Pacific Coastal Airlines Expands Service Between Vancouver and Penticton for Spring and Summer 2024

We are thrilled that Pacific Coastal Airlines has expanded their flight services between Vancouver International Airport South Terminal (YVR) and Penticton Regional Airport (YYF) for the upcoming Spring and Summer seasons.

From April 28 through June 22, 2024, travellers can enjoy increased connectivity with two daily flights operated by the reliable Saab 340B aircraft, accommodating up to 34 passengers.

From June 23 to September 7, 2024, Pacific Coastal Airlines will further expand its services to three flights on Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays, and select Wednesdays, as well as maintain two flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, all operated by the Saab 340B aircraft. Additionally, a Saturday service will be provided using the Beechcraft 1900, accommodating up to 19 passengers, offering an up to 1,126 seat increase overall each week.

These flights will be key in providing travellers with convenience and flexibility when planning their journeys and demonstrate Pacific Coastal Airline’s commitment to making the Thompson Okanagan more accessible to air travellers.

To celebrate the expansion of flights to and from Penticton, Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering a special promotion. Passengers can enjoy a 20% discount on bookings using the promo code: YYF20 Further details regarding the promotion can be found on the Pacific Coastal Airlines website.

Learn more about these new flights at PacificCoastal.com.

Securing Small Business Rebate Now Open (until funds are expended, or January 2025)

Recognizing the increased costs to businesses due to property crime and vandalism in rural and urban communities across the province, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation is sending a reminder that its $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program, is open, and will run through to January 2025 (or until funds are expended).

The Program will provide small businesses with funds for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures and covers expenses incurred between January 2023 to December 30, 2024. The BC Chamber of Commerce will administer the rebate program.

Learn more and apply →

Online Auction Benefitting Care Camps Foundation | Donate by May 10, place bids by May 20

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) supports the Care Camps Foundation. Over the past two years almost $15,000 has been raised through the annual auction, donations and other fundraising events.

The auction is now open for bidding through to May 20. Tourism business can participate and/or donate to these fundraising efforts to support the Care Camps Foundation get/share a fantastic holiday, a new product or gift cards, and more.

Learn more

Sustainable Tourism Course by eLearningU

This series of live, interactive Zoom lessons will demonstrate the demand for sustainable travel, highlight the opportunities, then empower you to take advantage.

Learn from experts from around the world who will go beyond the need for sustainable practices to define the business opportunity and the ways that we can all take steps to develop, attract, and grow sustainable travel for businesses and destinations.

Program goals include:

• Empower businesses to embrace the sustainability need and identify the opportunity for sustainable travel

• Build the skills necessary to connect sustainable businesses with travellers

• Create engaged and informed stakeholders

• Develop thriving local tourism economies

Early bird pricing is available. Use discount code BC300 to receive a $300 discount.

Learn more and register

2023 Resident Perceptions of BC's Tourism Industry Report by Destination BC

Destination BC released the results from the 2023 Resident Perceptions of BC’s Tourism Industry survey. The survey was launched in November 2023 to understand the perceptions BC residents have of the tourism industry on both community and provincial levels.

Some key highlights noted in the announcement include:

• The majority of BC residents continue to value the impact that tourism has on their communities.

• A large percentage agree that tourism supports a greater diversity of amenities (78%), contributes positively to the quality of life of their community (72%), and its positive impacts in their community outweigh the negative ones (75%).

• Residents take pride in making visitors feel welcome (75%) and a strong majority agree their community is a desirable place to visit (79%).

• Province-wide, residents are more likely to support tourism growth during winter (December-February), followed by fall (September-November), and then spring (March-May).

Download and read the full report

View announcement and resources

Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery Becomes First Biosphere Certified Winery in the Thompson Okanagan

Noble Ridge Vineyards & Winery has achieved Biosphere Certification, the first winery within the Thompson Okanagan region to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability management by aligning business operations with each United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, using the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform. 

In 2001, Jim and Leslie D’Andrea purchased land in Okanagan Falls, BC that would become their vineyard and began building their vision. Now, in 2024, Noble Ridge Vineyards & Winery is a sustainability leader selling award-winning wines. The company is named after the noble varieties of grapes grown and the ridge that divides the land on which they thrive. 

For Benoit Gauthier, Director of Winemaking & Viticulture, implementing sustainable practices is a priority to nurture short-, medium-, and long-term benefits for the vines, winery, and region. Gauthier began switching from conventional farming to sustainable farming practices in 2014, initially focused on improving the soil quality. Benoit reduced the use of synthetic fertilizers, sprays, and irrigation water by increasing the organic matter in the soil with the use of compost and organic fertilizer applications. In 2020, he started the Sustainable Winegrowing BC Program with the BC Wine Grape Council. In 2021, Noble Ridge became one of the first vineyards in British Columbia to achieve the Sustainable Winegrowing BC Certification. 

After this accomplishment, the Noble Ridge team decided that the next step was to adopt sustainable practices for the entire business, and the best path was to achieve certification through TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program. 

Sustainability Initiatives

The Noble Ridge team is excited to share a few of their sustainability initiatives with the community.

First is the smart use of energy: Noble Ridge uses solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and high-efficiency heat pumps across the buildings. They have also converted the lights on the property to LED with motion sensors. 

Noble Ridge is also working to become a Living Wage Employer to support the hard-working team at Noble Ridge. 

About the Biosphere Commitment Program 

The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.

Through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform, organizations can create customized sustainability plans and access dedicated support from industry experts.

Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program

Book a Biosphere Introduction Presentation

TOTA Golf Tournament Sponsors and Prizes | Join us May 30, 2024 in Kamloops

The 30th TOTA Golf Tournament will be hosted at Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops on May 30, 2024.

Register for TOTA's 30th Annual Golf Tournament Date: May 30, 2024  Time: 12 PM Event Opens, 1 PM Shotgun Start, 7 PM Dinner & Prizes Venue: Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops Learn More & Register View Promo Kit Video Message from TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews: For 30 years, the TOTA Golf Tournament has brought together people of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry for a day of connection and comradery, and, of course, fun! This year, Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops is playing host to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association’s 30th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 30. The event welcomes staff from tourism and hospitality businesses to come together for an afternoon of mingling, networking, golf, and good times. Register as an individual or as a team - all skill sets and levels are welcome. Tourism Kamloops is the partnering sponsor of this year’s tournament and will be hosting a Western themed reception with all sorts of fun, including a mechanical bull ride that pays tribute to the area’s ranching history. TOTA is thrilled to once again have Corporate Sponsors, TELUS, FortisBC, and Air Canada contributing to the event. Each hole will have one of the following sponsors, with a fun activity or tasting: There will be plenty to enjoy throughout the day, such as: Fred Sarkari, renowned Drink Cart driver from many TOTA golf tournaments (and a professional keynote speaker presenter on leadership, sales, branding, and communication) will return once again. To end the day, Mason’s Kitchen + Bar will serve up a delicious dinner sponsored by Tourism Sun Peaks, followed by conversations, laughter, and announcement of tournament award winners. Prizes for the following contests will be announced shortly: Top three teams Longest drive (men and women) Closest to the pin (men and women) Putting contest Most honest team Get the details and register at TOTABC.org/Golf Spread the Word We encourage you to invite your colleagues and other industry contacts from all sectors of the industry and areas of the region. We created a Golf Tournament Promo Kit to make it easy to share the invite with your colleagues and network. View Promo Kit Connect with TOTA: Subscribe to TOTA News Updates

GreenStep EcoFund Verified Program Assists TOTA Stakeholders to Reduce the Costs of Switching to RNG

TOTA continues its commitment to destination stewardship and sustainability through a partnership with GreenStep and its EcoFund program. GreenStep is an industry leader in guiding businesses to reduce environmental impacts and in turn the region’s carbon footprint. Tourism businesses that join the EcoFund program, collect an EcoFee that helps their businesses to cut down on the consumption of energy, waste and water, by investing in more efficient technologies and renewable energy. The EcoFund is managed by GreenStep and is applied to measurable carbon reduction projects at the participating business. 

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is part of that energy solution and businesses that are GreenStep Verified are now able to use 10% of their EcoFund towards incorporating RNG into their energy portfolio. RNG is a practical way to help mitigate future climate crises and transform BC's energy future by reducing BC's greenhouse gas emissions. Supporting both personal and professional climate goals, this is an important action to aid the Province’s path toward a ‘CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.’ Switching to FortisBC’s renewable natural gas option does not require any new equipment, upgrades, or installations. Customers have the option of replacing 5% to 100% of their natural gas consumption with RNG.

Improving tourism business value is a goal of TOTA and GreenStep. Through the GreenStep EcoFund program businesses access a comprehensive energy and carbon management funding program, and receive the EcoFund Verified seal, marketing assets, and annual summary reports to help communicate the positive impacts they have made. These materials help share the participation in the program, and reflect your dedication and progress towards improving sustainability within the region. If understanding your business's energy consumption or carbon footprint is a commitment for your business, then TOTA’s dedicated Energy Analyst, Harshit Srivastava, can provide a free audit. Harshit specializes in energy and can offer local tourism businesses opportunities for cost-saving options to reduce their carbon footprints. For energy efficiency solutions and to learn more about the benefits of making this simple switch, schedule an Energy Audit with Harshit, or book a free EcoFund opportunity analysis with GreenStep. Projects identified can then be funded in whole or in part through the GreenStep EcoFund program.

About GreenStep Solutions Inc.: GreenStep was founded in 2008 to help small to medium-sized enterprises measure and improve their sustainability performance. To date, the organization has worked with thousands of businesses and organizations of all sizes, in a variety of industries such as tourism and hospitality, retail, professional services, and manufacturing. For more information, visit www.greenstep.ca.

Country Music Awards Week to be Hosted in Kelowna September 2025

Canada’s biggest night in country music is coming to Kelowna in September 2025 for the first time ever during the Canadian Country Music Award Week.

Core to the efforts of the CCMA organization is Country Music Week. It is the focal point for the organization and its members, providing professional development opportunities, showcasing slots, and an opportunity to heighten awareness and increase exposure for Canada’s country music artists.

Hosting this event offers an exciting economic opportunity for the local community during less traveled months. According to Tourism Kelowna, ”Country Music Week 2025 is forecast to generate over 2,000 room nights (not counting fans or families), resulting in an estimated economic impact of over $11 million in Kelowna and BC.“

2025 is going to be an exciting year. If you are interested in attending events during the Country Music Award Week, sign up at the CCMA website to be the first to receive presale access.

New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Watermark Beach Resort

Join TOTA in welcoming Watermark Beach Resort to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.

Watermark Beach Resort is located in Osoyoos, BC, and invites visitors to enjoy the South Okanagan lifestyle while lounging on the beach or by the pool. They offer condo-style suites and amenities like the swimming pool that overlooks Okanagan Lake, dining at 15 Park Bistro, as well as proximity to the beach, dining, and other activities in Osoyoos. 

15 Park Bistro at Watermark Resort serves food with locally sourced ingredients paired with Okanagan Valley wines.

Sustainability Initiatives

Watermark Beach Resort is committed to making sustainable choices to minimize its environmental impact and contribute to the well-being of its community. 

Several factors inspire the team to continue making these sustainable choices: 

• The team believes that sustainability works best when it is a community practice; setting examples for their guests by implementing sustainable practices can encourage them to adopt their own eco-friendly actions to protect the region they are visiting. Sustainable-conscious guests are increasingly seeking eco-friendly options when they visit the region. 

• Watermark has also installed low-flow toilets, reduced their plastic consumption by providing filtered water stations for staff and guests of the resort, and is sourcing products from local suppliers and those who prioritize sustainability. By implementing these sustainable practices, they have reduced costs and offer an easy choice for eco-conscious visitors.

• One of their latest sustainability initiatives can be found when you pull up to the resort: electric vehicle charging stations, available for both guests and employees, to encourage more sustainable travel choices that will reduce emissions and promote a greener community to live, work, and play in.

Biosphere Commitment Program 

The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program developed by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with the necessary tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program aligns ongoing and future business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification to prepare businesses for a globally recognized certification. By accessing the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform, organizations can create customized sustainability plans and utilize dedicated support from industry experts.

Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program

Book a Biosphere Introduction Presentation

BC Fairs Learning Exchange

The BC Fairs Learning Exchange took place in Penticton on April 14-16, bringing together a diverse community of thought leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts from across the realms of business, culture, and innovation. This BC Fairs event serves as a dynamic platform for fostering collaborative dialogue, sharing groundbreaking ideas, and cultivating lasting connections.

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews delivered opening remarks, including an overview of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, the value of agri-tourism, and resources for agri-tourism operators.

Ellen also took part in a panel on Communicating in a Crisis with Leeann Froese and Travel Penticton executive director Thom Tischik, moderated by Allison Markin of All She Wrote Consulting. The panelists discussed how fairs/large events can communicate in a meaningful way when a sudden disaster (fires, floods, road closures, pandemics etc) happens, plus prepare ahead of time by developing reputation management strategies.

Promote Your Business at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre - 2024 Season

Thompson Okanagan tourism companies are invited to share adventures and experiences at the Tourism Inspiration Centre on Highway 97C above Peachland, which receives 35,000+ visitors in a regular season.

TOTA operates the Tourism Inspiration Centre, with a team of Tourism Visitor Information Counsellors available to assist visitors en route to or from their Thompson Okanagan destination.

Note: Biosphere Commitment Program members will receive a 25% discount on listed prices.

Promotion Opportunities for the 2024 Season (May-October)

Outdoor Billboard Space: $500+GST / year

Display a poster for 4' x 8' space facing the Tourism Inspiration Centre and parking lot. This includes the opportunity to host an on-site exhibit space for one weekend during the season to meet with and directly promote your experience to visitors; and one social media post on Tourism Inspiration Centre Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business.
Billboard creation and installation not included.

Brochure Racking Space & QR Code Link to Website: $125+GST / year

Display brochures and link to your website in the Tourism Inspiration Centre. Tourism Inspiration Centre ambassadors will familiarize themselves with your company and share it with visitors. Includes one social media post on Tourism Inspiration Centre Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business. Brochure creation not included.

On-Site Exhibit Space: $150+GST / weekend

Host an on-site exhibit space outside the Tourism Inspiration Centre to meet with and directly promote your experience to visitors. Includes one social media post on Tourism Inspiration Centre Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business. Tent/booth not included.

Secure Your Promotion Space

Availability is limited and offered first come, first serve. To secure your promotion space, submit the Promotion Subscription Form or contact Tourism Inspiration Manager, Barbara Bonnough, at Visit@TOTABC.com.

BC Wine Month - Here's how to get involved, including free online certification

The provincial government proclaimed April 2024 as BC Wine Month for the seventh year.

Wineries are excited to welcome guests this spring and summer and share an abundance of 100% BC wines.

Wineries are hosting tastings, tours and paired dining experiences, as well as yoga, painting and concerts. View winery events and start planning a visit at WineBC.com.

Restaurants and wine shops that serve BC wines are listed on the Pour More BC webpage.

Wine Growers BC are offering the Wines of BC Ambassador Program first level, complimentary for the month. Level One is an online certification course with valuable information on BC wine history, varieties, styles, unique climate, and food pairing expertise. Get certified now – $99 value offered complimentary (promo code BCWINE24) for BC Wine Month.

Want to spread the word? Follow along all BC Wine Month on social media @WinesofBC and tag #BCWineMonth in your BC wine adventures this season.

See Wine Growers BC announcement →

go2HR New Safety Basics Health & Safety Orientation Training (Free)

The Safety Basics Orientation Course is a free, online, asynchronous health and safety training for new and young workers, designed to meet the WorkSafeBC regulatory requirement to provide a health and safety orientation.

This newest addition to go2HR's training portfolio will also help employers deliver a positive onboarding experience, showcasing your commitment to creating a healthy and safe work environment.

Learn more and register

New Policy Will Help BC Liquor Manufacturers Enhance Visitor Experiences

In response to industry feedback, the province has implemented a suite of policy changes to enhance visitor experiences at wineries and other liquor-manufacturing sites this summer.

Improvements to the customer experience include:

• Allowing people to sit and enjoy samples while on a guided tour

• Allowing packaged liquor sales in more places on site, including tours

• Allowing more flexibility around sampling so liquor manufacturers can customize sampling experiences for visitors; and

• Allowing manufacturers to sell and promote their products in picnic areas and host visitors more effectively.

Learn more from the official government announcement

Information Communication Technologies at Hotels Symposium: A Route to Sustainable Development event on April 15 in Kamloops and Online

The TRU Faculty Adventure Culinary Arts and Tourism team invites hotel owners, general managers, and supervisory staff in BC to a symposium on April 15. It is free to attend online and $40 with lunch to attend in person. Sessions include a panel with members representing members Thompson Okanagan businesses: Delta Hotel Kamloops, Sandman, Doubletree, Quality Inn Vernon; and a session by FortisBC's Vladimir Kostka, Major Commercial Key Account Manager for Education and Hospitality.

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and TOTA partner to benefit students in TRU’s tourism management program and support the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab

KAMLOOPS – Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to benefit students in TRU’s tourism management program and support the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab.

The partnership prioritizes collaboration between TRU and TOTA to support students entering the tourism field through learning resources and opportunities, industry mentorship and referrals. TOTA’s support for the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab also fuels business development in the tourism sector.

“I am thrilled to affirm our commitment to fostering the next generation of tourism leaders through our partnership with Thompson Rivers University. Together, we are empowering students with invaluable resources, mentorship and opportunities to innovate within the dynamic tourism sector. This collaboration not only enriches the educational experience but also fuels entrepreneurial spirit, driving forward the future of tourism in our region,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of TOTA.

TRU, in partnership with Tourism Kamloops and the Kamloops Innovation Centre, launched the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab in February 2020. The entrepreneurship program leverages an existing tourism management course at the university and supports students to develop an innovative tourism product through research and industry mentorship.

Students can further develop their business ideas through the Tourism Venture Acceleration Program with support from the TRU Generator and Kamloops Innovation Centre to produce market-ready tourism products that fill current gaps.

“Industry partnership is critical to the success of our program, students and alumni because it keeps education up to speed with market activity and gaps, especially in BC,” said David Carter, assistant teaching professor and director of the Tourism Innovation Lab. “Our partnership with TOTA ensures students have access to resources that are current and reflect the state of the industry today.”

Success stories from the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab include:

• Pilot tour to the McAbee Fossil Beds Heritage Site with Jada Glen

• Guided hiking in Kamloops with Alex Page

• ShredLoops with Steffen Masaites (watch the video here)

Additionally, TOTA has renewed funding for the Tourism Excellence Award first established in 2014 to provide a $1,500 annual scholarship for the top academic student on the Bachelor of Tourism Management Program.

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Contacts:

David Carter, Director, Tourism Innovation Lab
Thompson Rivers University
DCarter@TRU.ca

Ellen Walker Matthews, President and CEO
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Ellen@TOTABC.com

Up Fore Some Fun? Register for TOTA Golf Tournament, May 30, 2024 in Kamloops

Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops is playing host to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association’s 30th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 30.

Yes, there will be great golf on an award-winning course, but this annual tournament is really about bringing people of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry together for a day of connection and comradery, and, of course, fun!

The event welcomes staff from tourism and hospitality businesses to come together for an afternoon of mingling, networking, golf, and fun.

Tourism Kamloops is the partnering sponsor of this year’s tournament and will be hosting a Western themed reception with all sorts of fun, including a mechanical bull ride that pays tribute to the area’s ranching history.

The BC Hospitality Foundation is also supporting the tournament, and will be on the green with a raffle to raise funds for the tremendous work of the foundation.

TOTA is thrilled to once again have Corporate Sponsors, TELUS, FortisBC, and Air Canada along with many others contributing to the event through prizing, hole activations, and other donations.

Throughout the day, enjoy sparkling wine tastings from Monte Creek Winery, sips of cider from Privato Winery & Woodward Cider Co, and a delicious “boozsicle” frozen flavour bomb from Ballistic Arts.

To end the day, Mason’s Kitchen + Bar will be serving up dinner, followed by more networking, fun, and prizes.

Register as an individual or put together a team - all skill sets and levels are welcome.

Get the details and register at TOTABC.org/Golf →

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We hope to see you there and encourage you to invite your colleagues and other industry contacts. This is a great day to connect with individuals from all sectors of the industry and areas of the region, and others from outside the industry are welcome to attend.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Golf@TOTABC.com.

Thank You to the Golf Tournament Sponsors

New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Sharpe Distillery

Join TOTA in welcoming Sharpe Distillery to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. 

Tracy Sharpe, Amy Jo Sharpe, and CEJ Mussell, the family behind Sharpe Distillery, have always been aware of the well-being of the planet and others, so becoming Biosphere Committed and joining an internationally recognized sustainability management program was a natural next step for them. Sharpe Distillery offers visitors an authentic taste of locally produced spirits. Located in Cawston, BC, Sharpe Distillery combines rich family knowledge with ingredients sourced from their backyard, including water from the Similkameen River, to create craft spirits. These unique products are a tribute to their grandfather, Jack Sharpe, and his impact on their community.  

Natural and local ingredients come together to create Sharpe Distilleries signature line of spirits.

Sustainability Initiatives

While working closely with their program success advisor, the team at Sharpe Distillery were pleased to find that many of their ongoing practices already fit into the measurable actions of the program, which gave them a solid footing that could lead to becoming Biosphere Committed.

Along with utilizing local products in their lineup of products and using recycled materials to build tiny homes, the team at Sharpe is continuing to work towards aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For example, the team recently attended the TOTA-hosted and Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) run “2SLGBTQI+ Diversity & Inclusion Training: Creating a Welcoming & Accessible Tourism Workplace” and are becoming Rainbow Registered to foster equality and inclusion in their community. 

Biosphere Commitment Program 

The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program developed by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with the necessary tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program aligns ongoing and future business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification to prepare businesses for a globally recognized certification. By accessing the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform, organizations can create customized sustainability plans and utilize dedicated support from industry experts.

Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program

Book a Biosphere Introduction Presentation

Reintroducing the Biosphere Commitment Program

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is launching the revamped Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program for all tourism companies within the Thompson Okanagan region.

The updated Biosphere Commitment Program builds from a foundation of sustainability programming with a distinct, new focus on the online Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle (BSL) Platform. The BSL platform empowers companies to continuously measure, manage, and report on their sustainability efforts that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while preparing for Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting standards. 

The new webpages for the Biosphere Commitment Program are now live. After carefully considering the community's feedback and analyzing how visitors interact with the site, TOTA has redesigned the Biosphere webpages and implemented changes that enhance navigation and improve functionality.

What’s new?

• The Biosphere Commitment Program Homepage - Discover what makes this program unique and quickly connect to key sections

• Program Overview - Learn more about the program and connect with one of TOTA’s Biosphere Program Success Advisors during your introduction and onboarding process

• Program Success Advisors - Do you want to learn how your actions align with the SDGs? The Program Success Advisors are available to answer any questions

• Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform - Your sustainable actions are uploaded and verified online through the Biosphere sustainability management software

Whether you are an existing Biosphere Commitment Program member or are interested in starting your organization's sustainability journey, TOTA invites you to explore the new webpages to learn more. Feel free to share any feedback with Biosphere@TOTABC.com. or contact a Biosphere Success Advisor to advance your journey towards Biosphere Commitment.

Get Started with the Biosphere Commitment Program

The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program developed by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with the necessary tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program aligns ongoing and future business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification to prepare businesses for a globally recognized certification. By accessing the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform, organizations can create customized sustainability plans and utilize dedicated support from industry experts.

Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
Book a Biosphere Introduction Presentation