News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Career Fair Season: Tips for Employers from go2HR
Career Fairs are an excellent way to source talent for your open positions. But did you know that there are things that an employer can do to help make the most of the event? Take a moment to read through these excellent tips to make your organization shine at the next Career Fair you attend.
Career Fairs are an excellent way to source talent for your open positions. But did you know that there are things that an employer can do to help make the most of the event?
Take a moment to read through these excellent tips to make your organization shine at the next Career Fair you attend:
Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit for International Student Hires
ACE-WIL has put together a fantastic toolkit for employers and hiring managers looking to incorporate diversity and inclusion into their workplace. The Six Tools for Diversity in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) supports employers in attracting, hiring, and onboarding Students from International Pathways (SFIP).
The online toolkit brings together resources about current practices, the value that diversity brings to the workplace supports for onboarding and hiring, and techniques on coaching students on Canadian workplace norms.
ACE-WIL has put together a fantastic toolkit for employers and hiring managers looking to incorporate diversity and inclusion into their workplace. The Six Tools for Diversity in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) supports employers in attracting, hiring, and onboarding Students from International Pathways (SFIP).
The online toolkit brings together resources about current practices, the value that diversity brings to the workplace supports for onboarding and hiring, and techniques on coaching students on Canadian workplace norms.
Recovery and Resiliency Fund: New Support for B.C.’s Non-Profit Sector in June
A new $34-million fund for non-profit groups in British Columbia will provide much-needed support for organizations that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to struggle during recovery.
The focus of the new fund is to support organizations whose staff, volunteers, programs, and operations have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Funding will fill crucial gaps not covered by other funding sources, such as gaming grants, with a focus on building organizational resilience.
The fund is anticipated to launch in June 2022. To stay up to date on the fund, interested organizations can subscribe to Vancouver Foundation.
A new $34-million fund for non-profit groups in British Columbia will provide much-needed support for organizations that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to struggle during recovery.
The focus of the new fund is to support organizations whose staff, volunteers, programs, and operations have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Funding will fill crucial gaps not covered by other funding sources, such as gaming grants, with a focus on building organizational resilience.
The historic investment of $30 million from Budget 2022 includes an additional $4 million from Vancouver Foundation. Vancouver Foundation and United Way British Columbia will administer the funds.
The New Relationship Trust, an Indigenous-led funding body, will administer at least $5 million to support the recovery and resilience of Indigenous communities.
The fund is anticipated to launch in June 2022.
To stay up to date on the fund, interested organizations can subscribe to Vancouver Foundation.
Rapid tests for people 18+ available at pharmacies
Starting Wednesday, March 23, 2022, rapid antigen test kits will be available to people aged 18 years and older through community pharmacies.
Eligible individuals can pick up one kit of five tests every 28 days from participating pharmacies at no cost.
Individuals should pick up a test kit when not having symptoms of illness to use at a future time when having symptoms of illness. Guidelines for testing continue to indicate tests should be used for symptomatic individuals.
Starting Wednesday, March 23, 2022, rapid antigen test kits will be available to people aged 18 years and older through community pharmacies.
Eligible individuals can pick up one kit of five tests every 28 days from participating pharmacies at no cost.
Individuals should pick up a test kit when not having symptoms of illness to use at a future time when having symptoms of illness. Guidelines for testing continue to indicate tests should be used for symptomatic individuals.
Tourism Hospitality Recovery Fund Survey & Advocacy for Additional Relief Funds
On October 21, 2021, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced that the government was taking targeted action to create jobs and spur economic growth, including the Tourism Hospitality and Recovery Program (THRP), which would provide support through wage and rent subsidy programs to tourism and hospitality operators, with a subsidy rate of up to 75%.
While the program is currently available until May 7, 2022, the subsidy rates were decreased by half as of March 13, 2022.
TIAC has been advocating for the original rates to be maintained and extended to September 2022.
As discussions with government officials continue, TIAC wishes to obtain more up-to-date information from tourism operators on the impact this cut will have on your business.
Please help TIAC advocate on your behalf to increase support by answering this brief survey.
On October 21, 2021, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced that the government was taking targeted action to create jobs and spur economic growth, including the Tourism Hospitality and Recovery Program (THRP), which would provide support through wage and rent subsidy programs to tourism and hospitality operators, with a subsidy rate of up to 75%.
While the program is currently available until May 7, 2022, the subsidy rates were decreased by half as of March 13, 2022.
TIAC has been advocating for the original rates to be maintained and extended to September 2022.
As discussions with government officials continue, TIAC wishes to obtain more up-to-date information from tourism operators on the impact this cut will have on your business.
Please help TIAC advocate on your behalf to increase support by answering this brief survey.
TOTA Launches Community Well-Being Survey on International Day of Happiness
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) launched a Community Well-Being Survey, on the International Day of Happiness, March 20, 2022. The survey, a partnership with Planet Happiness (a project of the Happiness Alliance), is meant to strengthen the relationship between the tourism industry and residents of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia.
Thompson Okanagan residents, including tourism professionals, are invited to complete the survey. Once completed you will receive a personal report highlighting your results compared to the average results of other residents in the region.
Individuals and companies are encouraged to share the survey with team members and communities. To make sharing easy, TOTA has prepared a Media Kit with sample promotion materials for email and social media.
Kelowna, BC - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) launched a Community Well-Being Survey, on the International Day of Happiness, March 20, 2022. The survey, a partnership with Planet Happiness (a project of the Happiness Alliance), is meant to strengthen the relationship between the tourism industry and residents of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia.
The survey includes questions about mental health, lifestyle, hobbies, feelings toward tourism, and daily activities. The responses gathered will help to inform strategies for improving resident well-being in the region. This evidence based survey has been peer reviewed, is completely private, and is General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant.
The residents of this region have proven their capacity for resiliency and moving forward together throughout the pandemic. As the world begins to resume to its normal ways, TOTA wants to include resident well-being at the forefront of reintegrating tourism to the communities in the region. People make a great destination and a great destination contributes to the well-being of its people.
Take the Survey
Thompson Okanagan residents, including tourism professionals, are invited to complete the survey. Once completed you will receive a personal report highlighting your results compared to the average results of other residents in the region.
Help Spread the Word
Individuals and companies are encouraged to share the survey with team members and communities before the survey closes on the 30th of April, 2022. To make sharing easy, TOTA has prepared a Media Kit with sample promotion materials for email and social media.
About International Day of Happiness
The International Day of Happiness was created with the mission to “serve as a beacon of light, inspiration, and hope for all who aspire to live happy and fulfilling lives.”
The non-profit organization works towards this mission by hosting events and sharing their efforts through the official hashtag #InternationalDayOfHappiness in order to spread awareness about the Ten Steps to Global Happiness and by work to promote and advance the following:
Happiness as a fundamental human right and goal for all
Happiness as a universal aspiration in the lives of all
Happiness as a way of living, being, and serving communities and society
Happiness as a north star for individuals, communities, governments, and society.
Happiness path toward achieving the sustainable development goals
Happiness as a “new paradigm’ for human development
Worldwide celebration of the international day of happiness that is democratic, diverse, organic, and inclusive
The Ten Steps to Happiness 2022 are as follows:
Tell Everyone.
Do What Makes You Happy.
Give and Spread Happiness to Others.
Attend a World Happiness Event.
Celebrate.
Share What Makes You Happy on Social Media.
Promote the Resolutions.
Advance the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development.
Enjoy Nature.
Hapitalism.
For more information about the International Day of Happiness and the Ten Steps to Happiness 2022, visit HappinessDay.org.
Background
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
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.
About Happiness Alliance
Happiness Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to contribute to the transformations of economies and societies so that the happiness of people, the well-being of communities, and the sustainability if ecosystems is the primary aim of governance, enterprise, and people. Since 2010, the Happiness Alliance has provided happiness and well-being tools and resources, including the Happiness Index. Executive director Laura Musolanski has authored multiple books and articles, and is also the co-author of the Happiness Policy Handbook.
About Planet Happiness
Planet Happiness is a grassroots, big data project to introduce happiness and well-being science, policy and practice to local communities, governments, and businesses connected to the travel and tourism industry. Dr. Paul Rogersm co-founder and director of Planet Happiness, has over 20 years of experience as a tourism advisor to national and local government and has worked in more than a dozen countries across Asia, Africa, and Australia.
For more information, contact:
Cast your Votes for B.C.'s Best Small Town | Vote Tuesdays-Fridays, March 15 to April 25
From March 15 to April 25, a friendly competition will determine (unofficially) which small town in B.C. reigns supreme.
From Tuesday through Friday, CBC Radio One and CBC Vancouver News. will highlight a different small town in B.C. (population under 12,000) with features on cbc.ca/bc.
Then, British Columbian’s can vote daily for a favourite small town. One by one, municipalities will be eliminated based on your votes until the final one is crowned B.C.'s Best Small Town!
Follow the hashtag #BestSmallTownBC on social media and vote daily on Tuesdays through Fridays!
The winning town will be announced on-air on your local CBC Radio One morning show on Friday, April 29. In addition to earning bragging rights, the winning small town will receive special prizes!
From March 15 to April 25, a friendly competition will determine (unofficially) which small town in B.C. reigns supreme.
From Tuesday through Friday, CBC Radio One and CBC Vancouver News. will highlight a different small town in B.C. (population under 12,000) with features on cbc.ca/bc.
Then, British Columbian’s can vote daily for a favourite small town. One by one, municipalities will be eliminated based on your votes until the final one is crowned B.C.'s Best Small Town!
Follow the hashtag #BestSmallTownBC on social media and vote daily on Tuesdays through Fridays!
The winning town will be announced on-air on your local CBC Radio One morning show on Friday, April 29. In addition to earning bragging rights, the winning small town will receive special prizes!
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.
Vivamus pellentesque vitae neque at vestibulum. Donec efficitur mollis dui vel pharetra.