News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
New Actions Strengthen Diversity, Equity in Arts Funding
More artists and arts and culture organizations throughout the province will benefit from changes to the way the BC Arts Council provides funding to support calls to action for reconciliation, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The BC Arts Council’s Extending Foundations: Action Plan 2022-2024 marks a renewal in the focus of the BC Arts Council that is aimed at breaking down systemic barriers within its policies and programs to expand opportunities for those who have historically been underserved.
More artists and arts and culture organizations throughout the province will benefit from changes to the way the BC Arts Council provides funding to support calls to action for reconciliation, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
The BC Arts Council’s Extending Foundations: Action Plan 2022-2024 marks a renewal in the focus of the BC Arts Council that is aimed at breaking down systemic barriers within its policies and programs to expand opportunities for those who have historically been underserved.
Extending Foundations: Action Plan 2022-2024 identifies seven key action areas of the council for the next two years:
Strategic Visioning and Planning
Diversity, Equity and Access Program Supports
Process and Procedure Improvements
Modernize Peer Assessment
Rebalance of Funding Distribution
Maintaining the Arts Impact Grant Program
Continued support for the Arts Infrastructure Program
CanExport SME Program is Now Accepting New Applications
To help tourism businesses prepare for international markets, the CanExport SME program is now accepting new applications for programs starting after April 1, 2022.
The program focuses on export marketing activities of existing products and services in foreign markets. The funding program is now available to tourism businesses who cater to international visitors, and may partially cover a variety of marketing, advertising and other related expenses. Small and medium sized companies may access up to $50,000 in funding to assist with international market development activities (up to 50% of costs for export marketing of products and services in international markets with little or no current sales).
To help tourism businesses prepare for international markets, the CanExport SME program is now accepting new applications for programs starting after April 1, 2022. The program focuses on export marketing activities of existing products and services in foreign markets.
The funding program is now available to tourism businesses who cater to international visitors, and may partially cover a variety of marketing, advertising and other related expenses. Small and medium sized companies may access up to $50,000 in funding to assist with international market development activities (up to 50% of costs for export marketing of products and services in international markets with little or no current sales).
Activities funded by the program include:
Visits to foreign markets
In-person participation at trade shows, networking functions, meetings or conferences
Attending virtual trade shows, networking functions, meetings or conferences
Translating, adapting or creating marketing materials
Search Engine Optimization
Gathering market intelligence (custom research, reports and studies)
The program now supports costs tied to online advertising on social media platforms, online marketplaces and search engines.
Expert advice for digital and e-commerce marketing is now eligible.
US Lowers Risk Level For Travel To Canada
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has moved Canada down from Level 4 to Level 3 category of travel risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is no longer warning Americans to avoid travel to Canada because of the coronavirus. In an update to its travel health notices on April 4, the US public health agency said the level of COVI-19 in Canada is “high” rather than “very high”; it had been at Level 4 since Jan. 10, 2022.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has moved Canada down from Level 4 to Level 3 category of travel risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is no longer warning Americans to avoid travel to Canada because of the coronavirus.
In an update to its travel health notices on April 4, the US public health agency said the level of COVI-19 in Canada is “high” rather than “very high”; it had been at Level 4 since Jan. 10, 2022.
Level 3: High level of COVID-19 means:
Make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel.
Unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to this destination.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast and Kootenay Rockies Tourism Regions earn Biosphere Certified Destination Designation
Congratulations to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast and Kootenay Rockies tourism regions on earning the internationally recognized Biosphere Certified Destination Designation from the Responsible Tourism Institute.
Biosphere Destinations are committed to continuous improvement guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, which include combating climate change, protecting the environment, supporting decent work and economic growth, and respecting cultural and social values.
Congratulations to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast and Kootenay Rockies tourism regions on earning the internationally recognized Biosphere Certified Destination Designation from the Responsible Tourism Institute.
Biosphere Destinations are committed to continuous improvement guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, which include combating climate change, protecting the environment, supporting decent work and economic growth, and respecting cultural and social values.
Get Listed on the Meaningful Map of North America by Tourism Cares
As travel continues to evolve, the demand for more authentic sustainable travel experiences continue to grow. As a direct call to action, Tourism Cares has created a tool for travel professionals that satisfies that demand and actualizes the power of travel. The Meaningful Travel Map of North America connects travel professionals to social and environmental impact experiences and opportunities throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada that are bookable now and ready to explore.
As travel continues to evolve, the demand for more authentic sustainable travel experiences continue to grow. As a direct call to action, Tourism Cares has created a tool for travel professionals that satisfies that demand and actualizes the power of travel.
The Meaningful Travel Map of North America connects travel professionals to social and environmental impact experiences and opportunities throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada that are bookable now and ready to explore.
Report on The State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2022
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole proprietorships are the drivers of the Canadian economy, accounting for the vast majority of all businesses in the country.
For over two years, these businesses have been battered by the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in the service sectors, where women-owned businesses tend to concentrate, have been hardest hit.
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), which is led by Ryerson’s Diversity Institute’s founder, Wendy Cukier, released its latest analysis of new and existing research from the State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2022. The report finds that rates of women entrepreneurship remain steady, and in the face of unprecedented challenges, women entrepreneurs remain optimistic and have continued to exhibit great resilience and innovation.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole proprietorships are the drivers of the Canadian economy, accounting for the vast majority of all businesses in the country.
For over two years, these businesses have been battered by the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in the service sectors, where women-owned businesses tend to concentrate, have been hardest hit.
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), which is led by Ryerson’s Diversity Institute’s founder, Wendy Cukier, released its latest analysis of new and existing research from the State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2022. The report finds that rates of women entrepreneurship remain steady, and in the face of unprecedented challenges, women entrepreneurs remain optimistic and have continued to exhibit great resilience and innovation.
BC Proof of Vaccination & COVID Safety Plans Requirements Lifted as of April 8, 2022
As of April 8, 2022 further restrictions were lifted in the Province of BC, including:
Proof of vaccination will no longer be required under public health order to access businesses, events, and services
Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring proof of vaccination for entry
Businesses will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan. They must follow communicable disease guidance from WorkSafeBC
Federal proof of vaccination is still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel
Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for post-secondary student housing
As of April 8, 2022 further restrictions were lifted in the Province of BC, including:
Proof of vaccination will no longer be required under public health order to access businesses, events, and services
Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring proof of vaccination for entry
Businesses will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan. They must follow communicable disease guidance from WorkSafeBC
Federal proof of vaccination is still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel
Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for post-secondary student housing
Government of Canada announces Workforce Solutions Road Map – further changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to address labour shortages across Canada
The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development & Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program under the Workforce Solutions Road Map, providing businesses with better access to the program.
The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development & Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program under the Workforce Solutions Road Map, providing businesses with better access to the program.
Changes include:
Accommodation and Food Services will be among seven sectors in which employers will be allowed to hire up to 30% of their workforce through the TFW Program for low-wage positions for one year.
The policy that automatically refuses LMIA applications in regions with unemployment rate of 6% or higher will end.
Addressing seasonal peaks, there will no longer be a limit to the number of low-wage positions that employers in seasonal industries. In addition, the maximum duration of these positions will be increased from 180 days to 270 days per year.
Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA’s) will be valid for 18 months, an increase from 9 months. (Prior to COVID-19, LMIA’s were valid for 6 months).
The maximum duration of employment for High-Wage and Global Talent Streams workers will be extended to three years. This will help workers qualify for permanent residency, contributing to our long-term workforce.
Destination Canada Launches Spring Summer Domestic Campaign
Destination Canada's domestic spring and summer campaign is designed to reframe what Canadians think they know about Canada by showing a different perspective on travel icons found across the country. The target audience is encouraged to look at long-haul domestic regions the same way they consider travelling abroad.
Destination Canada's domestic spring and summer campaign is designed to reframe what Canadians think they know about Canada by showing a different perspective on travel icons found across the country. The target audience is encouraged to look at long-haul domestic regions the same way they consider travelling abroad.
Canada Drops Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Testing For Vaccinated Travelers
Effective April 1, 2022, the federal government officially removed all pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirements at the border for vaccinated travellers.
Key changes include:
Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to complete a pre-entry test (they may still be selected for random tests on arrival but are not required to quarantine).
Non vaccinated travellers will still need an on-arrival test and a day 8 test and must quarantine for 14 days.
ArriveCAN is still needed for entry to Canada by all travellers.
Effective April 1, 2022, the federal government officially removed all pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirements at the border for vaccinated travellers.
Key changes include:
Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to complete a pre-entry test (they may still be selected for random tests on arrival but are not required to quarantine).
Non vaccinated travellers will still need an on-arrival test and a day 8 test and must quarantine for 14 days.
ArriveCAN is still needed for entry to Canada by all travellers.
Tourism HR Canada | Important Facts & Figures
During the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA) committee that TIABC CEO Walt Judas chairs, the group reviewed THRC's updated facts and figures pertaining to the current employment situation in Canada's tourism and hospitality industry.
During the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Association (PTTIA) committee that TIABC CEO Walt Judas chairs, the group reviewed THRC's updated facts and figures pertaining to the current employment situation in Canada's tourism and hospitality industry. Among the findings presented by THRC president & CEO Philip Mondor:
Canada employed 430,000 fewer people this month than we did the same month pre-pandemic
Currently there are 200-250,000 vacancies (jobs unfilled) in our sector despite the current context with hampered recovery and COVID-related constraints
Less than 50% of businesses report they are fully staffed
60%+ of the tourism workforce is working part time or undetermined (i.e., week-to-week) hours
Great exodus of people working in operations/supervisory and management-level occupations, more than we've recorded in 20 years
Accommodation is hardest hit of the hardest hit, with employment down by 32% over the same period
Labour crisis is more acute in tourism than any other industry
Canada's aging population is putting a significant downward pressure on labour force participation
3.9 million jobs that will open between 2019 and 2028 with an ever-shrinking supply to meet demand.
Province Adjusting Paid Sick Leave Act
Harry Bains, Minister of Labour, has introduced changes to address two issues that have been raised since the five days of employer-paid sick leave came into effect on January 1, 2022. For ease of implementation, the act is being amended to reference “calendar year," which standardizes the annual entitlement period for all employees regardless of the start of their employment.
The total number of paid sick leave days per year will not be affected. It remains at five. To ensure government’s intent that the paid sick leave entitlement is applied to all employees in BC, the clause that relates to collective agreements is being amended.
Harry Bains, BC Minister of Labour, has introduced changes to address two issues that have been raised since the five days of employer-paid sick leave came into effect on January 1, 2022.
For ease of implementation, the act is being amended to reference “calendar year," which standardizes the annual entitlement period for all employees regardless of the start of their employment. The total number of paid sick leave days per year will not be affected. It remains at five.
To ensure government’s intent that the paid sick leave entitlement is applied to all employees in BC, the clause that relates to collective agreements is being amended.
The changes will be effective upon Royal Assent, which is expected before the end of the current legislative session, to ensure the paid sick leave entitlement applies to the 2022 calendar year.
Silver Star Resort Association Launches Destination Silver Star
Silver Star Resort Association launched Destination Silver Star to increase business opportunities for the Silver Star community while making it easier for visitors to discover all the family-friendly mountain adventures the destination offers. Destination Silver Star has a fresh new website full of engaging My Silver Star digital stories as well as the announcement of a series of summer activities that is sure to impress. This community and consumer-focused brand exists to maintain and enhance the Silver Star experience by growing the local economy, and increasing engagement through marketing, sales, media relations, events, research, and destination development.
SilverStar Resort Association launched Destination Silver Star to increase business opportunities for the Silver Star community while making it easier for visitors to discover all the family-friendly mountain adventures the destination offers.
Destination Silver Star has a fresh new website full of engaging My Silver Star digital stories as well as the announcement of a series of summer activities that is sure to impress. This community and consumer-focused brand exists to maintain and enhance the Silver Star experience by growing the local economy, and increasing engagement through marketing, sales, media relations, events, research, and destination development.
Historic Declaration Action Plan Guides BC Indigenous Reconciliation and UNDRIP Implementation
The Declaration Act Action Plan was released by the provincial government mapping out 89 specific actions to be taken across all government ministries over the next five years.
Developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, the Action Plan will be comprehensively updated with Indigenous partners within five years, and a report on implementation progress will be developed in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and submitted to the B.C. Legislature by June 30 each year.
A number of the goals include but are not limited to:
Provide funding to assist Indigenous tourism businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to further support recovery of the Indigenous tourism sector in BC.
Provide investments to Indigenous Tourism BC to support Indigenous tourism, Indigenous job creation, preservation of Indigenous languages, celebration of Indigenous cultures and the stewardship of territories, and to tell the stories of Indigenous Peoples in B.C. in their own words.
British Columbia is the first province to release an action plan dedicated to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UN Declaration) in Canada.
The Declaration Act Action Plan was released by the provincial government mapping out 89 specific actions to be taken across all government ministries over the next five years.
Developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, the Action Plan will be comprehensively updated with Indigenous partners within five years, and a report on implementation progress will be developed in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and submitted to the B.C. Legislature by June 30 each year.
A number of the goals include but are not limited to:
Provide funding to assist Indigenous tourism businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to further support recovery of the Indigenous tourism sector in BC.
Provide investments to Indigenous Tourism BC to support Indigenous tourism, Indigenous job creation, preservation of Indigenous languages, celebration of Indigenous cultures and the stewardship of territories, and to tell the stories of Indigenous Peoples in B.C. in their own words.
British Columbia is the first province to release an action plan dedicated to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UN Declaration) in Canada.
Newly Launched Destination Canada Marketing Campaigns Capture US and Domestic Opportunities
As border measures ease, Destination Canada is focused on driving revenue back into tourism businesses across the country. It is expected US visitors to Canada will lead recovery efforts with over 5 million visitors to Canada expected in 2022, contributing $4 billion to Canadian businesses, destinations and communities. The US Campaign comes to life through the “Refresh Your View” concept, leaning into American travellers’ need for self-enrichment. The campaign puts Canada’s most iconic destinations at the forefront to reclaim interest and consideration for Canada, and to expand American travellers' knowledge of the wealth of experiences available in the regions surrounding these icons.
As border measures ease, Destination Canada is focused on driving revenue back into tourism businesses across the country. It is expected US visitors to Canada will lead recovery efforts with over 5 million visitors to Canada expected in 2022, contributing $4 billion to Canadian businesses, destinations and communities.
The US Campaign comes to life through the “Refresh Your View” concept, leaning into American travellers’ need for self-enrichment. The campaign puts Canada’s most iconic destinations at the forefront to reclaim interest and consideration for Canada, and to expand American travellers' knowledge of the wealth of experiences available in the regions surrounding these icons.
E-Petition Opposing Escalator Excise Tax on Alcohol
The escalator excise tax is an automatic increase in taxes on wine, beer, cider, and spirits as of April 1, 2022. This increase will add costs to retailers, hospitality businesses, and consumers at a time when prices are already increasing due to inflation, labour costs, supply chain issues, and more.
Federal Member of Parliament Tracy Gray (Kelowna-Lake Country), launched an e-petition calling upon the Government of Canada to freeze the automatic escalator excise tax increase.
Freezing this tax increase will help limit retail price increases by offsetting the rising costs and supply chain disruptions facing beverage alcohol producers across Canada.
The escalator excise tax is an automatic increase in taxes on wine, beer, cider, and spirits as of April 1, 2022. This increase will add costs to retailers, hospitality businesses, and consumers at a time when prices are already increasing due to inflation, labour costs, supply chain issues, and more.
Federal Member of Parliament Tracy Gray (Kelowna-Lake Country), launched an e-petition calling upon the Government of Canada to freeze the automatic escalator excise tax increase.
Freezing this tax increase will help limit retail price increases by offsetting the rising costs and supply chain disruptions facing beverage alcohol producers across Canada.
Visit TOTA & go2HR at TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo & Job Fair
TOTA and go2HR team members will be at the TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo & Job Fair on Saturday, April 9, ready to meet with attendees.
Come say hello to our team members and learn about programs available to support tourism businesses and professionals, such as:
Hospitality Professional Program by TOTA and Okanagan College
go2HR employer and job seeker supports and industry training programs, including the go2HR Job Board
This FREE tourism event will give you a unique opportunity to meet with local tourism businesses and learn more about The Remarkable Unique Experiences that keep visitors coming back to Penticton year after year. Discover new adventures and reacquaint yourself with all of the amazing activities, attractions, accommodations, restaurants, wineries, breweries, cideries, events and so much more happening in and around Penticton.
This is also a great opportunity to bring your resume and find the perfect summer job, volunteer opportunity, or a career in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Attendees can enter to win a variety of prizes. The TOTA prizes are:
Sustainable Travel Box from Okanagan Valley Vagabonds, curated with eco-conscious travel items.
Two bracelets from Jewels of HOPE, which supports vulnerable women in the Okanagan to gather in a safe place to learn artisanal bracelet making skills that help them transition to further employment and educational opportunities.
TOTA and go2HR team members will be at the TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo & Job Fair on Saturday, April 9, ready to meet with attendees.
Come say hello to our team members and learn about programs available to support tourism businesses and professionals, such as:
Hospitality Professional Program by TOTA and Okanagan College
go2HR employer and job seeker supports and industry training programs, including the go2HR Job Board
This FREE tourism event will give you a unique opportunity to meet with local tourism businesses and learn more about The Remarkable Unique Experiences that keep visitors coming back to Penticton year after year. Discover new adventures and reacquaint yourself with all of the amazing activities, attractions, accommodations, restaurants, wineries, breweries, cideries, events and so much more happening in and around Penticton.
This is also a great opportunity to bring your resume and find the perfect summer job, volunteer opportunity, or a career in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Attendees can enter to win a variety of prizes. The TOTA prizes are:
Sustainable Travel Box from Okanagan Valley Vagabonds, curated with eco-conscious travel items.
Two bracelets from Jewels of HOPE, which supports vulnerable women in the Okanagan to gather in a safe place to learn artisanal bracelet making skills that help them transition to further employment and educational opportunities.
Small Business BC Awards Thompson Okanagan Finalists | Attend the Free Virtual Awards Gala on April 28
The Small Business BC Awards finalists have been selected and winners will be announced at the Virtual Awards Presentation on April 28, 2022.
Register for a FREE ticket and secure your place to celebrate the best of BC’s small business community.
Thompson Okanagan finalists include Friendly Composting Inc. and Afrofusion, both in Kamloops.
The Small Business BC Awards finalists have been selected and winners will be announced at the Virtual Awards Presentation on April 28, 2022.
Register for a FREE ticket and secure your place to celebrate the best of BC’s small business community.
Thompson Okanagan Finalists
Business Impact Award
Friendly Composting Inc.
Kamloops
Friendly Composting provides weekly compost pick up and local product delivery in beautiful, Kamloops BC. Founders Katie Forsyth and Claire McLoughlin are on a mission to make it simple for you to make an impact and choose LOCAL!
Premier's Peoples Choice
Afrofusion
Kamloops
Afrofusion is a black-owned business that provides tasty African and western cuisine to the people of Kamloops and beyond. To the founders, Afrofusion is more than just food; it is a feeling and a representation of hopes, dreams, perseverance, and community service.
More Recovery Support Coming for BC's Arts & Culture Sector
More than $12.4 million in one-time funding to the BC Arts Council will offer support to BC artists and organizations as the Province continues to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
From this funding, the BC Arts Council will distribute $7.9 million in resiliency supplements to more than 300 organizations currently receiving operating assistance. The average grant amount is $25,000.
Additionally, BC Arts Council has allocated $4.5 million to top up the Arts Impact Grant program, which closed its intake in January 2022. The next intake of this program is anticipated for winter 2023.
Funding is available to organizations and collectives with an arts and culture mandate or a dedicated arts and culture program. Grants are available to non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and community organizations.
More than $12.4 million in one-time funding to the BC Arts Council will offer support to BC artists and organizations as the Province continues to build back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
From this funding, the BC Arts Council will distribute $7.9 million in resiliency supplements to more than 300 organizations currently receiving operating assistance. The average grant amount is $25,000.
Additionally, BC Arts Council has allocated $4.5 million to top up the Arts Impact Grant program, which closed its intake in January 2022. The next intake of this program is anticipated for winter 2023.
Funding is available to organizations and collectives with an arts and culture mandate or a dedicated arts and culture program. Grants are available to non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and community organizations.
Submit Your TESA Application
ABLE BC has been hard at work advocating with the province to extend the TESA deadline, while also engaging with municipalities across BC to reduce red tape and cut fees associated with patio applications. In response to a joint letter, ABLE has begun to receive positive feedback from some municipalities and are confident that they will review and update patio application processes.
While work is being done to have the TESA deadline extended, we strongly encourage you to get your application in now.
ABLE BC has been hard at work advocating with the province to extend the TESA deadline, while also engaging with municipalities across BC to reduce red tape and cut fees associated with patio applications. In response to a joint letter, ABLE has begun to receive positive feedback from some municipalities and are confident that they will review and update patio application processes.
Key recommendations include:
Extend current patio programs without implementing new restrictions or fees;
Streamline approvals to ensure those small businesses who have been safely and successfully operating patios may continue to do so;
Increase flexibility for patio types and sizes as well as the number of patios allowed;
Increase the space use of existing patios or picnic areas to allow chairs to be spread out to meet distancing requirements;
Allow pop-up outdoor dining and manufacturer sampling spaces;
Allow and increase the use of parklets and public space for dining;
Allow any increase in patio, picnic area or outdoor space being considered a continuation of an establishment’s existing approved alcohol service area or manufacturers’ sampling area to provide samples and not require additional endorsements or authorizations; and
Coordinate with any relevant bodies—such as the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, Fire Department, etc.—to reduce red tape and speed approval timelines wherever possible.
While work is being done to have the TESA deadline extended, we strongly encourage you to get your application in now. To apply you will need:
An updated floor plan that clearly shows the structural change
These plans generally require an occupancy load
If you are a Liquor Primary or Manufacturer licensee, your structural change application will be sent to your local government for their comments.