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.

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.

Register Now →

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.

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.

Learn More →

Download Promotional Resources →

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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.

Learn About TOTA’s Indigenous Tourism Program →

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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:

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.

Learn More →

View Promotion Toolkit →

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.

Claim Your Listing →

Happy Tourism Week | May 29 – June 4, 2022

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.

Access Canada Toolkit →

Destination BC and TIABC have provided a toolkit with B.C. specific resources.

Download B.C. Toolkit →

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. 

Watch & Download Videos → 

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.

South Okanagan Food & Drink Experience Development Program Event: Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages

Chef Aman Dosanj

Food & Drink Experience Development Pilot Program

The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA), in collaboration with Destination British Columbia (DBC) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), delivered a Food & Drink Experience Development Pilot Program in the South Okanagan. The pilot program initiated in May 2021 and concluded in February 2022.

Goals of the Experience Development Pilot Program

1. To support selected businesses with the creation and delivery of a new, market-

   ready food & drink experience to offer both locals and visitors to the South

   Okanagan

2. To contribute to the development of new food tourism experiences that will add

   to the destination’s overall value proposition, help visitors connect to the region

   in a more meaningful way, and encourage repeat visitation and referral

3. To summarize learnings from the experience development pilot program that

   may inform future experience development supports provided by DBC, which

   align with the implementation of the Invest in Iconics Strategy across British

   Columbia.

The first participant, Covert Farms Family Estate Winery, has now launched their event they created during this pilot program. Their event Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages is an immersive dining experience with Chef Aman Dosanj of the Paisley Notebook pop-up series.

Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages

The night will begin with a welcome reception, where guests can take their seat and enjoy free time to play farm games and explore. Next, you will hop aboard their vintage cherry red trucks for an open-air tour of their regenerative farm and vineyards. Here, they will discuss the rich history of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and neighboring Indigenous cultural site nʕaylintn, and then forage for traditional plants, some of which will be featured in the night’s dishes.

Chef Aman will guide guests through each of her incredible dishes along with the ingredients used, including organic fruits and vegetables grown right here on our farm and meats raised at the estate. Each dish will be paired with Covert Farms Estate wines by winemaker and farmer, Gene Covert, all of which are made with regenerative viticulture practices, using minimal intervention and natural fermentation when possible.

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Job Opportunity: TOTA Communications Coordinator (Summer Intern Program) | Apply by June 17

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is seeking to hire a Communications Coordinator for a summer internship program. The Communications Coordinator will work with the Corporate Communications Specialist to support the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry communications by creating content for news updates, email newsletters, webpages, and social media content.

The position is based on a Canada Summer Jobs Grant and is limited to an 8-12 week internship, with the option to work remotely full-time or part-time from the TOTA office in Kelowna. The position also includes time as a Visitor Counsellor at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre located above Peachland on the Coquihalla Connector.

Candidates must be able to travel to the TOTA office, team events, and Tourism Inspiration Centre as needed.

Please send cover letter and resume to HR@TOTABC.com by June 17.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Reminder: Green Wine Future Virtual Conference, May 23-26

Green Wine Future Virtual Conference

May 23 - 26

North America Segment: Monday, May 23 | 2:00 - 6:30pm PT

Register with TOTA Discount Code

Registration for one day of the conference is $47 USD. Through TOTA’s partnership, Thompson Okanagan stakeholders get a 55% discount by using the code TOTA55.

Register →

About Green Wine Future

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is taking part in the upcoming virtual Green Wine Future Conference from May 23 to May 26. The event is the most ambitious environmental conference ever organized for the global wine community and will launch as a fully online gathering.

The Green Wine Future Conference will address critical topics of sustainability, climate crisis, biodiversity, wine tourism, regenerative agriculture, carbon amelioration, hydric resources, energy efficiency and create truly green business opportunities to respond to current world conditions. Speakers will present information through video footage, documentaries, and live broadcasts from vineyards and wineries.

TOTA is supported by several provincial and regional funding partners, including Destination British Columbia and Wine Growers British Columbia; and host wineries who will showcase the Thompson Okanagan wine region: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, CedarCreek Estate Winery, and Monte Creek Winery. Other Thompson Okanagan wineries are invited to participate and represent the Thompson Okanagan wine region by hosting a Green Wine Future Virtual Trade Booth.

Thompson Okanagan Wine for the Planet Documentary

The conference includes the premiere of the Wine for the Planet docuseries, including a short documentary about the Thompson Okanagan wine region unveiled on May 23. The docuseries shows the support of the wine industry towards the most sensitive parts of the planet such as ice caps and glaciers, rainforest, marine environments, and areas sensitive to flooding and water scarcity.

Register →

Watch Thompson Okanagan Press Conference Recording from April 20

TOTA and Wine for the Planet hosted a Special Press Event at the BC Wine Information Centre in Penticton on April 20.

Green Wine Future founder, Pancho Campo, shared his work around the world and offered insights of what to expect at this year's Green Wine Future Conference. Several industry leaders and enjoy a small sampling of some of the area's various wine varietals.

Watch Recording →

New Biosphere Committed Company, Codfather’s Seafood Market

Jon and Anne-Marie Crofts, Owners of Codfather’s Seafood Market

Codfather’s Seafood Market has been operating in Kelowna for over 30 years and operates a traditional Fishmongers shop as well as supplying restaurants in the Okanagan and beyond with high quality seafood. Operating out of a small space in the Guisachan Village on Gordon Drive in Kelowna, they are a family run business and pride themselves on making a big impact out of a small space.

“We decided to join the Biosphere Commitment Program because we needed a way to ensure that we take every opportunity to progress and look at every area of our business in terms of sustainability. We felt that this would lead to real and measurable improvement for us.”

- Jon Crofts, Codfather’s Seafood Market

Sustainability for Codfather’s as a seafood business has always been tied closely to the ethics of seafood harvesting and growing, and the way that fisheries are organized and monitored. Sustainability is more than just an eco-label, it also comes from the heart and should never be driven by the desire to profit in any other way than to ensure that a livelihood and thriving ecosystem is still available for all the generations to come.

Lack of equitable access and corporate monopolisation have become huge problems when it comes to sustainability, with “Ocean Grabbing” prevalent throughout the world. Through their work with the Slow Fish organization, they fight against these problems in various guises constantly. They also believe firmly in the value of local co-management of fisheries by Coastal and inland watershed communities. Codfather’s works towards this through their involvement with the “Fisheries for Communities” campaign.

How to Make Easter More Sustainable

As a Gold Certified Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to hop on the sustainability path this Easter for a more eco-friendly holiday weekend.

Traditions such as Easter Egg Hunts produce unnecessary waste and there are sustainable alternatives.

TOTA has compiled the following tips to make Easter celebrations more eco-friendly:

• Buy local products or experiences for Easter baskets

• Recycle - where ever possible, egg foil from your Easter egg chocolates is recyclable

• Buy organic or fair trade chocolate and look for local chocolatiers

• Buy local, free range, organic eggs and decorate with natural dyes

• Try eco-friendly alternatives to Easter basket grass and plastic eggs

• Compost egg shells

• Avoid food waste - be aware of gathering numbers and share leftovers

• Reduce Single Use Plastics

• Choose reusable decorations, baskets, and outfits

• Buy local produces and vegetables to balance out sweets

Visit TOTA & go2HR at TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo & Job Fair

TOTA and go2HR team members will be at the TRUE Penticton Tourism Expo & Job Fair on Saturday, April 9, ready to meet with attendees.

Come say hello to our team members and learn about programs available to support tourism businesses and professionals, such as:

• TOTA marketing programs

• Biosphere Commitment Program

• Hospitality Professional Program by TOTA and Okanagan College

• Accessible & Inclusive Tourism

• Indigenous Tourism

• Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre

• go2HR employer and job seeker supports and industry training programs, including the go2HR Job Board

This FREE tourism event will give you a unique opportunity to meet with local tourism businesses and learn more about The Remarkable Unique Experiences that keep visitors coming back to Penticton year after year. Discover new adventures and reacquaint yourself with all of the amazing activities, attractions, accommodations, restaurants, wineries, breweries, cideries, events and so much more happening in and around Penticton.

This is also a great opportunity to bring your resume and find the perfect summer job, volunteer opportunity, or a career in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Attendees can enter to win a variety of prizes. The TOTA prizes are:

• Sustainable Travel Box from Okanagan Valley Vagabonds, curated with eco-conscious travel items.

• Two bracelets from Jewels of HOPE, which supports vulnerable women in the Okanagan to gather in a safe place to learn artisanal bracelet making skills that help them transition to further employment and educational opportunities.

Learn More & Register →

Tourism Leadership Essentials 7-Week Program | Applications Open Until April 8

April 12 – May 26, 2022

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 PM - 8 PM

Application Deadline: April 8, 2022

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is partnering with Okanagan College to offer the Tourism Leadership Essentials Program for Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals, free of charge through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, part of the BC Tourism Resiliency Network.

The seven-part series consists of 2-hour online workshops, twice a week for seven weeks with Okanagan College tourism professors. Each part focuses on specific leadership skills required in today’s multi-faceted workplaces.

Participants will discover their leadership style, develop management skills, learn about teams, engagement, communication, conflict resolution, and goal setting.

The program is meant to develop skills for both aspiring leaders and seasoned veterans, with insights and tangible strategies that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Availability is limited. While priority will be given to professionals currently employed in the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, other professionals may be eligible.

Application Details

Applications are now closed. If you wish to be informed of future leadership training opportunities, complete the following form:

Schedule & Topics

Each week of the Tourism Leadership Essentials Program will include two instructor-led virtual sessions, plus two hours of independent work covering the followings topics:

Week 1: April 12 & 14 | Leading Workplace Teams

Learn about the skills and tools effective leaders require, how personal values impact leadership, as well as how to develop realistic visions, manage change and promote innovation.

Week 2: April 19 & 21 | Engaging Your Workforce

A highly engaged workforce results in less turnover, better customer service and increased profits. Gain strategies for engaging and motivating employees to foster new ideas and identify solutions in the workplace. Learn about motivation, teamwork, and the stages of teamwork.

Week 3: April 26 & 28 | Communicating Beyond the Basics

Communication is a key component in successful workplaces. Learn how to build respectful and productive relationships with staff and customers. Learn how you communicate, the challenges in communicating effectively, and how to improve your listening skills. Develop a methodology to plan for change.

Week 4: May 3 & 5 | Managing Conflict

Conflicts arise in all workplaces and it’s up to leaders to manage them. Response to conflict defines the result. See the connections between responses and actions and then identify shifts to build better relationships. Gain strategies for dealing with difficult people, having difficult conversations, and providing meaningful feedback.

Week 5: May 10 & 12 | Goal Setting and Time Management

Gain a methodology to tie all objectives and aspirations into a planned approach, matched with resources and timelines to meet goals. Learn how to use time effectively to keep feeling motivated and prevent feelings of overwhelm. The planning and goal setting strategies provided in this course ensure time invested results in solid and measurable results.

Week 6: May 17 & 19 | Change Management

Change is inevitable and not always easy. Learn to lead during times of change by gaining knowledge, skills and strategies that lead to successful change management. Explore reasons for change and factors that influence this process, as well as the impact of change on innovation.

Week 7: May 24 & 26 | Coaching & Developing Employees

Coaching employees builds stronger relationships between managers and their team members. Through coaching, employees are supported in developing the skills they require to reach organizational goals and strategic objectives. This course provides learners with strategies they can use to ensure their employees are engaged in their own personal growth resulting in a positive impact on the organization.

TOTA Launches Community Well-Being Survey on International Day of Happiness

Kelowna, BC - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) launched a Community Well-Being Survey, on the International Day of Happiness, March 20, 2022. The survey, a partnership with Planet Happiness (a project of the Happiness Alliance), is meant to strengthen the relationship between the tourism industry and residents of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia.

The survey includes questions about mental health, lifestyle, hobbies, feelings toward tourism, and daily activities. The responses gathered will help to inform strategies for improving resident well-being in the region. This evidence based survey has been peer reviewed, is completely private, and is General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant.

The residents of this region have proven their capacity for resiliency and moving forward together throughout the pandemic. As the world begins to resume to its normal ways, TOTA wants to include resident well-being  at the forefront of reintegrating tourism to the communities in the region. People make a great destination and a great destination contributes to the well-being of its people.

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Take the Survey

Thompson Okanagan residents, including tourism professionals, are invited to complete the survey. Once completed you will receive a personal report highlighting your results compared to the average results of other residents in the region.

Learn More & Take Survey →

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Help Spread the Word

Individuals and companies are encouraged to share the survey with team members and communities before the survey closes on the 30th of April, 2022. To make sharing easy, TOTA has prepared a Media Kit with sample promotion materials for email and social media.

View Media Kit →

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About International Day of Happiness

The International Day of Happiness was created with the mission to “serve as a beacon of light, inspiration, and hope for all who aspire to live happy and fulfilling lives.”

The non-profit organization works towards this mission by hosting events and sharing their efforts through the official hashtag #InternationalDayOfHappiness in order to spread awareness about the Ten Steps to Global Happiness and by work to promote and advance the following:

1. Happiness as a fundamental human right and goal for all

2. Happiness as a universal aspiration in the lives of all

3. Happiness as a way of living, being, and serving communities and society

4. Happiness as a north star for individuals, communities, governments, and society.

5. Happiness path toward achieving the sustainable development goals

6. Happiness as a “new paradigm’ for human development

7. Worldwide celebration of the international day of happiness that is democratic, diverse, organic, and inclusive

The Ten Steps to Happiness 2022 are as follows:

1.  Tell Everyone.

2.  Do What Makes You Happy.

3. Give and Spread Happiness to Others.

4. Attend a World Happiness Event.

5. Celebrate.

6. Share What Makes You Happy on Social Media.

7. Promote the Resolutions.

8. Advance the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

9. Enjoy Nature. 

10. Hapitalism.

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For more information about the International Day of Happiness and the Ten Steps to Happiness 2022, visit HappinessDay.org.

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Background

About the 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

About Happiness Alliance

Happiness Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to contribute to the transformations of economies and societies so that the happiness of people, the well-being of communities, and the sustainability if ecosystems is the primary aim of governance, enterprise, and people. Since 2010, the Happiness Alliance has provided happiness and well-being tools and resources, including the Happiness Index. Executive director Laura Musolanski has authored multiple books and articles, and is also the co-author of the Happiness Policy Handbook.

Learn More

About Planet Happiness

Planet Happiness is a grassroots, big data project to introduce happiness and well-being science, policy and practice to local communities, governments, and businesses connected to the travel and tourism industry. Dr. Paul Rogersm co-founder and director of Planet Happiness, has over 20 years of experience as a tourism advisor to national and local government and has worked in more than a dozen countries across Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Learn More

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For more information, contact:

Claim Your bookeco Sustainable Tourism Listing

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and bookeco have formed a strategic alliance and partnership to promote sustainable tourism products and services in the Thompson Okanagan.

bookeco is a fast growing, customer focused platform that connects customers to businesses that care about the planet. Launched in November of 2021 with an initial focus on the Canadian market, bookeco already has over 1,200 sustainability focused businesses listed on its platform along with a rapidly growing eco-conscious customer base.

bookeco will feature the Thompson Okanagan as a sustainable destination and home to many responsible places to stay, things to do, and places to eat and drink.

Tourism businesses who demonstrate sustainable practices can register to be featured on the bookeco website, which will increase bookings and revenue by attracting sustainability focused customers to their business.

TOTA encourages all businesses taking sustainable actions to create a profile on bookeco to help customers easily find sustainable tourism providers in the Thompson Okanagan region.

Register for bookeco listing

Businesses can register for the free Basic Plan and link customer bookings through external booking partners websites, or the Advantage Plan to eliminate external booking partner fees.

With the Advantage Plan, companies will:

• Drive bookings directly to your website.

• Stop paying high booking partner fees.

• Gain access to a sustainability focused customer base.

• Showcase your sustainability initiatives to the world.

• Add video content to your profile to increase booking conversion rates.

• Receive priority email support.

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bookeco Biosphere Discount

As part of TOTA’s partnership, Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies will receive a discount when they sign up for the bookeco Advantage Plan. The discount is 3 months free on the monthly plan or 4 months free on the yearly plan.

The Biosphere Commitment Program is open to Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses taking action towards sustainability and costs $250/year to participate.

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bookeco Plans

When registering for the Advantage Plan, companies can choose their business category and either a monthly or yearly subscription:

$9.99 CAD / month or $99 CAD / year

$14.99 CAD / month or $149 CAD / year

$24.99 CAD / month or $249 CAD / year

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If you have any questions or to receive the discount code, email Biosphere@TOTABC.com.

How to Make St. Patrick's Day Eco-Friendly

St. Patrick’s Day is annual celebration of Irish culture on March 17, featuring green outfits, decorations, beer, and food. Like other holidays, celebrations may result in consumerism and unnecessary waste.

As a Biosphere Destination, we encourage and challenge tourism professionals to make St. Patrick’s Day more eco-friendly and greener this year, and every year.

TOTA has compiled the following tips to make St. Patrick’s Day even greener with a few eco-friendly activities or actions:

• Eat green - make food and beverages with local produce, reduce food waste, and compost what can’t be used.

• Drink green local and/or organic beer.

• Decorate green - use biodegradable or reusable decor, rather than single-use plastic decorations. If needed, Recycle paper, cardboard, and hard plastic decorations.

• Host events outside in the fresh air to improve health and wellness.

• Plant something green in the garden.

• Encourage guests to use green transportation options, like bikes, buses, shuttles, or carpooling.

• Dress green - Sell green clothing made of responsibly sourced and sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and wear reusable outfits.

British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network Wins BC Tourism & Hospitality Award for Community Contribution

BC Tourism Resiliency Network RDMO CEOs with BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Community Impact Award 2022 - Clint Fraser, Kathy Cooper, Anthony Everett, and Ellen Walker-Matthews. Amy Thacker not pictured.

(Richmond, B.C.) March 11, 2022 - The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) has been recognized with a 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Award in the category of Community Contribution & Impact.

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers. See the full list of nominees.

“We are honoured to have served B.C. tourism businesses and communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and support their survival,” said Anthony Everett, President & CEO, Tourism Vancouver Island and Chair, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat. “This program was designed by the tourism industry for the tourism industry, utilizing our sector’s specialized understanding of our own needs to guide the recovery of B.C.’s visitor economy.”

Evolving from a program initiated by Tourism Vancouver Island shortly after the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is a long-term resiliency program led by the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), providing B.C. tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt, and work towards eventual recovery.

The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network has helped 2,033 tourism businesses to date, including 158 Indigenous-owned, 440 women-owned, and six youth-owned businesses in communities spanning the province. 1,333 participants have successfully secured aid from government relief programs and an estimated 3,694 jobs have been preserved.

“By working together across the province, the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is maximizing our collective expertise and resources, and leveraging the local knowledge and long-standing relationships we’ve held with stakeholders in our five regions for over 50 years,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Treasurer, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat. “The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network provided a vehicle for us to work together like never before and allowed the development of infrastructure that can be repurposed into managing other crises, but also future partnerships for the betterment of B.C.’s tourism industry.”

The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO), including: Tourism Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA), Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA), and Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (NBCTA).

The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat gratefully acknowledges funding for the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network from Island Coastal Economic Trust and Western Economic Diversification Canada, and support from numerous additional partners.

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards were announced and presented at an awards gala on Thursday, March 10, 2022, as part of the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of BC and British Columbia Hotel Association.

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About the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS)

The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO), including: Tourism Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA), Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA), and Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (NBCTA). The BC Tourism Resiliency Network is a long-term resiliency program providing BC tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt, and work towards eventual recovery.

Learn more at TourismResiliency.ca.

New Biosphere Member: Olive Us Oils & Vinegar Tasting Room

Since opening their doors in 2013, Olive Us Oils & Vinegar Tasting Room has operated on a triple bottom line model of People, Planet, and Profit. This has designed their stores and products to match the same ethos. Olive Us sees the Biosphere Commitment Program as an opportunity to take their environmental efforts to the next level and join a community of likeminded Okanagan businesses who are passionate about sustainable tourism. Beyond the steps they’ve already taken, like collecting and washing thousands of Olive Us bottles for reuse, they are excited to get started on the 17 United Nation Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, they are looking forward to learning how to exemplify the 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations Regional Pledge.

“Sustainability means living in ways that support the environment, our community, and ourselves. At Olive Us we believe that encompasses treating our team with respect and compassion, doing business with integrity, delivering excellent customers service, and finding ways we can be gentler to the earth. The foundation of our tasting rooms is just that - tasting! We use compostable tasting cups and spoons to lighten our footprint. To support our community we sell local, artisan products that support growers and makers around BC, and we donate thousands of dollar of product per year in silent auctions and giveaways to causes that spark our hearts. Most of all, we love to have fun in our stores, share delicious food, and create memories. We will even encourage you to “Go ahead… play with your food!”

- Janet Cody & Bailey Morin, Olive Us Oils & Vinegar Tasting Room

At their tasting rooms in Vernon, Lake Country, and Salmon Arm, Olive Us features high-quality extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and an array of gourmet eats. They source responsibly, delivering the freshest olive oils possible, from growers who value the land they farm. To build their beautiful tasting rooms they repurposed materials destined for the landfill, installed LED lighting, and invested in a bottle washing system to rescue their used bottles from recycling. They are excited to take on new challenges and expand their sustainable efforts!

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Free Business Energy Assessment

TOTA offers complimentary virtual Energy Assessments to tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region. Since beginning the program in July 2020 with FortisBC, TOTA has helped businesses identify annual cost saving opportunities ranging from $100 to $2,500, with additional cost savings available through rebates.

Whether you are a business owner or are a long-term leaseholder of a commercial building or industrial facility, the Energy Analyst can help you save on operating costs by improving the efficiency of your energy usage, furthermore reducing your environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions.

TOTA's Energy Analyst, Harshit Srivastava, has a Masters in Clean Energy Engineering from the University of British Columbia and relevant industry experience. Harshit is eager to work with regional tourism stakeholders to help reduce energy costs through energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.

Register for Free Energy Assessment →

Schedule an Introduction Call with Harshit →

New Biosphere Committed Company, Neuron Mobility

Neuron Mobility

Neuron Mobility is committed to supporting the Okanagan region in meeting its environmental goals. A top focus is on their footprint and they hope to inspire other companies to join the Biosphere Commitment Program and do the same. The Biosphere Commitment Program offers Neuron Mobility a community of like minded business individuals and advisors to help them understand how best to work towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

“We are, at our core, a sustainability company. One of our main objectives is to provide a sustainable alternative to passenger vehicles through innovative micro mobility solutions. With this, sustainability is part of every decision we make as a business. As we have an impact on the communities we operate in, we take a broad view of sustainability and ensure that we are not just creating environmental benefits, but also promoting accessibility, while bolstering the local economy and providing support to social institutions.”

- Olivia Onderdonk, Neuron Mobility

Urban transport is responsible for nearly 25% of global GHC emissions, which needs to be addressed. To ensure the healthy future of communities, Neuron Mobility believes we must see a modal shift in how people move across them. They are proud to provide their riders a green alternative to passenger cars and a complementing service to public transport. Neuron Mobility is committed and proud to be helping drive the change they want to see in communities they operate in.

Neuron Mobilities sustainability achievements include:

• Help get cars off streets: from rider surveys, they know that 46% of rides on Neuron devices in Canada replace rides that would have otherwise been in passenger vehicles. 

• Certified Carbon Neutral: they are certified carbon neutral globally through Carbon Reduction Institute and have committed to reduce their emissions, and offsetting any unavoidable emissions. 

• Publicly committed: They are also prepared to be held accountable, and alongside the Biosphere Commitment Program they have also committed globally to The Climate Pledge, joining the world’s most progressive companies to meet net-zero by 2040. 

• Pioneering technology improves operations: Their devices are built to last, their fully modular scooter, designed in-house, means they can repair and replace parts, rather than replacing the whole scooter. The first micro mobility provider globally to deploy swappable batteries across their entire fleet - now a sustainability prerequisite in the industry. This allows them a very small operational vehicle footprint. 

• Create quality jobs in the cities they operate: They are proud to hire local teams across their operations and to be a Living Wage Employer, certified by Living Wage for Families BC. 

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Thompson Okanagan & bookeco Join Forces to Connect People with Eco-Friendly Tourism Providers

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and bookeco have formed a strategic alliance and partnership to promote sustainable tourism products and services in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada. 

bookeco is an online platform that connects people to eco-friendly places to stay, things to do, and places to eat and drink. Launched in November of 2021 with an initial focus on the Canadian market, bookeco already has over 1,200 sustainability focused businesses listed on its platform and boasts a rapidly growing eco-conscious customer base. As a map-based platform, bookeco also gives the added advantage of highlighting eco-friendly businesses that are local to users.

bookeco is helping to rebuild the tourism industry by implementing a subscription based model to save sustainability focused businesses on high third party booking fees, and giving businesses the option to drive customers directly to their website. bookeco is focused on helping the tourism industry fight climate change through sustainability, which includes planting trees for every booking made.

“The bookeco platform makes it easy for people to find and select eco-conscious travel options in order to minimize the impact of tourism on the planet,“ said Ellen Walker-Matthews, TOTA CEO. “We look forward to sharing the Thompson Okanagan’s sustainable travel providers with people planning a trip.”

The Thompson Okanagan region is nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Home to over 120 communities, including 33 Indigenous communities, the landscape is as varied as the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies to the semi-arid climate of the Okanagan Desert. This diverse area with 9 sub-regions ranges from Christina Lake and the Shuswap to the east, Cache Creek and Princeton to the west, Valemount and Mount Robson in the north, and Osoyoos and Midway in the south near the Canada-US border.

“We are excited to partner with TOTA, an organization which shares a similar sustainability vision to bookeco,” said Liam Duffy, bookeco Co-Founder. “The Thompson Okanagan region being a Biosphere Certified Gold Destination is a testament to TOTA’s sustainability focus. This partnership offers an exciting opportunity to connect bookeco’s eco-conscious customers to the incredible sustainability focused businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region.”

As part of the partnership, bookeco will feature the Thompson Okanagan as a sustainable destination. 

Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses who demonstrate sustainable practices will have the opportunity to be featured on the bookeco website. TOTA Biosphere Committed Companies will receive up to 4 months free when they sign up for the bookeco Advantage Plan.

The partnership agreement will also include a series of projects to promote sustainable tourism and responsible tourism providers through email and social media initiatives.

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About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):

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.

 

About bookeco:

Founded in Canada, bookeco was launched in November 2021 with a goal to help neutralize tourism’s negative impact on the planet. As a map-based platform, bookeco connects people to eco-friendly places to stay, things to do and places to eat and drink. For every booking made, bookeco plants trees.

Learn more at bookeco.com.

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For more information, contact:

Ellen-Walker Matthews

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)

E: Ellen@TOTABC.com

For information on the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program:

Kavan Vijayakumar

Industry Relations & Stewardship Specialist

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)

E: Kavan@TOTABC.com

Host a Green Wine Future Virtual Expo Booth on May 23 to 26, 2022 | Apply by March 18, 2022

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has joined with Green Wine Future (GWF) as a corporate sponsors and strategic partners. The event is the most ambitious environmental conference ever organized for the wine community and will launch as a fully online gathering May 23-26, 2022.

Wineries in the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program are invited to represent the Thompson Okanagan wine regions by hosting a Green Wine Future Virtual Expo Booth.

Hosts will have the opportunity to showcase their wines, products, and services to an international audience interested in sustainable wine. Delegates, speakers, and exhibitors can network virtually with companies through the booths on the days of the event, May 23 to 26, 2022, and starting two weeks prior to the event, May 9.

Availability is limited.

Benefits of hosting a virtual booth include:

• Virtual booth networking opportunities during the conference, beginning 2 weeks prior.

• Share company information including description, video, and website link.

• Operate a Video Chat with ability to share your video with up to 10 people and share a presentation.

• Host live virtual tastings with up to 10 clients.

• Advertise an Event Offer, a special promotion curated especially for attendees, with a Call to action button.

• Receive attendee Registered Interest requests to engage.

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How to Apply

The cost for the virtual expo booths is $1,000 USD (invoiced in CAD based on the exchange at the time of invoicing + GST). The first ten Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program wineries to apply by March 18 are eligible to receive a $250 USD discount.

Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program members or those interested in joining can apply for the virtual expo through TOTA. Email Kavan@TOTABC.com with any questions.

Other wineries can can email Wendy Vallaster, Green Wine Future Canadian Agent and Contact at WendyVallaster@Gmail.com.

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Key Links

• Green Wine Future Website →

• View Announcement →