inflation. BC's minimum wage is now the highest of all Canadian provinces.
Over the past five years, BC's general minimum wage has increased from $11.35 to $15.65 per hour. The increases have benefited close to 400,000 British Columbians over those years, the majority of whom are women, immigrants, and youth.
As of June 1, an increase of 2.8% will also apply to the live-in camp leader and live-in home support worker minimum daily wages; and resident caretaker minimum monthly wage.
As well, effective Jan. 1, 2023, an increase of 2.8% will apply to minimum piece rates for hand harvesting of 15 specified crops in the agricultural sector.
Get Involved with the Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality (WORTH) Association
The Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Association is British Columbia's first organization committed to advancing women in the recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries. WORTH offers free (or low-cost) networking and educational events, as well as skills training, mentorship programmes, and leadership resources, to help women stay focused on their career goals.
This year, becoming a member of WORTH is free, and you'll be able to stay connected and supported through newsletters, events, and resources.
The Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Association is British Columbia's first organization committed to advancing women in the recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries. WORTH offers free (or low-cost) networking and educational events, as well as skills training, mentorship programmes, and leadership resources, to help women stay focused on their career goals.
This year, becoming a member of WORTH is free, and you'll be able to stay connected and supported through newsletters, events, and resources.
Destination BC Launches Spring Marketing Campaign in BC & Alberta | Download Partner Toolkit
Over the past two weeks, Destination BC has completed its launch of Let’s do Something Together in BC: a domestic seasonal marketing campaign urging BC and Alberta residents to plan and book a spring trip in BC, while reconnecting with loved ones and doing something unforgettable, together. Running from now until May 27, the campaign is designed to create a sense of urgency, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of spring experiences in BC, and encouraging travellers to embrace new adventures as they explore the province with fresh eyes, brighter days, and restored connection with the important people in their lives.
As part of the spring campaign, Destination BC has created a partner toolkit to help industry learn more about the campaign, suggested messaging, how to align content and marketing efforts, and opportunities to get involved – including industry media discounts.
Over the past two weeks, Destination BC has completed its launch of Let’s do Something Together in BC: a domestic seasonal marketing campaign urging BC and Alberta residents to plan and book a spring trip in BC, while reconnecting with loved ones and doing something unforgettable, together.
Running from now until May 27, the campaign is designed to create a sense of urgency, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of spring experiences in BC, and encouraging travellers to embrace new adventures as they explore the province with fresh eyes, brighter days, and restored connection with the important people in their lives.
Partner Toolkit
As part of the spring campaign, Destination BC has created a partner toolkit to help industry learn more about the campaign, suggested messaging, how to align content and marketing efforts, and opportunities to get involved – including industry media discounts.
Top Tips for a Successful Photo or Video Shoot | Destination BC Learning Centre
Planning a photography or video shoot can be a time and resource intensive endeavour; but, with extra care put towards a few key steps in the process, you can get a great return on your effort.
Read up on Destination BC's top tips to help you navigate the shoot planning and production process.
Planning a photography or video shoot can be a time and resource intensive endeavour; but, with extra care put towards a few key steps in the process, you can get a great return on your effort.
Read up on Destination BC's top tips to help you navigate the shoot planning and production process.
Adventure Travel Industry Survey | Complete by March 27, 2022
The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is seeking industry insights through an industry snapshot survey. The yearly industry snapshot provides tremendous insight into the trajectory of the industry and, with this data, ATTA can influence the industry and give operators a way to compare your business. Last year, a robust report was created with information from over 200 respondents.
A senior marketing/sales team member, the general manager, or the CEO often have ready access and knowledge necessary to complete the survey easily.
The deadline for the survey is Sunday, March 27. The survey will take about 20 minutes.
The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is seeking industry insights through an industry snapshot survey. The yearly industry snapshot provides tremendous insight into the trajectory of the industry and, with this data, ATTA can influence the industry and give operators a way to compare your business. Last year, a robust report was created with information from over 200 respondents.
A senior marketing/sales team member, the general manager, or the CEO often have ready access and knowledge necessary to complete the survey easily.
The deadline for the survey is Sunday, March 27. The survey will take about 20 minutes.
Tourism Digital Academy - Free Destination BC Program | Apply Now for March 28 Start
The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, eight-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses seeking to elevate their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or marketing team members, this comprehensive program provides actionable guidance that helps build a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing and analytics.
This intake will offer access to programming during both working and evening hours each week.
Apply now for the 8-week program, which begins March 28, 2022. Availability is limited.
The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, eight-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses seeking to elevate their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or marketing team members, this comprehensive program provides actionable guidance that helps build a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing and analytics.
This intake will offer access to programming during both working and evening hours each week.
Apply now for the 8-week program, which begins March 28, 2022. Availability is limited.
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.
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.
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.
Note: The updated deadline for signage requests is March 31st, and there is no limit on the signage you can request.
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.
Important Message from Vivek Sharma
Vivek Sharma has shared a message about comments made at the start of the BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference.
“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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 tips to make St. Patrick’s Day even greener with a few eco-friendly activities or actions.
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.
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.
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.
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.