News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Donate to the Lytton Rebuild Fund
On June 30, 2021, the beautiful Village of Lytton was destroyed by a fire that swept through the town with such speed and fury, most residents didn’t have time to grab much, if anything. Nearly the entire village was destroyed.
To assist with rebuilding a sustainable Lytton, the village has created a Rebuild Fund to enable people to help through donations.
On June 30, 2021, the beautiful Village of Lytton was destroyed by a fire that swept through the town with such speed and fury, most residents didn’t have time to grab much, if anything. Nearly the entire village was destroyed.
To assist with rebuilding a sustainable Lytton, the village has created a Rebuild Fund to enable people to help through donations.
Claim Your Sustainable Life App™ Listing
TOTA and Sustainable Life App™ are collaborating to help Thompson Okanagan tourism companies connect with eco-conscious customers online.
Sustainable Life App™ is a downloadable mobile map-based app that connects eco-conscious consumers with sustainable businesses and brands from where they are. People can use the app while planning a trip or while traveling, making it easy to live a life in line with their core values.
To get your listing, there is a one-time setup fee of $10 USD. Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies can receive a free listing with the referral code from Biosphere@TOTABC.com.
TOTA and Sustainable Life App™ are collaborating to help Thompson Okanagan tourism companies connect with eco-conscious customers online.
Sustainable Life App™ is a downloadable mobile map-based app that connects eco-conscious consumers with sustainable businesses and brands from where they are. People can use the app while planning a trip or while traveling, making it easy to live a life in line with their core values.
The app is free to download on Android and Apple. With 4,000+ listings, 10,000+ downloads, and 6,000+ users, the app is growing in popularity across Canada and internationally.
Sustainable Life App™ Business Listings
Businesses can register with Sustainable Life App™ to create a listing and get access to sustainable tourism marketing tools, including:
Customizable Listing: Update your listing anytime, including Social Media Profiles, Photos & Videos
Local Deals: Share local & online deals with customers
Industry Accreditations: Showcase your industry accreditations, including Biosphere Commitment, and sustainable brands that you sell
Custom User Profile: Connect with users based on dietary and purchase preferences that are trending on your profile
Printable Window Decal
Website Widget
Option to upgrade to a user data analytics premium features plan at any time.
Get Listed
To get your listing, there is a one-time setup fee of $10 USD.
Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies receive a free listing with the referral code from Biosphere@TOTABC.com.
You can also sign up for Premium Features to get user analytics, quarterly planning calls to maximize ROI, $50 of social media ads (annual only), and unlimited deal listings.
Energy Efficiency Tips: About Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) will play a significant role in decarbonising businesses by leveraging existing gas pipeline systems. Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is made from organic waste produced by everyday activities. As organic matter such as food decomposes, it releases biogas which when cleaned produces methane, also known as Natural Gas. As this methane is produced through organic resources it is considered completely biogenic or carbon neutral.
FortisBC is offering renewable and low carbon gases to customers as part of the 30BY30 target to reduce its customers’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 in support of the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.
To learn more about renewable natural gas and other ways to reduce your business' carbon footprint, register for a free Energy Assessment or connect with TOTA’s Energy Analyst at Energy@TOTABC.com.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) will play a significant role in decarbonising businesses by leveraging existing gas pipeline systems.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is made from organic waste produced by everyday activities. As organic matter such as food decomposes, it releases biogas which when cleaned produces methane, also known as Natural Gas. As this methane is produced through organic resources it is considered completely biogenic or carbon neutral.
FortisBC is offering renewable and low carbon gases to customers as part of the 30BY30 target to reduce its customers’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 in support of the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.
To learn more about renewable natural gas and other ways to reduce your business' carbon footprint, register for a free Energy Assessment or connect with TOTA’s Energy Analyst at Energy@TOTABC.com.
Destination Canada Corporate Strategy: Canada’s Tourism Renaissance
Destination Canada published a new corporate strategy and 3-year plan for recovery entitled Canada’s Tourism Renaissance. This summary highlights Destination Canada’s work to support the 225,000 small and medium-sized tourism businesses across Canada and their communities by driving sector recovery from the pandemic, as well as taking action towards a better future.
Destination Canada published a new corporate strategy and 3-year plan for recovery entitled Canada’s Tourism Renaissance. This summary highlights Destination Canada’s work to support the 225,000 small and medium-sized tourism businesses across Canada and their communities by driving sector recovery from the pandemic, as well as taking action towards a better future.
Staying Safe During High Temperatures
With higher temperatures starting to settle in, it is important that employers are aware of the effects heat can have on their workers, and are taking action to prevent heat stress. go2HR has put together some practical resources to provide employers with information, including appropriate control measures that may help to reduce the effects of heat exposure in the workplace.
With higher temperatures starting to settle in, it is important that employers are aware of the effects heat can have on their workers, and are taking action to prevent heat stress.
go2HR has put together some practical resources to provide employers with information, including appropriate control measures that may help to reduce the effects of heat exposure in the workplace.
Business Tips on Welcoming 2SLGBTQIA+ Travellers from Tourism Kelowna
Tourism Kelowna has shared an article for businesses, including business practices to consider and how to assess if you’re ready to welcome 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers, a valuable market made up of highly-educated individuals with disposable income seeking businesses that align with their values.
Tourism Kelowna has shared an article for businesses, including business practices to consider and how to assess if you’re ready to welcome 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers, a valuable market made up of highly-educated individuals with disposable income seeking businesses that align with their values.
Find BC Indigenous Businesses with the ITBC Trip Planner App
The Indigenous BC Trip Planner app is a trip planning and educational tool that guides visitors through the Indigenous territories of BC and their unique, immersive experiences. Use the app to discover places to go, places to stay, and things to do in BC. Find authentic Indigenous experiences and businesses, learn common Indigenous words and phrases, and hear traditional songs, stories, and legends.
Tourism businesses can share the app with their guests or connect with Indigenous businesses to discuss potential partnerships.
The Indigenous BC Trip Planner app is a trip planning and educational tool that guides visitors through the Indigenous territories of BC and their unique, immersive experiences. Use the app to discover places to go, places to stay, and things to do in BC. Find authentic Indigenous experiences and businesses, learn common Indigenous words and phrases, and hear traditional songs, stories, and legends.
Tourism businesses can share the app with their guests or connect with Indigenous businesses to discuss potential partnerships.
11 Travel Terms & Hospitality Industry Trends You Should Know About
Hotel News Resource has shared a glossary of post-pandemic travel terms and trends, such as trip stacking, buddymooning, and revenge travel.
Check out the glossary and plan how your business can take advantage of these current trends in the Thompson Okanagan.
Hotel News Resource has shared a glossary of post-pandemic travel terms and trends, such as trip stacking, buddymooning, and revenge travel.
Check out the glossary and plan how your business can take advantage of these current trends in the Thompson Okanagan.
B.C. Strengthens Actions to Prepare for Climate Change with New Strategy
The Province released B.C.’s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy. The strategy strengthens B.C.’s collective capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of climate change. This includes sudden events like wildfires, floods, and heatwaves as well as changes that happen more slowly like rising sea-levels, receding glaciers, and shifting ecosystems.
Actions fall under four key pathways that work to strengthen the foundations for success, build safe and healthy communities, foster resilient species and ecosystems, and advance a climate-ready economy and resilient infrastructure.
The Province released B.C.’s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy. The strategy strengthens B.C.’s collective capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of climate change. This includes sudden events like wildfires, floods, and heatwaves as well as changes that happen more slowly like rising sea-levels, receding glaciers, and shifting ecosystems.
Actions fall under four key pathways that work to strengthen the foundations for success, build safe and healthy communities, foster resilient species and ecosystems, and advance a climate-ready economy and resilient infrastructure.
Notice to Take Pre-Cautions Due to Okanagan Lake High Water Levels and Mission Creek Flooding
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has been activated due to rising water levels in creeks and streams and flowing into Okanagan Lake. Central Okanagan Emergency Operations recommends that property managers with waterfront and flood-prone areas take pre-cautions, as any wind, rain, or wake from boats has the potential to cause further erosion and damage to waterfront property and structures.
For the most up to date information, visit the Emergency Details & Update page or CORDEmergency.ca.
For tourism related questions, concerns, or challenges, feel free to connect with TOTA's Crisis Communications Coordinator by emailing CrisisMgmt@TOTABC.com.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has been activated due to rising water levels in creeks and streams and flowing into Okanagan Lake. A local state of emergency was declared for the City of Kelowna on June 14.
Okanagan Lake has not peaked, but reached full pool on June 17. Unsettled weather is forecasted in the coming days and crews will continue to monitor creek, river and lake levels.
Central Okanagan Emergency Operations recommends that property managers with waterfront and flood-prone areas take pre-cautions, as any wind, rain, or wake from boats has the potential to cause further erosion and damage to waterfront property and structures.
Recommended precautions include:
Review the Prepared BC Flood Preparedness Guide on what to do before, during and after a flood and make a plan.
Ensure docks are secured and that anchor lines are long enough so they don’t snap if water continues to rise.
Boaters are asked to be mindful of speed and wake to prevent property damage along the shoreline.
Encourage staff and guests to use care when walking near creeks as banks can be slippery and unstable and subject to erosion.
Leave debris washing up along the lakeshore in place until water levels recede to protect the shoreline from further erosion.
Get sandbags, which are now available for Peachland, West Kelowna, and Joe Rich areas.
Call 9-1-1 in case of emergency.
Details & Updates
For the most up to date information, visit the Emergency Details & Update page or CORDEmergency.ca.
Information will also be provided via twitter.com/CO_Emerg and facebook.com/CORDEmergency.
For tourism related questions, concerns, or challenges, feel free to connect with TOTA's Crisis Communications Coordinator by emailing CrisisMgmt@TOTABC.com.
Big White Ski Resort VP Michael J. Ballingall Honoured with Bill Mackey Award for Outstanding Ski Industry Employee from Far West Ski Association
Congratulations to Big White Ski Resort Senior Vice President, Michael J. Ballingall, on earning the the Far West Ski Association’s Bill Mackey Award for Outstanding Ski Industry Employee. Ballingall is the third Big White employee to receive the award, making Big White one only two resorts in North America to have received this award three times.
Big White Ski Resort Senior Vice President, Michael J. Ballingall, is the latest recipient of the Far West Ski Association’s Bill Mackey Award for Outstanding Ski Industry Employee.
“What an honour it is to receive this prestigious award,” said Ballingall. “The fact that our very own Jim Loyd won it in 2002, then Katie Balkwell in 2016 made my receiving of this award a hat trick for Big White Ski Resort. It bodes well that our philosophy of strong partnerships and looking after the customer has resonated through our organization for 59 years.”
Big White Ski Resort and Aspen Snowmass are the only two resorts in North America to have received this award three times.
The Far West Ski Association, founded in 1930, held its 89th Annual Convention and Meeting June 9 to 12 in Portland, Oregon. FWSA represented 150 ski clubs throughout North America.
The Bill Mackey Award is given for outstanding service to the skiing public by a ski industry or ski area employee. The award may be received more than once but not in consecutive years. Recipients must be full-time employee in the ski industry or related industry and cannot be a FWSA board member, trustee, or appointed chairperson.
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.