News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Canada Masking Guidelines for Travel Still in Effect
Canada’s Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said masking guidelines while travelling still apply, as the US moves to drop its national mandate.
Currently in Canada, travellers must wear a mask or face covering while travelling through Canadian airports and for the duration of flights. Air operators are required to notify passengers of the rule and receive confirmation that everyone has a face covering.
Transport Canada says travellers should also wear a mask or face covering while travelling in groups by rail, road, and water.
To support the new border measures in place as of April 1, the Canada Border Services Agency has produced videos to ensure travellers are aware of the current requirements in place and arrive prepared at the border or airport.
The tourism industry is encouraged to share these videos with your network to help facilitate a smooth travel experience for visitors.
Canada’s Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said masking guidelines while travelling still apply, as the US moves to drop its national mandate.
Currently in Canada, travellers must wear a mask or face covering while travelling through Canadian airports and for the duration of flights. Air operators are required to notify passengers of the rule and receive confirmation that everyone has a face covering.
Transport Canada says travellers should also wear a mask or face covering while travelling in groups by rail, road, and water.
To support the new border measures in place as of April 1, the Canada Border Services Agency has produced videos to ensure travellers are aware of the current requirements in place and arrive prepared at the border or airport.
The tourism industry is encouraged to share these videos with your network to help facilitate a smooth travel experience for visitors.
Flood-Affected Communities Benefit from BC Recovery Funding
Ten BC communities severely affected by the November 2021 floods are receiving $53.6 million in provincial funding to support recovery work and get people back into their communities. Due to the extreme effects of the flooding on their communities, several local governments are receiving direct grants to assist them in meeting the additional costs pressures of ongoing recovery and infrastructure planning.
Thompson Okanagan communities receiving funds are: Merritt, Princeton and Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
Ten BC communities severely affected by the November 2021 floods are receiving $53.6 million in provincial funding to support recovery work and get people back into their communities. Thompson Okanagan communities receiving funds are: Merritt, Princeton and Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
Due to the extreme effects of the flooding on their communities, several local governments are receiving direct grants to assist them in meeting the additional costs pressures of ongoing recovery and infrastructure planning.
This funding is in addition to more than $2.1 billion that Budget 2022 provides to help people recover from last year’s floods and wildfires, and to better protect communities against future climate disasters.
In addition to supporting intermediate temporary housing for displaced residents of Merritt and Princeton, the grants will enable all 10 local governments to:
take care of initial flood-recovery costs not covered by other assistance programs;
carry out initial small-scale recovery-related capital projects;
implement planning, feasibility studies and design work to support resilient infrastructure; and
restore infrastructure in a way that provides additional resilience to climate events.
Apply for BC Trails Day Community Grant by May 9
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) has announced that the BC Trails Day Community Small Grants are back. With support from RC Strategies, ORCBC offers a limited number of small grants of up to $500 each to help outdoor organizations organize community-based BC Trails Day events. The funds can help pay for various expenses, including tools and gear library products, stewardship supplies, event promotion, equipment rental, and other materials needed to create a fantastic BC Trails Day event experience. The application deadline is Monday, May 9, 2022.
The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) has announced that the BC Trails Day Community Small Grants are back. With support from RC Strategies, ORCBC offers a limited number of small grants of up to $500 each to help outdoor organizations organize community-based BC Trails Day events on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
The funds can help pay for various expenses, including tools and gear library products, stewardship supplies, event promotion, equipment rental, and other materials needed to create a fantastic BC Trails Day event experience.
Partnerships and collaborations between different groups is encouraged.
The application deadline is Monday, May 9, 2022.
Wines of BC Vintage Report - 2021
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) released the annual BC Wine Grape 2021 Vintage Report, which reveals another harvest of impressive quality achieved through expert vineyard management during a record-shattering year for wine regions across the province.
Overall, winegrowers throughout British Columbia agree that the 2021 vintage will be remembered for low yields but intensely flavoured fruit resulting in wines of remarkable character, concentrated flavours, and balanced acidity.
The intricacies of such a one-of-a-kind growing season are best reviewed in detail in the full report, with data sourced from industry participants at WGBC’s annual Winemakers and Viticulturists Forum and Vintage Survey.
The BC Wine Grape Vintage Report is available to BC wine lovers and industry professionals alike and an essential tool to understand and promote the exceptional wines that came from the eventful 2021 growing season.
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) released the annual BC Wine Grape 2021 Vintage Report, which reveals another harvest of impressive quality achieved through expert vineyard management during a record-shattering year for wine regions across the province.
Overall, winegrowers throughout British Columbia agree that the 2021 vintage will be remembered for low yields but intensely flavoured fruit resulting in wines of remarkable character, concentrated flavours, and balanced acidity.
The intricacies of such a one-of-a-kind growing season are best reviewed in detail in the full report, with data sourced from industry participants at WGBC’s annual Winemakers and Viticulturists Forum and Vintage Survey.
The BC Wine Grape Vintage Report is available to BC wine lovers and industry professionals alike and an essential tool to understand and promote the exceptional wines that came from the eventful 2021 growing season.
The Value of Tourism: West Kelowna Spotlight
Tourism Kelowna connected with several West Kelowna businesses to find out more about what tourism means to them and how it positively impacts their business and community.
Read Tourism Kelowna’s Value of Tourism Spotlight on West Kelowna →
Tourism Kelowna connected with several West Kelowna businesses to find out more about what tourism means to them and how it positively impacts their business and community.
Prior to the pandemic, tourism in the Central Okanagan was a $2.1 billion dollar industry. As a vital economic driver in the region, there is no doubt of the value that tourism brings, generating close to 13,000 jobs, $443 million in visitor spending, and $204 million in tax revenues for local, provincial, and federal programs and infrastructure.
The value of tourism, however, is not only economic, as the industry contributes positively to the quality of life of our region’s residents, who can enjoy world-class amenities, events, and attractions year-round, alongside visitors.
Read Tourism Kelowna’s Value of Tourism Spotlight on West Kelowna →
Invest in our Planet - Earth Day is April 22, 2022
Earth Day was first celebrated in the United States on April 22, 1970. Over the years, Earth Day in Canada has grown beyond a major day of environmental action, celebrated in many countries around the world. It also inspired organizations, such as Earth Day Canada, a charitable organization that inspires and supports citizens and organizations across the country to reduce their impact on the environment.
As a Biosphere Certified Destination, TOTA encourages and challenges residents and professionals in the region to participate on April 22 and improve sustainability throughout the year.
Learn how to participate on Earth Day.
Earth Day was first celebrated in the United States on April 22, 1970. Over the years, Earth Day in Canada has grown beyond a major day of environmental action, celebrated in many countries around the world. It also inspired organizations, such as Earth Day Canada, a charitable organization that inspires and supports citizens and organizations across the country to reduce their impact on the environment.
This year, Earth Day Canada’s campaign is focused on eco-anxiety, the mental health impacts of climate change. The most effective way to fight this issue is through collective action. Companies are invited to host events that bring people together to #RemedyTogether.
Earth Day Canada will offer a virtual workshop on April 22 to educate about the mental health issue, its effects, and the ways that taking collective action can help.
Thompson Okanagan Earth Day
As a Biosphere Certified Destination, TOTA encourages and challenges residents and professionals in the region to participate on April 22 and improve sustainability throughout the year.
Here’s some tips on how to participate on Earth Day:
Participate in a Cleanup - Organize your own cleanup or join a community cleanup.
Support eco-conscious businesses - See who is a Biosphere Committed Company in your community.
Schedule a free energy assessment available to all Thompson Okanagan tourism companies.
Start or expand a composting program with a one or a combination of: green bin, compost bin/tumbler, compost pickup/drop up, and foodcycler.
Plant bee friendly plants and create bee homes. Pollinators are vital for the environment/agriculture and need help.
Support sustainable fashion - The fashion industry is responsible for over 8% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
Avoid single use plastics - Offer reusable cups, containers, water bottles, and cutlery to customers and remember to bring your own to work or activities.
Recycling - Place recycling bins near garbage bins.
Support local producers - Choose local products, organic foods, and seasonal produce.
Federal Budget 2022 Highlights
The Government of Canada unveiled its 2022 federal budget on April 7. Spending was largely focused on housing and defense and notably excluded targeted support for the tourism industry by means of wage and fixed-cost support, and an extension of the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program. It also did not include amendments to the Tourism Relief Fund, nor extensions and amendments to debt relief such as the RRRF and CEBA programs.
The Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development spoke to Budget 2022 and noted that it is an innovation-forward budget that is focused on fiscal responsibility as Canada recovers.
Many initiatives in the budget are designed to support Canadian businesses as they scale up, including investments in the Canada Growth Fund, the Canada Innovation and Investment Agency, and the Coordinated Accessible National (CAN) Health Network.
Other commitments include investments to build a world-class IP regime, grow global innovation clusters, and ensure the resilience and stability of supply chains.
View Recording → (Password: ZtWrptm2)
To learn more about how the federal budget relates to the tourism industry, view the following summaries:
The Government of Canada unveiled its 2022 federal budget on April 7. Spending was largely focused on housing and defense and notably excluded targeted support for the tourism industry by means of wage and fixed-cost support, and an extension of the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program. It also did not include amendments to the Tourism Relief Fund, nor extensions and amendments to debt relief such as the RRRF and CEBA programs.
The Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development spoke to Budget 2022 and noted that it is an innovation-forward budget that is focused on fiscal responsibility as Canada recovers.
Many initiatives in the budget are designed to support Canadian businesses as they scale up, including investments in the Canada Growth Fund, the Canada Innovation and Investment Agency, and the Coordinated Accessible National (CAN) Health Network.
Other commitments include investments to build a world-class IP regime, grow global innovation clusters, and ensure the resilience and stability of supply chains.
View Recording → (Password: ZtWrptm2)
To learn more about how the federal budget relates to the tourism industry, view the following summaries:
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).