News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Fundraising to Connect Sicamous & Armstrong for 2023
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Fundraising Committee is raising funds to complete the trail connecting Sicamous and Armstrong for 2023. Each metre of trail surface costs $160 and with 50,000 metres to go, the fundraising goal is $8,000,000. Funds can help leverage government funding to address all the other layers.
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Fundraising Committee is raising funds to complete the trail connecting Sicamous and Armstrong for 2023. Each metre of trail surface costs $160 and with 50,000 metres to go, the fundraising goal is $8,000,000. Funds can help leverage government funding to address all the other layers.
This year, there are two tenders to begin construction of the rail trail: The first is the Enderby to Splatsin pilot section, and the second is the 20km stretch from Sicamous to Mara.
About the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail
The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail provides a connection between communities unfolding the true story within Secwépemc territory, protecting natural areas and habitat for wildlife, facilitating healthy outdoor recreational activities and travel options on foot and by bicycle, conserving heritage, cultural, & agricultural values, and encouraging recreational tourism in rural areas.
At just over 50 kilometres long, it will create a perfect opportunity for families to discover scenic landscapes with amenities along the way.
Random COVID-19 Testing at Canadian Airports for Vaccinated Travellers Dropped
Random testing at airports will be temporarily suspended at all airports starting on June 11 to 30. Only unvaccinated travellers will be required to take a test upon entry into Canada. The change is being called a “pause,” with the possibility that it could return.
Travellers who don’t meet the vaccine requirements may be turned away at the border, or be required to quarantine for 14 days or until their departure.
Click here for up to date information on COVID 19 travel testing and borders.
Random testing at airports will be temporarily suspended at all airports starting on June 11 to 30. Only unvaccinated travellers will be required to take a test upon entry into Canada. The change is being called a “pause,” with the possibility that it could return.
Travellers who don’t meet the vaccine requirements may be turned away at the border, or be required to quarantine for 14 days or until their departure.
Click here for up to date information on COVID 19 travel testing and borders.
Travel by Canadians Continues to be Limited Since Pandemic
A recent survey conducted by Abacus Data summarized that travel still isn’t ‘back to normal’ in the eyes of Canadians, and this feeling continues to drive travel desires. More Canadians now believe it’s possible to travel without feeling like we are living in a pandemic (1 in 4), but three quarters still believe that if they want to travel in the next few months, it will feel like ‘pandemic travel’.
A recent survey conducted by Abacus Data summarized that travel still isn’t ‘back to normal’ in the eyes of Canadians, and this feeling continues to drive travel desires. More Canadians now believe it’s possible to travel without feeling like we are living in a pandemic (1 in 4), but three quarters still believe that if they want to travel in the next few months, it will feel like ‘pandemic travel’.
The majority also say this feeling will prevent them from making plans. 44% of Canadians say if they want to travel in the next few months, it will feel like travelling in a pandemic and that just isn’t something they are interested in. However, travel within Canada is looking up.
Additional highlights include:
48% say travelling to another province in the country already feels normal (a 38-point jump since October 2021)
Canadians are still far more likely to be exploring our own backyard and travel within one’s own province continues to be the most likely destination.
39% of Canadians are comfortable spending money on travel and leisure while 61% would prefer to hold off and wait to spend on travel since things are getting more expensive.
Donate to Support Lytton Recovery
On June 30, 2021, the beautiful Village of Lytton was destroyed by a wildfire. Fort Berens Estate Winery Ltd, based in Lillooet, has a deep connection to the people and community of Lytton. The Fort Berens Winery team launched a fundraising campaign from June 3-12.
While the campaign has officially ended, donations are still being accepted to support Lytton.
On June 30, 2021, the beautiful Village of Lytton was destroyed by a wildfire. Fort Berens Estate Winery Ltd, based in Lillooet, has a deep connection to the people and community of Lytton. The Fort Berens Winery team launched a fundraising campaign from June 3-12.
While the campaign has officially ended, donations are still being accepted to support Lytton.
National Unemployment Rate Dips to 5.1% - Women Lead Job Growth
Canada’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.1 per cent in May, the lowest level on record, according to recent Labour Force Survey results from Stats Canada. This included a jump in jobs for women as the country added 40,000 jobs last month.
The agency said that women across all age groups made up the bulk of hiring in May, with employment steady for men. The participation rate, which looks at workers employed or looking for a job, hit an all-time high of 85 per cent for core-aged women in May. Also to note, there was a rise in employment rate in accommodation and food services (+20,000; +1.9%) for a second consecutive month.
The unemployment rate in BC has dropped to a three-year low of 4.5%, which is a rate not seen since July 2019. There are now nearly 100,000 more people working in BC than prior to the pandemic.
Canada’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.1 per cent in May, the lowest level on record, according to recent Labour Force Survey results from Stats Canada.
This included a jump in jobs for women as the country added 40,000 jobs last month.
The agency said that women across all age groups made up the bulk of hiring in May, with employment steady for men. The participation rate, which looks at workers employed or looking for a job, hit an all-time high of 85 per cent for core-aged women in May. Also to note, there was a rise in employment rate in accommodation and food services (+20,000; +1.9%) for a second consecutive month.
The unemployment rate in BC has dropped to a three-year low of 4.5%, which is a rate not seen since July 2019. There are now nearly 100,000 more people working in BC than prior to the pandemic.
Online Auction Open Until June 15 In Support of WORTH Mentorship Program
The Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Association online auction is now LIVE, until June 15. Funds raised from this auction will support WORTH’s Mentorship Program, operating costs and educational programming for our community.
Interested in being a future donor to WORTH’s Fall auction? Email info@worthassociation.com.
WORTH Association is excited to announce their first ever online auction is now LIVE! Funds raised from this auction will support WORTH’s Mentorship Program, operating costs and educational programming for our community.
The Auction runs until midnight on June 15.
Interested in being a future donor to WORTH’s Fall auction? Email info@worthassociation.com.
UNWTO Gender-inclusive Strategy for Tourism Businesses
The UNWTO released a business case for advancing gender equality, called the "Gender Inclusive Strategy for Tourism Businesses," which contains tools to support private sector tourism enterprises of all types and sizes achieve effective and consistent strategies and programmes for gender equality across their operations.
The UNWTO released a business case for advancing gender equality, called the "Gender Inclusive Strategy for Tourism Businesses," which contains tools to support private sector tourism enterprises of all types and sizes achieve effective and consistent strategies and programmes for gender equality across their operations.
Free Cyber Security Certification through Government of Canada
The Government of Canada is offering a free cyber security certification designed for small and medium-sized organizations through CyberSecure Canada.
Cyber attacks are on the rise and they can have a devastating effect on your business if you are not prepared. The certification will equip you with information you need to keep your business safe.
The Government of Canada is offering a free cyber security certification designed for small and medium-sized organizations through CyberSecure Canada.
Cyber attacks are on the rise and they can have a devastating effect on your business if you are not prepared. The certification will equip you with information you need to keep your business safe.
Destination Canada Key Market Highlights 2022
Destination Canada has released its key market highlights for 2022, sharing a brief summary of key facts on travellers by each market.
Learn about the travel habits of each market and what to expect through these reports:
Australia | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Germany | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Mexico | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Japan | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
China | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
South Korea | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
United Kingdom | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
United States | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Canada | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
France | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Destination Canada has released its key market highlights for 2022, sharing a brief summary of key facts on travellers by each market.
Learn about the travel habits of each market and what to expect through these reports:
Australia | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Germany | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Mexico | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Japan | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
China | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
South Korea | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
United Kingdom | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
United States | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Canada | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
France | Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Board of Directors Working On Moving Tourism Forward
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Board of Directors and Senior Staff members of the Association met this week to discuss the challenges the tourism industry has faced and continues to deal with and how best to move forward.
(Kelowna, B.C.) June 9, 2022 - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Board of Directors and Senior Staff members of the association met on June 8, 2022 at the Summerland Waterfront Resort for their first in-person board meeting since October 2021 and only their second in-person meeting since February 2020.
"While the board has continued to meet virtually and work tirelessly over the past two years, nothing can replace the dynamics and creativity of face-to-face dialogue," said TOTA Board Chair Michael J. Ballingall.
"The challenges the tourism industry has faced and continues to deal with are immense and will take innovation, collaboration, and partnership to help deal with post-pandemic recovery, supply shortages, and labour challenges. It has never been more important to come together to build a resilient and sustainable industry," said Ballingall. "We have to recognize that things are not going back to "how they once were" nor, in fact, do we want them to. We must incorporate a new way of thinking to build forward and better for the long term."
TOTA has been a leader in encouraging the implementation of sustainability plans and practices since the release of its 10-year Regional Strategy "Embracing Our Potential" in 2012. In 2017, the Thompson Okanagan region became the first Biosphere Certified Destination in the Americas, a program that is part of the Responsible Tourism Institute and built around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Since then, the other regions that form the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) including Kootenay Rockies Tourism, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism, Northern BC Tourism and 4VI (previously Tourism Vancouver Island) have all become Biosphere Certified Destinations, as well as Destination Greater Victoria.
There are several ways to get involved with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, including:
Run in the Board of Directors Election
For more information, visit TOTABC.org or contact TOTA at Info@TOTABC.com.
Background
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia and the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.
TOTA is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.
Learn more at TOTABC.org.
Andrew Peller Exploring Viticulture Potential of Tranquille Farmland in Kamloops
Andrew Peller Ltd., a name associated with award-winning premium and ultra-premium brands including Peller Estates, Black Hills, Sandhill, Tinhorn Creek, Red Rooster, and Gray Monk, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Ignition Tranquille Developments Ltd. to explore the viticulture potential for the Tranquille farmland in Kamloops, B.C.
Andrew Peller Ltd. will start microclimate data collection and micro-soil analysis to determine which grapes will be best suited for the land. After two years of data collection, Andrew Peller Ltd. will make recommendations to Ignition and move forward with 5-acre parcels of agreed-to varietals, with an expected planting date of spring 2025.
Andrew Peller Ltd., a name associated with award-winning premium and ultra-premium brands including Peller Estates, Black Hills, Sandhill, Tinhorn Creek, Red Rooster, and Gray Monk, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Ignition Tranquille Developments Ltd. to explore the viticulture potential for the Tranquille farmland in Kamloops, B.C.
With the MOU signed, Andrew Peller Ltd. will start microclimate data collection and micro-soil analysis to understand when the region gets frost free days, how many growing degree days it gets, and most importantly, to find out how cold it gets in the winter months. These processes will help determine which grapes will be best suited for the land.
Once these questions are answered based on robust two-year data collection, Andrew Peller Ltd. will make recommendations to Ignition and move forward with 5-acre parcels of agreed-to varietals, with an expected planting date of spring 2025.
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