News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
St. Jude's Anglican Church in Greenwood Destroyed by Fire
A massive overnight fire in Greenwood, BC destroyed the original St. Jude’s Anglican Church and historic elementary school, as a well as one home. No lives were lost and the rest of the town was protected, thanks to the hard work of the firefighters.
A massive overnight fire in Greenwood, BC destroyed the original St. Jude’s Anglican Church, the historic elementary school, one home, and a garage. No lives were lost and the rest of the town was protected, thanks to the hard work of the firefighters.
The church dated to 1901, and was the second oldest remaining church in Greenwood. The building was a connection to the earliest days of the city and the region. Over 123 years, generations attended for baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other events.
Our hearts go out to the community of Greenwood and the many people who felt a connection to the St. Jude’s Anglican Church.
Predator Ridge Announces Ritz-Carlton Residences
Predator Ridge is bringing the Ritz-Carlton Residences to the Okanagan region in 2026. This is the first Ritz-Carlton standalone branded residential development in Western Canada.
Congratulations to Predator Ridge as they bring a luxury brand to the Okanagan Region. Predator Ridge, owned by Wesbild Holdings Ltd., will build the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Residences, Okanagan, in 2026. This will be the first Ritz-Carlton standalone branded residential development in Western Canada.
The development will be situated above the Outlook neighborhood and feature high-end luxury homes and villas. The Residences are a major step forward for Predator Ridge and the surrounding area, providing ample opportunities to stimulate growth within the Canadian economy.
There has been a growing consumer demand for branded, standalone properties within resort-style, amenity-rich communities with Residences currently in Montreal and Toronto. The Ritz-Carlton is a world-renowned luxury brand that is continuing to grow in Canada.
For more information, see the Predator Ridge Media Release.
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Baldy Mountain Resort
Join TOTA in welcoming Baldy Mountain Resort to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. The team at Baldy Mountain Resort understands that even small sustainable actions and initiatives can make a huge difference and become part of the company culture.
Join TOTA in welcoming Baldy Mountain Resort to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
Baldy Mountain Resort was founded in 1968 after a passionate community saw the potential for the outdoor adventures possible on Baldy Mountain in Oliver, BC. Since its early beginnings, the resort has been beloved by residents and visitors alike. Renowned for its light, dry powder it has continued to adjust and adapt with the installation of additional ski lifts and growing activities for all ages and skill levels.
Sustainability Initiatives
Baldy Mountain Resort’s Biosphere lead, Troy Lucas, found learning about the possible sustainability initiatives for businesses to implement both humbling and eye-opening. Troy has long told others in the tourism industry that even small actions and initiatives make an impact and that acting sustainably becomes part of company culture that employees take pride in.
Baldy Mountain Resort is working towards becoming a sustainable, year-round destination. One way they are doing this is their human-made lake at the resort which will act as a fire suppression and water source in the summer and can also be used as a skating surface for guests in the winter.
We look forward to seeing these and other sustainability initiatives at Baldy Mountain Resort.
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.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Destination Osoyoos
Join TOTA in welcoming Destination Osoyoos to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. Destination Osoyoos is dedicated to preserving the region so residents and visitors can enjoy Osoyoos for years to come.
Join TOTA in welcoming Destination Osoyoos to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
Destination Osoyoos is committed to providing awareness and destination marketing for Osoyoos, at the southernmost point of the Thompson Okanagan region. Osoyoos is home to a desert environment, some of the warmest average temperatures, and the warmest fresh-water lake in Canada. It is fitting that they offer Canada’s warmest welcome to visitors who can experience wineries, activities, and the rich Indigenous culture of the Syilx Osoyoos Indian Band all year round.
Sustainability Initiatives
Destination Osoyoos is dedicated to preserving the region so residents and visitors can enjoy Osoyoos for years to come. Their efforts in the Biosphere program have provided positive examples of how to travel and enjoy the region in an environmentally friendly way that ensures preservation, supports long-term economic viability, and responds to consumer demands for eco-friendly options.
When they first started working towards the Biosphere Commitment designation, Destination Osoyoos believed that it would involve a lot of resources and a large time commitment. However, they found they were already fulfilling many action items of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in their day-to-day operations. As well, the support from their Program Success Advisor made it easier to ensure they were meeting their goals.
Destination Osoyoos is utilizing the program to create marketing initiatives to help promote sustainable tourism experiences like biodynamic and organic wine and culinary offerings.
The newly launched sustainability landing page showcases their organization's efforts towards sustainability and encourages visitors to choose responsible tourism practices while they visit the community, including leaving no trace, acknowledging the Indigenous Host Nations, reducing consumption, and choosing greener transportation.
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.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
Destination BC Co-op Tourism Marketing Partnerships and Thompson Okanagan Travel Resources
Destination BC (DBC) announced $4.38M in funding to help partners drive consumer demand, educate visitors on responsible travel practices, and increase tourism revenues in communities through destination and activity sector marketing initiatives across the province, including in the Thompson Okanagan.
Destination BC (DBC) announced $4.38M in funding to help partners drive consumer demand, educate visitors on responsible travel practices, and increase tourism revenues in communities through destination and activity sector marketing initiatives across the province.
The Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program invests resources into marketing that supports responsible, short-haul visitation in more seasons, and more areas of the province. This year, the program expanded its initiative eligibility criteria to include visitor education marketing, emphasizing Destination BC’s – and the BC tourism industry’s – commitment to responsible tourism.
Thompson Okanagan projects include:
The communities of Vernon, Lumby, the Okanagan Indian Band, and Destination Silver Star are embodying the spirit of the Co-op program for their latest venture, collaborating this year to create Explore North Okanagan. This new collective, led by Destination Silver Star, aims to create a cohesive way to move all travellers throughout the region, create educational messaging around minimizing impacts to communities and nature, and share the living history and stories of local Indigenous cultures.
Led by the Fishing Highway Tourism Association and partnered with Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Tourism Wells Gray, and Tourism Kamloops, Land of Hidden Waters promotes the unique beauty, natural wonders and road trip experiences along the corridor and connectors of Hwy 25, Hwy 5, Hwy 97, and Wells Gray Park. With a focus on sustainable travel, freshwater experiences are now more accessible than ever with EV road trip itineraries that include practical tips such as charging station locations, charging etiquette, and places to stay along the way.
As well as:
Sector projects include:
The BC Ale Trail’s immersive self-guided experiences for foodies, adventurers, and nature lovers provides beer enthusiasts with over 225 breweries to discover across the province in all seasons. A visit to the BC Ale Tail website provides travellers with information on different regions, food and beverage offers, and experiences, as well as a link to download the BC Ale Trail mobile app, which highlights partner liquor stores, tap houses, sip & stays, tours, Visitor Centres, attractions, and more.
The Fishing BC marketing initiative brings together the fresh and saltwater fishing sectors under one provincial collaborative marketing effort to get more anglers fishing in BC. A visit to the Fishing BC website takes travellers through a broad range of year-round fishing experiences destinations across BC. They have raised awareness of fishing opportunities for people with mobility challenges, and this year, the sector will also create visitor education marketing campaigns that promote safe, respectful, and sustainable use of resources, including boat and river safety.
As well as:
A notable example related to sustainable tourism:
Now in its second year, Don’t Love it to Death has become a leader in visitor education marketing. Through social ads, videos, ambassador partnerships, community installations, and more, it aims to educate residents and visitors in the Sea-to-Sky corridor to be mindful of the impact they can have, providing tips and tongue-in-cheek calls to action for responsible outdoor recreation. The Co-op initiative is led by Tourism Whistler, with partners Tourism Squamish, Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association, Discover Surrey, Sunshine Coast Tourism, Tourism Abbotsford, Tourism Burnaby, Tourism Pemberton, Tourism Hope, Cascades & Canyons, and Tourism Harrison River Valley.
For more information, see the Destination BC announcement.
Emergency Preparedness Week Resources (May 5-11, 2024)
Emergency Preparedness Week is May 5 to 11 in 2024, and is a great time to learn about getting prepared for emergencies, such as reviewing the updated resources from the Province of BC and Destination BC.
May 5-11, 2024 is Emergency Preparedness Week in BC, and it's a great time for individuals and businesses to learn about getting prepared for emergencies.
The Province has a wealth of resources available including;
Using technology in emergency management
Knowing the hazards in your community, using the PreparedBC Hazard Map
How to make an emergency plan
Throughout the week, Destination BC will be highlighting the Tourism Emergency Management Committee's (TEMC) work, messaging and resources through their newsletter, website, and LinkedIn, under the slogan “Prepare and Share”.
Here are a couple of examples:
Updated emergency messaging guide, infographics, and resources for industry
New and updated Infographics (in the TEMC’s public Google Hub)
Reminders to create crisis comms plans (TEMC comms guidance and check-lists)
Suggested emergency apps/platforms: Alertable, BC Wildfire, Drive BC etc.
Also to note, as part of Emergency Preparedness Week, an emergency alert test will be issued to cellphones, television and radio at 10:55 am (PT) on Wednesday, May 8.
The test alert will go to all compatible cellphones, and will interrupt radio and television broadcasts. This test will assess the system’s readiness for an actual emergency and identify any required adjustments.
BC Hotel Association Announces Launch of Emergency Management Central Booking Portal
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has announced the development of the Emergency Management Central Booking Portal. This portal will enhance the booking efficiency for Emergency Support Services (ESS) evacuee support in B.C.
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has announced the development of the Emergency Management Central Booking Portal.
The reservation system aims to accelerate the process of sheltering evacuees by enhancing the coordinating and booking efficiencies for Emergency Support Services (ESS) evacuee support in B.C. for the year 2024.
The pilot reservation system will go live in three host communities, Kamloops, Kelowna, and Prince George, in June 2024. The system will provide live availability for accommodations while simultaneously tracking evacuee placements.
Commit to Workplace Safety for National Safety & Health Week
May 6 to 11 is National Safety & Health Week. Create a safe and strong workplace by accessing free resources and training from go2HR.
May 6 to 11 is National Safety & Health Week. Employers can gear up for this week-long event by accessing the free resources from go2HR.
Health & safety training promotes a positive safety culture that results in the reduction rate and duration of injuries, improves employee morale, and attracts and retains employees.
Destination Events Support Fund by Tourism Kamloops
Tourism Kamloops has recently announced a new RFP funding opportunity, the Destination Events Support Fund. They are seeking proposals from businesses and organizations who want to develop annual destination events in Kamloops between October and April.
Tourism Kamloops has recently announced a new RFP funding opportunity, the Destination Events Support Fund. This was developed because Tourism Kamloops is committed to elevating Kamloops as an attractive, year-round destination by investing in strategies that focus on off-peak visitation. They are seeking proposals from businesses and organizations who want to develop annual destination events in Kamloops between October and April.
Program Goals:
- Generate incremental visitation and overnight stays in October, November, December, January, February, March & April.
- Develop the destination in off-peak months by creating events that enhance perception, increase awareness, and stimulate advocacy for Kamloops in key markets (social media & word-of-mouth)
- Enhance resident sentiment
- Increase net promoter score
Find out if you qualify for the funding by visiting TourismKamloops.com /Event-Support-Fund.
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.
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)
Small companies can get rebates 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.
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.
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.
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.
Sustainable Tourism Course by eLearningU
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 your business/destination. Early bird pricing is available. Use discount code BC300 to receive a $300 discount.
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.
2023 Resident Perceptions of BC's Tourism Industry Report by Destination BC
Destination BC released a on report on the 2023 Resident Perceptions of BC’s Tourism Industry survey, launched in November 2023 to understand the perceptions BC residents have of the tourism industry on both community and provincial levels. The survey found that the majority of BC residents continue to value the impact that tourism has on their communities.
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).
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.
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
TOTA Golf Tournament Sponsors and Prizes | Join us May 30, 2024 in Kamloops
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.
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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. 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.
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. The team at Watermark Beach Resort is implementing sustainable practices to minimize environmental impacts while contributing to the well-being and longevity of the region.
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
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. TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews delivered the opening presentation and took part in a panel on crisis communications for BC fairs.
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.