News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
AccessibleBC Plan Removes Barriers
The B.C. Government’s new accessibility plan, AccessibleBC, outlines how provincial ministries will embed accessibility and inclusion in their work and services over the next three years. Implementation of the act is ongoing, with government now set to begin developing two new standards, the Accessible Employment Standard and the Accessible Service-Delivery Standard. Development of accessibility standards will be guided by the overall objective to identify, remove, and prevent barriers that impede full and equal participation by people with disabilities. Barriers include environments, attitudes, practices, policies, information, communications, and technologies and can be compounded by intersecting forms of discrimination.
The B.C. Government’s new accessibility plan, AccessibleBC, outlines how provincial ministries will embed accessibility and inclusion in their work and services over the next three years.
The AccessibleBC plan lists five priority areas for government to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to participation for people with disabilities:
creating a culture of accessibility and inclusion;
information and communication;
buildings, infrastructure and public spaces;
employment in the B.C. public service; and
delivery of goods and services.
Implementation of the act is ongoing, with government now set to begin developing two new standards, the Accessible Employment Standard and the Accessible Service-Delivery Standard.
Development of accessibility standards will be guided by the overall objective to identify, remove, and prevent barriers that impede full and equal participation by people with disabilities. Barriers include environments, attitudes, practices, policies, information, communications, and technologies and can be compounded by intersecting forms of discrimination.
B.C. Minimum Wage Increased as of June 1
As of June 1, 2022 BC's lowest paid workers will get a pay boost as the minimum wage increases from $15.20 to $15.65 per hour, the highest of any province. The minimum wage increase to $15.65 per hour is tied to British Columbia's average annual inflation rate which, from January 1st to December 31st, 2021, was calculated at 2.8%. This is consistent with the approach taken in other jurisdictions.
As of June 1, 2022 BC's lowest paid workers will get a pay boost as the minimum wage increases from $15.20 to $15.65 per hour, the highest of any province.
The minimum wage increase to $15.65 per hour is tied to British Columbia's average annual inflation rate which, from January 1st to December 31st, 2021, was calculated at 2.8%. This is consistent with the approach taken in other jurisdictions.
COVID Border Measures to Remain in Place at Least Another Month
Health Canada made an announcement earlier today stating the Government of Canada is extending current border measures for travellers entering Canada until at least June 30, 2022. Several pandemic restrictions are in place at Canadian airports and land borders, including vaccine mandates, random COVID-19 tests and the requirement that international travellers answer pandemic-related questions on the ArriveCan app. Travellers must also wear masks on planes and passenger trains. The specific restrictions vary depending on travellers’ age, citizenship, and vaccination status.
Health Canada made an announcement earlier today stating the Government of Canada is extending current border measures for travellers entering Canada until at least June 30, 2022.
Several pandemic restrictions are in place at Canadian airports and land borders, including vaccine mandates, random COVID-19 tests and the requirement that international travellers answer pandemic-related questions on the ArriveCan app. Travellers must also wear masks on planes and passenger trains. The specific restrictions vary depending on travellers’ age, citizenship and vaccination status.
As for when the mandates will be lifted, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said he doesn’t know but the government is consulting with experts and other jurisdictions.
National AccessAbility Week & Accessibility Ambassadors in the Okanagan
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is being celebrated from May 29 to June 4, with the theme: “Inclusive from the start.”
Join in to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities; highlight the work of individuals, organizations and communities who are removing barriers, and reflect on our ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more disability inclusive Canada.
As part of the celebration, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) will have accessibility ambassadors on the ground next week, collecting information for the AccessNow app on the main streets in Kelowna, Penticton, and Vernon.
The AccessNow app is a go-to resource for accessibility information, built on a connected platform that empowers all people to discover a world of accessible opportunities, make travel decisions, and remove barriers. The app has over 200K places rated in 35 countries, including restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions, trails, and parks.
AccessNow has a growing community of people who believe in an accessible future. Anyone is welcome to get involved through mapping, reviewing, beta testing, outreach, and storytelling.
Tourism businesses can claim their listing and let people know what to expect when visiting.
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is being celebrated from May 29 to June 4, with the theme: “Inclusive from the start.”
Join in to celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities; highlight the work of individuals, organizations and communities who are removing barriers, and reflect on our ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more disability inclusive Canada.
As part of the celebration, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) will have accessibility ambassadors on the ground next week, collecting information for the AccessNow app on the main streets in Kelowna, Penticton, and Vernon.
The AccessNow app is a go-to resource for accessibility information, built on a connected platform that empowers all people to discover a world of accessible opportunities, make travel decisions, and remove barriers. The app has over 200K places rated in 35 countries, including restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions, trails, and parks.
AccessNow has a growing community of people who believe in an accessible future. Anyone is welcome to get involved through mapping, reviewing, beta testing, outreach, and storytelling.
Tourism businesses can claim their listing and let people know what to expect when visiting.
Happy Tourism Week | May 29 – June 4, 2022
Tourism Week is an annual invitation for all tourism partners to come together to champion and promote Canada’s destinations, tourism businesses, and employees – from coast to coast to coast.
Operators and communities around BC are encouraged to share their Tourism Week celebrations on social media using the hashtags #BCTourismCounts and #GreenMeansGo.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada has created a toolkit with resources to make it easy to share Tourism Week.
Destination BC and TIABC have provided a toolkit with B.C. specific resources.
TIABC created a series of Value of Tourism Videos that you can share through your channels. Videos range from about 0:35 seconds to 2:57 minutes, and feature different parts of the province.
Each year, from May 29 to June 4, 2022, tourism partners are invited to come together to champion and promote Canada’s destinations, tourism businesses, and employees to celebrate tourism in Canada from coast to coast to coast.
Get Involved
Operators and communities around BC are encouraged to share their Tourism Week celebrations on social media using the hashtags #BCTourismCounts and #GreenMeansGo.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada has created a toolkit with resources to make it easy to share Tourism Week.
Destination BC and TIABC have provided a toolkit with B.C. specific resources.
TIABC created a series of Value of Tourism Videos that you can share through your channels. Videos range from about 0:35 seconds to 2:57 minutes, and feature different parts of the province.
Be sure to follow TIABC and Destination BC on their social channels to share, like and retweet social posts to help all B.C. communities spread the word about Tourism Week.
The Value of Tourism
Tourism is vital to British Columbia, not only for its ability to generate huge economic activity, but also for providing social, cultural and environmental benefits, and showcasing our values as a province: resiliency, reconciliation, peace, tolerance, and inclusivity. These values are needed on the world stage now more than ever.
Tourism improves the quality of life for all British Columbians. Think about the things we enjoy that would not be as viable without the tourism engine: museums and galleries, festivals and sports events, air/highway and coastal transportation, dining and wine touring, parks and recreational facilities, and many other benefits that make life so good here in BC.
Tourism has benefits for both urban and rural communities, provides inclusive and welcoming spaces for all travelers, and acts as a financial and social force for good.
The majority of British Columbians agreed that tourism industry plays an important role in British Columbia’s economic recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic (84%), tourism supports a greater diversity of amenities (such as restaurants, attractions, recreation facilities, and events) than would otherwise exist in their community (79%), while 76% agree that tourism plays a positive role in preserving, sharing, and celebrating the culture and history of their community.
Canadian RVing and Camping Week & Camper's Code Pledge
May 24 - May 29, 2022 was the seventh annual Canadian RVing and Camping Week, an event to say "thank you" to patrons and invite other Canadians to take up camping. The Province of British Columbia issued a proclamation, BCLCA shared the Camper’s Code, and TIABC produced a "Know Before you Go" video.
May 24 - May 29, 2022 was the seventh annual Canadian RVing and Camping Week. Created by the Canadian Camping and RV Council, Provincial Campground Owners Associations, RVDA of Canada, Canadian RV Association and Go RVing Canada, this event is to say "thank you" to patrons and invite other Canadians to take up camping.
The value of camping to the economy and the well being of people has been recognized by the Province of British Columbia who issued a proclamation to proclaim May 24 – 29, 2022 “RVing and Camping Week”.
The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) expects more than 1,000,000 campers will Camp or RV in British Columbia this year.
The importance of campgrounds to outdoor enthusiasts was amplified during the height of the COVID 19 pandemic, when more and more Canadians looked at camping for the first time as a safe, and healthy way to get outdoors and vacation responsibly.
With more first-time campers in British Columbia, the BCLCA found the need to ask people to be a respectful camper and in 2021 introduced the Camper’s Code. The Camper’s Code consists of nine simple messages to inspire a sense of shared responsibility and an understanding of appropriate behaviour. Campers are encouraged to take an online pledge and to help inspire a camping culture that is rooted in common sense, respect, and sustainability.
To support camping and lodging in BC and the BCLCA "Campers Code" - TIABC produced a "Know Before you Go" video, aimed at educating visitors and locals about how to behave responsibly when camping in BC.
BC Tourism & Hospitality Labour Market Information (LMI) Research Project & Report | go2HR
go2HR has shared the report for the BC Tourism & Hospitality Labour Market Information (LMI) research project, which launched in January 2021 with the purpose of developing up-to-date and relevant LMI to provide the industry with the data needed to ensure a thriving workforce during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Research findings will help inform labour strategies to support labour recovery.
go2HR has shared the report for the BC Tourism & Hospitality Labour Market Information (LMI) research project, which launched in January 2021 with the purpose of developing up-to-date and relevant LMI to provide the industry with the data needed to ensure a thriving workforce during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Research findings will help inform labour strategies to support labour recovery.
The LMI project created new analytical resources for labour recovery planning for the industry, such as the BC Tourism & Hospitality Employment Tracker, which tracks monthly employment metrics in the industry, by region, and by worker demographics.
The project created 11 Workforce Profiles, providing in-depth information on key employment and demographics of the workforce offered from a provincial, sector and regional perspective.
The LMI Research Project Final Report details a labour recovery framework, labour demand projections, recovery scenarios, and a summary of worker and employer sentiments about the industry, as well as recommendations to plot the path forward on labour recovery.
Tips for Working with Travel Media, Influencers, and Content Creators | Tourism Kelowna
Tourism Kelowna has compiled a guide on working with media, influencers, and content creators. Determining what type of creator to work with depends on several factors including your goals, budget, and resources. Understanding the difference between the types of creators and what they offer, and if it aligns with your goals, will help you decide if they are the right advertising/marketing option for your business.
Tourism Kelowna has compiled a guide on working with media, influencers, and content creators.
Determining what type of creator to work with depends on several factors including your goals, budget, and resources. Understanding the difference between the types of creators and what they offer, and if it aligns with your goals, will help you decide if they are the right advertising/marketing option for your business.
The Quarterly Pour Summer 2022
The Quarterly Pour Summer 2022 issue is now available with information on:
ABLE BC Industry Update from Executive Director Jeff Guignard
ABLE BC Membership Report from Manager of Membership and Communication Ann Brydle
Five Practical Ways to Use Digital Marketing
ABLE BC Member Feature: Cheers Liquor Stores
Expansion Requires Sweating Out the Details
Taking it Down a Notch: Tips for De-Escalating Irate Customers
Make Mental Health a Priority in the Workplace
The Quarterly Pour Summer 2022 issue is now available with information on:
ABLE BC Industry Update from Executive Director Jeff Guignard
ABLE BC Membership Report from Manager of Membership and Communication Ann Brydle
Five Practical Ways to Use Digital Marketing
ABLE BC Member Feature: Cheers Liquor Stores
Expansion Requires Sweating Out the Details
Taking it Down a Notch: Tips for De-Escalating Irate Customers
Make Mental Health a Priority in the Workplace
Complimentary Access to go2HR SuperHost® Courses through Tourism Resiliency Program
go2HR has kindly offered BC Tourism Resiliency Network clients complimentary seats for their online SuperHost® Customer Service Training courses. The online and self-paced courses help participants gain skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork, as well as knowledge to create exceptional customer service experiences, leading to greater customer satisfaction, increased revenue and business bottom line, and a happier, more productive workplace.
There is a limited number of licenses and seats will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis so enroll as soon as possible. Once started, registrants will have 60 days to complete the course and will receive a printable certificate upon completion.
go2HR has kindly offered BC Tourism Resiliency Network clients complimentary seats for their online SuperHost® Customer Service Training courses, Service For All and Foundations for Service Quality.
There is a limited number of licenses and seats will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis so enroll as soon as possible. Once started, registrants will have 60 days to complete the course and will receive a printable certificate upon completion.
How to Enroll
To access the courses, sign up for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program (if your company did not previously register).
The Tourism Resiliency Program is a free service that connects you with a TOTA advisor. After your initial call, your advisor will share the instructions to access the SuperHost® courses.
You can connect with your advisor as needed and will receive special offers and discounts as they become available.
If you have any questions, email Recovery@TOTABC.com.
About SuperHost®
The SuperHost® suite of courses brings relevant, up-to-date customer service training to front-line staff in every industry at an affordable price. SuperHost® equips customer service employees with the practical skills and knowledge they need to meet and exceed their customers’ expectations.
In these online and self-paced courses, participants will gain skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork, as well as knowledge to create exceptional customer service experiences. Ultimately, these skills will lead to greater customer satisfaction, increased revenue and business bottom line, and a happier, more productive workplace.
The regular price of the courses is $59.
Course Details
Foundations for Service Quality
A comprehensive and practical introduction to customer service best practices, SuperHost Foundations of Service Quality is an essential first step for all customer service professionals. Designed to sharpen in-demand transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution, this course is full of interactive activities and action-oriented tips to prepare you for the front lines.
The course is ideal for people entering the workforce for the first time or after a significant break, or who are relatively new at working in a frontline, customer-facing role.
Suggested Time: 6 hours
Service For All
Service For All offers up-to-date information to help front-line staff understand distinct customer groups and their needs, along with practical, action-oriented tips to adjust service to meet those needs – every time.
The course covers how to avoid stereotypes through empathy and sensitivity; and how to use professionally appropriate language when delivering diverse service. Participants will learn practical tips to adjust customer service delivery to meet diverse customer needs for different generations, persons with disabilities, individuals in the LGBTQ/2S community, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, and more!
Suggested Time: 8 hours
go2HR / CMHA Free Workplace Learning Coaches Now Available
go2HR’s new Workplace Learning Coaches are ready to engage with employers and available at no cost.
The coaches act as mental wellness “concierges” who offer personalized, one-on-one support addressing stress, burnout, isolation, uncertainty about the future, and other concerns.
The coaches also work with supervisors and employers to establish a foundation of psychological safety in the workplace and create an environment that enhances connection, productivity and retention.
Funded by a grant from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, CMHA BC Division has rigorously trained the coaches.
go2HR’s new Workplace Learning Coaches are ready to engage with employers and available at no cost.
The coaches act as mental wellness “concierges” who offer personalized, one-on-one support addressing stress, burnout, isolation, uncertainty about the future, and other concerns.
The coaches also work with supervisors and employers to establish a foundation of psychological safety in the workplace and create an environment that enhances connection, productivity and retention.
Funded by a grant from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, CMHA BC Division has rigorously trained the coaches.
Watch Recording of Summer Accommodation Industry Outlook Panel | BCHA
The BC Hotel Association hosted a virtual panel on the Summer Industry Outlook as part of the monthly BCHA Virtual Event series.
During the session, panelists shared insights on what accommodation operators can expect in the coming months surrounding industry recovery, transportation, attracting international and domestic visitors, along with forecasting for B.C.'s accommodation community.
Panelists:
Alison McKay, Acting Vice President, Destination Management | Destination BC
Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development | Vancouver Airport Authority
Carrie Russell, Senior Managing Partner | HVS
Additional resources discussed:
BCHA Recruitment Resources | Get in touch with Workforce Strategist Alison Langford at Alison@bcha.com
BCHA Innfocus Magazine - Destination BC article page 6 Attracting US Visitors
HVS | Learn More
The BC Hotel Association hosted a virtual panel on the Summer Industry Outlook as part of the monthly BCHA Virtual Event series.
During the session, panelists shared insights on what accommodation operators can expect in the coming months surrounding industry recovery, transportation, attracting international and domestic visitors, along with forecasting for B.C.'s accommodation community.
Panelists:
Alison McKay, Acting Vice President, Destination Management | Destination BC
Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development | Vancouver Airport Authority
Carrie Russell, Senior Managing Partner | HVS
Additional resources discussed:
BCHA Recruitment Resources | Get in touch with Workforce Strategist Alison Langford at Alison@bcha.com
BCHA Innfocus Magazine - Destination BC article page 6 Attracting US Visitors
HVS | Learn More
Ongoing Backcountry Road Closures in the Thompson Okanagan to Protect Wildlife, Environment
Backcountry road users are advised that the roads closed in October 2021 across the Thompson Okanagan region, following 15 severe wildfires, will remain closed.
The closures were established under the Motor Vehicle Prohibition Regulation of the Wildlife Act and apply to backcountry roads across approximately 536,000 hectares.
The affected areas are:
Sparks Lake
Momich Lake
Tremont Creek
Two Mile Road
Bunting Road
Hunakwa/Crazy Creek complex
Thomas Creek
Nk'Mip
July Mountain
White Rock Lake
Garrison Lake
Mckay Creek
Mowhokam Creek
Lytton complex
Backcountry road users are advised that the roads closed in October 2021 across the Thompson Okanagan region, following 15 severe wildfires, will remain closed.
The closures were established under the Motor Vehicle Prohibition Regulation of the Wildlife Act and apply to backcountry roads across approximately 536,000 hectares.
The affected areas are:
Sparks Lake
Momich Lake
Tremont Creek
Two Mile Road
Bunting Road
Hunakwa/Crazy Creek complex
Thomas Creek
Nk'Mip
July Mountain
White Rock Lake
Garrison Lake
Mckay Creek
Mowhokam Creek
Lytton complex
Free Training Courses from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety | go2HR
For a limited-time basis, go2HR is offering four training courses through the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), free for BC’s tourism industry!
The courses are helpful for anyone who wants to know more about managing stress at the workplace or how to respond to difficult customer interactions, and employees responsible for hazard identification or implementing a violence prevention policy at your workplace.
For a limited-time basis, go2HR is offering four training courses through the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), free for BC’s tourism industry!
The courses are helpful for anyone who wants to know more about managing stress at the workplace or how to respond to difficult customer interactions, and employees responsible for hazard identification or implementing a violence prevention policy at your workplace.
New Worker Health & Safety Orientation Checklist | go2HR
go2HR’s health and safety professionals have developed a customizable New Worker Health and Safety Orientation Checklist to make your summer season orientations easy. The checklist covers the regulated health and safety training topics, in addition to a variety of restaurant-specific examples to get you started.
By following a consistent approach to orientation training, you can be confident that you are communicating your workplace responsibilities, hazards, and procedures to all new hires.
go2HR’s health and safety professionals have developed a customizable New Worker Health and Safety Orientation Checklist to make your summer season orientations easy. The checklist covers the regulated health and safety training topics, in addition to a variety of restaurant-specific examples to get you started.
By following a consistent approach to orientation training, you can be confident that you are communicating your workplace responsibilities, hazards, and procedures to all new hires.
Survey on Luxury Boat Tax Impacts | Share Feedback by June 30
Boating BC in cooperation with Boating Atlantic, Boating Ontario, Mid-Canada Marine and Powersports Dealers Association, Nautisme Quebec, and National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada are conducting a survey regarding the Luxury Boat Tax, in order to advocate on behalf of the tourism industry.
Please take 2 minutes to fill out the survey on the impacts of the Luxury Boat Tax Impacts so information can be presented to Members of Parliament.
After completing the survey, operators can use the same survey link to send data on lost sales or jobs for your business.
Boating BC in cooperation with Boating Atlantic, Boating Ontario, Mid-Canada Marine and Powersports Dealers Association, Nautisme Quebec, and National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada are conducting a survey regarding the Luxury Boat Tax, in order to advocate on behalf of the tourism industry.
Please take 2 minutes to fill out the survey on the impacts of the Luxury Boat Tax Impacts so information can be presented to Members of Parliament.
After completing the survey, operators can use the same survey link to send data on lost sales or jobs for your business.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Rebates for British Columbians
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses, and communities: BC residents, businesses, and municipalities can receive rebates for EV charging stations through the CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate and Fleets programs.
For a limited time, funding will cover as much as 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs for EV charging stations.
Businesses can apply for a rebate of up to $5,000 per station, as well as 5 hours of free support services from an EV Charging Station Advisor.
Fleet operators can get combined rebates from NRCan and the Province for a Level 2 charging station as much as $5,000 of purchase and installation costs, and $75,000 for a direct-current, fast-charging station.
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses, and communities: BC residents, businesses, and municipalities can receive rebates for EV charging stations through the CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate and Fleets programs.
For a limited time, funding will cover as much as 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs for EV charging stations.
Businesses can apply for a rebate of up to $5,000 per station, as well as 5 hours of free support services from an EV Charging Station Advisor.
Fleet operators can get combined rebates from NRCan and the Province for a Level 2 charging station as much as 75% to a maximum of $5,000 of purchase and installation costs, and 75% to a maximum of $75,000 for a direct-current, fast-charging station.
As many as 450 EV chargers will be installed through the program.
To learn more about home and workplace EV charging-station rebates, eligibility and application processes, visit: https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca/
To learn more about the Fleets program, visit: https://pluginbc.ca/go-electric-fleets/
To learn more about Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, visit:
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/transportation-alternative-fuels/zero-emission-vehicle-infrastructure-program/21876
To learn more about the 2021 annual ZEV update that tracks B.C.’s progress toward its ZEV targets, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/electricity-alternative-energy/transportation-energies/clean-transportation-policies-programs
To learn more about the suite of CleanBC Go Electric programming, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/zeroemissionvehicles
To learn more about the CleanBC plan, visit: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/
Guide for Developing Tourism & Media Relationships in Indigenous Communities | Indigenous Tourism BC
As many non-Indigenous tourism & media organizations look to develop respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities, Indigenous Tourism BC has compiled an information toolkit to help individuals understand and build relationships with the First Peoples of BC.
It is important to note that each Indigenous Nation and Community differs in their approach to partnership. The document was developed to the best of Indigenous Tourism BC's knowledge to respond to common themes and questions received from partners. It is not a substitute for proper communication with Indigenous Nations and Communities.
As many non-Indigenous tourism & media organizations look to develop respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities, Indigenous Tourism BC has compiled an information toolkit to help individuals understand and build relationships with the First Peoples of BC.
It is important to note that each Indigenous Nation and Community differs in their approach to partnership. The document was developed to the best of Indigenous Tourism BC's knowledge to respond to common themes and questions received from partners. It is not a substitute for proper communication with Indigenous Nations and Communities.
Register for Self-Guided Tourism Digital Academy by Destination BC
The online self-guided Tourism Digital Academy program is available until the end of March. This condensed version of Destination BC’s digital marketing program offers B.C.-based tourism businesses maximum flexibility to fit the course into their schedules with unlimited access for six months to digital marketing instruction videos, templates, and resources. Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan.
The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting your goals, to building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more – you’ll leave the program with the confidence and knowledge to put that plan into action.
This online program includes:
8 weeks of interactive sessions led by digital marketing experts and ongoing access to the video recordings (Tuesdays & Thursdays each week for a total of four hours per week)
Technical tutorials to dig deeper into specific areas and share experiences with other participants (Wednesdays each week for one hour)
One-to-one coaching available, on demand, to answer your sticky questions
Audits of your business website, SEO and social media channels, to assess your current situation
A marketing plan template to guide development of your own plan
Opportunities for peer support and networking
Eligibility and Application:
The application-based program is free for all participants. To be eligible for the program you must:
Be a BC-based tourism business, whose product or service is regularly available for purchase within BC (community tourism and sector organizations are also eligible);
Have an active business website;
Demonstrate, through the application form, a minimum level of digital marketing experience; and
Be able to dedicate up to 10 hours per week to the program: five hours to attend classes and tutorial sessions during business hours, and up to five hours to apply the learning to your marketing plan as you go.
If you have any questions, please email: IndustryDevelopment@DestinationBC.ca
South Okanagan Food & Drink Experience Development Program Event: Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages
Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages is an event created through the South Okanagan Food & Drink Experience Development Program which occurred between September 2021 - January 2022 in partnership with TOTA, Destination BC, and the Culinary Tourism Alliance.
Join Chef Aman Dosanj of the Paisley Notebook pop-up series for an immersive dining experience on Covert Farm's 650-acre, fourth-generation farm. The event will guide guests through a multi-course food and wine paired sensory journey of our bountiful region.
Chef Aman Dosanj
Food & Drink Experience Development Pilot Program
The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA), in collaboration with Destination British Columbia (DBC) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), delivered a Food & Drink Experience Development Pilot Program in the South Okanagan. The pilot program initiated in May 2021 and concluded in February 2022.
Goals of the Experience Development Pilot Program
To support selected businesses with the creation and delivery of a new, market-
ready food & drink experience to offer both locals and visitors to the South
Okanagan
To contribute to the development of new food tourism experiences that will add
to the destination’s overall value proposition, help visitors connect to the region
in a more meaningful way, and encourage repeat visitation and referral
To summarize learnings from the experience development pilot program that
may inform future experience development supports provided by DBC, which
align with the implementation of the Invest in Iconics Strategy across British
Columbia.
The first participant, Covert Farms Family Estate Winery, has now launched their event they created during this pilot program. Their event Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages is an immersive dining experience with Chef Aman Dosanj of the Paisley Notebook pop-up series.
Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages
The night will begin with a welcome reception, where guests can take their seat and enjoy free time to play farm games and explore. Next, you will hop aboard their vintage cherry red trucks for an open-air tour of their regenerative farm and vineyards. Here, they will discuss the rich history of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and neighboring Indigenous cultural site nʕaylintn, and then forage for traditional plants, some of which will be featured in the night’s dishes.
Chef Aman will guide guests through each of her incredible dishes along with the ingredients used, including organic fruits and vegetables grown right here on our farm and meats raised at the estate. Each dish will be paired with Covert Farms Estate wines by winemaker and farmer, Gene Covert, all of which are made with regenerative viticulture practices, using minimal intervention and natural fermentation when possible.
