News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
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.
go2HR Support for Communicable Disease Prevention Plans
Recently approved WorkSafeBC legislation requires employers to implement communicable disease prevention measures in the workplace. go2HR’s health and safety professionals are available to support tourism and hospitality businesses do just that.
To make the transition to Communicable Disease Prevention Plans as easy as possible, go2HR has developed detailed resources (including a downloadable checklist) for businesses to use to help ensure you have factored in all of the key prevention measures.
Use the checklist to assess the risks in your workplace and record the steps that you are taking to protect workers.
Request a free consultation with a member of go2HR's health and safety team to discuss appropriate measures for your business and answer your questions.
Upload your completed checklist or prevention plan and go2HR will review it for you and provide tailored feedback.
Recently approved WorkSafeBC legislation requires employers to implement communicable disease prevention measures in the workplace. go2HR’s health and safety professionals are available to support tourism and hospitality businesses do just that.
To make the transition to Communicable Disease Prevention Plans as easy as possible, go2HR has developed detailed resources (including a downloadable checklist) for businesses to use to help ensure you have factored in all of the key prevention measures.
Use the checklist to assess the risks in your workplace and record the steps that you are taking to protect workers.
Request a free consultation with a member of go2HR's health and safety team to discuss appropriate measures for your business and answer your questions.
Upload your completed checklist or prevention plan and go2HR will review it for you and provide tailored feedback.
Sustainable Energy Tips for Tourism Businesses
Energy is used every day to modulate temperature, light indoor and outdoor environments, heat water, and run appliances.
According to Natural Resource Canada more than 60% of the total energy consumption in a building is utilized for space heating.
The following energy efficiency tips can help in reducing your business’ energy consumption and will bring added benefits of cost saving and reducing your carbon footprint:
Regularly maintain and replace worn caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors to seal gaps and cracks.
Install programmable thermostat to turn down the heat to about 17 degree Celsius after business hours and in unoccupied or less frequently used areas.
Upgrade to LED lighting to enhance your indoor atmosphere and save energy costs.
Replace standard incandescent bulbs with Energy Star rated LED bulbs and T12 fluorescent lamps and high performance T8 or LED lighting.
Have appliances serviced regularly to keep them operating safely and efficiently.
Energy is used every day to modulate temperature, light indoor and outdoor environments, heat water, and run appliances.
According to Natural Resource Canada more than 60% of the total energy consumption in a building is utilized for space heating.
The following energy efficiency tips can help in reducing your business’ energy consumption and will bring added benefits of cost saving and reducing your carbon footprint:
Regularly maintain and replace worn caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors to seal gaps and cracks.
Install programmable thermostat to turn down the heat to about 17 degree Celsius after business hours and in unoccupied or less frequently used areas.
Upgrade to LED lighting to enhance your indoor atmosphere and save energy costs.
Replace standard incandescent bulbs with Energy Star rated LED bulbs and T12 fluorescent lamps and high performance T8 or LED lighting.
Have appliances serviced regularly to keep them operating safely and efficiently.
Modernized BC Bid Site Open for Registration & Onboarding
The Province is inviting businesses and public-sector organizations to register on the new, modernized BC Bid site. BC Bid is an online marketplace where public-sector organizations such as municipalities, school districts, health authorities, Crown corporations and the B.C. government can advertise contract opportunities for work in a wide range of sectors and services.
The Province is inviting businesses and public-sector organizations to register on the new, modernized BC Bid site.
BC Bid is an online marketplace where public-sector organizations such as municipalities, school districts, health authorities, Crown corporations and the B.C. government can advertise contract opportunities for work in a wide range of sectors and services.
Businesses and suppliers can begin registering on the new BC Bid site effective today. Broader public-sector buyers can begin onboarding and creating their accounts on April 28, 2022.
The new BC Bid is a web-based tool that streamlines the way users view and bid on opportunities. The new system is also more transparent, and makes it easier for users to post opportunities and for suppliers to respond quickly.
BC Bid anticipates contract opportunities will be posted on the new site as early as June 2022. Users are invited to register earlier, so they are ready to bid when opportunities are posted.
ITAC announces 2022-23 Action Plan - Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has launched their 2022-23 Action Plan for the continued resurgence of Indigenous tourism across Canada. ITAC’s 2022-23 Action Plan supports the sustainable restoration of Indigenous tourism in Canada as the sector leader to support annual growth in jobs, marketing, GDP contributions and the creation of new Indigenous tourism businesses. ITAC’s 2022-23 Action Plan focuses on a four-pillar approach to business that includes; Leadership, Partnerships, Development & Marketing.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has launched their 2022-23 Action Plan for the continued resurgence of Indigenous tourism across Canada.
ITAC’s 2022-23 Action Plan supports the sustainable restoration of Indigenous tourism in Canada as the sector leader to support annual growth in jobs, marketing, GDP contributions and the creation of new Indigenous tourism businesses.
ITAC’s 2022-23 Action Plan focuses on a four-pillar approach to business that includes; Leadership, Partnerships, Development & Marketing.
BC Lodging & Campground Survey Reveal Most Bookings Come from Repeat Customers
British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association’s (Canada) Annual Occupancy and Rate Survey Results have revealed that most campground bookings (52%) come from repeat customers. The survey was conducted on BCLCA members with ten or more campsites in January 2022. The goal of the survey was to gain a better understanding of the performance of all private sector campgrounds in 2021.
British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association’s (Canada) Annual Occupancy and Rate Survey Results have revealed that most bookings (52.2%) come from repeat customers.
The survey was conducted on BCLCA members with ten or more campsites in January 2022. The goal of the survey was to gain a better understanding of the performance of all private sector campgrounds in 2021.
The research objectives were to understand the bookings in 2021 compared to 2020, to gauge the occupancy rate for 2021 compared to 2020, to identify the market origin for 2021 compared to 2020, to measure changes in average rates in 2022 compared with 2021, and, to determine the outlook for 2022. Highlights of the survey include:
Efforts to minimize cancellations start with cancellation policies; (42%) characterize their policy as flexible, while 40% say their policy is moderately flexible.
In 2020, the pandemic drove visitors’ average length of stay notably higher than pre-pandemic.
In 2021, visitors continued staying longer in one location and increased the length of stay up to 5.0 nights.
Average Maximum nightly rates are increasing for all site types in 2022, with Full Service and Tent sites increasing the most (up 5.5% and 8.2%, respectively, over 2021 rates).
Special Press Event for the Green Wine Future Conference on April 20, 2022
Media and stakeholders are invited to attend a Special Press Event for the Green Wine Future Conference on Wednesday, April 20 at 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM at the BC Wine Information Centre in Penticton.
Limited Availability. Attendance by Registration Only.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Reception: 2:30 PM
Presentation: 3:00 PM
BC Wine Information Centre
553 Vees Dr, Unit 101, Penticton
Hosted by
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Green Wine Future
Guest Speaker: Pancho Campo
Pancho Campo is a world renowned wine expert, environmental activist and entrepreneur who has worked with celebrities such as President Obama, Sting, VP Al Gore, Enrique Iglesias, and many others.
Limited Availability. Attendance by Registration Only.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) together with our partners at Destination BC and several regional stakeholders are very pleased to be part of Green Wine Future Conference 2022, taking place virtually on May 23-26. Recognizing the challenges and undeniable impacts of climate change worldwide, this conference, now in its eight year, will bring multiple leaders from around the globe together to discuss how each is working to address the issues.
As part of the conference, this month TOTA is hosting Pancho Campo, founder of Wine for the Planet and the Green Wine Future event, in the Thompson Okanagan region to film a documentary highlighting the dedication of our wine, culinary, and tourism industry to implementing strategies and business practices to help combat the climate crisis.
TOTA and Wine for the Planet invite you to join us for the Canadian Press Event officially launching our participation in this May conference on April 20, 2022 at 2:30 PM.
At the press conference, you will hear directly from Pancho and learn of his work around the world. He will offer insights of what to expect at this year's Green Wine Future Conference.
You will also have the opportunity to hear from several industry leaders and enjoy a small sampling of some of the area's various wine varietals.
We look forward to your attendance. Please RSVP as soon as possible as numbers will be limited.
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