News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Funding to Reduce Community Wildfire Risks, Enhance Forest Health
To reduce wildfires in higher-risk communities, the BC government is providing $25 million in new funding to the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC). This investment will support community projects that reduce wildfire risk and enhance wildlife habitat, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, forest recreation and ecological resiliency.
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) is accepting applications to fund projects to assist the Province of British Columbia in reducing wildfire risk and increasing community resiliency to wildfire across BC.
Virtual Info Session
FESBC will host a virtual information session via Zoom on June 28 for potential applicants to review the application process on the Forest Enhancement Society’s Information Management System and the guidebook.
To reduce wildfires in higher-risk communities, the BC government is providing $25 million in new funding to the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC). This investment will support community projects that reduce wildfire risk and enhance wildlife habitat, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, forest recreation and ecological resiliency.
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) is accepting applications to fund projects to assist the Province of British Columbia in reducing wildfire risk and increasing community resiliency to wildfire across BC.
Virtual Info Session
FESBC will host a virtual information session via Zoom on June 28 for potential applicants to review the application process on the Forest Enhancement Society’s Information Management System and the guidebook.
If you are unable to attend, please email FESBC Communications at communications@fesbc.ca for the session recording.
Boating BC Excuses Don't Float Campaign
With summer approaching, Boating BC is renewing its call for increased safety on BC’s waterways with a public service advertising campaign reminding BC’s boaters that when it comes to safety, excuses don’t float.
With summer approaching, Boating BC is renewing its call for increased safety on BC’s waterways with a public service advertising campaign reminding BC’s boaters that when it comes to safety, excuses don’t float.
Watch highlights of the Excuses Don’t Float campaign featuring community leaders:
British Columbians Invited to Share 2023 Budget Priorities by June 24
People in British Columbia are asked to share their ideas and priorities to help make life better for people, businesses, and communities as government plans Budget 2023.
Budget 2022 focused on continuing to protect people’s health and livelihoods, while building an economic future that works for everyone. Government will continue to put people first and, as government looks ahead to Budget 2023, continue to look for ways to keep bringing costs down for families
People in British Columbia are asked to share their ideas and priorities to help make life better for people, businesses, and communities as government plans Budget 2023.
Budget 2022 focused on continuing to protect people’s health and livelihoods, while building an economic future that works for everyone. Government will continue to put people first and, as government looks ahead to Budget 2023, continue to look for ways to keep bringing costs down for families.
Participants are asked to focus on three recommendations for the next provincial budget.
Opportunities to complete the submission form and the survey are open until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 24.
New Federal Tourism Growth Strategy Feedback | Deadline: July 20, 2022
The Government of Canada announced the launch of public consultations for the post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
Canadian tourism stakeholders from coast to coast to coast are invited to share feedback as the federal government works towards charting a path forward for the tourism sector. The strategy will build on the work already done since the launch of the original strategy in 2019, with a particular focus on:
Labour gaps and instability
Investment attraction and destination development
Long-term economic growth across the country
The Government of Canada announced the launch of public consultations for the post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
Canadian tourism stakeholders from coast to coast to coast are invited to share feedback as the federal government works towards charting a path forward for the tourism sector. The strategy will build on the work already done since the launch of the original strategy in 2019, with a particular focus on:
Labour gaps and instability
Investment attraction and destination development
Long-term economic growth across the country
Th deadline to submit feedback is July 20, 2022.
Post a Job on the go2HR Job Board
The go2HR job board is free for tourism and hospitality employers operating in British Columbia. Post jobs and hiring events to find quality employees in Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Entertainment, Transportation, and Travel Services. The go2HR Job Board receives 20,000 monthly visits from qualified candidates looking for front-line, supervisory, management or executive positions.
The go2HR job board is free for tourism and hospitality employers operating in British Columbia. Post jobs and hiring events to find quality employees in Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Entertainment, Transportation, and Travel Services.
The go2HR Job Board receives 20,000 monthly visits from qualified candidates looking for front-line, supervisory, management or executive positions.
Energy Efficiency Tips: About Heat Pumps
A heat pump is an energy efficient alternative to furnaces and baseboard heaters. Heat pumps act like reverse refrigerators transferring heat from a cool space to a warm place. Alternatively heat pumps can also work as air conditioners.
During the cool weather, heat pumps move heat from cool space outdoors to warm the indooars.
During the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from the indoors into the outdoor space.
As heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate heat, they can be quite efficient as compared to traditional heating systems.
If interested, you can connect with the TOTA Energy Analyst who can help you in finding the right energy efficiency solution for your business and inform you of the various rebates available from FortisBC.
A heat pump is an energy efficient alternative to furnaces and baseboard heaters. Heat pumps act like reverse refrigerators transferring heat from a cool space to a warm place. Alternatively heat pumps can also work as air conditioners.
During the cool weather, heat pumps move heat from cool space outdoors to warm the indooars.
During the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from the indoors into the outdoor space.
As heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate heat, they can be quite efficient as compared to traditional heating systems.
If interested, you can connect with the TOTA Energy Analyst who can help you in finding the right energy efficiency solution for your business and inform you of the various rebates available from FortisBC.
ITAC Launches Updated Canadian Pow Wow Website
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)’s enhanced Pow Wow website, CanadianPowWows.ca, helps travellers locate public Pow Wows near them and invites everyone to experience these authentic cultural celebrations.
Pow Wows are powerful Indigenous gatherings and one of the many ways travellers can engage with meaningful Indigenous experiences and expand their understanding of Indigenous culture, throughout National Indigenous History Month and all year round.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)’s enhanced Pow Wow website, CanadianPowWows.ca, helps travellers locate public Pow Wows near them and invites everyone to experience these authentic cultural celebrations.
Pow Wows are powerful Indigenous gatherings and one of the many ways travellers can engage with meaningful Indigenous experiences and expand their understanding of Indigenous culture, throughout National Indigenous History Month and all year round.
Resources for Indigenous History Month & Indigenous Peoples Day 2022
June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resiliency, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Learn how to get involved as a business and as a individual →
June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resiliency, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Canadians are encouraged to seek firsthand experiences and education about living Indigenous cultures and realities to inspire learning beyond the month of June.
Across the country, events will highlight the heritage, history and remarkable achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Share your experience on social media by using the #NIPD2022 and #NIPDCanada hashtags.
Indigenous Tourism in the Thompson Okanagan
We acknowledge that the Thompson Okanagan region lies on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc Peoples.
In 2016, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia embarked on a new and innovative program to assist Indigenous communities in the Thompson Okanagan with tourism development. Working collaboratively, the two organizations jointly hired a Regional Indigenous Tourism Specialist based in the Thompson Okanagan, to develop and implement a cultural tourism strategy in alignment with TOTA and ITBC's corporate strategies.
TOTA continues to work to cultivate credible relations with the 33 Indigenous communities throughout the Interior and endeavours to develop economic opportunities that progress Indigenous Tourism within the region, while maintaining respect and cultural authenticity.
Get Involved
Indigenous Tourism BC has several ways for industry to get involved, such as:
Download the Guide for Developing Relationships in Indigenous Communities.
Become a Friends of ITBC Stakeholder, a program to recognize non-Indigenous partners that contribute to reconciliation through the support of Indigenous tourism.
Visit the Indigenous Peoples Day Events Calendar, including Thompson Okanagan events at Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Hat Creek Ranch, and Clearwater.
Download the Indigenous Tourism BC app to find and visit Indigenous tourism experiences in the Thompson Okanagan and BC.
Follow Indigenous Tourism BC on Facebook and Instagram for a month-long calendar of inspirational and educational Indigenous digital content.
Watch the new Everything is Connected video:
Resources for Canada Pride Season (June to September)
Pride Season refers to the wide range of Pride events that take place over the summer (June to September) when LGBTQ2 communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of LGBTQ2 communities.
Learn how to get involved as a business, including events, social media assets, the Rainbow Registered Business Directory, and LBGTQ2 project funding for non-profit organizations.
Pride Season is a term that refers to the wide range of Pride events that take place over the summer (June to September) when LGBTQ2 communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of LGBTQ2 communities.
Canadians are invited to share messages of solidarity for LGBTQ2 people using the hashtag #Pride2022, and use your channels to celebrate the advocates, survivors, and community leaders who continue to shape Canada’s diversity and inclusivity.
Rainbow Registered Program by Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce and Tourism HR Canada
Rainbow Registered is a national accreditation for LGBT+ friendly businesses and organizations. The Rainbow Registered symbol signifies that the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure LGBT+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.
Accredited businesses will receive:
Rainbow Registered Welcome Kit (window decal, desk card)
Basic listing and map inclusion in the Rainbow Registered business directory
Website badge
Access to CGLCC Associate Member Benefits
Visit the Rainbow Registered Business Directory & Travel Stories →
LGBTQ2 Project Funding
Not-for-profit Canadian organizations that work primarily or entirely with LGBTQ2 communities can apply for funding to support actions in one or more of the following areas:
Policies and practices
Knowledge, tools, and support
Norms, attitudes, and behaviours
Authority, voice, and decision-making
Increasing impact through cross-sector collaboration
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.