News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
New Report Tracks Americans’ Perception and Demand for Travel to Canada
As international travel resumes, American travellers will be key to driving revenue recovery for Canadian tourism businesses. Destination Canada is tracking Americans’ travel demand for Canada and sentiment towards travel to Canada to provide our industry with a better understanding of the trends and behaviours we are seeing in this key market. Destination Canada's first edition of the new report, US Sentiment for Travel to Canada, was published recently and the included metrics will continue to be tracked on a monthly basis moving forward.
As international travel resumes, American travellers will be key to driving revenue recovery for Canadian tourism businesses. Destination Canada is tracking Americans’ travel demand for Canada and sentiment towards travel to Canada to provide our industry with a better understanding of the trends and behaviours we are seeing in this key market. Destination Canada's first edition of the new report, US Sentiment for Travel to Canada, was published recently and the included metrics will continue to be tracked on a monthly basis moving forward.
Survey: Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) Strategic Planning
The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) Board of Directors is developing a new 3-year strategic plan and wants to ensure that issues that matter most to the industry are prioritized. Accommodators are invited to share feedback to shape HAC's focus for the next 3 years. The survey has 3 questions that won’t take more than 5 minutes to complete. Results will be discussed and analyzed at the Board’s Strategic Planning Session in June, and the new plan will be released in the Fall.
The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) Board of Directors is developing a new 3-year strategic plan and wants to ensure that issues that matter most to the industry are prioritized. Accommodators are invited to share feedback to shape HAC's focus for the next 3 years.
The survey has 3 questions that won’t take more than 5 minutes to complete. Results will be discussed and analyzed at the Board’s Strategic Planning Session in June, and the new plan will be released in the Fall.
Grow Your Business Online with Canada Digital Adoption Program & Grants
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) provides support to help get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost, or help digitalize your business's operations. CDAP provides funding and support to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.
There are two streams:
Grow Your Business Online: Micro-grant and access to e-commerce advisors to help you go digital and take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.
Boost Your Business Technology: Grant to help you develop a digital plan and funded work placements to help with your digital transformation.
Which grant is your business eligible for?
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) provides support to help get your business online, give your e-commerce presence a boost, or help digitalize your business's operations. CDAP provides funding and support to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.
There are two streams:
Grow Your Business Online: Micro-grant and access to e-commerce advisors to help you go digital and take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.
Boost Your Business Technology: Grant to help you develop a digital plan and funded work placements to help with your digital transformation.
Which grant is your business eligible for?
B.C. conducts test of system, expands emergency hazards alert
The Province of B.C. is expanding use of the Alert Ready system in B.C. beyond tsunami warnings and Amber Alerts to also include imminent threats from floods and wildfires. The wireless alerting system is online and ready to be deployed for flooding, and will expand again to include wildfire threats by early June.
For tips on how to prepare an emergency plan and what to include in an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag, visit: http://www.preparedbc.ca
The Province of B.C. is expanding use of the Alert Ready system in B.C. beyond tsunami warnings and Amber Alerts to also include imminent threats from floods and wildfires. The wireless alerting system is online and ready to be deployed for flooding, and will expand again to include wildfire threats by early June.
To receive alerts, mobile phones must be connected to an LTE cellular network (the device must be turned on and cannot be set to do not disturb or airplane mode), be alert-compatible, be within the alert area and have up-to-date cellular software. Alerts will be broadcast automatically at no cost to the user. To find out if your wireless device is compatible with the Alert Ready system, or for more information about the system, visit: AlertReady.ca.
British Columbians may wish to participate in a short online survey following the test on May 4 to help determine the reach of the Alert Ready test. This survey is administered by Public Emergency Alerting Services.
For tips on how to prepare an emergency plan and what to include in an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag, visit: http://www.preparedbc.ca
Emergency Preparedness Week: May 1-7, 2022
Last week was Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week), a national event supported by Public Safety Canada, working closely with provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private sector who support activities at the local level. An annual event for over 25 years, it traditionally takes place during the first full week of May. EP Week is an opportunity for you to take action to ensure you are prepared to protect yourself, your family, and your community during an emergency. This year, the theme is Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything. The intent of this theme is to encourage Canadians to take action to become better prepared for the range of emergencies they could face in their region.
Last week was Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week), a national event supported by Public Safety Canada, working closely with provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private sector who support activities at the local level. An annual event for over 25 years, it traditionally takes place during the first full week of May.
EP Week is an opportunity for you to take action to ensure you are prepared to protect yourself, your family, and your community during an emergency.
This year, the theme is Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything. The intent of this theme is to encourage Canadians to take action to become better prepared for the range of emergencies they could face in their region.
Resources:
Tourism Kelowna Awarded Contract for Lake Country Mobile Visitor Services
The District of Lake Country announced that Tourism Kelowna has been awarded the contract to pilot mobile visitor services in the community for the summer of 2022. The pilot, which will begin in mid-May and run into September, will see mobile visitor services initiatives launched in high traffic locations around Lake Country such as beaches, parks, events, and attractions to engage with residents and visitors.
The District of Lake Country announced that Tourism Kelowna has been awarded the contract to pilot mobile visitor services in the community for the summer of 2022. The pilot, which will begin in mid-May and run into September, will see mobile visitor services initiatives launched in high traffic locations around Lake Country such as beaches, parks, events, and attractions to engage with residents and visitors.
Mobile services in the District of Lake Country will be delivered using equipment such as branded e-bikes, a tent, and roving Community Specialist staff who will distribute resources including maps, brochures, event listings, and more.
Lake Country branded merchandise will also be made available for purchase so locals and visitors can show their pride for the community. Staff will be trained using Destination British Columbia's Visitor Centre Network standards to ensure consistent service levels.
BCLCA’s Auction “22” Raising Funds for Care Camps for Children with Cancer Until May 29
Auction is full of items to bid on, from camping nights, cabin stays, experiences, clothing, small appliances, and more. Care Camps allows children living with cancer to have hope, happiness, and the healing powers that come from attending specialized oncology camps where they can just be kids. The camp experience equips them with the skills necessary to meet the challenges they will face while fighting their disease. Working together, in 2021 BCLCA Care Camps supporters helped raise $3,140.06 and they want to raise significantly more this year. The auction is now live and runs until 7pm on May 29.
If you would like to become an auction supporter and donate a gift certificate or item from your business, please email Darlene@bclca.com.
BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is proud to once again support Care Camps of Canada with “Auction 22”. The ONLINE Auction is full of items to bid on, from camping nights, cabin stays, experiences, clothing, small appliances, and more.
Care Camps allows children living with cancer to have hope, happiness, and the healing powers that come from attending specialized oncology camps where they can just be kids. The camp experience equips them with the skills necessary to meet the challenges they will face while fighting their disease.
Working together, in 2021 BCLCA Care Camps supporters helped raise $3,140.06 and they want to raise significantly more this year.
The auction is now live and runs until 7pm on May 29.
If you would like to become an auction supporter and donate a gift certificate or item from your business, please email Darlene@bclca.com.
Lynx Air Launches Affordable Air Travel Routes to/from Kelowna
Kelowna International Airport welcomed Lynx Air this week, after launching in March 2022. Lynx is currently operating two flights a week from Kelowna to each of Calgary and Vancouver, with fares as low as $39* to and from Kelowna.
As of June 29, Lynx will increase its service to Calgary to three flights per week, taking the airline's total flights in and out of Kelowna to 10 flights and 1,890 seats per week.
To commemorate Lynx's growing presence in Kelowna, the airline has launched a limited-time seat sale and is offering up to 50 per cent off all base fares to and from Kelowna. The sale will end on May 4 at 10:59 PT.
For details and to reserve discounted seats, please visit FlyLynx.com.
Kelowna International Airport welcomed Lynx Air this week, after launching in March 2022. Lynx is currently operating two flights a week from Kelowna to each of Calgary and Vancouver, with fares as low as $39* to and from Kelowna.
As of June 29, Lynx will increase its service to Calgary to three flights per week, taking the airline's total flights in and out of Kelowna to 10 flights and 1,890 seats per week.
To commemorate Lynx's growing presence in Kelowna, the airline has launched a limited-time seat sale and is offering up to 50 per cent off all base fares to and from Kelowna. The sale will end on May 4 at 10:59 PT.
For details and to reserve discounted seats, please visit FlyLynx.com.
Have You Added the Accessibility Feature to Your HelloBC Listing?
Over 500 tourism businesses have added the Accessibility feature to their business listing on HelloBC.com.
BC tourism businesses can add accessible attributes to their HelloBC.com listing at any time. If your business has mobility, vision, hearing and/or cognitive accessible attributes, let consumers know by adding this feature to your HelloBC.com listing today, at no cost.
Over 500 tourism businesses have added the Accessibility feature to their business listing on HelloBC.com.
BC tourism businesses can add accessible attributes to their HelloBC.com listing at any time. If your business has mobility, vision, hearing and/or cognitive accessible attributes, let consumers know by adding this feature to your HelloBC.com listing today, at no cost.
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.
Reminder: Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) - Apply by May 7
While the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) expires on May 7, 2022, the government will accept retroactive applications.
Intended to support recovery for businesses to hire employees or increase work hours of existing employees, the CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
Programs Eligibility Requirements:
The CRHP provides up to 50% wage subsidies for new employees or for existing employees who are working increased hours or earn a higher wage. Eligible employers must have a revenue loss of more than 10% to qualify.
The CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
Eligible employers can access either the CRHP or the THRP, but not both during the same period.
Eligible employers, who had an active payroll account as of March 2020 can access the CRHP.
The THRP subsidies require a minimum period-over-period revenue loss of at least 40% and some employers no longer meet the 40% revenue loss requirement to qualify for the THRP.
Unlike the THRP, applications to the CRHP can be made retroactively up to 180 days after the end of a period.
Applications to the CRHP are made through the same system as the THRP.
While the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) expires on May 7, 2022, the government will accept retroactive applications.
Intended to support recovery for businesses to hire employees or increase work hours of existing employees, the CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
A Reminder of the Programs Eligibility Requirements:
The CRHP provides up to 50% wage subsidies for new employees or for existing employees who are working increased hours or earn a higher wage. Eligible employers must have a revenue loss of more than 10% to qualify.
The CRHP is a separate wage subsidy that runs parallel to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) wage and rent subsidies, which also expire on May 7.
Eligible employers can access either the CRHP or the THRP, but not both during the same period.
Eligible employers, who had an active payroll account as of March 2020 can access the CRHP.
The THRP subsidies require a minimum period-over-period revenue loss of at least 40% and some employers no longer meet the 40% revenue loss requirement to qualify for the THRP.
Unlike the THRP, applications to the CRHP can be made retroactively up to 180 days after the end of a period.
Applications to the CRHP are made through the same system as the THRP.
90% of Consumers Look for Sustainable Options when Booking Travel According to Expedia Research
New research released today by Expedia Group Media Solutions reveals that although 90% of consumers look for sustainable options when booking, 70% feel overwhelmed with navigating options and making the best choices to be a more sustainable traveler.
Conducted in partnership with Wakefield Research, the study included an online survey of 11,000 representative, general population adults ages 18+ in 11 global markets fielded between February 11 and March 6, 2022.
Key Takeaways
Travel brands should make sustainable travel information easier to understand and show the value and impact of responsible travel choices.
Travellers want to know that travel brands are committed to sustainability, not just checking a box.
Additional insights from the recently released Sustainable Travel study from Expedia Group Media Solutions included price and opportunities in sustainable travel.
New research released today by Expedia Group Media Solutions reveals that although 90% of consumers look for sustainable options when booking, 70% feel overwhelmed with navigating options and making the best choices to be a more sustainable traveler.
Conducted in partnership with Wakefield Research, the study included an online survey of 11,000 representative, general population adults ages 18+ in 11 global markets fielded between February 11 and March 6, 2022.
Key Takeaways
Travel brands should make sustainable travel information easier to understand and show the value and impact of responsible travel choices.
Travellers want to know that travel brands are committed to sustainability, not just checking a box.
Additional insights from the recently released Sustainable Travel study from Expedia Group Media Solutions included price and opportunities in sustainable travel.
Destination BC Invest in Iconics Update
Destination BC, together with strategic industry advisory groups, and ITBC are in the midst of developing new brand strategies for the various Iconic routes and places across the province. The Invest in Iconics Strategy for British Columbia is focused on creating globally compelling brands for routes and places across the province that will help disperse visitors as well as help BC stand out amongst the vast array of travel choices around the world. Place Branding will present the province in a new way to create storylines about destinations that will ignite the imaginations of travellers for years to come.
Destination BC, together with strategic industry advisory groups, and ITBC are in the midst of developing new brand strategies for the various Iconic routes and places across the province.
The Invest in Iconics Strategy for British Columbia is focused on creating globally compelling brands for routes and places across the province that will help disperse visitors as well as help BC stand out amongst the vast array of travel choices around the world. Place Branding will present the province in a new way to create storylines about destinations that will ignite the imaginations of travellers for years to come.
Human Resources Industry Toolkit - go2HR
The go2HR team developed an industry toolkit with employer HR resources for the coming season. The toolkit has downloadable and customizable resources that can help in the following areas of HR:
Recruitment
Onboarding
On the Job
Departure
From recruitment best practices to sample interview questions, including templates to manage employee performance, this HR Toolkit is a great resource whether you are hiring your first employee and not sure where to start, or you are an experienced manager looking to update current HR practices, policies, or procedures.
The go2HR team developed an industry toolkit with employer HR resources for the coming season. The toolkit has downloadable and customizable resources that can help in the following areas of HR:
Recruitment
Onboarding
On the Job
Departure
From recruitment best practices to sample interview questions, including templates to manage employee performance, this HR Toolkit is a great resource whether you are hiring your first employee and not sure where to start, or you are an experienced manager looking to update current HR practices, policies, or procedures.
YYF Penticton Airport Upgrade & Visit South Okanagan Posters
The Government of Canada recently renovated and expanded the YYF Penticton Airport terminal building, including new airline check-in counters, car rental kiosks, washrooms, and a visitor’s information booth. The upgraded facility also includes an expanded arrivals hall, security screening area and departure gates. The airport is also seeking a business for the upgraded food service area.
As part of the renovations, YYF added new signage, digital displays, and artwork throughout the terminal, including Visit South Okanagan posters for the South Okanagan destination community.
The Government of Canada recently renovated and expanded the YYF Penticton Airport terminal building, including new airline check-in counters, car rental kiosks, washrooms, and a visitor’s information booth. The upgraded facility also includes an expanded arrivals hall, security screening area and departure gates. The airport is also seeking a business for the upgraded food service area.
As part of the renovations, YYF added new signage, digital displays, and artwork throughout the terminal, including Visit South Okanagan posters for the South Okanagan destination community.
Survey | Actions to Reduce Single-Use Waste in BC (close June 21)
The Province is proposing a new regulation to reduce single-use and plastic waste by limiting or banning the use of certain single-use items. The regulation will complement and expand on the actions taken by B.C. municipalities and the federal government to tackle plastic waste and pollution. The survey also seeks your input on other actions to reduce plastic waste, address materials that are difficult to reuse or recycle, and keep what we do use working for us for longer. Engagement timelines: April 22 to June 21, 2022.
The Province is proposing a new regulation to reduce single-use and plastic waste by limiting or banning the use of certain single-use items. The regulation will complement and expand on the actions taken by BC municipalities and the federal government to tackle plastic waste and pollution.
The survey also seeks your input on other actions to reduce plastic waste, address materials that are difficult to reuse or recycle, and keep tools working for longer.
Engagement timelines: April 22 to June 21, 2022
go2HR Guide to Employment Help for Ukrainians
go2HR has prepared a guide to help BC tourism and hospitality employers who are keen to assist Ukrainian newcomers through employment, for those who are interested, but not sure if they can or how to start.
go2HR has prepared a guide to help BC tourism and hospitality employers who are keen to assist Ukrainian newcomers through employment, for those who are interested, but not sure if they can or how to start.
Hire Global Tourism Diploma Graduates
Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) provides support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about living in Canada. ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year. Approximately 20 students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program are looking for full and/or part-time employment in the industry, and many are available to start working immediately. For more information, contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism at shelina.spilchen@issbc.org.
Immigration Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) provides support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers, and learn all they need to know about living in Canada. ISSofBC provides settlement, education, and employment services to over 20,000 clients every year.
Approximately 20 students who recently completed the Global Tourism Diploma Program are looking for full and/or part-time employment in the industry, and many are available to start working immediately.
For more information, contact Shelina Spilchen, Case Manager – Skills Training for Tourism at shelina.spilchen@issbc.org.
Tourism Events Program Applications Open Until May 31
The Province of BC has restarted the Tourism Events Program accepting applications until May 31, 2022. While historically an annual program, it was paused in spring 2020 due to pandemic restrictions and guidelines limiting gatherings. The Tourism Events Program (the program) provides funding for up to 10% of the total event budget up to a maximum of $250,000 per event (minimum of $10,000). Funds can also cover a range of marketing expenses. Eligible events are those that are in B.C. between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, accessible to the public, and are generally sporting, arts, or cultural events.
The Province of BC has restarted the Tourism Events Program accepting applications until May 31, 2022. While historically an annual program, it was paused in spring 2020 due to pandemic restrictions and guidelines limiting gatherings.
The Tourism Events Program (the program) provides funding for up to 10% of the total event budget up to a maximum of $250,000 per event (minimum of $10,000). Funds can also cover a range of marketing expenses.
Eligible events are those that are in B.C. between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, accessible to the public, and are generally sporting, arts, or cultural events.
Join 40-day Hospitality Hustle Challenge to Raise Awareness for BC Hospitality Foundation
The BC Hospitality Foundation invites you to join this year’s #HospitalityHustle. to help unite British Columbians to raise awareness for the Foundation, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and have some fun. Participants are encouraged to set a personal fitness goal, share their progress on social media, and tag #HospitalityHustle to connect with other participants. Each participant contributes to the Foundation’s “collective” progress map to help reach the goal of completing the route around BC three times. Individuals can also choose to fundraise for the Foundation - funds support industry colleagues facing financial crisis due to illness.
The BC Hospitality Foundation invites you to join this year’s #HospitalityHustle. to help unite British Columbians to raise awareness for the Foundation, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and have some fun.
Participants are encouraged to set a personal fitness goal, share their progress on social media, and tag #HospitalityHustle to connect with other participants. Each participant contributes to the Foundation’s “collective” progress map to help reach the goal of completing the route around BC three times.
Individuals can also choose to fundraise for the Foundation - funds support industry colleagues facing financial crisis due to illness.