News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Thompson Okanagan Organic Waste Survey | Share Feedback by November 18
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Destination Stewardship team is conducting a survey of Thompson Okanagan tourism companies to understand the potential for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) produced from organic waste in the region. Thompson Okanagan tourism company owners and senior managers are invited to submit the survey.
One survey submission per company will be entered into a draw for an opportunity to win one of two $100 Amazon Gift Cards (see Contest Rules).
Take the Survey by November 18 and Enter to Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Destination Stewardship team is conducting a survey of Thompson Okanagan tourism companies to understand the potential for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) produced from organic waste in the region.
The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete. Aggregate survey data will be shared with Andion Global, a supplier of waste management solutions with operations in Vancouver, BC, and Europe (Italy and the Nordics).
Thompson Okanagan tourism company owners and senior managers are invited to submit the survey. One survey submission per company will be entered into a draw for an opportunity to win one of two $100 Amazon Gift Cards (see Contest Rules).
The survey will close on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 4 PM.
If you have any questions, please email Energy@TOTABC.com.
Thank you, we appreciate your time and input!
About Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
As part of TOTA’s commitment to responsible tourism and sustainability, TOTA is seeking ways to improve access to clean energy for tourism companies in the region. One way of producing clean energy is by producing Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) from organic wastes. RNG can be used in the same way as conventional natural gas, but it has a much lower, and sometimes negative, carbon footprint. Using renewable natural gas means that businesses can reduce their carbon footprint without having to change equipment and infrastructure. Making renewable natural gas requires an organic waste stream, such as from production businesses. An understanding of the types of organic waste and how accessible they are, is required in order to evaluate the viability of a RNG facility within the region.
Hospitality and Viticulture Employee Training and Seasonal Accommodation Program with Naramata Centre Society
The Naramata Centre is planning to offer a Hospitality & Viticulture Program to local employers for their seasonal employees. The Hospitality & Viticulture Program will provide personal and professional development opportunities to young employees in a community setting and provide much needed staff accommodation to business partners in the community.
The Naramata Centre is planning to offer a Hospitality & Viticulture Program to local employers for their seasonal employees. The Hospitality & Viticulture Program will provide personal and professional development opportunities to young employees in a community setting and provide much needed staff accommodation to business partners in the community.
Naramata Centre is considering to offer 7 to 14 rooms between mid-April through October of 2023 for program participants. Each room has two beds and an ensuite with a shared kitchen and lounge.
Naramata Centre is working with TOTA, WorkBC, and the Okanagan Collage to develop a variety of training opportunities in addition to the Centre’s own personal development and community offerings.
Participants will get access to a flexible and tailored leadership development curriculum, which covers topics such as:
Work-life balance
Personal and professional development
Emotional intelligence
Boundary recognition
Diversity and inclusivity
Community engagement
Connection to the land
Spiritual life practices
The Centre is very open to working with local businesses, tourism associations and the viticulture sector to enhance these offerings.
If well-received this offer would continue in subsequent years.
Virtual Info Session
Naramata Centre is hosting a virtual info session November 9, 2022, at 10 AM.
TOTA to Host "7 Celebrations" Series of Themed Local Festivals to Reconnect in the Thompson Okanagan
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) announced a line-up of seven diverse and dazzling events to officially commemorate the reopening of the Thompson Okanagan region post-pandemic, and to celebrate its people and cultures. The 7 Celebrations - Reconnect in the Thompson Okanagan is an invitation to revisit the sights, sounds, people, and culture through a region-wide celebration set to take place now through March 2023. The festivals are set in various areas of the Thompson Okanagan, in the Shuswap, the North and South Okanagan, Boundary Country, North Thompson, and Gold Country.
The 7 Celebrations event schedule and details can be found at ThompsonOkanagan.com/7-Celebrations
Kelowna, B.C. - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) announced a line-up of seven diverse and dazzling events to officially commemorate the reopening of the Thompson Okanagan region post-pandemic, and to celebrate its people and cultures. The 7 Celebrations - Reconnect in the Thompson Okanagan is an invitation to revisit the sights, sounds, people, and culture through a region-wide celebration set to take place now through March 2023. The festivals are set in various areas of the Thompson Okanagan, in the Shuswap, the North and South Okanagan, Boundary Country, North Thompson, and Gold Country.
The Thompson Okanagan is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes: from tall mountains, rolling hills, raging rivers, peaceful lakes, a dry desert, and a temperate rainforest. The region is also home to diverse communities - each with unique people, cultures, stories, and traditions.
TOTA invites locals and visitors alike to join in celebration and reconnection, and to discover a taste of what each host community has to offer. Highlights include live performances; a welcome home to the sockeye salmon; a winter season kick off with the Fire & Ice Light Up; the legend and lore of the lake; a Winter Carnival; a celebration of women in sport and mountain culture; a visit to Gold Country’s roots; and a celebration of local products and businesses.
The series 7 Celebrations was named to pay tribute to one of TOTA’s core mandates - the 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations Thompson Okanagan Pledge. This pledge was inspired by the Indigenous philosophy that recognizes the “actions made today have a lasting impact for the seven generations that follow.” In the spirit of invested and purposeful travel, the series focuses on the traditions, stories, and cultures of a selection of the region’s communities in an effort to give them life for years to come. Read more about the pledge below.
The 7 Celebrations event schedule and details can be found at ThompsonOkanagan.com/7-Celebrations
This series of events was made possible with support from the Ministry of Canadian Heritage and the support of the hosting City Destination Management Organizations (CDMO).
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About 7 Generation Pledge:
The 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations Pledge was created by TOTA out of a need to develop guidelines for sustainable tourism and conscious travel. Based on the Seven Generations Principle, rooted in Indigenous philosophy: The decisions we make today will have an impact for as many as seven generations to come.
About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association:
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society that represents a geographic area nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The region’s name is derived from two major geographic features: the Thompson River and Okanagan Lake. TOTA aims to stimulate ongoing sustainable growth by embracing the value of tourism through community engagement, innovative leadership in promoting authentic experiences, and inspiring creative collaboration. Key TOTA initiatives include; Biosphere Certified Gold Destination, 7 Generations Pledge, and Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
For more information about TOTA visit TOTABC.org, or visit the consumer facing website ThompsonOkanagan.com.
Media Contact:
Krista Lochhead
krista@hatchhos.com
778.227.2396
Thompson Okanagan Part of International Network of Observatories Guiding Shift Towards More Sustainable and Resilient Tourism
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)'s Destination Development & Stewardship Specialist, Eve Layman, travelled to Madrid this past week to meet with the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) and gain insights from more than 150 experts, with a focus on key topics including the shift towards a circular economy and reducing food waste across the sector.
Destinations around the world are reporting significant advances in sustainable tourism, with timely evidence and analytics serving as key tools for transformation as the sector’s recovery continues to get underway.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)'s Destination Development & Stewardship Specialist, Eve Layman, travelled to Madrid this past week to meet with the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) and gain insights from more than 150 experts, with a focus on key topics including the shift towards a circular economy and reducing food waste across the sector.
In October 2019, TOTA became the first Canadian destination to join INSTO. Through a lengthy application process, destinations are required to meet the criteria outlined in the INSTO framework and commit to the ongoing monitoring and reporting of 9 core issue areas including Tourism Seasonality, Employment, Local Satisfaction, and Energy Management.
The global network of INSTO Observatories is pioneering and implementing, very often for the first time, catalytic activities designed to help the tourism sector implement sustainable development at the destination level. Together, they are leading the transformation of tourism by building on the principles of participatory approaches including all stakeholders to ensure an inclusive and resilient tourism development.
At the Global INSTO Meeting, destinations focused on how a timely and evidence-based approach is helping stimulate circular economy processes that result in using resources such as water and energy more efficiently. In addition, challenges in the environmental and social dimensions and the need for indicators that allow for comparability among destinations were highlighted.
Another topic was the availability of data from a growing variety of data-sources, making it increasingly difficult to process them into useful information needed for an informed decision- and policy- making process. It was agreed that all of these issues will be addressed in the INSTO Network through webinars and technical discussions.
While in Madrid, Eve Layman was also invited to meet with the Canadian Ambassador to Spain, H.E. Wendy Drukier. Eve presented her with a painting by Okanagan artist Alex Fong, as well as sharing the regional 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations Pledge and BeadTrails bead with the Ambassador and other guests.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Supports Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality through Sponsorship of Empower Her Event by WORTH Association
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.
Empower Her is WORTH’s signature networking and panel discussion event for women in hospitality and tourism. 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. The panel will feature four panelists who will examine ways organizations and individuals can accelerate women into leadership roles at the senior level.
Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Time: 6 - 9:30 PM
Location: Coast Capri Hotel, Kelowna
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.
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
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please submit survey by August 26th.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tackling Food Waste: Sustainable Solutions That Will Improve Your Bottom Line
Originally published in InnFocus Magazine Summer 2022.
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. (Author: Kelsey Millman)
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 on Television but CRIS’S version utilizes a piece of adaptive equipment. 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.
TOTA is raising funds and team members are participating in the race in Kelowna on August 24. Want to get support access to the outdoors for all? Make a donation to support CRIS Adaptive towards their goal of enabling outdoor recreation for all.
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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Following a consultation request from government on a Canadian Tourism Growth Strategy, industry advocates across Canada have submitted their recommendations:
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 →
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 →
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 →
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.
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.