News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Share Feedback on the BC 2030 Olympic Bid
The 2030 BC Olympic Team has entered the Engagement Phase of exploring the possibility of hosting the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in British Columbia.
Bringing the Olympic Games to BC in 2030 could have an enormous impact on the provincial accommodation and tourism industries. The organizing committee met with various councils, including the City of Vancouver.
You can engage with the BC 2030 Olympic bid in the following methods:
Send a letter or comment to the Vancouver City Council
Complete the engagement survey on the GamesEngagement.ca site
The 2030 BC Olympic Team has entered the Engagement Phase of exploring the possibility of hosting the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in British Columbia.
Bringing the Olympic Games to BC in 2030 could have an enormous impact on the provincial accommodation and tourism industries. The organizing committee met with various councils, including the City of Vancouver.
You can engage with the BC 2030 Olympic bid in the following methods:
Send a letter or comment to the Vancouver City Council
Complete the engagement survey on the GamesEngagement.ca site
Become a Hipcamp Host
Hipcamp is the world’s largest marketplace and comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. Anyone with a property in nature can offer camping, glamping, and vacation rentals as a Hipcamp Host.
Hipcamp is the world’s largest marketplace and comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. Anyone with a property in nature can offer camping, glamping, and vacation rentals as a Hipcamp Host.
Whether you have a treehouse, a cabin, a hobby farm, or a cottage, odds are our community can’t wait to visit!
Listings on Hipcamp range from basic tent and RV sites to cabins, glamping tents, onsite trailers, and more
Free to list, no contracts or hidden fees
Support building a Hipcamp listing
Hipcamp takes a flat 10% commission on bookings they send you (this covers credit card fees, $1 million Host Liability Insurance, promotion and support)
Additional Hosting Resources:
Extras:
Extras allow Hosts to offer Hipcampers customizable goods, rentals, workshops and experiences for an additional fee at checkout so they can then enjoy them during their stay.
Here are a few examples of hosts with extras:
HipCamp would also be happy to work 1:1 with any new hosts and arrange for a Hipcamp photographer to take 10-15 professional photos of their land (Hipcamp covers all costs).
Here is an example of a listing with professional photography:
Possible Heat Warning for Southwest and Central Interior B.C.: July 22-27
A ridge of high pressure is building over B.C. this week and appears to be strengthening. It will bring an extended period of hot and dry weather. It is yet unclear how long the heat may persist.
Generally, daytime high temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 30s in the Southwestern Interior, and high 20s or low 30s along parts of the Central Interior. Overnight lows are expected to be in the mid to high teens. There may be thunderstorms and lightning.
A ridge of high pressure is building over B.C. this week and appears to be strengthening. It will bring an extended period of hot and dry weather. It is yet unclear how long the heat may persist.
Generally, daytime high temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 30s in the Southwestern Interior, and high 20s or low 30s along parts of the Central Interior. Overnight lows are expected to be in the mid to high teens. There may be thunderstorms and lightning.
Resources to monitor current weather forecasts and alerts:
Further Information:
Vancouver Foundation Recovery and Resiliency Fund | Apply by September 30
B.C. non-profit societies, charities, and Indigenous-led organizations can apply for multi-year, flexible grants from the Vancouver Foundation. Grants from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund will provide stable funding for organizations to strengthen their operational capacity to help with recovery and longer-term resiliency.
This fund will provide:
$50,000-$72,000 flexible grant per year for 3 years to charities and non-profit societies in BC that provide community benefit and have operating budgets of less than $1 million;
Flexible grants for Indigenous-led organizations with annual revenues of more than $1 million. These organizations can apply through New Relationship Trust.
Applications open until September 30, 2022.
Through a partnership between the Province of BC, Vancouver Foundation, United Way BC, and New Relationship Trust, $34 million in multi-year, flexible grants will be available for charities and non-profit organizations disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
This fund will provide:
$50,000-$72,000 flexible grant per year for 3 years to charities and non-profit societies in BC that provide community benefit and have operating budgets of less than $1 million;
Flexible grants for Indigenous-led organizations with annual revenues of more than $1 million. These organizations can apply through New Relationship Trust.
Grants from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund will provide stable funding for organizations to strengthen their operational capacity to help with recovery and longer-term resiliency.
For the first time, they are awarding grants through a randomized selection process that assesses eligibility rather than merit, minimizes biases, and removes competition between organizations.
Applications open until September 30, 2022.
TOTA Board Election: Early Call for Nominations
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will hold the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 29, 2022. Voting members are invited to put their name forward or nominate a qualified candidate to serve as a member of the TOTA Board of Directors for a two-year term.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will hold the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, October 13, 2022.
Leading up to the AGM, the Board Election will take place as follows:
Monday, July 18: Early Call for Nominations
Friday, July 29: Official Call for Nominations Begins
Friday, August 12: Close of Nominations
Tuesday, August 30: Electronic Voting Begins
Wednesday, September 14: Close of Electronic Voting
Thursday, October 13: TOTA AGM & Board Meeting
On behalf of TOTA Nominating Committee Chair, Frank Antoine, we invite Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals to put their name forward or nominate a qualified candidate (see Eligibility Requirements below) to serve as a member of the TOTA Board of Directors for a two-year term, effective September 29, 2022.
The tourism industry faced tremendous challenges over the past two years, and the TOTA Board of Directors was committed to guiding TOTA to support regional tourism stakeholders. Going forward, there is much work to be done as we reimagine and rebuild a resilient, sustainable tourism industry in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia.
For 2022, TOTA is seeking to fill eight board positions with enthusiastic and energetic tourism professionals representing a wide range of the Thompson Okanagan’s tourism sectors, communities, and perspectives. The TOTA board is eager to explore new ideas and learn from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
TOTA board members commit to a two-year term, with the following schedule:
Regular board meetings and board retreat (four meetings / year)
Option to join the Finance & Audit Committee (four calls / year)
Option to join the Governance Committee (four calls / year)
The board will elect board members to serve the executive positions of Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-Chair, and Chair.
Eligibility Requirements
Based on the TOTA Constitution & Bylaws, to nominate/vote and to qualify as a Board Nomination Candidate, the company or organization must meet the following criteria:
A tourism stakeholder in good standing with TOTA.
Must have participated in a TOTA marketing program or provided in-kind value in the amount of $100 or more within 12 months prior to the call for nominations on Friday, July 29, 2022.
Nomination submitted in writing, signed by four voting members other than the nominee.
Community DMOs may serve on the board, however cannot hold an executive position.
For questions and to confirm voting member and board candidate eligibility, please email TOTA Board Liaison Chelsea Travere at Chelsea@TOTABC.com.
Run in the TOTA Board Election
If you or someone you know is interested to run in the TOTA board election and meets the criteria outlined above, please submit a signed nomination form to TOTABC.org/AGM/election by Friday, August 12, 2022.
Nominations cannot be accepted after the deadline.
About TOTA
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society governed by the BC Societies Act. TOTA is one of six Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO) in the province of British Columbia that work under the Super, Natural British Columbia brand as an official representative of Destination British Columbia and whose mandate includes Industry Development, Destination Marketing, Destination Stewardship, and Destination Development.
Learn more at TOTABC.org.
Tourism Growth Strategy Survey | Share Feedback by August 3
The Government of Canada wants to hear from Canadian tourism stakeholders as it charts the path forward for the sector. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is conducting a public consultation on the development of a post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy--including a focus on labour gaps and instability. The consultation period now ends August 3.
The Government of Canada wants to hear from Canadian tourism stakeholders as it charts the path forward for the sector. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is conducting a public consultation on the development of a post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy--including a focus on labour gaps and instability. The consultation period now ends August 3.
Workplace C.A.R.E Certificate
This free training from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division informs participants on how to create and foster a psychologically healthy & safe workplace. C.A.R.E. is an acronym that means Caring and Respectful Employer.
This free training from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division informs participants on how to create and foster a psychologically healthy & safe workplace. C.A.R.E. is an acronym that means Caring and Respectful Employer.
Projections of Tourism Employment Demand
Tourism HR Canada released their Projections of Tourism Employment Demand in Canada, 2019 – 2025, which provides initial results from a three-year project to update and enhance the labour supply and demand projections for the tourism sector. Produced by The Conference Board of Canada, the report’s findings are based primarily on job demand stemming from the business perspective (demand side) but also include discussion of some outcomes that arise from labour challenges on the supply side, namely in the form of job vacancies.
Tourism HR Canada released their Projections of Tourism Employment Demand in Canada, 2019 – 2025, which provides initial results from a three-year project to update and enhance the labour supply and demand projections for the tourism sector. Produced by The Conference Board of Canada, the report’s findings are based primarily on job demand stemming from the business perspective (demand side) but also include discussion of some outcomes that arise from labour challenges on the supply side, namely in the form of job vacancies.
BC SPCA Reminds Pet Guardians about Dangers of Leaving Animals in Hot Cars
With temperatures rising across the province, the BC SPCA is reminding pet guardians not to leave their pets in parked vehicles.
If you see an animal showing signs of heatstroke or other distress, please call the BC SPCA Call Centre at 1.855.622.7722 during business hours or contact your local animal control agency, RCMP or police.
Tourism companies can help by providing a shaded outdoor space or indoor space with water for pets.
With temperatures rising across the province, the BC SPCA is reminding pet guardians not to leave their pets in parked vehicles.
If you see an animal showing signs of heatstroke or other distress, please call the BC SPCA Call Centre at 1.855.622.7722 during business hours or contact your local animal control agency, RCMP or police.
Tourism companies can help by providing a shaded outdoor space or indoor space with water for pets.
Legal Considerations When Developing a Work From Home Policy
COVID-19 pandemic had many impacts on the business world but perhaps the most enduring will be employees’ desire to work from home and employers’ need to accommodate them. WorkSafeBC advises that employers who have remote employees should have a policy addressing the whole working from home scenario.
Smithson Employment Law Corporation published an article, ”Working From Home - The New Reality,” outlining the legal and human resources considerations for employers when developing a Work from Home Policy.
COVID-19 pandemic had many impacts on the business world but perhaps the most enduring will be employees’ desire to work from home and employers’ need to accommodate them. WorkSafeBC advises that employers who have remote employees should have a policy addressing the whole working from home scenario.
Smithson Employment Law Corporation published an article, ”Working From Home - The New Reality,” outlining the legal and human resources considerations for employers when developing a Work from Home Policy.
BCRTS COVID-19 Tourism Impact Survey Final Report
The following report is a summary of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the visitor economy in British Columbia from April 2020 to December 2021. This report is intended to share the experiences of the visitor economy as BCRTS stakeholders persevered through one of the most challenging periods in the province’s history. The experience of the visitor economy during this challenging time contains many lessons for partners and stakeholders on navigating future events, impacts, and crises.
The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) released the final B.C. COVID-19 Tourism Impact Survey 2020-2021 Report, which summarizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on British Columbia’s visitor economy from April 2020 to December 2021. The report outlines survey responses from B.C. tourism companies in order to share the experiences through one of the most challenging periods in recent history and lessons to navigate future events, impacts, and crises.
Survey questions were developed through a collaborative process, with a mix of core questions that repeated across surveys, as well as one-off or temporary questions designed to inform context-specific events or policies.
Over the course of the 21-month period, BCRTS collected 7,952 responses from 3,849 different visitor economy stakeholders.1,023 participants (13%) operated in the Thompson Okanagan region. The survey heard from many different types of tourism operators across the province, including: accommodation, food and beverage, activities, retail, transportation, visitor centres, Indigenous and non indigenous owned businesses, as well as several others.
Reports were published regularly to share data visualizations and analysis of responses on a provincial and regional level and informed BCRTS in its advocacy and support of the visitor economy over the course of the pandemic.
Recommendations
The BCRTS developed a unique perspective on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the visitor economy through its survey program and other advocacy. This perspective has equipped BCRTS with the knowledge and expertise necessary to make recommendations on how to best navigate future crises.
Recommendations for industry include:
Digitalization and fully developed outreach programs are essential to relief program success.
Insurance solutions specifically tailored by industry would provide greater protection for industry members during times of crisis.
Recommendations for government and other policymakers include:
There exists a need to develop scenario analysis and crisis management plans for future crises.
Access to government-backed credit would increase the coping abilities of the most affected firms in times of crisis.
Programs that are designed to support individuals create distortions for industry when they penalize workers that choose to continue working in the service sector.
View Full Report →
About the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat:
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) is an active collaboration between the five tourism regions of Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and 4VI (formerly Tourism Vancouver Island). In March 2020, BCRTS members collaborated to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on B.C. tourism businesses and developed the BC Tourism Resiliency Network to support the tourism industry.
For more information, contact:
Chelsea Travere
Communications Specialist
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
E: Chelsea@TOTABC.com
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
E: CEO@TOTABC.com
The Airbnb OMG! Fund | Apply by July 22, 2022
The OMG Fund is Airbnb’s program to build the most creative, jaw-dropping places on earth, which can be listed in the OMG! Category on AirBnB. 100 people will receive $100K to fund their off-beat build.
AirBnB considers originality, feasibility, sustainability, and the experience into its decision making when reviewing applications. Accommodation plan would need to pass all required inspections and bylaws and would need to be completed by August 2023.
Applications are due by July 22, 2022.
The OMG Fund is Airbnb’s program to build the most creative, jaw-dropping places on earth, which can be listed in the OMG! Category on AirBnB. 100 people will receive $100K to fund their off-beat build.
AirBnB considers originality, feasibility, sustainability, and the experience into its decision making when reviewing applications. Accommodation plan would need to pass all required inspections and bylaws and would need to be completed by August 2023.
Applications are due by July 22, 2022.
TOTA Access & Inclusion Liaison Tour of Boundary Country
In the summer of 2020, TOTA partnered with the Christina Lake Welcome Centre to visit Boundary Country on an Accessible FAM tour, and experienced many accessible and inclusive activities and attractions that this beautiful region has to offer.
In the summer of 2020, TOTA partnered with the Christina Lake Welcome Centre to visit Boundary Country on an Accessible FAM tour, and experience many accessible and inclusive activities and attractions that this beautiful region has to offer.
It was an adventure packed full of endless fun and possibilities, such as:
Gallery 2 in Grand Forks
Culinary experiences at the The Wooden Spoon, The Board Room Cafe, Christina Lake Marina Grill & Deli, and the Christina Lake Golf Course
Adaptive mountain biking adventures on the KVR with Wild Ways
Glow golf at Cascade Par3 Golf Course
Discovering Indigenous pictographs on Christina Lake on a boat tour
With so much to do and see in the Boundary Country, the team stayed for a while and rested between experiences in the comfortable and accessible accommodations at the New Horizon Motel in Christina Lake.
The positive vibes and inclusive energy and atmosphere that we felt on our journey through Boundary Country made it clear that tourism operators are striving to make their experiences and adventures accessible and inclusive for all.
With a team of passionate community leaders, and through the Enabling Accessibility Youth Innovation Component funding opportunity, a Mobi-Mat (wheelchair accessible beach mat) and beach wheelchair was acquired to create and increase accessibility on the beach and to the lake at the Christina Lake Provincial Park.
Beach Wheelchair
Mobi-Mat
To some degree and at some point in everyone’s life, we will all require an accessible feature to continue enjoying adventures alongside family and friends.
Although all of our physical environments may never be completely accessible, we can create an emotional connection where acceptance, integration, and inclusion can ignite the realization and the understanding of “why” our physical spaces and environments need to be accessible.
Let’s make it our collective responsibility to support and uplift everyone in our communities regardless of their age, ability, gender, or culture. This can simply begin with an inclusive attitude and mindset, allowing that to be the catalyst towards building and creating physical environments that are accessible for everyone to enjoy.
Whatever your level of adventure is, there are accessible and inclusive experiences waiting to be discovered in Boundary Country!
Sustainable Companies in the Thompson Okanagan Now Listed in Biosphere Search Engine of Sustainable Consumer Choices
The BiosphereSustainable.com website is now available, which allows people to learn about the good practices and sustainable efforts of companies and destinations around the world, showing how they contribute to the fulfilment of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Biosphere has launched a new website, BiosphereSustainable.com, allowing people to easily learn about the good practices and sustainable efforts of companies and destinations around the world. The website has listings of companies participating in the global Biosphere Community and transparently shows contributions to the fulfilment of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Companies that are part of the Biosphere Community, including companies in the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, can showcase their sustainability efforts through the new website so people around the world can quickly and easily search and discover their work to improve local life, environment, economy, employment, education, ecosystems, and other sustainability issues.
The Biosphere system is an independent, objective, impartial, and transparent verification methodology with an external auditing team of professionals to validate the sustainable efforts implemented by each entity, based on the indicators, criteria, objectives, and sustainability goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The website is adapted for those with general knowledge in sustainability, to help people make responsible, ethical, and sustainable consumption decisions. With more informed and aware societies, it will become easier for each person's consumption decisions to reflect their values, achieving a real involvement on the part of society to act more responsibly and adopt more sustainable models.
For more information about the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, visit TOTABC.org/biosphere-commitment or email Biosphere@TOTABC.com.
Interested in Joining the Biosphere Commitment Program?
Book a Biosphere Introduction Presentation →
For Biosphere Committed Companies:
Book a Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform Walkthrough →
Okanagan Valley Nominated for 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards | Vote by July 18
The Okanagan Valley has been nominated for USA Today’s 2022 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards! An expert panel selected Okanagan Valley as a contender for Best Wine Region category, out of more than 250 North American grapegrowing regions.
Voting ends Monday, July 18 and winners will be announced on 10Best on July 29 at 9AM PT.
The Okanagan Valley has been nominated for USA Today’s 2022 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards! An expert panel selected Okanagan Valley as a contender for Best Wine Region category, out of more than 250 North American grapegrowing regions.
Voting ends Monday, July 18 and winners will be announced on 10Best on July 29 at 9AM PT.
Promote Safe Travel this Summer
With the arrival of summer and many people looking to Explore BC, Destination BC is encouraging all operators to remind visitors how to enjoy our beautiful province safely and responsibly.
This summer, help spread the word about safe travel practices by sharing responsible travel graphics on your social media channels. Access updated responsible travel graphics below
With the arrival of summer and many people looking to Explore BC, Destination BC is encouraging all operators to remind visitors how to enjoy our beautiful province safely and responsibly.
This summer, help spread the word about safe travel practices by sharing responsible travel graphics on your social media channels. Access updated responsible travel graphics below
Emergency Preparedness Resources
With the changing weather and greater risk of natural disasters, now is a timely opportunity to review emergency preparedness resources. Destination BC has a page dedicated to these resources, including preparedness guides, key agencies, and newly updated messaging & action guidance with shareable responsible travel graphics.
With the changing weather and greater risk of natural disasters, now is a timely opportunity to review emergency preparedness resources. Destination BC has a page dedicated to these resources, including preparedness guides, key agencies, and newly updated messaging & action guidance with shareable responsible travel graphics.
The updated Emergency Messaging Guidance document outlines official emergency information resources for British Columbia, as well as suggested messaging, visuals, and actions for BC’s tourism industry during emergencies. It can help tourism businesses navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions during emergencies.
Universal Design Washroom Renovation at Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre
TOTA is excited to announce the Accessible and Universal Design Washroom Renovation for the Tourism Inspiration Centre above Peachland on the Highway 97C Connector.
The renovation project was made possible through funding from the Enabling Accessibility Fund Youth Stream, as well as funding from the BC Rehab Foundation. TOTA will be putting forward the remainder of the renovation costs to complete the project.
Renovations are well underway at the TOTA Tourism Inspiration Centre, and Access and Inclusion are top of mind.
TOTA is excited to announce the Accessible and Universal Design Washroom Renovation for the Tourism Inspiration Centre above Peachland on the Highway 97C Connector.
The visitor centre has been operating in this location since 1986 and has undergone significant renovations and additions that began in the fall of 2021. Included in these renovations is the creation of a new single use fully accessible and universal washroom, from a pre-existing storage room. The washroom was completed by the centre’s opening day, May 18, 2022, to welcome ALL visitors and offer yet another valuable accessible feature to the building.
The renovation project was made possible through funding from the Enabling Accessibility Fund Youth Stream, as well as funding from the BC Rehab Foundation. TOTA put forward the remainder of the renovation costs to complete the project.
TOTA collaborated with Access & Inclusion Liaison, Sonja Gaudet, to ensure the washroom design meets best practices and accessibility guidelines. The project construction was awarded to local construction contractors, Wolverine Industries from Kelowna.
Creating accessible spaces and environments allows equal opportunity and full inclusion for EVERYONE - regardless of age, size, ability, culture, or gender - and it nurtures a sense of belonging and wellbeing for ALL.
Welcoming everyone to participate in the services, products, and experiences that you have to offer, starts with addressing the following three key priority accessible features:
Designated accessible parking spaces with an access aisle
Easy and safe access from the parking area to the main entrance
Accessible and/or universally designed washroom
Here is a document that will get you started on your accessibility journey one accessible feature at a time:
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Experiences - Key Priorities
Wheelchair Accessibility Consultations
TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program includes a wheelchair accessibility consultation and resources to assist in creating better access and inclusion within your tourism experiences.
Register for Biosphere Commitment Program →
Access and Inclusion are not only what we build into our physical environment.
It is a collective positive energy and attitude that can be felt upon entering any environment.
It transcends directly from the heart and creates a welcoming feeling of belonging and freedom.
This powerful and open mindset towards full integration, inspires meaningful and authentic connections with one another, enriching the lives of EVERYONE along its path.
Humans long for integration and full participation - to live, work, play and travel with and alongside family and friends!
Electric Vehicle Charger Rebates for British Columbians
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses, and communities. BC residents, businesses, and municipalities can receive rebates for EV charging stations through the CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate and Fleets programs.
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses, and communities. BC residents, businesses, and municipalities can receive rebates for EV charging stations through the CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate and Fleets programs.
For a limited time, funding will cover as much as 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs for EV charging stations.
Businesses can apply for a rebate of up to $5,000 per station, as well as 5 hours of free support services from an EV Charging Station Advisor.
Fleet operators can get combined rebates from NRCan and the Province for a Level 2 charging station as much as 75% to a maximum of $5,000 of purchase and installation costs, and 75% to a maximum of $75,000 for a direct-current, fast-charging station.
Host an Event at the Indigenous Artisan’s Trail (IArT) Venue near Peachland
The Indigenous Artisan’s Trail (IArT) Venue is now available to companies and entrepreneurs to reserve for events from July to October 2022. Operated by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Indigenous Tourism Program, IArT is located at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre on Route 97, above Peachland (3960 BC-97C).
The Indigenous Artisan’s Trail (IArT) Venue is now available to companies and entrepreneurs to reserve for events, free of charge, from July to October 2022.
Operated by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Indigenous Tourism Program, IArT is located at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre on Route 97, above Peachland (3960 BC-97C).
IArT can be reserved for single or multiple days to be used for public or private events, such as:
Meetings
Workshops
Markets
Artist studio, gallery, and retail space
Performance art with music and dancing
Food and beverage tastings
And more…
The IArT Venue comes with a secure, air conditioned, accessible indoor space with an outdoor stage facing the Tourism Inspiration Centre patio and seating area. The Tourism Inspiration Centre has a parking, bathrooms, and storage.
Public events will be featured on the ThompsonOkanagan.com and social channels.
To schedule your event, submit an Expression of Interest form or email Indigenous@TOTABC.com with any questions.
About IArT
Indigenous Artisan’s Trail (IArT) is a collaboration between TOTA and Indigenous Tourism BC launched in 2019 to connect visitors to Interior Salish arts and culture in the Thompson Okanagan. IArT has hosted exhibits in partnership with the Rotary Centre of the Arts and UBC Okanagan, as well as art and jewelry created by Indigenous artists outside the Kelowna Art Gallery.
In 2022, IArT is available to rent to host events related to tourism, arts, and culture at the Tourism Inspiration Centre.
About the Tourism Inspiration Centre
The Tourism Inspiration Centre is the second busiest visitor centre in the Thompson Okanagan region, attracting over 45,000 people traveling to and from the Okanagan Valley. The venue is a perfect destination for connecting people from various communities in the Thompson Okanagan, enabling groups to meet in the middle.
The Tourism Inspiration Centre and IArT Venue are a short drive from several Thompson Okanagan communities, such as:
10 minutes from Peachland
30 minutes from Kelowna and Westbank First Nation
45 minutes from Penticton and Penticton Indian Band
1.25 hours from Merritt and Lower Nicola Indian Band
1.5 hours from Vernon and and Okanagan Indian Band
1.5 hours from Osoyoos and Osoyoos Indian Band
1.5 hours from Princeton and Upper Similkameen Indian Band
2 hours from Kamloops and Tk'emlups te Secwepemc
2 hours from Salmon Arm and Splatsin First Nation
To get a quote and schedule your event, submit an Expression of Interest form or email Indigenous@TOTABC.com with any questions.