News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Travel Restrictions Order Lifted for Most of Thompson Okanagan
The order restricting travel to the Thompson Okanagan region has been lifted, except for the community of West Kelowna.
To ensure we can bring concerns and challenges the industry faces to the government, we encourage you to share your insights and feedback on how the wildfires and travel restrictions have impacted your business through TOTA's Voice Your Concerns form.
Premier Eby and Minister Ma, the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, toured many parts of the Thompson Okanagan region to speak with residents and view the impacts of recent and continuing wildfires.
In a press conference late yesterday afternoon, Minister Ma, together with Premier Eby lifted the order restricting travel to the Thompson Okanagan region, except for the community of West Kelowna, where there are still many residents out of their homes and much work ahead. Non-essential travel to West Kelowna continues to be prohibited for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation, including hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds, to ensure accommodations are available for those who have been evacuated and are still unable to return home.
We appreciate the efforts of the Premier and Minister Ma to work with industry and communities to reopen the region sooner than anticipated. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, emergency workers, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help the communities of the Thompson Okanagan impacted by wildfires. Our hearts go out to all those affected by these wildfires throughout the region.
Additionally, we want to acknowledge the accommodation providers in the Thompson Okanagan region who have been diligently reporting their availability to provide safe shelter for evacuees and emergency responders.
Although the non-essential travel restriction is now largely lifted, we are also acutely aware of the effect this restriction has had and continues to have on tourism businesses in the region. Besides the obvious financial impacts of losing visitors during the last few weeks of the peak tourism season, operators face uncertainty regarding labour, cancellation of significant events and product loss.
Lifting the order is an important first step in recovery, and while our industry remains steadfast in our commitment to support our communities and the evacuees, TOTA, along with the BC Hotel Association (BCHA), continues to work closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and the Government of British Columbia to advocate for financial supports necessary to ensure full recovery.
We Want to Hear From You
To ensure we can bring concerns and challenges the industry faces to the government, we encourage you to share your insights and feedback on how the wildfires and travel restrictions have impacted your business through TOTA's Voice Your Concerns form.
Advocacy Update: Accommodation Travel Restrictions
TOTA and BCHA seeking financial relief and expedited lifting of the order prohibiting non-essential travel into Southern Interior Areas to stay in temporary accommodation, citing a surplus of available accommodations compared to evacuees.
As the fire fight continues in multiple areas of the Thompson Okanagan and BC, our hearts are with those evacuated and those that have lost their homes. We can't say enough about the amazing work of the firefighters and BC Wildfire Service, working together with numerous community fire departments from around the province.
Accommodators are providing ongoing updates on room availability to be shared with Emergency Support Service (ESS) Centres to coordinate room bookings for evacuees and first responders.
Having said that, we are also acutely aware that the Accommodation Travel Restrictions Order for Southern Interior areas up to September 4 has decimated the tourism industry in a critical time of the season, resulting in tremendous financial repercussions.
We all stand at the ready to support the evacuees but this need has not been realized. Presently, considering the evacuation requirements and available accommodations, we have a surplus available within Kelowna and West Kelowna. Although the fires' threat persists, the cooler temperatures and potential rain forecast offer some relief.
Over recent days, TOTA and the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) have actively engaged with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, advocating for a number of measures aimed at supporting tourism and hospitality businesses. We've presented a comprehensive overview of the on-ground situation, laying out the facts to facilitate an informed decision-making process.
On August 21, we formally urged the Tourism Ministry to have EMCR, Minister Ma, and the Premier to move forward with the following measures:
A safe and expedited lifting of the essential-only travel order, particularly in areas like Osoyoos, Oliver, Penticton, Summerland, Vernon, and Kamloops, where accommodation is not currently being fully utilized to support evacuation efforts.
A commitment from the Premier that financial relief will be explored to offset the substantial economic losses experienced by operators due to the implementation of the travel order.
We continue to meet with the ministries as the situation progresses.
We encourage you to share your insights and feedback by emailing Recovery@TOTABC.com so that we can bring your concerns to the government.
In the meantime, we are working to get the region open and operating again as quickly as possible, recognizing that the current and potential losses.
Kind regards,
Ellen Walker-Matthews
CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Provincial Order: Accommodation Travel Restrictions for Southern Interior Areas
The Province introduced a new order under the provincial state of emergency, effective August 19 until end of day on September 4, 2023: people may not travel to stay in temporary accommodations for non-essential purposes in several Thompson Okanagan communities. This includes hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds.
Read Order: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/m0243_2023
To help ensure accommodation is available for critical-response personnel and the tens of thousands of people evacuated due to wildfires, the Province of BC is restricting travel for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation in several communities in the Thompson Okanagan region.
The Province introduced a new order under the provincial state of emergency. Under this order, effective August 19 until end of day on September 4, 2023, people may not travel to stay in temporary accommodations for non-essential purposes in several Thompson Okanagan communities. This includes hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds.
This order applies to temporary accommodation in the following cities:
Kelowna-West Kelowna;
Kamloops;
Oliver;
Osoyoos;
Penticton; and
Vernon.
The order does not impact travel through to other regions, but the Province is calling on everyone to avoid non-essential travel to the central Interior and southeast to ensure roadways are kept clear for emergency-response operations, including further evacuations. People should check information from the BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyInfoBC, and DriveBC before heading out.
Essential travel includes:
providing emergency or critical services;
sheltering for evacuees;
travelling for health or medical reasons;
transporting essential goods and supplies;
attending court or complying with a court order;
attending a funeral service;
avoiding the risk of abuse or violence;
exercising parental responsibilities;
moving or assisting with moving to a different principal residence;
carrying out a temporary work-related purpose, including volunteer work;
attending classes or training; and
exercising an Aboriginal or treaty right.
Read the Order: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/m0243_2023
Urgent Advisory Thompson Okanagan Wildfire Update
The wildfire situation in the Thompson Okanagan is, and continues to be, extremely serious.
The wildfire situation in the Thompson Okanagan is, and continues to be, extremely serious.
On Friday, August 18, the Government of British Columbia declared a provincial State of Emergency to enact emergency orders, including travel restrictions to specific areas if needed.
Residents and visitors have been asked to avoid all non-essential travel to the Central Interior and Southeast parts of the province. For those who must travel, please refer to the BC Wildfire interactive map, and emergencyinfobc.ca to learn about evacuation alerts and orders.
We are working closely with our municipal, regional and provincial partners to assist emergency and wildfire responders wherever possible with the current situation. The safety of our community, local businesses, and visitors are our top priority. We ask everyone to follow the instructions of emergency responders.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the complex wildfires in Keremeos and Oliver, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country, and the Shuswap, Adams Lake, and Lee Creek fires, as well as the numerous additional fires that are igniting.
We also want to thank all of the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers for all that they are doing to fight the numerous blazes and keep people safe and protected.
We want to ensure you have timely information and key messages to share with your employees and guests where needed. Please see below:
From August 19 through 21 hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected around many parts of BC, leading to increased wildfire risk. Slightly cooler temperatures, thunderstorms and rain are forecasted for the days ahead in the Central Okanagan.
Residents and visitors are asked to avoid all non-essential travel to the Central Interior and Southeast parts of the province, as well as any areas that are currently under an evacuation alert or order.
If you must travel, please refer to the BC Wildfire interactive map, and emergencyinfobc.ca to learn about evacuation alerts and orders.
For those needing to re-book travel for another time, or to make alternative plans to unaffected parts of the province, Visitor Centres are available to assist.
Water access must be prioritized for fire suppression efforts. Okanagan Lake users are asked to keep boats away from areas where other aviation resources are operating.
Refrain from drone use. Drones are a significant hazard to air crews fighting fires, and it is both illegal and irresponsible to fly them in fire-affected areas.
The situation can change rapidly, and anyone traveling in BC is asked to monitor official information sources regularly, including the BC Wildfire Service and DriveBC.
Be prepared for changes and further evacuation alerts and orders.
Visitors are encouraged to download and allow notifications from Alertable: a community notification app with customizable settings to receive the latest local alerts, such as road closures and evacuation information, straight to your mobile device.
For the latest information please refer to ThompsonOkanagan.com’s Know Before You Go page.
If you need further assistance with guidance and messaging with visitors in your community or business, please reach out.
BCRTS Statement on Regional Emergency Communications
The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat shared a statement on how provincial, regional, and community organisations are working to improve outcomes for destinations in a crisis situation.
The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) is working with provincial and community organisations to improve outcomes for destinations in a crisis situation.
Wildfires, landslides, and flooding have arrived in our province. These crises have affected many regions of British Columbia in a short period of time. While prevention of these disasters would be ideal, emergency preparedness and tourism coordination is the next most effective step to ensure both residents and visitors are informed and safe.
The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) has been working with communities and across various ministries to support a coordinated approach to crises, including with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport (TACS). The Tourism Emergency Management Committee (TEMC) worked in tandem with the EMCR to assist in the development of the Tourism Emergency Management Framework. This framework outlines the roles and responsibilities of all levels of government and non-government tourism agencies (Tourism Industry Association of BC, Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport, Destination BC, Indigenous Tourism BC, BC Destination Marketing Organization Association, BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, and Emergency Management BC) and identifies how Destination Marketing / Management Organizations play a role to support and assist communities if and when they are asked.
TACS provided one-time funding to the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) to support the regions’ work in implementing the Tourism Emergency Management Framework. The BCRTS is a collaboration among the following five regional destination management organizations: Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and 4VI (Vancouver Island). The initiative also includes Vancouver Coast Mountains.
BCRTS Role
The BCRTS is not responsible for leading emergency management efforts before, during or after a crisis. The BCRTS’ role is to ensure familiarity with the Framework and to support the creation and completion of a crisis communications plan for those who would be the key point of contact for visitors to their area (CDMOs, visitor centres, or tourism businesses). During an emergency event, the regions and CDMOs will execute their own plans to support the efforts of the community’s officials and be the tourism point of contact for all parties involved in the emergency management funnel within the community.
BCRTS Services
The BCRTS has partnered with Hatch Comms to provide communities with visitor communications support during an emergency event.
The BCRTS has compiled a basic interim template for CDMOs and tourism partners that have not completed DBC’s crisis comms training; or do not have a plan and need to submit something quickly to receive assistance. The document explains what crisis communications is, the role of a CDMO in a crisis, and the contacts of the various organizations within the frameworks of their community.
The TEMC’s Emergency Communications Guidance for BC’s Tourism Industry provides more in-depth training, templates and checklists.
All of these steps should significantly improve outcomes for destinations with visitors in a variety of crisis situations by providing a singular source of accurate information. This will also support the destination’s communications and economy should they be in a nearby but unaffected destination, keeping visitors confidently flowing to areas that remain safe to travel.
The Province, Destination British Columbia, and the Tourism Industry Association of BC support this BCRTS initiative.
“Keeping people safe during an emergency is imperative and a top priority for our government. We are committed to working with the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat and other provincial and community tourism partners to ensure the people in BC’s tourism sector, local communities, and our visitors have resources and information in advance of an emergency, so people know where to go, what to do, and what dangers to avoid.”
“Timely and accurate information sharing in a time of crisis is crucial to maintaining BC’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination, and ensuring business continuity for thousands of tourism operators around the province. We can only achieve this by closely collaborating with our tourism partners and government agencies, at all levels.”
We would be more than happy to schedule a virtual meeting to discuss any concerns or to further clarify our tourism support role within the emergency framework. To schedule a time, please email info@TOTABC.com.
Thank you,
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice-Chair, BC Regional Tourism Secretariat
Chief Executive Officer, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Industry Shout Out & Enter to Win: Moon Curser Vineyards Celebrates 20 Years
Moon Curser Vineyards is a boutique, family-owned winery on the East Bench of Osoyoos with a focus on making premium wines from old-world grape varieties not previously planted in the Okanagan, such as Tannat, Dolcetto, and Touriga Nacional.
Moon Curser Vineyards is a boutique, family-owned winery on the East Bench of Osoyoos, a South Okanagan border town known for its hot summers, lakeside fun, and vineyards.
Chris and Beata Tolley, founders of Moon Curser
Moon Curser has been in operation for 20 years, since 2004 when Chris and Beata Tolley purchased an old orchard in need of replanting and set about converting it into what is now the Moon Curser Home Vineyard block, winery, and tasting room.
The Moon Curser name pays tribute to the gold smuggling history of Osoyoos. The Moon Curser wines, however, break from tradition – the winery’s focus has always been on making premium wines from old-world grape varieties not previously planted in the Okanagan such as Tannat, Dolcetto, and Touriga Nacional. These varieties have not historically been a part of the South Okanagan viticulture, but thrive in the distinctive terroir of the Osoyoos East Bench and continue to deliver unique, world class interpretations of these wines.
Moon Curser was recognized as #1 Best Performing Small Winery at the 2019 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada.
The Moon Curser team is proud to make delicious wines, provide excellent wine tasting experiences, and also create a professional, flexible and welcoming work environment for employees. They are fortunate to have a long-term team of staff who have been working at Moon Curser for 8 or more years on average.
Planning a trip? You can reserve a Wine Tasting or Private Winemaker Tour & Tasting for your next visit.
Tasting room and vineyards overlooking Osoyoos Lake
Enter to Win a Wine Tasting for 4
Want to taste some of these rare Okanagan grape varietals for yourself? Moon Curser has generously donated 3 prizes of a Wine Tasting Experience for up to 4 people, including a 10% discount on wine purchases made in the tasting room.
Thompson Okanagan tourism and hospitality professionals in the Thompson Okanagan (View Eligibility Details) can enter to win by Friday, July 14, 11:59 PM through the form below.
BC Wildlife Park's Commitment to Access and Inclusion Continues with Fundraising for Playground Upgrades
The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops has recently made significant upgrades to its facilities to increase accessibility and inclusivity. The park’s next focus for upgrades is the children’s playground, with plans to add inclusive equipment and sensory stations to allow children to play together.
In 2021, the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops completed a project to pave all its pathways to make the park more accessible for people using wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. As well, the park added powered mobility scooters and wheelchairs for visitors to easily explore the park. The washrooms were made accessible and environmentally efficient. And this was just the beginning of BC Wildlife Park’s commitment to access and inclusion.
Now, BC Wildlife Park has turned its attention to the iconic children’s playground. The current playground is over 23 years old and major upgrades are needed in order to bring it up to current standards and make it inclusive and accessible for children of all ages and abilities. While park priorities remain focused on animal care and welfare, children and families make it all possible.
Early playground renderings include accessible paths, inclusive equipment and sensory stations - all carefully designed to allow children to play together.
“Participation in play, on an equal basis with other children, is a right, not a privilege, for ALL children. Playgrounds are at the heart of a community and a space where children of all ages and abilities can connect together through play. Canada needs more playgrounds that are designed in innovative ways to be fully accessible and inclusive to the needs of all children. No child should be left on the sidelines of play.”
Fundraising Initiatives
Fundraising efforts began with a country music concert on June 17 and a children’s contest asking BC children of all ages to share what outdoor play means to them through a creative piece, like a poem, letter, artwork, or video.
More fun and engaging fundraising initiatives are planned throughout the year-long campaign.
To learn more about upcoming events, please visit BCWildlife.org for details.
To support the new BC Wildlife Park accessible playground visit BCWildlife.org/play.htm or text “play” to 30333.
Community Spotlight: Village of Valemount
Get to know the communities of the Thompson Okanagan region, such as the vibrant Village of Valemount, situated along the Yellowhead Highway just twenty minutes from Mount Robson. Tourism Valemount is a Biosphere Committed Destination and participates in sustainability initiatives such as releasing salmon into waterways.
The Community Spotlight will highlight communities in the region to help tourism professionals get to know the 90+ villages, towns, Indigenous nations, and cities of the Thompson Okanagan region.
Tourism Valemount shared some information on the destination and their sustainability initiatives:
Where is Valemount?
Surrounded by majestic mountains the vibrant Village of Valemount is tucked into the picturesque Robson Valley, situated along the Yellowhead Highway just twenty minutes from Mount Robson. Valemount is at the northern tip of the Thompson Okanagan region.
What are the main activities that attract visitors?
There are seemingly unlimited outdoor recreation and local cultural experience, with diverse trail networks, natural gems, and quiet serene locations where you can relax and enjoy scenic views, all year round.
Those who enjoy the adrenaline rush of white-water rafting, sledding, and downhill biking will find many reasons to keep coming back.
Prefer activities like hiking, paddling, and fishing? They have that too.
For those who enjoy browsing through museums, galleries, shopping in local markets and boutiques, meeting artisans, hearing musicians, and going to live theatrical performances Valemount has it all.
Take a stroll, or pedal along the Bigfoot Trail which loops through the community giving a great way to explore the village without a vehicle.
Learn more at the official DMO website, VisitValemount.ca.
What are the main events this summer?
Valemountain Days starting June 9 is an action-packed weekend with plenty of family activities, including a car show, parade, live music, and bouncy castles. Take in this three-day event to discover why Valemount is known to be such a friendly and welcoming community.
Bike Fest 2023 on June 17 will have shuttles, food, music, and epic trail riding.
The Valemount Farmers’ Market is on Thursdays from 4-7 PM, starting June 15
For the full events schedule, check out VisitValemount.ca.
What sustainability initiatives is Tourism Valemount involved with?
The Chinook salmon have been greatly impacted by the Big Bar Slide so Tourism Valemount partnered with the Simpcw Nation and Spruce City Wildlife Association to co-host the release of over 20,000 Chinook salmon fry into Swift Creek.
The Swift Creek Chinook salmon population is of particular importance because it is considered an at-risk or endangered population. Factors such as habitat degradation, overfishing, pollution, and climate change have contributed to declines in their numbers.
Protecting and restoring at-risk salmon populations like the Swift Creek Chinook salmon is crucial for maintaining the health and biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems. Salmon play a significant ecological role as they bring nutrients from the ocean to freshwater systems, providing food for other organisms and contributing to the overall balance of the ecosystem.
Efforts are being made to protect and restore the Swift Creek Chinook salmon population. These efforts involve habitat restoration projects, such as improving water quality, restoring spawning grounds, and creating fish passages to enable their migration.
New Biosphere Commitment Member: Song Sparrow Hall
Song Sparrow Hall is a concert hall and event venue located in the historic Newnes Building in downtown Salmon Arm. Operated as a social venture, the team aims to bring people together and inspire them toward a kinder, more inclusive, and regenerative world.
Join TOTA in welcoming Song Sparrow Hall to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
Song Sparrow Hall is a concert hall and event venue located in the historic Newnes Building in downtown Salmon Arm, BC. This beautiful space was redesigned in 2020 with a focus on performing arts, celebration, and the sharing of ideas. The 235-person capacity venue features a state-of-the-art acoustically designed main hall with an advanced sound system and interactive LED lighting.
Song Sparrow Hall welcomes active community involvement by non-profit groups and individuals seeking to collaborate on innovative events.
Sustainability Initiatives
Operated under Lakeshore Village Limited as a social venture that strives to make sustainable facility and programming decisions, the organisation feels it is a natural fit for Song Sparrow Hall to join the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
With every event they produce, the team is mindful of the intersections between socio-cultural, environmental, and economic sustainability. They believe in the power of the arts to bring people together and inspire them toward a kinder, more inclusive, and regenerative world.
By working toward aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, they are proud to join a global network of change-making organizations.
TOTA Industry Communications Survey Feedback
We asked, you answered! Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in TOTA’s Industry Communications Survey in March. Your insights will help the TOTA team to better support you in the coming year.
Read on to find out what the industry had to say and our thoughts moving forward…
We asked, you answered! Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in TOTA’s Industry Communications Survey in March. Your insights will help the TOTA team to better support you in the coming year.
Here's what the industry had to say and our thoughts moving forward:
What content from TOTA is most valuable to you?
General Thompson Okanagan tourism news
Trends and grant and funding opportunities
Professional development in the form of webinars, training programs, and industry events
Market research reports
British Columbia tourism news and trends
Sustainable tourism - specifically with examples, inspirational ‘how to’s and more opportunities to get involved.
Updates on regional media coverage and upcoming media and travel trade visits in the region
We will continue to share this information, with a new focus on social media posting, and a new format for the newsletter. The industry newsletter will now be published twice per month instead of weekly, with a succinct, scannable format so you can easily find and access the information that’s important to you.
What sustainability initiatives would you like to see from TOTA?
Examples of sustainability initiatives and practices
Composting, recycling, and plastics
Water and energy
Regenerative, green, and eco tourism
Grants and funding to be more sustainable
Training, events, and tips
Biosphere
We will incorporate this information into the new Destination Stewardship section of every industry newsletter.
What skills, trends, or topics do you want to learn more about?
Marketing and PR
Trends, insights, and research
Sustainability and the environment
People + Culture - customer service, staff relations, the labour market
Grant writing
Economic and destination development and management
Social media best practices
Great news! There are already many resources available for free or low cost, including:
Destination BC Tourism Digital Academy and eLearningU digital marketing and trend webinars and recordings.
Symphony Tourism Services (TOTA’s subsidiary) publishes report and can assist with data, trends, insights, and custom research.
TOTA is working with the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) to launch the Tourism Impact Portal, a dashboard of key data.
The BC Tourism Sustainability Network and Biosphere Commitment Program
The Great Taste of Canada and Buy BC will assist with development of culinary/agritourism.
Hatch Comms will provide proactive and real time Crisis Communications support and emergency management for community DMOs.
go2HR provides BC resources like a job board, training for staff, support for HR managers, and labour market research.
The TOTA team will continue to seek out resources to assist with these top topics.
Thank You for Your Feedback
Thanks again for generously sharing your time, experience, and feedback so the whole Thompson Okanagan tourism industry can benefit.
If you would like more information or have more to say, please respond to this email with any questions or comments.
Proactive Crisis Communications Support to Communities Around the Province
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) announced a partnership with Hatch Comms to provide increased proactive crisis communications support to BC Community Destination Management Organizations for visitors during an emergency event. Visitors to British Columbia can travel with greater confidence knowing their safety and wellbeing are a top priority to tourism destinations.
Visitors to British Columbia can travel with greater confidence knowing their safety and wellbeing are a top consideration to area tourism associations. The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), which includes the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), announced a partnership with Hatch Comms that will provide increased proactive crisis communications support to related Community Destination Management Organizations (CDMO) for visitors during an emergency event.
During crises in recent years, the BCRTS has been a source for critical messages, management training, and information for visitors in the region. The goal of this partnership is to improve crisis communications leadership, and for communities to use it as the primary resource, support, and contact for tourism, travel and media messaging during a crisis that is being handled on a local level.
“The most vital service we can offer visitors during emergency situations is timely, clear, and accurate information that is easily and consistently accessible,” said BCRTS Vice Chair and TOTA CEO, Ellen Walker-Matthews. “Providing leadership and resources to help our destinations plan for the unexpected and calmly communicate real-time information will be a huge benefit to industry, media, and visitors at times of crisis.”
Increased wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters are happening with greater frequency and severity in the age of climate change. Ahead of what has been predicted to be another busy emergency season, the BCRTS and Hatch Comms are ensuring relevant Community Destination Management Organizations have crisis communications plans in place. These efforts include updating existing destination plans as well as building new ones via approved frameworks and training programs from Destination British Columbia and the BC Tourism Emergency Management Committee. This will ensure that all situations are well-thought out, responses are prepared, and key stakeholder and media contacts are identified before the busy visitor season commences.
How it Works:
When a Community Destination Management Organization activates the BCRTS emergency support system, Hatch will help the destination implement their crisis communications plans during a high stress situation. This support will ensure that the destination operates within the chain of communications of the appropriate agencies to access official messaging which will then be communicated back through the established tourism channels. These steps should significantly improve outcomes for destinations with visitors in a variety of crisis situations by providing a singular source of accurate information. This will also support the destination’s communications and economy should they be in a nearby but unaffected destination, keeping visitors confidently flowing to areas that remain safe to travel.
Visitors are encouraged to visit Destination British Columbia’s Know Before You Go page and the regional websites for specific areas they may be planning to visit.
This project is a partnership between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport; Destination British Columbia; and the BCRTS.
About British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat:
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a collaboration among the following five regional destination management organizations: Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and 4VI (Vancouver Island). This initiative also includes the sixth region, Vancouver Coast & Mountains.
The 5 regions under BCRTS are not-for-profit societies governed by the BC Societies Act. They are an industry-led organization, governed by an elected Board of Directors, who represent and support business and community tourism interests throughout each region.
About Hatch Comms:
Hatch Comms, a subsidiary of Hatch Hospitality, is a lifestyle PR agency that specializes in hotels, destinations, wineries, restaurants, ingredients, and culinary talent. Tourism, travel, and hospitality are all about experiencing the detail and beauty of different lifestyles. Hatch Comms offers clients personalized service that is all about results and relationships. The Hatch team is seasoned experts who are passionate about what they do and thrive on clients' successes, and have enjoyed representing some of the world’s most beautiful, delicious and engaging businesses for more than 25 years.
Thompson Okanagan Receives $7.9M in Funding for Tourism Projects
Thompson Okanagan communities and tourism operators received nearly 8 million dollars as part of the province-wide program to keep building British Columbia as a world-class tourism destination.
Thompson Okanagan communities and tourism operators received nearly 8 million dollars as part of the province-wide program to keep building British Columbia as a world-class tourism destination.
“We are delighted! These funds will go a long way to elevate area experiences in destinations big and small,” said Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association CEO, Ellen Walker-Matthews. “As a core economic driver for the region, this investment in destinations and tourism experiences will pay dividends for years to come.”
Some examples include Destination Silver Star’s build on mountain campground enhancements, Kamloops’ all-wheels pump track facility project, rehabilitation of the Hedley Mascot Mine, expansion of Valemount’s mountain bike trails, improved recreational fishing access, and a variety of trail building and trail revitalization initiatives. View the full list of funding recipients.
One notable project that received $550k from this economic driver is TOTA’s very own Tourism Inspiration Centre, located on the Okanagan Connector on Hwy 97C near Peachland. As visitors journey to the Okanagan they will be welcomed with an amazing view, a revitalized building, and a wealth of resources to inform and inspire their trip.
This location is the gateway to all kinds of distinctive regional experiences, accommodations, and events that the trained onsite counselors will enjoy telling visitors all about. It’s also a lovely place to take a break, stock up on locally made food, beverages, and gifts, charge an EV, and use the complimentary WiFi to plan the next leg of an exciting Thompson Okanagan journey.
The Tourism Inspiration Centre updates will be jointly funded by Clean BC and Infrastucture Canada and is currently in the design phase with completion planned for spring of 2024. The Inspiration Centre will have updated exteriors and interiors, creating an inviting visitor experience, as well as a living roof with native flora, natural light, and a rooftop viewpoint with stunning views of Okanagan Lake. The centre is striving to become a net zero building, utilizing a robust solar power system and passive heating and cooling construction techniques.
“First impressions are everything,” said Walker-Matthews. “Centre visitors will be inspired by an unforgettable welcome to the Thompson Okanagan and all it's magic which leads with an incredible view and continues with the service, hospitality, and experiences the region is so beloved for.”
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Climate Action Plan Provides Guidance for Sustainable Development for Regional Businesses and Communities
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has introduced a new climate action plan to facilitate sustainable industry and community development in the Thompson Okanagan region. As part of TOTA’s signing of the Glasglow Declaration on Climate Action In Tourism, the plan outlines a series of strategies and initiatives to support the regional and global commitment to cut emissions in half by 2030 and reach Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050.
Kelowna, B.C. (April 18, 2023) - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has introduced a new climate action plan to facilitate sustainable industry and community development in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada.
TOTA has been committed to sustainable and responsible tourism since 2012 and became a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism in May 2022, which includes the development and implementation of an official climate action plan to accelerate and co-ordinate climate action in tourism.
The plan outlines a series of strategies and initiatives to support the regional and global commitment to cut emissions in half by 2030 and reach Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050.
"TOTA recognizes the critical role that tourism plays in the region's economy and is committed to ensuring that the industry grows in a sustainable way," said Ellen Walker-Matthews, TOTA CEO. "By implementing this Climate Action Plan, we can work to reduce tourism’s carbon footprint while also enhancing the visitor experience and supporting local communities."
The five pathways of the plan are:
Measure: Measure and disclose all travel and tourism-related emissions. Ensure methodologies and tools are aligned to UNFCCC-relevant guidelines on measurement, reporting and verification, and that they are transparent and accessible.
Decarbonize: Set and deliver targets aligned with climate science to accelerate tourism’s decarbonisation. This includes transport, infrastructure, accommodation, activities, food & drink, and waste management. While offsetting may have a subsidiary role, it must be complementary to real reductions.
Regenerate: Restore and protect ecosystems, supporting nature’s ability to draw down carbon, as well as safeguarding biodiversity, food security, and water supply. As much of tourism is based in regions most immediately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, ensure the sector can support affected and at-risk communities in resilience building, adaptation and disaster response. Help visitors and host communities experience better balance with nature.
Collaborate: Share evidence of risks and solutions with all stakeholders and our guests, and work together to ensure our plans are as effective and co-ordinated as possible. Strengthen governance and capacity for action at all levels, including national and sub-national authorities, civil society, large companies and SMEs, vulnerable groups, local communities and visitors.
Finance: Ensure organizational resources and capacity are sufficient to meet objectives set out in climate plans, including the financing of training, research and implementation of effective fiscal and policy tools where appropriate to accelerate transition.
TOTA encourages all tourism operators, visitors, and community members to learn more about the plan and take action to reduce their carbon footprint. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly significant factor for travellers when planning travel for both business and leisure. As people gain an understanding of the impact of travel, there is a growing preference for supporting responsible destinations, venues, hotels, and events. Destinations and their businesses that take initiative will attract these sustainability-conscious travellers.
To view the plan, download the Thompson Okanagan Climate Action Plan or visit TOTABC.org/committed/climate-action-plan
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About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. It 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.
As a Biosphere Certified Destination, TOTA is committed to working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including goals related to access and inclusion, such as “Reduced Inequalities” and “Sustainable Cities & Communities.” becoming a world-renowned accessible tourism destination and to promote “Access & Inclusion” in all aspects of community and tourism experiences, products, and services in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Learn more at TOTABC.org.
About the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism:
The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism is an urgent call for all stakeholders to commit to a decade of climate action in tourism, led by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the Travel Foundation, and within the framework of the One Planet Network and Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency initiatives. The Declaration was officially launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021, after the need for a globally consistent approach for climate action in tourism was made clear, notably through research into CO2 emissions carried out by UNWTO/ITF and released at the UNFCCC COP25 in December 2019.
Learn more at OnePlanetNetwork.org/programmes/sustainable-tourism/glasgow-declaration
For more information, contact:
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Bat Resource for Okanagan Accommodators
In honour of International Bat Appreciation Day on April 17, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the BC Community Bat Program (BCCBP) are pleased to announce a partnership to assist and educate accommodators throughout the region on the importance of protecting the bat populations in the Okanagan. TOTA and the BCCBP have created a resource for accommodators with bats on their property that details the importance of bats, how to protect them, and how best to manage them at your accommodation whether you are looking to incorporate them into your operations or relocate them somewhere else.
In honour of International Bat Appreciation Day on April 17, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the BC Community Bat Program (BCCBP) are pleased to announce a partnership to assist and educate accommodators throughout the region on the importance of protecting the bat populations in the Okanagan.
Bats are an important part of the Okanagan ecosystem and are neither rodents nor considered pests under BC law. They are classified as wildlife under the BC Wildlife Act and are protected from harassment and killing.
Bat Education Resource
TOTA and the BCCBP have created a resource for accommodators with bats on their property that details the importance of bats, how to protect them, and how best to manage them at your accommodation whether you are looking to incorporate them into your operations or relocate them somewhere else.
Photo by Merlin Tuttle©
Get Support for Bat Management
If you have bats at your accommodation or have had encounters with bats, take the bat survey, so the BC CBP can engage with you and your team to help you devise a plan on how to manage the bats.
BC Community Bat Program (BCCBP)
The BC Community Bat Program is a network of community bat projects across BC, carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Environment. In the Okanagan region, we work with landowners to protect their bat roost sites and use bat-friendly exclusion methods, document the number of known roost sites in human-made structures, promote citizen science such as bat counts to monitor bat populations and White-nose Syndrome surveillance at active bat roosts, train Bat Ambassadors, and work with many partners towards implementation of Bat-friendly Communities.
Thompson Okanagan Wage Survey by go2HR | Submit by April 14, 2023
go2HR is conducting a confidential wage survey for tourism and hospitality employers in the Thompson Okanagan region. The goal for this survey is to provide results in a timely manner so that employers can use real-time data to inform their business planning the upcoming summer season and beyond.
The survey is open until April 14, 2023 and participants will receive a report in May 2023 with region-specific wage information to assist employers in making informed business decisions. If successful, the survey will be repeated on an annual basis.
go2HR is conducting a confidential wage survey for tourism and hospitality employers in the Thompson Okanagan region. The survey aims to compile current, region-specific wage information to help Thompson Okanagan employers make informed decisions about their business planning for the upcoming summer season and beyond.
The survey is open until April 14, 2023 and participants will receive a report in May 2023 with region-specific wage information to assist employers in making informed business decisions. Results will not be shared publicly.
The goal for this survey is to provide results in a timely manner so that employers can use real-time data to inform their business planning the upcoming summer season and beyond.
If successful, the survey will be repeated on an annual basis.
Background
Why a wage survey?
The go2HR Regional HR Advisory Services team recognized a need for current, region-specific wage information through go2HR's ongoing work with employers in the Thompson Okanagan region and many requests over the past years.
Credible wage surveys are valuable in any economic environment. They provide statistical insights into the markets in which you compete for employee skills. A better understanding of current salary ranges in the region allow you to build your own compensation structures more effectively.
Many large companies complete these salary surveys for different occupations, such as for sales and marketing, accounting, and human resources. The results are typically broken down by large[r] geographic areas like cities across the country (Vancouver, Calgary, etc.). They do not allow for, or typically poll, smaller centres like the Thompson Okanagan tourism region.
This survey is intended as a truly regional solution in a similar way that the go2HR Employment Tracker provides region-specific data to track changes in employment and major trends in our industry and to monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19.
Why now?
As part of the HR Advisory Services initiative that began early in the summer of 2022, wages have emerged as a key theme for businesses several regions. By conducting a regional wage survey, Thompson Okanagan employers will have data that can be used to inform their practices and prepare for the upcoming summer season and beyond.
This Regional Wage Survey began as a 2-year pilot project in the fall of 2022 in the Kootenay Rockies Tourism region. Building on its success, the survey, and methodology, go2HR is now offering the survey to employers in the Thompson Okanagan region. If successful, this will be repeated on an annual basis.
What’s in it for my business?
When you sign up to participate, you get access to all the results. These results will not be shared with the general public or any non-participating businesses, and could give you a ‘leg up’ in this highly competitive market for talent.
The “ask” of participating businesses:
After you sign up to participate, you will be asked to provide the following information:
Sector and size of business
Sub-region within the Thompson Okanagan in which the business is located
Entry level wages for each position on the list that you have in your business.
Employment type - seasonal, year-round, or if both
Seasonal bonuses and, if so, the amount
Positions to Be Surveyed
Leadership
Housekeeping supervisor
Executive housekeeper
Front Desk Supervisor
Front Office Manager
Accounting Supervisor
F&B Supervisor
F&B Manager
Chef de Partie
Sous Chef
Executive Chef
Retail Manager
Activities Manager or Operations
Manager
Golf Supervisor
Entry Level
Room attendant or housekeeper
House person or room checker
Laundry attendant
Front Desk Agent
Night Auditor
Server
Bartender
Dishwasher
Line or Prep Cook or Cook
Retail attendant or associate
Activities attendant
Activity Coordinator
Activity Guide
Turf care specialist
Golf Services Agent or Specialist
Beverage Cart Host or Server
Maintenance Worker
Bus Driver
For more info, please email HR@go2HR.ca.
Spread the Word
Please share this opportunity with HR and management team members at your company and with other tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Community Well-Being Survey Launches to All Residents of BC on International Happiness Day
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has launched the Community Well-Being Survey on International Day of Happiness, March 20, 2023. All B.C. residents are invited to take the Community Well-Being Survey between March 20 and April 30, 2023.
March 20, 2023, Kelowna, B.C. - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has launched the Community Well-Being Survey on International Day of Happiness, March 20, 2023. The survey is being conducted in collaboration with the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and Planet Happiness, a tourism focused arm of the Happiness Alliance non-profit organization.
The goal is to measure how happy and healthy British Columbia’s residents are feeling and to further strengthen the relationship between the tourism industry, its residents and their well-being.
All B.C. residents are invited to take the Community Well-Being Survey between March 20 and April 30, 2023.
British Columbia is an incredible destination full of endless activities to explore nature and connect with others. The survey aims to collect insights from British Columbians on what makes this province an exceptional place to live as well as what brings its residents satisfaction and contentment. The survey contains questions about mental health, lifestyle, hobbies, feelings toward tourism, and daily activities.
The Community Well-being Survey is a state-of-the-art, scientifically-valid tool created by the Happiness Alliance. It is based on the country of Bhutan's pioneering approach to move beyond basic economic measures to determine a population’s “Gross National Happiness.” Inspired by Buddhist concepts, the term is defined as a “multi-dimensional approach to finding a balance between material well-being and a society’s spiritual, emotional, and cultural needs.”
Once the data is analyzed, a one-page destination score-card is produced that provides in-depth, data-rich reports that spark conversations about tourism and destination well-being, and how this relationship can be strengthened within the province.
British Columbians have proven their capacity for resiliency and moving forward together throughout the pandemic. As the world continues to return to normal, the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) wants to ensure resident well-being is at the forefront of reintegrating tourism to the communities.
One of the BCRTS’ objectives is to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and to support recovery efforts in the province due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional goals of this survey initiative include: raising global awareness and participation in the Gross National Happiness (GNH) and “Beyond GDP” agenda, as well as contributing to the BCRTS’ Tourism Impact Portal.
Help Spread the Word
Individuals and companies are encouraged to share the survey with team members and communities before the survey closes on April 30, 2023. To make sharing easy, TOTA has prepared a Media Kit with sample promotion materials for email and social media.
British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a collaboration between the following five B.C. regional destination management organizations: Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and 4VI (Vancouver Island).
The regions within BCRTS are not-for-profit societies governed by the BC Societies Act. They are industry-led organizations, governed by an elected Board of Directors, who represent and support business and community tourism interests throughout each region.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia and the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.
TOTA is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.
For more information visit TOTABC.org
Happiness Alliance
Happiness Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to contribute to the transformations of economies and societies so that the happiness of people, the well-being of communities, and the sustainability of ecosystems is the primary aim of governance, enterprise, and people. Since 2010, the Happiness Alliance has provided happiness and well-being tools and resources, including the Happiness Index. Executive Director Laura Musolanski has authored multiple books and articles and is also the co-author of the Happiness Policy Handbook.
For more information visit HappyCounts.org
Planet Happiness
Planet Happiness is a grassroots, big data project to introduce happiness and well-being science, policy, and practice to local communities, governments, and businesses connected to the travel and tourism industry. Dr. Paul Rogers co-founder and director of Planet Happiness, has over 20 years of experience as a tourism advisor to national and local government and has worked in more than a dozen countries across Asia, Africa, and Australia.
For more information visit OurHeritageOurHappiness.org
New 3D Virtual Tours Highlight Accessible Features at Tourism Venues in the Thompson Okanagan
TOTA and Spinal Cord Injury BC have partnered to share 22 Virtual Venue Tours of Thompson Okanagan accommodation and attractions. The virtual tours showcase priority accessible features to help people easily plan a visit based on their specific requirements.
View tours: https://ThompsonOkanagan.com/virtual-tours
Kelowna, B.C. - Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC), and their Access BC program have launched Virtual Venue Tours, a mapping project to improve access and inclusion for people exploring the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. 22 tours are available on ThompsonOkanagan.com as of March 2023 showcasing priority accessible features of various accommodations and attractions in Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, Naramata, Keremeos, Cawston, and Chase.
The virtual platform is easy to navigate on desktop and mobile devices, allowing people to explore venues and determine whether accessible features meet their specific requirements. When planning a visit, trip planners can explore the venues virtually and make informed decisions about which ones to experience in person.
The Virtual Venue Tours project was created for the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, which supports businesses to improve access and inclusion for visitors and staff through various services; with support from the Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI) fund from the Province of BC.
"This project will help improve access and inclusion for all visitors to the Thompson Okanagan region. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the beauty of the region, and this program will make it easier for people to do so," said TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews.
At launch, these tours showcase the accessible features of the following venues who have participated in the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program or are committed to access and inclusion:
Chase:
Kamloops:
Penticton:
The 3D images were created by Jody Wall Photography, a BC-based photographer and are hosted on the TourMkr platform.
More virtual tours will be added as funding becomes available.
To view the tours, visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/virtual-tours
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About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, & Culture. It 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.
As a Biosphere Certified Destination, TOTA is committed to working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including goals related to access and inclusion, such as “Reduced Inequalities” and “Sustainable Cities & Communities.” becoming a world-renowned accessible tourism destination and to promote “Access & Inclusion” in all aspects of community and tourism experiences, products, and services in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Learn more at TOTABC.org.
About Spinal Cord Injury BC:
Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI BC) is a non-profit organization based in British Columbia, Canada, that provides support and resources for individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury, as well as their families and caregivers. The organization was founded in 1957 and has since grown to become a leading resource for those affected by spinal cord injury.
SCI BC offers a wide range of programs and services, including peer support, information and referral, community outreach, and advocacy. One of the key initiatives of SCI BC is the development of accessible technology and equipment for people with spinal cord injuries, with a focus on enhancing mobility and independence. The organization also provides education and awareness programs to promote understanding and inclusion in the community.
Learn more at SCI-BC.ca.
For more information, contact:
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Industry Communications Survey: Share Your Feedback and Enter to Win a SilverStar Mountain Resort Getaway by Friday, March 31
Hatch has prepared a survey for tourism stakeholders to share their feedback, along with a draw, with a chance to win a SilverStar Summer Getaway (1 night accommodation, 2 bike park / sightseeing tickets, bike rentals). The prize was kindly donated by Destination Silver Star.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is working with Hatch Hospitality to assess and revamp communications efforts with Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals, companies, and communities.
Hatch has prepared a survey for tourism stakeholders to share their feedback, along with a draw, with a chance to win a SilverStar Summer Getaway (1 night accommodation, 2 bike park / sightseeing tickets, bike rentals). The prize was kindly donated by Destination Silver Star.
Hatch will send email requests to TOTA subscribers throughout the month. The survey is also available through the link below.
We encourage you to answer the questions thoroughly and honestly. Hatch will analyze results and share an aggregate and anonymized report with with TOTA. Results will help inform the communications strategy for the upcoming year.
The contest ends Friday, March 31 at 11:59 PM.
About Hatch Hospitality
Hatch Hospitality is a tourism, hospitality and lifestyle PR agency with offices in Vancouver and the Okanagan Valley. Hatch specializes in communications for luxury hotels, wineries, destinations, restaurants, events, people making a difference in their community, and more.
Hatch's team members - Ned Bell, Kate Colley, and Krista Lochhead - have spent decades representing some of the world's most beautiful, delicious and engaging destinations and an impressive track record.
Learn more at HatchComms.ca.
Introducing the BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN), a Support Program to Incorporate Sustainability Practices into Business Operations and Marketing
The BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN), a new program launching in March 2023, provides one-on-one support and resources to tourism businesses wishing to incorporate sustainability into their operations.
TOTA invites tourism organizations to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to learn and plan with education, resources, customized action plans, and tools around the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
The first intake of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network is now open. Registration is free, quick, and easy. Space is limited.
For Immediate Release: Monday, March 6, 2023
Kelowna, B.C. - The BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) regions, including the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), are pleased to announce a new sustainability initiative called the BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN), launching in March 2023 with support from Pacific Economic Development Canada.
The BC Tourism Sustainability Network provides one-on-one support and resources to tourism businesses wishing to incorporate sustainability into their operations. This streamlined, supportive program will help tourism operators, regardless of prior experience, define a clear roadmap to integrate sustainability in their operations, strategy, and storytelling.
TOTA invites tourism organizations to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to learn and plan with education, resources, customized action plans, and tools around the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
The first intake of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network is now open. Registration is free, quick, and easy. Space is limited.
To get started, complete the form at https://TourismSustainability.ca and a Program Advisor will be in touch.
Program Overview
The BC Tourism Sustainability Network has been designed to support tourism businesses on their sustainability journey, providing foundational knowledge, capacity, best practices, and action across the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
Participating businesses are paired with a Program Advisor who completes a needs assessment and creates a customized roadmap to sustainability. This plan includes high-value resource guides and videos to support businesses in their chosen focus areas - such as energy, waste, water, and carbon footprint.
Further resources cover topics like responsible travel, regenerative tourism, and sustainability planning.
Sustainability subject matter experts from Synergy Enterprises will host a series of three virtual workshops. These engaging sessions will be open to all businesses participating in the program and dive deeper into one of the three core pillars of sustainability - People, Planet, and Prosperity.
Program Details
One-on-one Guidance
Participating businesses will start the program by meeting with a BCTSN Program Advisor for a sustainability consultation. Program Advisors develop a customized sustainability roadmap for participating businesses that include next steps, recommended educational resources and partner program referrals to support ongoing sustainability goals.
Educational Resources
In collaboration with Synergy Enterprises, the BCTSN will develop a series of educational guides, videos, and resources on a wide range of sustainability topics. These user-friendly resources will be hosted on the TourismResiliency.ca website and help guide businesses through the planning and implementation phases of incorporating sustainable practices into everyday operations.
Workshop Series
In addition to the sustainability guides, videos and resources, three live workshops will be hosted by the Synergy Enterprises team. These engaging workshops are open to all participating businesses, and will dive deeper into one of the three core pillars of sustainability - People, Planet, and Prosperity
Learn More & Get Started
To learn more about the BC Tourism Sustainability Network and how it can benefit your business, please fill out this Request for Information Form and a Program Advisor will contact you with the next steps.
About
BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS)
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO):
Previously, the BCRTS partners collaborated on the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, a long-term resiliency program that provided B.C. tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt, and work towards eventual recovery.
Learn more at TourismResiliency.ca.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia and the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.
TOTA is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.
Learn more at TOTABC.org.
For more information, contact:
Ellen Walker-Matthews
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Recap of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit: Biospherology Master Class
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit: Biospherology Master Class was an immersive experience unlike any other Summit the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has hosted. 120 people from across the region and British Columbia attended the Summit at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), February 21 - 22, 2023.
Attendees had an action packed day on their feet, moving through the TRU Campus with industry leaders who are experts in their respective fields. Through the Master Class collaborative, “hands on" approach, attendees gained knowledge and inspiration to incorporate responsible, sustainable practices into their communities and workplaces.
On February 21 & 22, the TOTA team hosted the 2022/23 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit in Kamloops, with 9 speakers through 6 presentations and 3 immersive sessions, sharing inspiration and key learnings with over 120 attendees.
The Biospherology theme reflected the focus on continuous education for tourism professionals that will ultimately elevate visitor experiences, strengthen businesses, regenerate communities, and reduce impacts within the surrounding environments.
Attendees finished the day with inspiration to take back to their companies and communities. The event was carbon neutral.
In case you missed it (or want to relive it), here are some of the highlights:
Welcome Party
On Tuesday, Tourism Kamloops hosted the Slide Into the Kamloops Social Scene Welcome Party at the Kamloops Curling Club and the Sandman Centre, in conjunction with the Scotties Tournament of Hearts Canadian women’s curling competition.
Attendees got a local taste, with live music by Dave Coalmine appetizers by Black Salt Catering and samples from the following:
The group then ventured to the Sandman Centre to watch provincial teams face off in the tournament.
Biospherology Master Class
On Wednesday, attendees got up bright and early for the Biospherology Master Class at Thompson Rivers University. The day started with breakfast and words of welcome from TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews.
Attendees ventured to the BC Centre for a Secwépemc welcome from Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc members and drummers. Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir shared her story and her community’s journey from finding the missing children at the Kamloops Residential School in 2020, to seeking reconciliation by visiting the Vatican.
We heard from Inuit artist Angus Cockney about his personal experience in residential school and his inspiring story about how he was able to move forward.
It is important to involve Indigenous communities in tourism and industry events, as they are the First Peoples of the land known today as the Thompson Okanagan. Indigenous people have continuously played an important role as stewards and the very core identity of Canadian places. We look forward to seeing Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc and the 32 other Indigenous communities in the region as they grow and thrive.
Today, all individuals and organizations have a role to play in reconciliation. To learn more how tourism professionals and businesses can support reconciliation, visit Indigenous Tourism BC.
The “Working with Indigenous Communities: Guide to Developing Tourism Relationships” is an excellent resource to get started.
Immersive Master Classes
Then the group split into 1 of 3 Immersive Master Class. Each session was held three times so everyone had the chance to learn from the three industry leaders:
Build it Better led by James Gordon from TRU’s Environmental Programs and Research took professionals behind the scenes, walls, and infrastructure of Thompson Rivers University to demonstrate their commitment to a zero carbon future and how they have built infrastructure, systems, and creating innovations to ensure they meet those targets.
Another Perspective: Accessibility Immersive led by Sonja Gaudet (Thompson Okanagan Access & Inclusion Liaison and Gold Medal Paralympian) and Ginger Brunner (go2HR) shared a first hand experience what employees and guests experience if they have difficulties or impairments of sight, sensory, and mobility.
The Trash Buffet by Ben Liegey, founder of Better Table, shared how to utilize food sources that would normally be tossed. This hands-on session demonstrated a less wasteful approach to cooking and eating habits both at work and at home. Planning, education, and creativity can take cores, stems, and peels, then turn them into zero waste culinary magic.
For example, attendees tried a plant based Banana Bread made with banana peels and aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of eggs.
Attendees heard from Tourism Industry Association BC CEO, Walt Judas, on Emergency Preparedness and the BC Emergency Management Framework, including insights into the structure to support tourism partners and visitors on matters related to the four pillars of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Over lunch, Rebecca Mackenzie (CEO + President) of the Culinary Tourism Alliance shared her passion about the interconnection between food, agriculture, tourism, arts, and culture. As well, the Culinary Tourism Alliance’s vision is to ensure food tourism is a meaningful and sustainable contributor to local economies in destinations worldwide. The alliance works with communities to grow food tourism by leveraging the history, heritage, and culture behind the food and drink that makes each destination unique.
As the closing keynote, Sonja Gaudet, Canadian Paralympic Gold Medalist, shared her story as the world’s most decorated wheelchair curler with three Paralympic gold medals (2006, 2010, 2014) and Canadian Curling Hall of Fame and BC Sports Hall of Fame inductee.
Born in North Vancouver and now residing in Vernon, Sonja shared how she has always approached challenges with her “can do” attitude and with that she paved the way for wheelchair curling across the nation.
The event ended with a Graduation Party, to celebrate the learnings of the day and a commitment to move forward better. Graduates received a mason jar grad cap, custom 3D printed from recycled material by The Rogerie. The mason jar was filled with goodies, including soap made with captured carbon dioxide from Fortis BC, part of their Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) program.
Future Events
The next TOTA Summit will be held in Penticton in October/November 2023 in conjunction with the TOTA AGM. As well, TOTA hosts an annual golf tournament in August/September.
More details will be available soon through the TOTA News Centre.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors - click to visit their website to learn more about their company:
