News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Indigenous Tourism BC Cultural Safety: Free Online Training Sessions on June 25 & 26
Cultural Safety Training is a two-day virtual session held June 25th and 26th, from 10am-12pm each day over Zoom, facilitated by Shelley Joseph from Ladders 2 Kindness.
This course starts with a journey through Canada's history of colonization and oppression, and teachings of Indigenous ways of being. Participants will each develop actionable items to ensure they can provide trauma-informed and culturally safe services to and for Indigenous people. It is a transformative journey, where Indigenous wisdom meets contemporary practice. Let’s build a kinder, more connected future together.
Cultural Safety Training is a two-day virtual session held June 25th and 26th, from 10am-12pm each day over Zoom, facilitated by Shelley Joseph from Ladders 2 Kindness.
This course starts with a journey through Canada's history of colonization and oppression, and teachings of Indigenous ways of being. Participants will each develop actionable items to ensure they can provide trauma-informed and culturally safe services to and for Indigenous people.
We will delve into the intricate dynamics of lateral violence and lateral kindness, examining its roots in trauma and its manifestations, so we can move forward in the right direction for our common humanity.
It is a transformative journey, where Indigenous wisdom meets contemporary practice. Let’s build a kinder, more connected future together.
This workshop is provided by Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative (ITTI), at no cost to participants.
Please extend the invitation for ITBC's Cultural Safety training to anyone in your network. This is a great opportunity for a shared learning experience.
Eligibility for this course includes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people – all are welcome!
Outdoor Recreation BC Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities
The Outdoor Recreation Council released a new guide offering recreation organizations a roadmap for advancing reconciliation objectives and tools for recreation organizations embarking on discussions and relationship building with First Nations at the community level.
The Outdoor Recreation Council released a new guide offering recreation organizations a roadmap for advancing reconciliation objectives and tools for recreation organizations embarking on discussions and relationship building with First Nations at the community level.
The toolkit is part of an ongoing effort to provide guidance and resources to the outdoor recreation sector on working cooperatively with Indigenous governments and communities on outdoor recreation projects. The hope for the guide is to spark dialogue within groups and to help foster genuine collaboration within Indigenous communities.
Thompson Okanagan featured in Outlook Travel Magazine
Read the latest issue of Outlook Travel Magazine featuring Thompson Okanagan landmarks, travel recommendations, and an interview with Ellen Walker-Matthews.
The Thompson Okanagan region is featured in a travel guide in Issue 17 of Outlook Travel Magazine.
The guide includes region features, travel recommendations, and an interview with TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews about the region’s commitment to sustainability and growth in tourism.
Read the Thompson Okanagan Travel Guide
WORTH Seeking Candidates for 2024 Board of Directors by June 30
WORTH is seeking candidates for its 2024 Board of Directors, to help advance their vision to develop a community of confident, connected women who accelerate their leadership ambitions. Learn more and apply by June 30.
WORTH is seeking candidates for its 2024 Board of Directors, to help advance their vision to develop a community of confident, connected women who accelerate their leadership ambitions.
This year, the Board of Directors has a minimum of three volunteer director positions to be filled. Board terms are two years long and the commitment is about eight hours per month with quarterly board meetings.
WORTH represents all individuals who identify as female and encourage men to join in the efforts. They welcome trans, cis, genderqueer, and non-binary people.
Interested candidates can contact WORTH’s Nominating Committee via email at nominees@worthassociation.com no later than 5:00pm PT on June 30, with a 200-250 word bio statement outlining their pertinent expertise and interest in joining the WORTH Board of Directors.
Learn more about the 2024 Board of Directors opportunity and requirements
2024 Summer Travel Outlook for Canadian Destinations | Deloitte Report
With the arrival of summer, Deloitte has released the Canadian Summer Travel Outlook report, which provides excellent insights for destinations and tourism businesses.
With the arrival of summer, Deloitte has released the Canadian Summer Travel Outlook. The report provides excellent insights for Canadian destinations and tourism businesses.
Highlights include:
Most Canadians (77%) expect to spend the same or more on summer travel this year.
Safety, inclusivity, and accessibility are important to visitors: respectively, 88%, 52%, and 49% think about these concerns when planning a trip.
Canadians find fitness/sports options, all-inclusive packages, nightlife options, beach/pool access, and personalized customer service lacking in travel destinations.
63% of Western Canadians are traveling within their own home region.
80% of Canadians prefer food and drink available from local farmers, chefs, wineries, and breweries
Awareness of Indigenous tourism experiences is rising
Canadians are generally positive about tourism within their own communities. 43% said the benefits of tourism outweighed the costs in their town or city. But another 43% said they were neutral on the issue – which means we all have work to do to educate people about the importance of tourism.
Destination Development Case Studies
Destination development case studies showcase the positive impact of tourism's social, cultural, and economic advantages through destination development initiatives.
Destination BC has put together 12 case studies that showcase the positive impact of tourism's social, cultural, and economic advantages through destination development initiatives.
Read the case study about how Larch Hills Nordic Society and Overlander Ski Club have improved trails and added lighting to bring in more people to cross-country ski at night.
Read the case study about how Big White Ski Resort, SilverStar Mountain Resort, and Sun Peaks Resort answered the demand for more accessible mountain bike infrastructure.
Water Conservation Toolkit
BC’s tourism industry can advocate for water conservation by inspiring residents and visitors to take part in protecting one of the province’s most important resources.
The Tourism Emergency Management Committee has created a Water Conservation Toolkit for the tourism industry, with resources, shareable graphics, tips, messaging, and steps that businesses and industry partners can take, to promote and participate in responsible water use.
Click here to access the full toolkit.
Partnership Opportunities: 2024-25 Resident Perceptions of Tourism Research Survey
There are partnership opportunities available for Regional and City Destination Management Organizations in BC to better understand how residents view tourism in their communities.
There are partnership opportunities available for Regional and City Destination Management Organizations in BC to better understand how residents view tourism in their communities.
RDMOs and CDMOs can contact DBC’s research and analytics team leads to confirm their participation and get more information on the following partnership opportunities.
Learn more about partnership opportunities and contact information at DestinationBC.ca
Trails and Outdoor Recreation in BC - 2024 Ipsos Poll Results
According to a recent survey, outdoor recreation is on the rise in British Columbia and access to outdoor opportunities remains a top priority for residents of BC. Explore the latest trends and insights of the 2024 Ipsos poll below.
According to a recent poll conducted for the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC), 56% of BC residents say access to trails and outdoor recreational amenities influenced their current choice of residence.
The new poll also shows that 89% of respondents are passionate about outdoor recreation and think that increased government investment in the development and maintenance of trails, parks and other recreation amenities will benefit them or their community.
The top identified benefits included: improved physical and mental health (62%), protection of biodiversity and nature (50%), and support of the local economy, for example keeping residents spending locally rather than travelling (44%).
Community parks and trail networks (66%) emerged as the preferred recreational destination for BC residents who participated in outdoor recreation in the past 12 months, followed by beaches/coastal areas (48%), rivers/lakes (45%) and national/provincial parks (41%).
New Supports for People Evacuated Due to Emergencies
To better support people who cannot meet their own needs during evacuations from wildfires and other climate emergencies, the Province is introducing several improved measures stemming from the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies, including accommodation allows, e-transfers, and updates to the EmergencyInfoBC website.
The Province of BC announced additional and faster support for people evacuated from their homes during an emergency.
To better support people who cannot meet their own needs during evacuations from wildfires and other climate emergencies, the Province is introducing several improved measures stemming from the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies, including:
Introducing an accommodation allowance of $200 per night, which is available through Interac e-transfer or at reception centres. This will provide people with greater flexibility choosing where they stay during an evacuation, whether to stay with family or friends, find a hotel on their own or stay at a campground. Alternatively, people can still receive a direct referral to a hotel or other accommodation from their local government or First Nation.
A new Interac e-transfer direct deposit payment option for people who need help securing accommodation during large-scale evacuations. This will help cut down on long lineups at evacuation reception centres and allow people more flexibility and quicker access to emergency funds during an evacuation. People will also have the option of visiting a reception centre to receive financial support in person.
Updating and redesigning the EmergencyInfoBC website (https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/) to improve user experience, especially on mobile devices. This includes introducing a new easy-to-use share feature, inviting people to share validated and accurate emergency information with their social network, such as X and Facebook.
People can access the Interac e-transfer support by creating a profile at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/. When there is a large-scale evacuation, people who have created an Emergency Support Services (ESS) profile can log into the online self-service registration tool to receive instructions about the types of supports available to them and how they can be accessed. People are encouraged to create a profile before an emergency as part of their preparedness. The online self-service registration tool may only be available during large-scale evacuations.
People are encouraged to consider getting home or tenant insurance, which is one of the best ways people can protect their families in the event of an emergency. In B.C, home insurance that provides coverage for fire damage and losses is widely available in every community across B.C. Both home and tenant insurance policies typically have additional coverage for living expenses while the person is under evacuation order.
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Kelowna Yacht Club
The Kelowna Yacht Club is home to the largest freshwater marina in Canada and the largest lakefront dock. They are consistently working towards the sustainability and stewardship of Okanagan Lake.
Join TOTA in welcoming the Kelowna Yacht Club to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
The Kelowna Yacht Club is located in downtown Kelowna, BC, on Okanagan Lake. The Kelowna Yacht Club is home to the largest freshwater marina in Canada and the largest lakefront dock that features stunning views of the mountains, Okanagan Lake, and Stuart Park all year round.
Sustainability Initiatives
With two of their four organizational pillars focusing on sustainability and stewardship of Okanagan Lake, the Kelowna Yacht Club is very conscious of the impact that the marina has on the lake. By utilizing the resources, tools, and assessments from TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program, the Kelowna Yacht Club was able to focus its sustainability efforts towards a set of goals that aligned with the complexity of their business while also aligning with other local businesses that have committed to protecting the future of the region.
Over the past three years, the Kelowna Yacht Club’s Environmental Committee Green Team has created and run several initiatives that support their ongoing stewardship of Okanagan Lake. Along with the recycling and composting program they have implemented onsite, the Club holds a “Dock Swap” event, which encourages members to repurpose boat parts and gear. As part of their sustainability program, they host a shore clean-up in April and September each year.
Twice a year the Kelowna Yacht Club hosts and participates in a clean up to clear waste and debris from the shoreline
When asked what other tourism businesses in the region should know about the Biosphere Commitment Program, Brenda Cortés, Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator, had this to say: “The program provides a clear framework for businesses looking to transform operations and perspectives,” Brenda also reported that Biosphere “helps businesses to adapt and start a journey to collaborate with the community, mitigate impacts, and help to gradually restore the land we all live as uninvited guests.”
While working under the Biosphere Commitment Program and collaboratively with other organizations, the Kelowna Yacht Club works more sustainably to protect the lake's ecosystem.
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
BetterTable Shortcast with Ellen Walker-Matthews
BetterTable created a shortcast series for hospitality leaders to learn about food, sustainability and diversity from some of the brightest minds in the tourism and hotel industry.
In the latest episode, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews shared insights about the Thompson Okanagan region and dives into how TOTA is leading the way in sustainability by supporting local food, farm to table experiences, and food waste training and audits for tourism stakeholders.
BetterTable created a shortcast series for hospitality leaders to learn about food, sustainability and diversity from some of the brightest minds in the tourism and hotel industry.
In the latest episode, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews shared insights about the Thompson Okanagan region and dives into how TOTA is leading the way in sustainability by supporting local food, farm to table experiences, and food waste training and audits for tourism stakeholders.
Listen to BetterTable shortcast episode
New Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Online Courses by go2HR
go2HR is offering online Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training courses so tourism and hospitality employers can get started on their journey or continue to grow their practices.
Tailored for the tourism industry, the courses will equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to foster a culture of inclusivity in the workplace. EDI can increase employee retention, reduce absenteeism, improve on recruitment success, and have positive impacts on employee’s mental health.
go2HR is offering online Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training courses so tourism and hospitality employers can get started on their journey or continue to grow their EDI practices.
Tailored for the tourism industry, the courses will equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to foster a culture of inclusivity in the workplace.
EDI can increase employee retention, reduce absenteeism, improve on recruitment success, and have positive impacts on employee’s mental health.
The online courses are:
2SLGBTQ+ Diversity and Inclusion Training - $50
Introduction to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - $35
Navigating Cultural Diversity in the Workplace - $40
Unconscious Bias in the Workplace - $40
People invited to test drive the next DriveBC website
The popular DriveBC website is being revamped and people are invited to provide feedback on the improvements.
Drivers use the site to plan safe and efficient trips, get the latest information on road incidents, construction and maintenance, and view hundreds of highway webcams. The new DriveBC will be easier to use, more reliable and more personalized, allowing drivers to focus on their routes.
The popular DriveBC website is being revamped and people are invited to provide feedback on the improvements.
Drivers use the site to plan safe and efficient trips, get the latest information on road incidents, construction and maintenance, and view hundreds of highway webcams. The new DriveBC will be easier to use, more reliable and more personalized, allowing drivers to focus on their routes.
TOTA is now Rainbow Registered
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a Rainbow Registered business. This accreditation, administered by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce(CGLCC), is a testament to our commitment to creating a safer, more welcoming, and inclusive space for the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
We are excited to announce that The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a Rainbow Registered business. This accreditation, administered by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce(CGLCC), is a testament to our commitment to creating a safer, more welcoming, and inclusive space for the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
By achieving the Rainbow Registered accreditation, we are recognized for ensuring that our 2SLGBTQI+ visitors and staff feel valued and respected. This aligns with our core values of diversity and inclusion, and we are proud to be a part of this important national initiative.
Tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region can join over 300 other businesses in Canada that are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community by becoming Rainbow Registered.
We encourage you to visit RainbowRegistered.ca to learn more about the program.
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: BC Wildlife Park
BC Wildlife Park is an important community partner that works towards conserving species in British Columbia. They are home to nearly 200 animals and 65 different species native to the province. They work under their developed themes of creating positive emotional connections to wildlife, experiencing the interconnectedness of nature, and emphasizing the importance and power of individual responsibility with sustainability programs, like the Biosphere Program, to interpret BC wildlife and promote sustainability to visitors and residents alike.
Join TOTA in welcoming BC Wildlife Park to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
BC Wildlife Park was founded by John Moelaert after he proposed that a wildlife attraction would be beneficial to Kamloops for both visitors and residents. In February of 1966, Molson Breweries donated 106 acres of land that was previously a hops farm for the creation of a wildlife park. In August of the same year, the first exhibits were open to the public. BC Wildlife Park is now an important community partner that works towards the conservation of species in British Columbia. They are home to 65 different species native to the province and nearly 200 animals in total, including bighorn sheep, Kermode bear and western painted turtles. The Park also partners with the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society to prevent the local extinction of burrowing owls; together, they are the largest and most successful breeders of the species in the world. They also partner with the Fawcett Family Wildlife Health Centre as a dedicated wildlife rehabilitation centre that annually accepts over 600 animals from all over BC.
Sustainability Initiatives
BC Wildlife Park works under their developed themes of creating positive emotional connections to wildlife, experiencing the interconnectedness of nature, and emphasizing the importance and power of individual responsibility with sustainability programs, like the Biosphere Program, to interpret BC wildlife and promote sustainability to visitors and residents alike.
Animal Welfare
The Park is committed to the principles of ethical and scientific responsibility by providing the highest animal welfare standards. BC Wildlife Park ensures that the animals within their care have a stable diet, are provided social opportunities, and are treated in a way that avoids mental and physical suffering.
Accessibility for all Visitors
BC Wildlife Park has taken the initiative to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors. All public pathways throughout the park are paved, and the animal habitats are wheelchair accessible. They have also taken steps to create sensory-friendly experiences by offering a visual walkthrough of the park and sensory kits that are available for use during visits. BC Wildlife Park is also working on fundraising a major upgrade to the current playground, to create a more accessible and inclusive play space for kids of all ages and abilities.
Sustainable Measures at the Organization
BC Wildlife Park has made sustainable changes by implementing more reusable options around the park, such as their replacement of single-use paper maps with permanent map stations, adding water refill stations and eliminating the sales of plastic water bottles, and onsite composting which is used to fertilize the gardens around the park.
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
Managing Crisis Communications | BC Hotel Association Education Series in June
BC Hotel Association is offering crisis communications training for hotels to ensure teams are prepared to face the unforeseen with resilience and professionalism. This online training is held over 3 sessions in June.
BCHA's Fast Track Your Future Education Series returns for one more series this season - Managing Crisis Communications. Co-facilitated by Hatch Hospitality and tartanbond Communications
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, crises can range from natural disasters like fires and floods to complex HR issues and cybersecurity threats. Effective communication during these times is paramount to safeguarding the reputation of hotels and resorts while maintaining guest trust.
Preparation is the cornerstone of crisis management. In this series, we equip participants with essential issues management and communication tools tailored to the unique challenges of the hospitality sector. From establishing proactive response plans to implementing best practices, attendees will gain the confidence and expertise needed to navigate crises responsibly and intentionally. Join us to ensure your team is prepared to face the unforeseen with resilience and professionalism.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
· June 4th Preparedness Protocol
· June 11th Strategic Responses
· June 18th From Reaction to Recovery
Destination BC Micro-Grant Opportunity - Applications Open May 13-31, 2024
Businesses and non-profit organizations that provide tourism experiences within British Columbia are eligible to receive funding from Destination BC, through their BC Tourism Climate Resilience Initiative, of up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification.
Businesses and non-profit organizations that provide tourism experiences within British Columbia are eligible to receive funding from Destination BC, through their BC Tourism Climate Resilience Initiative, of up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification.
Project Two of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI)–Micro-Grants to Support Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation–offers micro-grant funding for organizations that already have a sustainability or climate adaptation plan and are ready to implement the recommendations into their organization by:
purchasing equipment,
updating infrastructure,
implementing new systems, or
pursuing sustainability certification.
Benefits to businesses and organizations receiving a micro-grant include:
Support for creating long-lasting, positive impacts to help your tourism business prepare for the effects of climate change and align with provincial climate resiliency goals.
Up to $15,000 to invest in projects in your tourism business that improve responsible practices in operations to support climate change adaptation.
Potential long-term cost savings for your tourism business created by reduced energy or resource use.
Introduction of a process that promotes continuous improvement in your tourism business.
Potential recognition and credential through third-party sustainability certification.
Confidence in knowing that your tourism business is better prepared to adapt to climate events.
Learn more about the Grant opportunity and who is eligible at DestinationBC.ca
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Destination BC & Wine Growers BC Experiences: Sip, Smile, and Stay Awhile
Ten wineries across the province have developed completely new wine tourism experiences as part of the Cultivating Experiences: Elevating BC Wine Tourism program.
Ten wineries across the province have developed completely new wine tourism experiences as part of the Cultivating Experiences: Elevating BC Wine Tourism program. Working with Wine Growers British Columbia and Destination BC in partnership with Firecircle, and supported by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), the wineries have been hard at work over the past few months with the goal of bringing their offerings from vision to market this summer.
The Cultivating Experiences program represents Wine Growers BC and Destination BC’s united effort to promote the province as a destination for incredible tourism experiences.
The program provided virtual workshops, valuable market research, and mentorship for each participant winery to ultimately launch a unique wine tourism experience. These Cultivating Experiences winery offerings are the latest added to the plethora of options available to those exploring BC wine country this summer:
Monte Creek Winery, Thompson Valley, Long Table Dinner Series
Maverick Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley, Intimate Dinner Series
Mythology Vineyards, Okanagan Valley, Sip, Savour & Create Mediterranean Experience, launching soon
Joie Farm Winery, Naramata Bench, Aikin’s Walk the Loop Tour Experiences, launching soon
Da Silva Vineyards & Winery, Naramata Bench, Terroir Sessions
Township7 Vineyards and Winery, Fraser Valley & Naramata Bench, Saber & Sip: The Art of Sabrage at both locations
Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery, South Okanagan Valley, Flavour, Texture & Time
Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Vancouver Island, A Sparkling Day in Cowichan
Unsworth Vineyards, Vancouver Island, A Sparkling Day in Cowichan
Culmina Family Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley, Wine & Art event
Wine Growers BC 2025 Operational Plan
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) recently released its Fiscal 2025 Operational Plan. This year, the plan is focuses on five key Board-approved objectives:
Build a world-class brand for Wines of British Columbia
Position BC as a premier wine region with trade
Make BC wine country a benchmark for wine tourism
Strengthen wine industry leadership
Leverage government advocacy efforts
Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) recently released its Fiscal 2025 Operational Plan. This year, the plan is focuses on five key Board-approved objectives:
Build a world-class brand for Wines of British Columbia
Position BC as a premier wine region with trade
Make BC wine country a benchmark for wine tourism
Strengthen wine industry leadership
Leverage government advocacy efforts
In consideration of the challenges facing the BC wine industry, the Annual Operational Plan has been developed to address the current environment while still retaining the flexibility necessary to help industry and member wineries meet new and emerging challenges.