News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
ITAC Launches Original Original Accreditation Program
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has officially launched The Original Original Accreditation program that identifies market-ready Indigenous tourism experiences which are truly authentic offering high quality and high value to visitors.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has officially launched The Original Original Accreditation program that identifies market-ready Indigenous tourism experiences which are truly authentic offering high quality and high value to visitors.
The Original Original Accreditation enables ITAC to apply consistent and fair criteria to any Indigenous business seeking formal recognition as being ‘Market Ready’. Accredited businesses will fall into three categories of Market Ready, depending on the market they are prepared to serve, which include Business Ready, Visitor Ready or Export Ready. This accreditation program is important to travel trade associations, international tour operators, travel agents, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), local communities and others to promote a quality tourism experience. The program also enables Indigenous tourism businesses to access lucrative travel trade networks and new visitor/consumer markets.
Survey | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Ministry of Labour is inviting you to participate in a survey on how workplaces and businesses can commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th) each year, including whether BC should establish a new employer-paid statutory holiday starting in 2023.
The Ministry of Labour is inviting you to participate in a survey on how workplaces and businesses can commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th) each year, including whether BC should establish a new employer-paid statutory holiday starting in 2023.
That National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday which commemorates the history and legacy of the residential school system, honours the resilience, dignity and strength of survivors, and remembers the children that never came home. Designating this day as a provincial statutory holiday would entitle BC employees covered by the Employment Standards Act to an employer-paid day off to personally commemorate the day, or to payment at premium rates if they are required to work on that day.
You are encouraged to submit your views until September 21st. Please forward the link to the survey to your colleagues, members of your organization, and anyone else whom you think will be interested in participating.
Keremeos Creek Wildfire Impacting Parts of Okanagan-Similkameen
The Keremeos Creek Wildfire is impacting parts of the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen, including Keremeos, Hedley, Olalla, Skaha West, Kaleden, Apex, and Highway 3a. There are several evacuation orders and alerts in place, as well as heavy smoke over Olalla and Marsel.
The BC Wildfire Service is managing the situation and crews continue to work around the clock to protect structures.
For up to date information, see the BC Wildfire Service info page and the DriveBC Current Incidents page.
The Keremeos Creek Wildfire is impacting parts of the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen, including Keremeos, Hedley, Olalla, Skaha West, Kaleden, Apex, and Highway 3a. There are several evacuation orders and alerts in place, as well as heavy smoke over Olalla and Marsel.
The BC Wildfire Service is managing the situation and crews continue to work around the clock to protect structures.
For up to date information, see the BC Wildfire Service info page and the DriveBC Current Incidents page.
Glohaven Community Hub Seeking Investors
Glohaven is seeking investors / individuals who support the tourism industry and community-based projects.
To learn more, contact Glohaven CEO and Founder, Michael Benedek, at Mike@Glohaven.com.
Glohaven is a destination management ecosystem that supports tourism communities to increase tourism innovation in Canada. The digital community hub seamlessly integrates a variety of local tourism products, experiences, information, and tools into one platform to easily connect to the growing audience of socially conscious consumers in the online world.
Currently, Glohaven is:
Commercializing with key customers like the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Onboarding the first round of Beta test vendors to https://Glohaven.com, with plans to open the platform to public users in December. Testing will begin with a few pilot community marketplaces including Osoyoos and Vernon, with several Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) members.
Curating custom Globoxes™ (tourism gift boxes) for a variety of clients this year including major destination resorts and tourism organizations.
Investment Opportunity
To fuel growth over the next 12 - 18 months, Glohaven opened a $1.5 Million round of funding, with $200,000 secured. Glohaven is seeking investors / individuals who support the tourism industry and community-based projects. Through this investment opportunity, individuals from B.C. who invest in Glohaven receive a 30% refundable tax credit through the Province of BC / Investment Capital Branch / Eligible Business Corporation program.
To learn more, contact Glohaven CEO and Founder, Michael Benedek, at Mike@Glohaven.com.
TED@Destination Canada | Apply by August 14, 2022
Destination Canada and TED are collaborating to create TED@DestinationCanada, producing 14 TED Talks from the brightest speakers, best storytellers and biggest changemakers connected to Canada. They are looking for fresh ideas across a breadth of industries, from the creative economy, to academia, culture, business innovation, climate, tech, tourism and more.
Destination Canada and TED are collaborating to create TED@DestinationCanada, producing 14 TED Talks from the brightest speakers, best storytellers and biggest changemakers connected to Canada. They are looking for fresh ideas across a breadth of industries, from the creative economy, to academia, culture, business innovation, climate, tech, tourism and more.
These ideas will reflect how the people, places and perspectives of our country naturally inspire and support thinking as expansive as our land. Given a world stage, these ideas will impact how global minds view our country and drive the next wave of changemakers in Canada to reach beyond the parameters of today, to imagine the potential of tomorrow.
The Talks will be filmed on February 23, 2023 at the TED World Theater in New York City, an intimate venue at TED headquarters. Once recorded, the Talks will be published on TED.com and beyond, and be available for viewing for years to come.
In forming a partnership with TED, renowned for bringing together the biggest thinkers with inspiring ideas that lead to action, Destination Canada will refresh and elevate the perception of Canada as an ideal place to travel, and by extension, study, work, invest and live.
If you (or someone you know) have an idea worth spreading, please apply. Deadline for application is August 14, 2022.
The theme of the event is:
O P E N
When we come together with open hearts and open minds, anything is possible. We see connections everywhere. We welcome all ideas, experiences, and ways of life—because this is how we learn, grow, and change.
How it Works:
Candidates apply online to speak by submitting the TED@DestinationCanada application, which includes completing a questionnaire and submitting a 1-minute selfie-video describing their idea. The deadline to apply is Sunday, August 14, 2022 (11:59pm ET).
From the submissions, TED will select the most interesting and surprising ideas that will be relevant to a curious, educated global audience and invite applicants to discuss their ideas via a 30-minute Zoom call.
TED selects the final speakers, and they develop their Talks with a speaker coach. The speaker lineup will be confirmed in October.
TED@DestinationCanada takes place February 23, 2023!
Note: The team at TED will be reviewing the applicants. The videos cannot exceed 1 minute. If you submit a video longer than 60 seconds, it will not be viewed, and your application will not be considered. Please be attentive to the duration of your submission video.
go2HR Announces Six Regional HR Consultants to Support BC Tourism Labour Recovery
go2HR announced a two-year initiative, providing a regional HR consultant to work with tourism and hospitality businesses for all six destination development areas in BC.
go2HR announced a two-year initiative, providing a regional HR consultant to work with tourism and hospitality businesses for all six destination development areas in BC.
go2HR modelled the new Regional HR Consultants initiative after a successful pilot project in the Thompson Okanagan region that started six years ago.
The consultants provide a wide variety of services to tourism operators in BC including recruitment, onboarding, retention, HR Advice and more.
Emergency Evacuation Planning for Your Workplace
Emergencies and disasters can happen any time and without warning. The more prepared you are for them, the better you'll be able to respond. WorksafeBC developed a resource for employers that will help you plan for emergencies and develop effective procedures for evacuating your workplace.
Emergencies and disasters can happen any time and without warning. The more prepared you are for them, the better you'll be able to respond. WorksafeBC developed a resource for employers that will help you plan for emergencies and develop effective procedures for evacuating your workplace.
Connect with a member of go@HR’s health & safety team for additional guidance. Email safety@go2hr with any questions you have.
Province Seeks Nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship | Apply by Sept 6
BC’s tourism industry has stepped forward to help our communities in so many ways over the last year. Do you know someone who should be recognized for their efforts? British Columbians are encouraged to nominate their fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions through exceptional service to their communities for this year's Medal of Good Citizenship. It recognizes people for extraordinary generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to their community.
BC’s tourism industry has stepped forward to help our communities in so many ways over the last year. Do you know someone who should be recognized for their efforts?
British Columbians are encouraged to nominate their fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions through exceptional service to their communities for this year's Medal of Good Citizenship. It recognizes people for extraordinary generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to their community.
Nominations for this year’s Medal of Good Citizenship are being accepted until Sept. 6, 2022. Nominations received after that date will be considered for the 2023 cycle. British Columbians can nominate individuals, organizations or youth in their communities.
Canadian Red Cross Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program | Apply by September 30, 2022
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting affected individuals and communities impacted by the November 2021 floods and extreme weather event in British Columbia. Support for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations is essential to the recovery of people and communities affected by a disaster.
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting affected individuals and communities impacted by the November 2021 floods and extreme weather event in British Columbia. Support for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations is essential to the recovery of people and communities affected by a disaster.
Eligible small business owners and not-for-profit organizations who were directly impacted by the floods and extreme weather event, and who meet the minimum requirements may apply for $5,000 in funding.
This financial assistance is to provide support for things such as:
Uninsured direct losses damage, lost equipment/inventory
Insurance deductibles
Specialized clean-up costs that might not be eligible under other programs
Ongoing expenses such as rent for a commercial space or utility costs
Federal Wine Sector Support Program | Program Ends March 31, 2024
The Government of Canada has announced details of a new two-year, up to $166-million Wine Sector Support Program to help strengthen the future of the wine sector.
The Government of Canada has announced details of a new two-year, up to $166-million Wine Sector Support Program to help strengthen the future of the wine sector.
Canada's vibrant wine sector is a significant contributor to the country's economy, with growth taking place in all areas of the value chain, from grape growing to retail sales and tourism.
All licensed wineries in Canada that produce or contract out the production of bulk wine from primary agricultural products will be eligible for support under the program.
The application intake period for the 2022-2023 fiscal year (April-March) is now open for grape wine and other primary agricultural product-based wine products, excluding cider and mead.
Wineries are asked to thoroughly review the application process in advance.
BC Fairs Launches Buy BC Agriculture Trivia Contest
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is partnering with the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions to launch a Buy BC Trivia Contest during the 2022 B.C. fair season to help increase awareness of the Buy BC brand and encourage people to purchase B.C food and beverage products.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is partnering with the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions to launch a Buy BC Trivia Contest during the 2022 B.C. fair season to help increase awareness of the Buy BC brand and encourage people to purchase B.C food and beverage products.
British Columbians can take part in the contest by visiting participating fairs’ websites and social media pages to find digital scavenger items, which are agricultural facts related to a fair’s region. To enter the contest, individuals must answer at least five trivia questions and submit the answers through the BC Fairs mobile app or by completing an entry form on the BC Fairs’ website.
Province of B.C. Launches E-Transfer for Evacuees
The Province is launching upgrades to Emergency Support Services (ESS), including direct payment for evacuees to help meet their basic needs, including food and clothing.
The Province is launching upgrades to Emergency Support Services (ESS), including direct payment for evacuees to help meet their basic needs, including food and clothing.
E-transfer is now available in many communities for people receiving ESS after being evacuated and registering with the online Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool. To be eligible for an e-transfer, people must log in to ERA online with their BC Services Card app and register. The BC Services Card app is available to download from the Apple and Google app stores.
People in B.C. forced from their homes by fire, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies may receive ESS for immediate needs when alternative supports, including insurance or accommodation with friends and family, are not available.
Pre-register for Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA): ess.gov.bc.ca
New Funding Supports Farmers, Takes Action on Climate Resiliency | Apply by August 10, 2022
To help combat the effects of climate change on B.C.’s long-term food security, new funding is helping farmers and ranchers protect their operations by adopting regenerative agriculture practices, improving farms’ drought resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
To help combat the effects of climate change on B.C.’s long-term food security, new funding is helping farmers and ranchers protect their operations by adopting regenerative agriculture practices, improving farms’ drought resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The funding will help B.C. farmers and ranchers better prepare for dry spells by supporting the building or expansion of on-farm water storage facilities; upgrading dams, reservoirs and irrigation systems used for livestock and crops; and the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices.
The Beneficial Management Practices program is open to farm and ranch businesses throughout the province and is administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. Program criteria and application packages will be accepted until Aug. 10, 2022, and are available at: www.iafbc.ca/bmp
Request for Proposals: Patio Furniture Designed by Local Carpenters/Woodworkers/Artists | Deadline: August 12
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre, operated by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), is requesting proposals from local carpenters/artists to design furniture for an outdoor patio space.
Deadline: Friday, August 12, 2022 | 3 PM PT
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre, operated by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), is requesting proposals from local carpenters/woodworkers/artists to design furniture for an outdoor patio space.
The Tourism Inspiration Centre is a visitor centre located at the gateway to the Okanagan, on Highway 97C (Okanagan Connector) above Peachland. The centre welcomes over 40,000 international and domestic visitors per season, as well as local community members for special events. This year, the Tourism Inspiration Centre installed a new public patio space, overlooking Okanagan Lake and perfect for viewing performance art from the IArT Venue stage.
Information for Proponents
Deliverables:
Work closely with the Tourism Inspiration Centre Manager and Indigenous Specialist for TOTA to ensure scope of project follows intended outcomes and results,
Design, source materials, and build six (6) picnic table/bench sets, and six (6) Adirondack style chairs with locally inspired indigenous artwork and weatherproofing to ensure long-term protection from elements,
Incorporate section of table for sponsor logos to be displayed on interchangeable plaques,
Picnic tables should be approximately 8 feet in length and built from locally sourced wood in a stable fashion that prevents tipping (refer to examples below),
Two of the picnic tables will be built to accommodate wheelchair users (extended table tops on ends - see photo 2),
Tables and benches should be separate from the table (not attached) from each other to be moved and utilized as individual pieces,
Work within the timeframe outlined and agreed upon for project start and completion.
Example of Table, Bench, and Chair Concepts
Requirements
Carpenter/artist with related experience residing, operating, or with personal history in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Work closely with TOTA Tourism Inspiration Centre Manager to ensure scope of project follows intended outcomes and results within the timeframe outlined and agreed upon for project start and completion.
Delivery of Proposals
Deadline: Friday, August 12, 2022 | 3 PM PT
Proposals are to be submitted to the emails provided below with the following information:
Attachment of a cover letter including name, address, and contact information.
Resume which outlines past experience and projects.
Five (5) examples/photos of similar work or projects including style of art
Three (3) reference contacts for clients from similar work or projects, and
Conceptual drawings of initial ideas based on information included in the project deliverables below.
All inquiries and submissions should be directed to:
Barbara Bonnough
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre Manager
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Barbara@TOTABC.com | (778) 752-5877
CC:
Jamie Bourne
Indigenous Tourism Specialist
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Jamie@TOTABC.com | (778) 760-2965
Selection Process
Submissions will be reviewed by a committee and up to four (4) shortlisted artists will be invited to the next stage of the selection process.
The committee will evaluate applications on the basis of:
Artistic excellence, skill, innovation and merit, as evidenced in samples of previous work.
Qualifications and professional experience based on references of the carpenter/artist.
Demonstrated ability of the carpenter/artist to execute a project of this scale under the budget and timeline set out.
Representation of and connection to local Thompson Okanagan region
Shortlisted artists will be invited to respond to a detailed Request for Proposal package, including schedule of completion of project and budget.
Destination Canada Releases Tourism Outlook Findings From Spring 2022
Destination Canada has published its Spring 2022 Tourism Outlook outlining the forecast for tourism recovery. The study was conducted between late March and May and the assumptions reflect the operating context of that time. Read the full report to learn about travel demand, key recovery drivers and several forecast scenarios.
Destination Canada has published its Spring 2022 Tourism Outlook outlining the forecast for tourism recovery. The study was conducted between late March and May and the assumptions reflect the operating context of that time.
Key Takeaways:
Travel demand is high and domestic travel will continue to lead recovery, with US following closely behind.
Our other international markets have been slower to recover; international arrivals from DC long-haul markets have only recovered to 35% of the equivalent September to April period in 2018/19.
While recovery is uneven among our markets, momentum is building and we are forecasting that leisure travel will return to 2019 levels by 2025, with an upside to 2024 as our best-case scenario.
Read the full report to learn about travel demand, key recovery drivers and several forecast scenarios.
Free Digital Marketing Bootcamp Available for B.C. Businesses
Thousands of B.C. businesses will have the opportunity to hone their online skills through a Digital Marketing Bootcamp program.
Thousands of B.C. businesses will have the opportunity to hone their online skills with a Digital Marketing Bootcamp program.
The Province has provided the platform Alacrity Canada with an additional $1.5 million to run the program and support more than 2,000 B.C. businesses and their employees to acquire the digital marketing skills they need to shift through economic recovery and beyond. In total, the Province has provided $6 million to the online program.
Eligibility Requirements:
Have access to computer and wifi
The business’ sole or primary operations are located in B.C
The business is currently operating
The business is registered in B.C
The business employs less than 149 B.C Residents
Monte Creek Winery Is Raising Awareness And Funds To Support Badgers For July
Monte Creek Winery is running its 2nd annual campaign supporting endangered badgers. BC badgers, also known as Taxidea taxus jeffersonii, are only found in BC, and fewer than 350 of them are left. They are red-listed and ranked S2, or imperilled, by the BC Conservation Data Centre.
Monte Creek Winery is running its 2nd annual campaign supporting endangered badgers. BC badgers, also known as Taxidea taxus jeffersonii, are only found in BC, and fewer than 350 of them are left. They are red-listed and ranked S2, or imperilled, by the BC Conservation Data Centre.
The leading cause of badger deaths in BC is highway mortality since they cross large land areas during their mating season in July and August. Monte Creek Winery partnerships with the Wildlife Program British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, the BC Badger Society conservation group, and the Ministry of the Environment to clear out any clogged culverts in order to ensure wildlife can pass under the highway. The next steps are to put up badger crossing highway signs as well as to support research projects around badger conservation.
To raise funds Monte Creek Winery is selling buttons and accepting donations for the month of July. Additionally, they are auctioning off two original badger paintings created by local artists, Ron Parker and Alina Schevchenko. The money raised from these efforts will be going to a conservation group.
The BC Wildlife Park will receive money raised from selling postcards and the proceeds collected by auctioning off two commissioned paintings that Bloom the badger graciously donated to the cause. You can view all of the paintings being auctioned via their website.
Monte Creek Winery encourages everyone to support BC badgers by slowing down this summer and being aware of potential badger crossings while travelling. You can report badger sightings to the BC Badger Society via their website.
PrepareBC Heat Wave and Wildfire Resources
During hot and dry weather, tourism businesses are encouraged to monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for updates and plan ahead with heat and wildfire preparedness resources.
During hot and dry weather, tourism businesses are encouraged to monitor Environment and Climate Change Canada for updates and plan ahead with heat and wildfire preparedness resources, such as:
Communities Benefit from Emergency Operations Centre Funding
Eighty-four First Nations and local governments will receive provincial emergency-preparedness funding to help improve emergency operations centres (EOCs) and better equip them to respond to emergencies affecting the people in their communities.
84 First Nations and local governments, including 19 Thompson Okanagan communities, will receive provincial emergency-preparedness funding to help improve emergency operations centres (EOCs) and better equip them to respond to emergencies affecting the people in their communities.
With this $3.2 million in Community Emergency Preparedness funding, communities will be able to build or upgrade EOCs, purchase equipment, and enhance capacity through volunteer recruitment, retention and training. The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and supports programs that strengthen the resilience of First Nations communities, local governments, and residents.
Thompson Okanagan funding recipients include:
Adams Lake Indian Band – EOC capacity-building initiative, Total approved funding: $24,902.32
Ashcroft Indian Band – EOC project, Total approved funding: $23,500
Central Okanagan Regional District – large-format printer and equipment, Total approved funding: $24,959
Kootenay-Boundary Regional District – emergency operations and training, Total approved funding: $20,910
McBride – EOC equipment and training, Total approved funding: $12,263
Merritt – EOC 2022, Total approved funding: $24,959.01
Midway – 2022 EOC project, Total approved funding: $24,860
North Okanagan Regional District – EOC emergency power generator, Total approved funding: $25,000
Okanagan Indian Band – EOC improvements, Total approved funding: $24,984.40
Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District, Summerland, Keremeos, Oliver, regional – 2022 joint EOC training and technology, Total approved funding: $99,130
Osoyoos – EOC computer network upgrade, Total approved funding: $25,000
Penticton – staff training, Total approved funding: $25,000
Penticton Indian Band – EOC improvement, Total approved funding: $25,000
Princeton – generator back-up power for EOC, Total approved funding: $25,000
Simpcw First Nation – EOC virtually, Total approved funding: $25,000
Skuppah Indian Band – emergency preparation, capacity building and training, Total approved funding: $24,640
Spuzzum First Nation – EOC development, Total approved funding: $25,000
Tk’emlups te Secwepemc – EOC training and equipment, Total approved funding: $24,130.91
Vernon – 2022 EOC training and equipment, Total approved funding: $25,000
Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland Becomes First in Canada to Join International Wineries for Climate Action
Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland has become the first in Canada to join an international community of winemakers dedicated to reducing carbon emissions in the industry.
Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland has become the first in Canada to join an international community of winemakers dedicated to reducing carbon emissions in the industry.
Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland has been accepted into International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) as an applicant member and it now has one year to meet the requirements to become a gold or silver member.
The International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) was founded in 2019. The main goal of IWCA is to create "a standardized approach for wine companies to measure and report publicly their greenhouse gas emissions”.
Christine Colletta, one of the founders of Okanagan Crush Pad, said they moved away from heavier bottles to alternative packaging, which uses less energy, and overall it has tried to reduce water usage.