News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
How to Make Easter More Sustainable
As a Gold Certified Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to hop on the sustainability path this Easter for a more eco-friendly holiday weekend.
Traditions such as Easter Egg Hunts produce unnecessary waste and there are sustainable alternatives.
TOTA has compiled the following tips to make Easter celebrations more eco-friendly
As a Gold Certified Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to hop on the sustainability path this Easter for a more eco-friendly holiday weekend.
Traditions such as Easter Egg Hunts produce unnecessary waste and there are sustainable alternatives.
TOTA has compiled the following tips to make Easter celebrations more eco-friendly:
Buy local products or experiences for Easter baskets
Recycle - where ever possible, egg foil from your Easter egg chocolates is recyclable
Buy organic or fair trade chocolate and look for local chocolatiers
Buy local, free range, organic eggs and decorate with natural dyes
Try eco-friendly alternatives to Easter basket grass and plastic eggs
Compost egg shells
Avoid food waste - be aware of gathering numbers and share leftovers
Reduce Single Use Plastics
Choose reusable decorations, baskets, and outfits
Buy local produces and vegetables to balance out sweets
Watch Destination BC 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Presentation
Watch Destination BC's 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Presentation to see the inspiring work that's being done to support the BC tourism industry through challenges and successes, including:
Marketing Plans to build back travel to BC, now
The Invest in Iconics strategy, to generate stronger interest in future travel to all areas of BC
Lasting, Meaningful Reconciliation
Destination Stewardship, to ensure tourism is managed well for all British Columbians
Destination Development and Emergency Response
Watch Destination BC's 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Presentation to see the inspiring work that's being done to support the BC tourism industry through challenges and successes, including:
Marketing Plans to build back travel to BC, now
The Invest in Iconics strategy, to generate stronger interest in future travel to all areas of BC
Lasting, Meaningful Reconciliation
Destination Stewardship, to ensure tourism is managed well for all British Columbians
Destination Development and Emergency Response
Destination BC Tourism Industry Dashboard: Year in Review
Full 2021 data is now available on the Destination BC Tourism Industry Dashboard, which includes key tourism statistics such as international visitor arrivals data, provincial room revenue, commercial restaurant receipts, provincial and regional occupancy rates and average daily room rates, and more.
Full 2021 data is now available on the Destination BC Tourism Industry Dashboard, which includes key tourism statistics such as international visitor arrivals data, provincial room revenue, commercial restaurant receipts, provincial and regional occupancy rates and average daily room rates, and more.
What Makes a Website Effective? | Destination BC Learning Centre
The #1 most important digital asset your organization needs in today’s world is a website. So, what makes a great website and how can you set yours apart from the rest? Destination BC has put together some key items to focus on to help you make sure your website stands out.
The #1 most important digital asset your organization needs in today’s world is a website. So, what makes a great website and how can you set yours apart from the rest? Destination BC has put together some key items to focus on to help you make sure your website stands out.
B.C. Support for Ukrainian Refugees
With thousands of displaced Ukrainians expected to relocate to British Columbia over the coming months, the Province of BC is expanding services and supports to connect individuals and families to the help they need.
A new, dedicated Welcoming Ukraine portal has launched to provide information to Ukrainians moving to the province. including information about services such as health-care coverage, employment, and community services.
The portal also has information for British Columbians who want to offer support to Ukrainians fleeing violence, including offering housing, employment opportunities, or donations.
The Government of Canada has created a dedicated job bank to help connect Ukrainian refugees with employment opportunities.
With thousands of displaced Ukrainians expected to relocate to British Columbia over the coming months, the Province of BC is expanding services and supports to connect individuals and families to the help they need.
A new, dedicated Welcoming Ukraine portal has launched to provide information to Ukrainians moving to the province. including information about services such as health-care coverage, employment, and community services.
The portal also has information for British Columbians who want to offer support to Ukrainians fleeing violence, including offering housing, employment opportunities, or donations.
The Government of Canada has created a dedicated job bank to help connect Ukrainian refugees with employment opportunities.
BC Extending TESA Authorizations to March 2023
The Province is now extending TESA authorizations further to March 31, 2023, to provide more time to make TESAs permanent. Restaurants, bars, and liquor manufacturers have more time to apply to make temporary service areas permanent as they recover from the pandemic.
Businesses are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible, as local governments and First Nations need to evaluate structures and outdoor licensed areas in consideration of their communities’ requirements before expanded service areas are made permanent by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).
The Province is now extending TESA authorizations further to March 31, 2023, to provide more time to make TESAs permanent. Restaurants, bars, and liquor manufacturers have more time to apply to make temporary service areas permanent as they recover from the pandemic.
Businesses are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible, as local governments and First Nations need to evaluate structures and outdoor licensed areas in consideration of their communities’ requirements before expanded service areas are made permanent by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).
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.