Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Supports Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality through Sponsorship of Empower Her Event by WORTH Association

Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Time: 6 - 9:30 PM
Location: Coast Capri Hotel, Kelowna

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The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has signed on as a Bronze Sponsor for the Empower Her series of events, organized by the Women of Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Association. This sponsorship demonstrates TOTA’s commitment to supporting initiatives that elevate, educate, and empower women in the tourism industry.

TOTA and WORTH Association are in consultation to examine their roles as non-profit organizations in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation efforts across the province of British Columbia.

“As an association, we envision a future free of bias, discrimination, and sexism,” said TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews. “This sponsorship is an investment to support WORTH Association in their work to advance gender equity initiatives.”

Empower Her is WORTH’s signature networking and panel discussion event for women in hospitality and tourism. After a two-year hiatus, WORTH is hosting the fifth edition of the event in 2022 and 2023 to educate, elevate, and empower women in the industry - and first in the Thompson Okanagan region.

The Thompson Okanagan event will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at the Coast Capri Hotel in Kelowna at 6 PM to 9:30 PM. Moderated by TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews, the panel will feature inspiring women working in the Okanagan tourism industry and will examine ways organizations and individuals can accelerate women into leadership roles at the senior level.

The panelists include:

• Lisanne Ballantyne, CEO, Tourism Kelowna

• Christina Ferreira, Owner, Impact Events & Project Management

• Sandy Leier, Winemaker, Laughing Stock Vineyards

• Shelley Robinson, Chef/Owner, Golden Lucky Peach Enterprises

Tickets are now available at WORTHAssociation.com/empower-her-kelowna-2022. Other Empower Her events are planned for Victoria, Vancouver, and Whistler.

WORTH’s mentorship, leadership, and empowerment programs have supported many women since 2019 and significant expansion is planned through support from partners such as TOTA.  

Previously, TOTA has supported WORTH by sharing resources, such as the WORTH Association Gender Equity Audit, hosting a webinar on Retaining and Developing Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality, and donating funds towards programs.

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Background

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. 

For more information, visit TOTABC.org.

About WORTH Association:

WORTH Association was incorporated in 2018 to combat inequities in the industry and provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, education, and leadership development for women of WORTH across British Columbia. WORTH advocates with industry associations to ensure a more equal future for women in industry leadership. WORTH Association is a non-profit society run 100% by volunteers, relying on donations from partners and friends to educate, elevate, and empower women.

For more information, visit WORTHAssociation.com.

Become a member for free (for a limited time) to stay connected and supported through WORTH’s newsletter, events and resources.

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For more information, contact:

Chelsea Travere
Corporate Communications Specialist
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
E: News@TOTABC.com

Joanna Jagger
President & Founder
WORTH Association
E: Info@WORTHAssociation.com

New Program Aims to "Spark" Innovative Tourism Ideas in Thompson Nicola

For Immediate Release: September 27, 2022

KELOWNA, B.C. – A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas in the Thompson Nicola area of the Thompson Okanagan tourism region in British Columbia was officially announced today by local and provincial tourism partners.

The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants from the area with a tourism mentor and provide a $3,000 grant to supplement additional partner support, to help bring new tourism ideas to the next level of development.

The goal is to find, foster, and support new tourism ideas, experiences, and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits.

Applications can be submitted from September 27 to November 4, 2022 and are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations based in the Thompson Nicola area including the communities of Kamloops, Sun Peaks, Valemount, Clearwater, Blue River, Merritt, Lytton, Cache Creek, Clinton, and surrounding areas. Following a review process, five finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.

The “Spark” Program will support businesses and entrepreneurs in the area to bring new tourism experiences to life, which will help visitors experience the Thompson Nicola, benefitting the local community and residents.

The “Spark” Program was first launched in Ontario in 2018 by the Tourism Innovation Lab and has expanded to several regions across British Columbia.

The Thompson Nicola “Spark” Program is presented by Destination British Columbia in collaboration with Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Tourism Valemount, Tourism Kamloops, Tourism Sun Peaks, Explore Gold Country, Tourism Wells Gray, and the Tourism Innovation Lab.

For more information on the “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program, including eligibility and upcoming Information sessions, visit TourismInnovation.ca/ThompsonNicola

Quotes

Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC
“We are thrilled to be awarding Spark grants and mentorships to three local tourism entrepreneurs in the Thompson Nicola area. It will be rewarding to see the winning initiatives come to life and enhance the availability of diverse tourism offerings in the local area.”

Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
“This is a tremendous opportunity for new tourism ideas to be realized in the Thompson Nicola area of the Thompson Okanagan region. The “Spark” program enables and encourages those with innovative tourism concepts to have the chance to see them come to life. We are very excited that Destination BC has brought this opportunity to the Thompson Okanagan.”

Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab
“We are excited to be launching the “Spark” Program in British Columbia in the Thompson Nicola area,” said Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead of the Tourism Innovation Lab. “We are keen to spark and support new tourism ideas that will enhance the region’s tourism offerings and drive innovation.”

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Media Contacts

TOTA Communications

Chelsea Travere, Communications Specialist
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Email: News@TOTABC.com

Destination BC Media Relations
Email: Media.Relations@DestinationBC.ca

Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead
Tourism Innovation Lab
Email: info@tourisminnovation.ca

Social Media

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)

• LinkedIn: @TOTABCNews

• Facebook: @TOTABCNews

• Twitter: @TOTABCNews

Destination BC

• Twitter: @DestinationBC

• LinkedIn: @DestinationBritishColumbia

Tourism Innovation Lab

• Facebook: @TourismInnovationCanada

• Instagram: @TourismInnovationCanada

• Twitter: @TourInnovation

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About

About 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 BC 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 www.TOTABC.org.

About Destination BC:
Destination British Columbia (Destination BC) is a Provincially funded, industry-led Crown corporation that supports a strong and competitive future for BC’s tourism industry through a combination of global marketing, destination development, industry learning, cooperative community-based programs, and visitor servicing. Destination BC’s programs help to improve the visitor experience, support businesses and communities across the province, and strengthen BC’s worldwide reputation as a destination of choice.

For more information about Destination BC’s programs and services, please visit: www.DestinationBC.ca.

About the Tourism Innovation Lab
The Tourism Innovation Lab is a non-profit initiative created to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships, to cultivate and propel collaborations between the tourism and tech sectors, and to build a community of tourism innovators, idea makers and entrepreneurs. Launched in Ontario in 2018, the Lab and its "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program are expanding to new regions across Canada. The Tourism Innovation Lab is a program of Hackforge and has a BC home base in Squamish.

Learn more at www.TourismInnovation.ca.

New Biosphere Member: Little Straw Vineyards

Little Straw Vineyards is the newest member of the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. Read on for information about Little Straw, including their rich history, new ownership, and motivation for joining Biosphere.

About Little Straw Vineyards

Little Straw Vineyard is a family-owned winery established in 1996. Wines vinted from the hot summer grapes of 1994 made up the first commercial releases. The winery is well known for the remarkably popular white blend “Tapestry” and for producing the only Auxerrois Icewine in Canada. 

The majority of grapes come from their own vineyards situated on the lower slopes of Mount Boucherie in West Kelowna, British Columbia. Little Straw offers a wide range of small-lot wines, with something to appeal to almost every palate.

The winery is currently moving towards sustainability and organic.

Reasons for Joining the Biosphere Commitment Program

The ownership changed at the end of 2021 to Karnail Singh Sidhu, who also owns Kalala Organic Estate Winery. Karnail has been always passionate about being organic, sustainable, and eco-friendly. Kalala Organic Estate Winery has been a part of the Biosphere Commitment Program for a while now, and shares the same values as Biosphere.

The central vision of the Little Straw is to be a leader in environmentally sustainable agri-tourism business in BC. Little Straw really values being environmentally sustainable, keeping the environment in mind with every business decision. For instance, the majority of organic waste from the winery is used in the vineyards as nutrient manure.

Little Straw proactively tries to get certified, especially regarding environmental sustainability. For instance, listing certified organic and Biosphere Committed Company logos will stimulate the wine and agriculture industries and consumers.

The new owners have big plans for Little Straw. Joining the Biosphere Commitment Program will be one of the first steps they take for sustainability. The winery is also in the process to become certified organic, which takes approximately three years.

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About the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program

Biosphere is a Sustainable Tourism System certified by the Responsible Tourism Institute, an international certification body that maintains a Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO, is affiliated to the World Tourism Organization, and is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. The system is aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris COP21 Accord to Fight Climate Change.

TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program allows tourism industry stakeholders within the Thompson Okanagan to become involved. The Commitment Program follows a simple process in order to be recognized as a Biosphere Committed Company.

Learn More →

Schedule a Virtual Biosphere Introduction →

Free Tourism Digital Academy

Registration for the October intakes of the Tourism Digital Academy, now with learning modules that combine self-directed and live interactive sessions, is NOW OPEN!

It is a free, eight-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses seeking to elevate their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.

Designed for business owners or marketing team members, this comprehensive program provides actionable guidance that helps build a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing and analytics.

For the first time, these intakes will offer a combination of self-directed and live interactive programming. Interested participants are encouraged to apply soon as it fills up quickly.

More Information and Application→

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Talent MATCH Seeking Insight Survey | Complete by August 26, 2022

Do you oversee hiring at your organization? Talent MATCH wants to hear from you! Take their brief survey and you’ll be entered to win one of three $50 gift cards or a donation to the charity of your choice.

Talent MATCH programs provide support to museums, arts, tourism, culture, hospitality, and non-profit organizations to learn more about hiring students from post-secondary schools, information on student wage subsidies, and other resources.

Please submit survey by August 26th.

Take the Survey →

A Place Where They Belong: The Rise of the Okanagan’s Indian-Owned Wineries

The story of British Columbia’s modern wine industry—albeit remarkable in terms of its rapid growth and success—is usually portrayed as one of risk-taking, combined with an abundance of unbridled optimism. Yet, often missing from the narrative of 40 or 50 years ago are the very real hardships endured by immigrants who worked in the orchards and vineyards of their adopted homeland.

Read More →

Q&A: Destination Canada’s Gracen Chungath on The Future of Regenerative Tourism in Canada

Destination Canada’s Senior Vice-President, Destination Development, Gracen Chungath, spoke with Canadian Geographic about a regenerative approach to tourism and destination stewardship. The article explores how these two themes can be put into practice across Canada. Adopting regenerative tourism principles means flipping from focusing solely on the visitor, to focusing on the needs of the local community. Once the community knows what they aspire to do, the next step is to determine how tourism can be used to help reach those goals.

Learn More →

Tackling Food Waste: Sustainable Solutions That Will Improve Your Bottom Line

Originally published in InnFocus Magazine Summer 2022.

Article by Kelsey Millman 

While recycling, saving water, and reducing electricity are among the many important steps toward being sustainable, are you aware of the impact food waste has on the climate crisis? Ben Liegey is on a mission to expand our collective understanding of food waste prevention and help hospitality operators improve their bottom line in the process. 

“Food waste generates 8% of total anthropogenic GHG emissions globally, meaning that if food waste was a country, it would be the third highest emitter of CO2 in the world, behind USA and China,” says the food waste expert and co-founder and CEO at Rethink2gether. “Globally, food waste prevention is the number one solution to fight climate change, and emissions caused by food waste can be drastically reduced through simple steps.” 

Liegey’s Vancouver-based company works directly with accommodators across the province to reduce food waste through a tailored action plan that will result in annual savings. 

“An average restaurant in BC experiences approximately 50K in food waste per year—30% of which is completely avoidable,” he says. “3% of hospitality businesses in British Columbia measure food waste currently,” and Rethink2gether wants to increase that number by providing the expertise, training, technology, and a certification program—The PLEDGE™ on Food Waste—to set operators on their path to savings. He adds, “hospitality businesses can cut food purchasing costs by 3-7% and expect an average of 30% less food waste after a year of using our services, meaning 15K can go back into your pocket.” 

Although cost savings and protecting the planet are clear benefits of reducing food waste, Liegey also points to ethical food waste prevention as a means to attract and retain workers, as today’s workforce is “looking for work that has meaning.” Particularly for those within the culinary space, Liegey suggests, “if you show your employees you care about the environment, and the treatment of food, you can attract people who are needed in the industry right now.” 

But employees are not the only group of people looking to engage with foodconscious businesses. He notes, “According to a recent booking.com poll, 83% of global travellers think sustainable travel is vital. If you want to drive revenue and guests to your hotel, being sustainable is really a no-brainer.” 

Fortunately for us all, food waste prevention is becoming part of a larger conversation— something Liegey is excited to see. “We are witnessing governments around the world beginning to take action,” he says. “France is one of the first countries to officially adopt anti-food waste laws.” Anticipating that this will be a growing trend, it creates an opportunity for operators to be leaders in this space, being among the first to implement food waste prevention practices.

Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna Pilot Project 

In BC’s hotel community, one such leader that has emerged is Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna. The property recently participated in a first-of-its-kind Energy, Waste & Carbon Reduction Pilot Project, pioneered by the BC Hotel Association, in partnership with FortisBC, GreenStep, and Rethink2gether.

Through this ground-breaking program, all aspects of the property’s hotel and dining operations have been scrutinized by analysts as they measure the property’s carbon footprint, while conducting comprehensive energy, waste, and water audits. This was all done with one aim in mind—to identify energy conservation and sustainability opportunities. 

For Rethink2gether’s part, Liegey explains, “We trained the entire team on-site, and arranged food waste segregation bins to separate different food waste streams that include preparation, spoilage, and plate waste.” Once the measuring systems were in place, over the course of a week, the Rethink2gether team began “analyzing food waste data to identify food efficiency opportunities—compared against industry data—and shared a detailed three-month action plan that will help the property identify up to tens of thousands in cost-savings from food waste reduction alone.”

To support this program, the Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna added a $2 Eco Fee to all guest bookings as of February 15, 2022. Funds go directly into a Sandman Hotel Group Green Fund—administered by GreenStep—to support the implementation of future sustainability projects and opportunities at the hotel. 

While the sustainability collective hopes to roll this pilot project out across BC, Liegey says there are steps that hotel operators can immediately take to support food waste reduction—and it begins with a pen and paper. “The most important step in food waste prevention is to begin measuring,” he says, and operators do not need any specific technology to get started. “You have in your hand a very easy way to create significant savings and leverage the number one solution to fight climate change. Alternatively, if you want to explore food waste monitoring technology, you can also try Food Intel Tech for free for 45 days.”

 Liegey also encourages hospitality operators to explore Rethink2gether’s website for free training, resources, and to explore The PLEDGE™ on Food Waste, with 4 levels of certification and 95 criteria solely focused on food waste. 

As Liegey states, “Climate action begins with each of us, and food waste prevention is a tasty way to improve your bottom line.”

Rethink2gether’s Website →

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Annual Update 2022

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada released their Annual Update video outlining how they have supported Indigenous tourism businesses throughout the past year and have made great progress towards recovery.

Congratulations to the team at Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) on a strong year and all of your successes along the way. We are proud to work alongside you to showcase the incredible Indigenous tourism offerings we have across the country. For an in-depth look at their work for the past year, read their annual report.

Watch Now →

Read the Report →

Tourism Kamloops Launches New Incentive Program

Tourism Kamloops is offering a cash back opportunity.

Through its new incentive program, event planners are rewarded for meeting in Kamloops. Submit your RFP to see if your program qualifies – the reward? $10 per room night.

Learn More →

ITBC Seeks Tourism and Business Development Experts to Work with Indigenous Tourism Businesses in BC

ITBC invites Indigenous experts in various fields to register in their database that they will share with Indigenous tourism businesses, communities, organizations, and entrepreneurs. ITBC hopes these new connections will inspire businesses to work together to enhance and strengthen the Indigenous tourism industry.

ITBC is looking for experts for business support in the following categories:

• Business plan development and feasibility study

• Business operations/operational adaptation

• Digital innovation

• Experience development

• Visitor experience

ITBC seeks experts with a minimum of four years of relevant experience in any of the above categories for work with Indigenous communities, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

Learn More & Register →

THRIVE Global Impact Challenge 2022 for Innovative Startups | Apply by August 26, 2022

The THRIVE Global Impact Challenge is a global search for the most innovative startups who are advancing a more sustainable future for agriculture.

Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Impact Challenge is focused on three key themes each one central to supporting the transition to a net-zero future for agriculture.

• Soil health & Biodiversity

• Increasing food security

• Reducing and offsetting emissions

Benefits

• Finalists from each theme will advance to the finals and pitch at the THRIVE Sustainability Summit where the overall winner will be announced.

• The Winning company receives the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge Award and a place on the award-winning THRIVE Global Accelerator Program in Silicon Valley. In addition the winner will also receive:

  • Investment from SVG Ventures

  • Silicon Valley Startup Bootcamp in the Summer of 2023 for two founders, hosted by THRIVE ($15k USD value)

  • Automatic acceptance as a Samsung XTC Finalist

  • Impact strategy program with Imagine Impact (Specialist Impact Consultants) Sponsored by ICL

Startups should be Seed to Series A with technologies focused in the following areas:

• Soil health & Biodiversity

  • Regenerative agriculture

  • Ag biotechnology

  • Alternative fertilizers

  • Alternative pesticides & herbicides

  • Crop nutrition & novel inputs

  • Biostimulants

  • Water management.

• Increasing food security

  • Alternative proteins

  • Food loss prevention

  • Circular economy

  • Indoor farming

  • Supply chain solutions

  • Packaging

  • Functional Ingredients.

• Reducing and offsetting emissions

  • Carbon sequestration

  • Carbon measurement

  • Carbon markets

  • Reducing animal emissions and animal cruelty

  • Robotics & automation

  • On-farm emissions reduction.

Applications will be accepted until August 26, 2022. Late applications will not be considered.

Learn More →

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Join TOTA at the CRIS Adaptive Amazing Race August 23-24 to Raise Funds for Improving Accessible Outdoor Recreation in the Okanagan

Community Recreational Initiatives Society is hosting the 3rd annual Adaptive Amazing Race in August.

The Adaptive Amazing Race is based on the Amazing Race TV series, and involves a piece of adaptive equipment. It is an excellent opportunity if you and your team are looking for a fun team-bonding event. Additionally, it is a great way to contribute to the local community's well-being.

CRIS is looking for teams of 4-6 members to compete in this year's race. If you are unable to participate as a team, you can participate as a prize sponsor or as a general fundraiser.

Dates and Locations:

• August 23, 2022: 12 pm-3 pm, Polson Park, Vernon

• August 24, 2022: 11 am-2 pm, Mission Creek Park, Kelowna

Funds raised allow CRIS Adaptive to

• Maintain and purchase new adaptive equipment

• Run programs

• Cover membership and trip fees for individuals who need financial support

Learn More & Register →

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TOTA Participating in CRIS Adaptive Amazing Race

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is committed to supporting accessible and inclusive tourism in the region. As a partner and supporter of CRIS Adaptive, TOTA is raising funds and team members are participating in the race in Kelowna on August 24.

Want to get involved? Make a donation to support CRIS Adaptive towards their goal of enabling outdoor recreation for all.

Donate to CRIS Adaptive

Free Advisory & Education Services from Small Business BC, funded by Destination BC

Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to provide tourism stakeholders across the province with free access to Small Business BC’s Advisory Services and Education Offerings. Services are delivered online, by phone, email, webinar or in person (if available). 

Service details are as follows:

• Advisory Services

• Talk to an Expert Series – Speak with a wide range of business advisors and experts and ask questions specific to your business:

  • Lawyer

  • Accountant

  • Business Broker

  • HR Professional

  • Website Expert

  • Technology Operations Expert

• Appointments are 30-45 minutes in length. Each session must be booked in advance, using the code DBC3034, and is based on availability.

• Business Strategy Advisory – Access Small Business BC’s staff advisors who can provide solutions-based strategy planning advice for business growth. Consultations are up to 60 minutes in length and must be booked in advance, using code DBC3034 at checkout.

• Education Services - Education - Small Business BC produces approximately 300 education webinars per year covering over 40 different business topics.

To access any of these resources, identify which advisory and/or education service(s) you are interested in, add it to cart, and apply coupon code DBC3034 at checkout. There is no charge to tourism stakeholders.

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Industry Outlines Recommendations for Federal Tourism Growth Strategy

Following a consultation request from government on a Canadian Tourism Growth Strategy, industry advocates across Canada have submitted their recommendations:

1. As a result of consultations with industry leaders and members -- which included focus groups, surveys, and direct outreach -- the Hotel Association of Canada has submitted hotel-specific recommendations as part of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy consultations. View Submission →

2. The BCHA and HAC are also a part of the Hardest Hit Coalition (HHC) - a collection of more than 120 business associations in the tourism sector, co-chaired by HAC and TIAC. With collaboration from industry, the submission reiterates the four key pillars with attention to tourism and hospitality. View Submission →

3. Expanding on the accommodation-specific recommendations outlined in submissions, the BC Hotel Association outlined specific recommendations and investments needed to support our provincial accommodation sector. View Submission →

4. The Tourism Industry Association of Canada also outlined tourism-specific recommendations; View Submission →

New Training Program Empowers People to Address Racism | Apply by August 11, 2022

More people throughout the province will receive free training on how to help defuse racist incidents through a new Anti-Racism Community (ARC) Stewards pilot program.

Applications are being accepted for the “train the trainer” program, which will educate people with a passion for leading anti-racism work in as many as 15 small communities. Successful applicants will learn the skills needed to offer training on how bystanders can address racist incidents and facilitate community dialogues on racism and discrimination in their communities.

The pilot project is the first anti-racism training of its kind - developed and delivered by the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS).

People from the following communities are encouraged to apply: Cranbrook, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Houston, Kitimat, Nelson, Penticton, Powell River/gathet, Prince Rupert, Revelstoke, Sechelt/Gibsons, Shuswap, Smithers, Terrace, Vanderhoof, Vernon.

Online applications will be accepted until August 11th. Twenty spaces are available in the program. Successful applicants will begin their training in October 2022. Participants will receive an honorarium and travel expenses will be covered.

Learn More & Apply →

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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 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.

Learn More →

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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.

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.

Learn More →

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.

Glohaven Community Hub Seeking Investors

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.