News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
P.E.A. (People. Environment. Achievement.) Awards | Submit Nomination by August 31, 2022
P.E.A. (People. Environment. Achievement.) Awards is the UK’s leading sustainability and climate awards, honouring the individuals and teams behind the products, services, and businesses that are changing the face of our planet.
The P.E.A. Awards identifies and celebrates the green heroes who are taking matters into their own hands and providing inspiring alternatives to business as usual. These sustainability pioneers are recognised and rewarded at a glamorous green carpet event. Winners will receive a high-profile editorial in My Green Pod magazine distributed online to over 7 million people.
It is free to nominate yourself, a colleague, a team, a product, or a business in multiple categories. Nominations close August 31, 2022.
P.E.A. (People. Environment. Achievement.) Awards is the UK’s leading sustainability and climate awards, honouring the individuals and teams behind the products, services, and businesses that are changing the face of our planet.
Awards are given to Earth ambassadors who are committed to revolutionizing old models and systems across sectors ranging from finance and energy to music and art.
The P.E.A. Awards identifies and celebrates the green heroes who are taking matters into their own hands and providing inspiring alternatives to business as usual. These sustainability pioneers are recognised and rewarded at a glamorous green carpet event.
Prizes and Benefits
Winners will receive a high-profile editorial in My Green Pod magazine distributed online to over 7 million people. Other prizes, donated by the P.E.A. sponsors, will be announced on the night!
How to Nominate
It is free to nominate yourself, a colleague, a team, a product, or a business in multiple categories.
Nominations close August 31, 2022.
UNWTO Awake Tourism Challenge & Startup Support Program to Accelerate Sustainability
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has launched the Awake Tourism Challenge, a competition and program to find and support innovative startups working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Deadline to submit your application: October 15, 2022
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has launched the Awake Tourism Challenge, a competition and program to find and support innovative startups working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Eligibility:
Startups from all walks of life, from all over the world and all economic sectors are invited to participate.
Participating startups will be assessed according to their:
Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
Ease of value capture via collaboration with the startup
Potential business impact
Maturity of the product/technology
Maturity of the team and the organization
Partnership readiness
Categories:
Local community involvement.
Green and blue economies.
Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation.
Tourism Tech for Good.
Tourism Education.
Women Empowerment.
Benefits:
Benefits for winning startups include but are not limited to:
Pitch at a UNWTO Demo Day.
Curated mentorship programme including one-on-one and in-group sessions focused on Intellectual Property (IP), sustainability, business and leadership.
Connection to the UNWTO Innovation Network for meeting public and private stakeholders to explore funding and piloting opportunities.
Potential matchmaking with partners to scale up the startups, including investors, corporations and governments.
Potential seed funding.
Deadline to submit your application: October 15, 2022
Permanent Repairs Begin Soon to Coquihalla and Highway 1
Permanent repairs to flood-damaged sections of the Coquihalla (Highway 5) and Highway 1 will soon be underway. Work is expected to be substantially complete by winter. All efforts will be made to minimize traffic disruptions during peak travel hours and crews will work overnight when possible.
Permanent repairs to flood-damaged sections of the Coquihalla (Highway 5) and Highway 1 will soon be underway. Work is expected to be substantially complete by winter. All efforts will be made to minimize traffic disruptions during peak travel hours and crews will work overnight when possible.
Tourism Growth Strategy Survey for Tourism Operator Priorities
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is putting together its submission for the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy and your input matters. TIAC’s goal is a submission that reflects the tourism industry’s priorities for moving towards growth, investment, and stability.
The deadline is Friday, June 17, 2022.
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is putting together its submission for the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy and your input matters. TIAC’s goal is a submission that reflects the tourism industry’s priorities for moving towards growth, investment, and stability.
New Ipsos Survey Confirms Importance of Trails and Outdoor Recreation to British Columbians
A new online poll conducted on behalf of the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia shows that British Columbians are enthusiastic about outdoor recreation and support more government investment in the development and maintenance of trails, parks and other recreation amenities in the province.
Survey highlights:
7/10 BC residents have participated in outdoor recreation activities in BC in the past 12 months.
3/4 BC residents agree that access to good outdoor recreation opportunities is an important reason they chose to live in their communities.
A new online poll conducted on behalf of the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia shows that British Columbians are enthusiastic about outdoor recreation and support more government investment in the development and maintenance of trails, parks and other recreation amenities in the province.
Survey highlights:
7/10 BC residents have participated in outdoor recreation activities in BC in the past 12 months.
3/4 BC residents agree that access to good outdoor recreation opportunities is an important reason they chose to live in their communities.
Vaccine Mandates for Domestic Travellers, Transportation Workers & Federal Employees Suspended as of June 20, 2022
The government announced that as of June 20, 2022, the vaccination requirements are suspended for domestic and outbound travel, federally regulated transportation sectors and federal government employees.
The key impacts to travellers and transportation workers are:
As of June 20, the vaccination requirement to board a plane or a train in Canada will be suspended.
Federally regulated transport sector employers will no longer be required to have mandatory vaccination policies in place for employees.
Due to the unique nature of cruise ship travel, vaccination requirements for passengers and crew of cruise ships will continue to remain in effect.
Masking and other public health protection measures will continue to be in place and enforced on planes, trains, and ships.
Current border measures, including the existing vaccination requirement for most foreign nationals to enter Canada, and quarantine and testing requirements for Canadians who have not received their primary vaccine series, remain in effect.
The government announced that as of June 20, 2022, the vaccination requirements are suspended for domestic and outbound travel, federally regulated transportation sectors and federal government employees.
The key impacts to travellers and transportation workers are:
As of June 20, the vaccination requirement to board a plane or a train in Canada will be suspended.
Federally regulated transport sector employers will no longer be required to have mandatory vaccination policies in place for employees.
Due to the unique nature of cruise ship travel, vaccination requirements for passengers and crew of cruise ships will continue to remain in effect.
Masking and other public health protection measures will continue to be in place and enforced on planes, trains, and ships.
Current border measures, including the existing vaccination requirement for most foreign nationals to enter Canada, and quarantine and testing requirements for Canadians who have not received their primary vaccine series, remain in effect.
SURVEY | BC 2030 Olympic & Paralympic Feasibility Team
The BC 2030 Feasibility Team announced exciting new details for the BC 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid, including a venue map and additional information on the concept behind the Indigenous-led Games in B.C. The group has now entered its engagement phase to learn how the games can be delivered to benefit B.C. province-wide. All British Columbians are encouraged to take the survey and share your perspective.
The BC 2030 Feasibility Team announced exciting new details for the BC 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid, including a venue map and additional information on the concept behind the Indigenous-led Games in B.C.
The Lil̓’wat7úl (Lil’wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations have invited the City of Vancouver, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee to officially collaborate on exploring the feasibility of hosting an Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (the Games) in British Columbia.
Learn more about the 2030 Games Engagement →
The group has now entered its engagement phase to learn how the games can be delivered to benefit B.C. province-wide. All British Columbians are encouraged to take the survey and share your perspective.
TIABC Releases Highway Signage Policy
The Tourism Industry Association BC (TIABC) has been working to address the ongoing concerns regarding the province-wide maintenance and replacement of service and attraction highway signage, an important component of wayfinding for visitors to B.C. TIABC developed a comprehensive list of the core issues regarding the current signage policy and subsequently developed the TIABC Policy on Province-wide Maintenance & Replacement of Service & Attraction Highway Signage.
The Tourism Industry Association BC (TIABC) Policy Committee has been working to address the ongoing concerns regarding the province-wide maintenance and replacement of service and attraction highway signage, an important component of wayfinding for visitors to B.C.
After a thorough review of the current provincial signs policy and input from industry stakeholders and members, TIABC developed a comprehensive list of the core issues regarding the current signage policy and subsequently developed the TIABC Policy on Province-wide Maintenance & Replacement of Service & Attraction Highway Signage.
The following are highlights of the nine policy recommendations:
1. The Ministry of Transportation must conduct an annual audit of all existing signs in each region to A) understand relevance of current signage and update as necessary (e.g. delete references to businesses that are closed), and B) to identify wayfinding gaps such as failure to list turn-offs for services or amenities.
2. All blue and white service and attraction signs should be maintained to the standard that befits the province’s Super, Natural British Columbia tourism brand.
3. Existing signs should be upgraded, or new signs introduced to include Indigenous communities and tourism businesses in the spirit of reconciliation.
4. To avoid lengthy waits to replace or repair signage, the province should offer an expedited process that allows private operators to pay all or part of the cost if they so choose.
Canada's Air Traffic Doubled in May
NAV CANADA released traffic figures for the month of May 2022, showing that air travel in Canada is on the rise.
With one key hurdle to the resumption of cross-border air travel – pre-entry testing – dropped in April, May saw a 117% increase in traffic over the same month in 2021.
Despite the promising report, air traffic still hasn’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels. NAV CANADA's numbers indicate air traffic in Canada in May was nearly 15% lower than May 2019. The data demonstrates a clear direction towards industry recovery and Canada’s airlines are still banking on a busy summer of travel to continue the momentum.
NAV CANADA released traffic figures for the month of May 2022, showing that air travel in Canada is on the rise.
With one key hurdle to the resumption of cross-border air travel – pre-entry testing – dropped in April, May saw a 117% increase in traffic over the same month in 2021.
Despite the promising report, air traffic still hasn’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels. NAV CANADA's numbers indicate air traffic in Canada in May was nearly 15% lower than May 2019. The data demonstrates a clear direction towards industry recovery and Canada’s airlines are still banking on a busy summer of travel to continue the momentum.
go2HR Regional Workforce Profiles
go2HR released Regional Workforce Profiles to support employers and people seeking work in the tourism and hospitality sector. The Workforce Profiles describe 11 profiles of the 2021 tourism and hospitality workforce, including demographic information to better understand the nuances of the industry workforce and an analysis of how the workforce has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
go2HR released Regional Workforce Profiles to support employers and people seeking work in the tourism and hospitality sector.
The Workforce Profiles are an up-to-date and accurate description of the 2021 tourism and hospitality workforce. The 11 Workforce Profiles provide detailed demographic information to better understand the nuances of the industry workforce. The Workforce Profiles also offer an analysis of how the workforce has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government Launches Preparedness Plan for Heat Events, Heat Alert (BC HARS)
The Province of B.C. is launching the BC Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS) to help ensure people, First Nations communities, and local governments have the tools they need to stay safe during heat events. Under BC HARS, the Province is prepared to issue a Broadcast Intrusive alert for extreme heat emergencies. The Province is also bringing in additional measures to bolster B.C.’s ambulance system to better respond to a significant increase in 911 calls during a heat emergency.
The Province of B.C. is launching the BC Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS) to help ensure people, First Nations communities, and local governments have the tools they need to stay safe during heat events. Under BC HARS, the Province is prepared to issue a Broadcast Intrusive alert for extreme heat emergencies. The Province is also bringing in additional measures to bolster B.C.’s ambulance system to better respond to a significant increase in 911 calls during a heat emergency.
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