News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Bobby Bissessar Wins Spirit of Kelowna Award
On Thursday, April 21, the Kelowna Hotel Motel Association held its 2021 Heart of Hospitality Awards virtually. The awards were started in 2017 as a way to recognize industry professionals who "have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional experiences to Kelowna and area visitors." Tourism Kelowna presented the "Spirit of Kelowna" award to this year's winner, Bobby Bissessar, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Cove Lakeside Resort. The "Spirit of Kelowna" award is presented to an individual who demonstrates the spirit of Kelowna's brand promise and the destination ambassador values of collaboration, excellence, pride, innovation, and integrity. Congrats Bobby!
On Thursday, April 21, the Kelowna Hotel Motel Association held its 2021 Heart of Hospitality Awards virtually. The awards were started in 2017 as a way to recognize industry professionals who "have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional experiences to Kelowna and area visitors."
Tourism Kelowna presented the "Spirit of Kelowna" award to this year's winner, Bobby Bissessar, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Cove Lakeside Resort. The "Spirit of Kelowna" award is presented to an individual who demonstrates the spirit of Kelowna's brand promise and the destination ambassador values of collaboration, excellence, pride, innovation, and integrity. Congrats Bobby!
BC Economic Development Award Winners Announced
The BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) and FortisBC announced the winners of the 2022 BC Economic Development Awards, which recognizes BCEDA members for outstanding work in supporting their local economies, and making a meaningful difference in their communities. For over 30 years, the BCEDA has given these awards to individuals and groups who have dedicated their time to community-based economic development. Congratulations to all the 2022 BC Economic Development Award winners!
The BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) and FortisBC announced the winners of the 2022 BC Economic Development Awards, which recognizes BCEDA members for outstanding work in supporting their local economies, and making a meaningful difference in their communities. For over 30 years, the BCEDA has given these awards to individuals and groups who have dedicated their time to community-based economic development.
Congratulations to all the 2022 BC Economic Development Award winners!
Thompson Okanagan winners include:
Economic Reconciliation Award (community less than 20,000 population): Neskonlith Indian Band for Chase Harper Collaborative Community Management Plan (CCMP)
Economic Development Marketing Innovation Award (community less than 20,000 population): Village of Ashcroft for Experience Ashcroft Pocket Guide
Canadian Tourism Labour Market Snapshot - March 2022
The latest report on the Canadian Tourism Labour Market has been released and reflects the status of employment in the sector for the month of March 2022.
Overall, tourism employment experienced an uptick as the sector builds momentum toward recovery in the coming months; however, growth is hindered by employment losses in the accommodations industry and a higher than anticipated unemployment rate in transportation.
When considering the robust tourism labour force pre-pandemic (2,117,700 workers in March 2019), it is clear that labour shortages remain across the country and throughout the tourism industries. Through other indicators such as the tourism unemployment rate which held strong in March, there is hope that momentum is building toward sector recovery.
The latest report on the Canadian Tourism Labour Market has been released and reflects the status of employment in the sector for the month of March 2022.
Overall, tourism employment experienced an uptick as the sector builds momentum toward recovery in the coming months; however, growth is hindered by employment losses in the accommodations industry and a higher than anticipated unemployment rate in transportation.
When considering the robust tourism labour force pre-pandemic (2,117,700 workers in March 2019), it is clear that labour shortages remain across the country and throughout the tourism industries. Through other indicators such as the tourism unemployment rate which held strong in March, there is hope that momentum is building toward sector recovery.
Job Opportunity: Director of Partnerships, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
ITAC is hiring for a Director of Partnerships to join its growing team. Reporting to the president and CEO, this position is responsible for supporting relationships, partnerships, as well as developing and implementing programs across Canada to establish and grow regional Indigenous tourism associations. The Director of Partnerships will oversee corporate communications, internal market research, international projects, and memberships. The Director of Partnerships will also work with and support the Executive Management team, including the president and CEO, as it relates to partnerships.
ITAC is hiring for a Director of Partnerships to join its growing team. Reporting to the president and CEO, this position is responsible for supporting relationships, partnerships, as well as developing and implementing programs across Canada to establish and grow regional Indigenous tourism associations.
The Director of Partnerships will oversee corporate communications, internal market research, international projects, and memberships. The Director of Partnerships will also work with and support the Executive Management team, including the president and CEO, as it relates to partnerships.
Glohaven Community Hub Partnership With Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Glohaven Community Hub, a Thompson Okanagan software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform empowering tourism communities with innovative and sustainable destination management solutions, has announced a partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) to amplify the voices of Indigenous-owned tourism businesses and to provide consumers with the opportunity to demonstrate economic reconciliation by consciously shopping for and supporting the unique products and experiences of Indigenous creators.
Glohaven Community Hub, a Thompson Okanagan software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform empowering tourism communities with innovative and sustainable destination management solutions, has announced a partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).
In recognition of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, Glohaven and ITAC are collaborating to amplify the voices of Indigenous-owned tourism businesses and to provide consumers with the opportunity to demonstrate economic reconciliation by consciously shopping for and supporting the unique products and experiences of Indigenous creators.
The objective of the partnership between Glohaven and ITAC is to provide Indigenous tourism communities and businesses with the digital infrastructure and direct-to-consumer sales channels they need to be more accessible to a broader audience of socially conscious consumers in the online world.
Glohaven and ITAC recognize the power of working together, leveraging each other’s unique skills and resources to support Indigenous tourism businesses with innovative, creative, and tangible sales and marketing solutions. Furthermore, this partnership contributes to the performance of Canada’s visitor economy as a sustainable Indigenous tourism destination.
About Glohaven Community Hub
Glohaven is a community of people who’ve come together for the purpose of making tourism in Canada more innovative.
With a heart and soul for ‘local,’ Glohaven cares about people, the planet, and profits that create meaningful, impactful change.
Glohaven’s digital community hub is built from the “Inside Out” starting at the community level. Every community and its members can participate in the collaborative process to create a locally represented, inclusive online marketplace that reflects the unique products, values, and culture of each community.
Glohaven is currently testing an open Beta version of its platform. This means Glohaven is not done developing the platform, but has enough features built to run the platform at its minimum functionality. Over time, the functionality of the platform will increase and new features will appear.
About The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a national non-profit Indigenous tourism industry organization established in 2015. ITAC is the lead organization tasked with growing and promoting the Indigenous tourism industry across the country. Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with groups and regions with similar mandates to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism businesses in a respectful protocol.
The head office of ITAC is located in Vancouver, BC, on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Sə̓lílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
New Measures to Address Canada’s Labour Shortage
The Government of Canada made several announcements to streamline the process and improve access to international workers for businesses, to assist in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government of Canada announced that Express Entry draws will soon resume and that invitations for candidates to apply for permanent residence will begin in early July. The vast majority of new applications will be processed within the 6-month service standard.
Canada also announced a policy that will allow over 50,000 international students to stay and work in Canada for an additional 18 months if they are applying for permanent residency in 2022.
Finally, Canada announced new measures for those who applied for permanent residence through the temporary resident to permanent resident pathway last year. The limited-time pathway was launched in 2021 to invite a broad range of individuals already working in Canada to apply to stay permanently. While closed to new applications since November 2021, the processing of applications will continue for some time.
Taking effect this summer, the policy changes announced include:
Applicants will no longer be required to remain in Canada while their application is being processed.
Applicants who apply for an open work permit while waiting for their permanent residence application to be finalized will be able to get work permits valid until the end of 2024. This will ensure that all permanent residence applications will be finalized before applicants will need to apply to extend their temporary status again.
To support family reunification, immediate family members who are outside Canada and who were included in a principal applicant’s permanent residence application will be eligible for their own open work permit.
Destination BC and Indigenous Tourism BC Present: Illahee
In April, Destination BC with ITBC launched Illahee: a video series featuring Indigenous story tellers, to help audiences deepen their connection with BC’s nature by listening to three Indigenous leaders describe their unique relationships to the land and sea.
One of the videos features Chief Frank Antoine of the Bonaparte First Nation, sharing what he’s learned by listening to the wind in the mountains of the Thompson Okanagan.
The videos will be shared with consumers through paid and owned channels as part of the extensive global BC Effect marketing campaign.
Illahee means “our lands and our place within them.” Choosing this name honours the intent of the Chinook Jargon Language to serve as a means of connecting people from diverse backgrounds to each other and to these lands.
In April, Destination BC with ITBC launched Illahee: a video series featuring Indigenous story tellers, to help audiences deepen their connection with BC’s nature by listening to three Indigenous leaders describe their unique relationships to the land and sea.
One of the videos features Chief Frank Antoine of the Bonaparte First Nation, sharing what he’s learned by listening to the wind in the mountains of the Thompson Okanagan.
The videos will be shared with consumers through paid and owned channels as part of the extensive global BC Effect marketing campaign.
Illahee means “our lands and our place within them.” Choosing this name honours the intent of the Chinook Jargon Language to serve as a means of connecting people from diverse backgrounds to each other and to these lands.
Government of Canada announces additional easing of border measures effective April 25
The Government of Canada announced further changes to Canada's border measures for certain eligible travellers. Effective April 25, 2022, the following easing of border measures will come into effect:
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor will no longer be required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test for entry to Canada.
Pre-entry tests will still be required for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers 12 and older who are currently eligible to travel to Canada. Children under 5 years of age are not required to provide a COVID-19 test result.
All fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. This requirement will also be removed for children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian, or tutor and travellers with a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine.
Furthermore, fully vaccinated travellers arriving to Canada after April 25, 2022, will no longer be federally required to do the following for 14 days after arriving:
mask while in public spaces;
monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms;
quarantine if another traveller in the same travel group exhibits signs or symptoms or tests positive; and
maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.
All travellers are still required to use ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours of their arrival to Canada and/or before boarding a plane or cruise ship destined for Canada.
The Government of Canada announced further changes to Canada's border measures for certain eligible travellers. Effective April 25, 2022, the following easing of border measures will come into effect:
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian or tutor will no longer be required to complete a pre-entry COVID-19 test for entry to Canada.
Pre-entry tests will still be required for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers 12 and older who are currently eligible to travel to Canada. Children under 5 years of age are not required to provide a COVID-19 test result.
All fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. This requirement will also be removed for children aged 5-11 who are accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent, step-parent, guardian, or tutor and travellers with a medical contraindication to a COVID-19 vaccine.
Furthermore, fully vaccinated travellers arriving to Canada after April 25, 2022, will no longer be federally required to do the following for 14 days after arriving:
mask while in public spaces;
monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms;
quarantine if another traveller in the same travel group exhibits signs or symptoms or tests positive; and
maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited.
All travellers are still required to use ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) to provide mandatory travel information within 72 hours of their arrival to Canada and/or before boarding a plane or cruise ship destined for Canada.
SASCU supports the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail with $50,000
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail celebrated Earth Day with an announcement of a $50,000 donation from Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union (SASCU) Financial Group toward the construction of the rail trail.
In Splatsin history, the railway represented a division of land and a loss of resources. Projects such as this one provide an opportunity for all involved to partake in reconciliation and to work together towards a common goal.
The economic and land management benefits are the tip of the iceberg; the rail trail will promote a healthy lifestyle and exercise, family outings, the appreciation of nature and knowledge of the land as well as an improved understanding of the Secwepemc values and culture.
The announcement was made at Splatsin Community Centre where the first pilot section will be constructed between Splatsin and Enderby. The second section approved for construction will begin in Sicamous (km 0) to Mara (km 19.8) to address rock scaling, road crossings, bridge decking, safety signage, preliminary grading, and erosion.
The Capital Fundraising Campaign encourages corporate and community donors to support the rail trail project by making donations, as many grant applications require a matching financial commitment to qualify. All contributions are tax-deductible. Every dollar donated is leveraged for grants to construct additional kilometres on the rail trail.
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail celebrated Earth Day with an announcement of a $50,000 donation from Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union (SASCU) Financial Group toward the construction of the rail trail.
In Splatsin history, the railway represented a division of land and a loss of resources. Projects such as this one provide an opportunity for all involved to partake in reconciliation and to work together towards a common goal.
The economic and land management benefits are the tip of the iceberg; the rail trail will promote a healthy lifestyle and exercise, family outings, the appreciation of nature and knowledge of the land as well as an improved understanding of the Secwepemc values and culture.
The announcement was made at Splatsin Community Centre where the first pilot section will be constructed between Splatsin and Enderby. The second section approved for construction will begin in Sicamous (km 0) to Mara (km 19.8) to address rock scaling, road crossings, bridge decking, safety signage, preliminary grading, and erosion.
The Capital Fundraising Campaign encourages corporate and community donors to support the rail trail project by making donations, as many grant applications require a matching financial commitment to qualify. All contributions are tax-deductible. Every dollar donated is leveraged for grants to construct additional kilometres on the rail trail.
go2HR Seeking Board Nominations by April 29, 2022
go2HR is currently seeking nominations for three director positions (2 year term). They are committed to renewing their board with diversified representation and keen to receive nominations from women, indigenous operators, northern BC employers, and educators. Are you interested in running for a position on go2HR’s Board of Directors? The organization needs your expertise and leadership to help them continue the strategic journey to realize strong workforces and safe workplaces that deliver world-class tourism and hospitality experiences in BC. Now more than ever, go2HR's work is needed to support BC’s tourism and hospitality recovery.
All completed nominations forms must be submitted to go2HR no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 29, 2022.
go2HR is currently seeking nominations for three director positions (2 year term). go2HR is committed to renewing their board with diversified representation and keen to receive nominations from women, Indigenous operators, northern BC employers, and educators.
Are you interested in running for a position on go2HR’s Board of Directors?
The organization needs your expertise and leadership to help them continue the strategic journey to realize strong workforces and safe workplaces that deliver world-class tourism and hospitality experiences in BC.
Now more than ever, go2HR's work is needed to support BC’s tourism and hospitality recovery.
All completed nominations forms must be submitted to go2HR no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 29, 2022.
Canadian Documentary Sheds Light on Mass Tourism
A Canadian-made documentary, the Last Tourist, premiered in Vancouver last week with the aim to shine a light on the negative effects travel can have on world cultures and landscapes. The documentary explains that if done right, travelling can help with wealth distribution, while giving travellers enriching experiences. It also recommends researching tour companies before booking and keeping money in the local economy, whether that means staying in locally-owned hotels, eating at locally-owned restaurants or shopping locally. The Last Tourist is available on Apple TV and Amazon.
A Canadian-made documentary, the Last Tourist, premiered in Vancouver last week with the aim to shine a light on the negative effects travel can have on world cultures and landscapes.
The documentary explains that if done right, travelling can help with wealth distribution, while giving travellers enriching experiences. It also recommends researching tour companies before booking and keeping money in the local economy, whether that means staying in locally-owned hotels, eating at locally-owned restaurants or shopping locally. The Last Tourist is available on Apple TV and Amazon.
go2HR Employee Training Programs
go2HR offers several online and free/affordable training opportunities to support training and development of the BC tourism industry and to create safe and successful workplaces.
The following courses may be helpful for you and your team members:
FOODSAFE Level 1 by Distance Education: Self-paced BC food safety course and certification.
BSAFE™ - BC Safety Assured For Everyone: Free front line worker foundational health and safety course
Safer Spaces - Course for Employers and Supervisors: Free online course about preventing sexual harassment in tourism and hospitality workplaces.
Foundations of Workplace Safety Course (includes WHMIS): Free workplace safety training for young or new workers in tourism, including rights and responsibilities, and common hazards.
SuperHost Customer Service Training: Affordable, relevant and quality customer service training for front-line employees, available online.
Workplace Wellness CARE Certificate: Free online training to learn to maintain mental health and care for another person experiencing a mental or emotional crisis.
go2HR offers several online and free/affordable training opportunities to support training and development of the BC tourism industry and to create safe and successful workplaces.
The following courses may be helpful for you and your team members:
FOODSAFE Level 1 by Distance Education: Self-paced BC food safety course and certification.
BSAFE™ - BC Safety Assured For Everyone: Free front line worker foundational health and safety course
Safer Spaces - Course for Employers and Supervisors: Free online course about preventing sexual harassment in tourism and hospitality workplaces.
Foundations of Workplace Safety Course (includes WHMIS): Free workplace safety training for young or new workers in tourism, including rights and responsibilities, and common hazards.
SuperHost Customer Service Training: Affordable, relevant and quality customer service training for front-line employees, available online.
Workplace Wellness CARE Certificate: Free online training to learn to maintain mental health and care for another person experiencing a mental or emotional crisis.
New Biosphere Committed Company, Codfather’s Seafood Market
We are pleased to welcome Codfather’s Seafood Market as the newest Biosphere Committed Company. Located in Kelowna, Codfather’s is a family run business that prides themselves on marking a big impact out of a small space. Sustainability for Codfather’s as a seafood business has always been tied closely to the ethics of seafood harvesting and growing, and the way that fisheries are organized and monitored. Codfather’s owners Jon and Anne-Marie Crofts have been involved in other sustainable movements such as Slow Fish and the Fisheries for Communities campaign.
Jon and Anne-Marie Crofts, Owners of Codfather’s Seafood Market
Codfather’s Seafood Market has been operating in Kelowna for over 30 years and operates a traditional Fishmongers shop as well as supplying restaurants in the Okanagan and beyond with high quality seafood. Operating out of a small space in the Guisachan Village on Gordon Drive in Kelowna, they are a family run business and pride themselves on making a big impact out of a small space.
“We decided to join the Biosphere Commitment Program because we needed a way to ensure that we take every opportunity to progress and look at every area of our business in terms of sustainability. We felt that this would lead to real and measurable improvement for us.”
- Jon Crofts, Codfather’s Seafood Market
Sustainability for Codfather’s as a seafood business has always been tied closely to the ethics of seafood harvesting and growing, and the way that fisheries are organized and monitored. Sustainability is more than just an eco-label, it also comes from the heart and should never be driven by the desire to profit in any other way than to ensure that a livelihood and thriving ecosystem is still available for all the generations to come.
Lack of equitable access and corporate monopolisation have become huge problems when it comes to sustainability, with “Ocean Grabbing” prevalent throughout the world. Through their work with the Slow Fish organization, they fight against these problems in various guises constantly. They also believe firmly in the value of local co-management of fisheries by Coastal and inland watershed communities. Codfather’s works towards this through their involvement with the “Fisheries for Communities” campaign.
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: