News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Relief for BC wineries 2024 vintage
BC wineries will receive temporary support in response to the loss of grapes and damage to vines effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
BC wineries will receive temporary support in response to the loss of grapes and damage to vines effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Wineries will be able to use grapes and grape juice from outside the province for the 2024 vintage year. This measure aims to help wineries produce a 2024 vintage, maintain job security, and ensure the continued availability of BC-produced wines.
“B.C. wine growers and wineries are an integral part of the province’s economy and this year they have been hit by devastating losses due to extreme weather events,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “By extending this support, we are providing badly needed help for our wineries during this challenging period. This relief for the 2024 vintage is essential to protect jobs and maintain the cultural and economic vitality this sector brings to our communities.”
Details on eligibility and related requirements will be available to the industry this fall.
The Amazing Race Canada heads to the South Okanagan
The South Okanagan shined in the fourth episode of the tenth season of The Amazing Race Canada
The South Okanagan was featured on The Amazing Race Canada on July 23, 2024.
Racers flew from Vancouver to Penticton to check out the SS Sicamous on the shore of Okanagan Lake, the Area 27 Motorsports Park in Oliver, and Dirty Laundry Vineyard in Summerland.
WestJet announces new flights from Seattle to Kelowna
WestJet will connect Kelowna and Seattle with a new daily service starting in January 2025.
WestJet will connect Kelowna and Seattle with a new daily service starting in January 2025. This route will enhance connectivity between these regions and a wide network of U.S. destinations via Seattle, thanks to WestJet's partnership with Delta Air Lines. WestJet's Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill emphasized that this service will offer convenient and affordable travel options for both business and leisure throughout the year.
WestJet will serve 12 destinations from Kelowna this winter with up to 20 daily departures out of YLW during peak winter travel.
Read the full announcement from WestJet.
Jasper Employees Seeking Work & Staff Accommodation
Anderson Vacations is supporting affected employees by compiling a list of employment opportunities *that include staff accommodations* across BC and Alberta to help these displaced workers find new homes. Pet-friendly accommodations are in dire need.
If you are currently hiring for immediate (or soon) start AND have staff accommodations available, share your opportunity in this form: https://forms.gle/sq4AAGSmNRhd53zj8
The wildfires in Jasper have displaced many residents and caused significant job losses in the tourism and hospitality sectors. These people will be searching for work during the recovery; many are currently living temporarily at campgrounds or in hotels.
Anderson Vacations is supporting affected employees by compiling a list of employment opportunities *that include staff accommodations* across BC and Alberta to help these displaced workers find new homes. Pet-friendly accommodations are in dire need.
If you are currently hiring for immediate (or soon) start AND have staff accommodations available, share your opportunity in this form: https://forms.gle/sq4AAGSmNRhd53zj8
If you know of places that have staff accommodation available, please share the form with them. Any information or connections you can share to help those find their next home and job would be invaluable.
This list of information will be shared on the Jasper Evacuees Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/499022265946978
The individuals will be directed to apply on their own to these listings through the contact information provided.
Please feel free to forward this email to your colleagues and peers who may have contacts within the industry to call upon.
Note: This information has been shared with go2HR and TIABC.
Destination BC’s Tourism Industry Webinar
Destination BC invites you to join them on Thursday, August 1st at 10:00 am (PDT).
Destination BC invites you to join them on Thursday, August 1st at 10:00 am (PDT) for an update on the state of tourism in BC and the latest on their key strategies and programs.
DBC will include updates on their latest marketing campaigns, travel trade and media relations, destination development projects, and more followed by a Q&A session.
BC Rivers Day Micro-Grants Funding Opportunity from ORCBC
This year, for the first year ever, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is offering a limited number of small, one-time micro grants of $300 each to help outdoor groups host BC Rivers Day events in their community.
This year, for the first year ever, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is offering a limited number of small, one-time micro grants of $300 each to help outdoor groups host BC Rivers Day events in their community.
BC Rivers Day is an annual celebration held on the fourth Sunday of September to promote the importance of British Columbia's rivers and watersheds. It was established in 1980 by ORCBC and outdoor enthusiast and river conservationist Mark Angelo.
With support from the BC Parks Licence Plate program and other supporters, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is thrilled to launch the BC Rivers Day micro grant program.
Learn more about the program and apply for the program visit ORCBC.ca.
Applications are open now until Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 11:59 pm.
Review and Provide Feedback to the New DriveBC Website
The DriveBC website is undergoing improvements, and people are invited to test the new version and provide feedback.
The DriveBC website is undergoing improvements, and people are invited to test the new version and provide feedback.
The updated site will be easier to use, more reliable, and personalized, helping drivers plan safe and efficient trips. Key features include a simplified map, clearer event notifications, and enhanced mobile experience.
Individuals can test the new site and complete a survey to provide feedback and help to improve the new site.
Drivers should continue using the current site for travel planning until the updates are finalized.
Visit the DriveBC test site to review and participate in the survey here.
BC Wine Industry Celebrates Direct to Consumer Shipping to Alberta
The BC wine industry welcomes the news that BC wineries can now ship directly to Alberta consumers, thanks to a new agreement between the provinces.
The BC wine industry welcomes the news that BC wineries can now ship directly to Alberta consumers, thanks to a new agreement between the provinces.
This comes at a perfect time as many Albertans visit BC wineries after the Calgary Stampede, marking an increase in summer travel for the Alberta market. Although the Alberta direct-to-consumer market is a small part of BC's wine sales, it is important for growth, offering high-end products and building customer relationships.
Industry leaders, including Wine Growers BC and Hester Creek Estate Winery, are pleased with the renewed connection, which supports BC wine tourism and the local economy. Wine Growers BC thanks both provincial premiers and local MLAs for their support in making this agreement possible.
Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses
Organizations are invited to attend the FortisBC & GreenStep virtual sessions to learn more about the Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses program.
GreenStep Solutions is hosting a webinar with FortisBC to introduce the FortisBC Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses program. Organizations can attend the 45-minute virtual sessions to learn more about the program.
About the Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses Program:
FortisBC is offering small and medium-sized businesses free customized energy advice, members can connect with Business Energy Advisors with a 15 to 30-minute consultation via phone call, video call, or in-person visit to learn about:
Low-cost/no-cost tips to reduce energy use and operating costs
Information about FortisBC rebates on high-efficiency equipment
Support in getting quotes from contractors and applying for rebates
Applying for retroactive rebates on equipment installed in the last 365 days
Register below to attend one of the free virtual informational sessions:
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Caravan Farm Theatre
Despite what the name suggests, Caravan Farm Theatre is not a farm, but, instead, a rural space that is designed for the production of professional theatre, especially large-scale, outdoor productions. They are inspired by the fields, forests, and land that create the stage they perform on to make sustainable choices whenever and wherever they can.
Join TOTA in welcoming Caravan Farm Theatre to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Program.
Caravan Farm Theatre was established in 1978 in the small, agricultural town of Armstrong, BC. Despite what the name suggests, they are not a farm, but, instead, a rural space that is designed for the production of professional theatre, especially large-scale, outdoor productions.
Sustainable Initiatives
Caravan Farm Theatre uses the land as its venue and the fields and forests as its stage, so the team works diligently to act as stewards of the land they work and perform on. The theatre is operated on 80 acres of land and is located on the unceded, traditional territories of the Secwépemc Nation and the Syilx Okanagan Nation. It is the environment and community of the Northern Okanagan that inspires the team to make sustainable choices, and because the health of the land they operate on is directly linked to the health of their organization, Caravan Farm Theatre chooses to make sustainable choices whenever and wherever they can.
When asked about the experience working with TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program, Artistic & Environmental Programs Manager Vicki Stroich had this to say: “Biosphere Committed gives us a clear framework that we can use to understand the impact of choices we make and find inspiration for new actions as we look ahead. It gives us a vocabulary we can all use as we discuss sustainability. It also helps us think of sustainability holistically in a way that includes not only the flora and fauna here on the land or the operational systems like our water, power, and waste management, but also the people we engage with as an arts organization: our staff, volunteers, artists or audiences.”
Recently, Caravan Farm Theatre has partnered with the Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship and Land Conservancy of BC to improve the biodiversity of the land they operate on, including recent work on FireSmarting their property and other properties around their neighbourhood.
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
TOTA is now a member of the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has joined over 100 member organizations across the province and is now an Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) member.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has joined over 100 member organizations across the province and is now an Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) member.
This partnership will help TOTA promote and protect outdoor recreation opportunities and outdoor spaces across British Columbia.
Interested businesses can learn more about and join the ORCBC in preserving the outdoor spaces that we work and play on throughout the province. There are many ways to get involved including BC Rivers Day on September 22, 2024.
About the ORCBC
The Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia (ORCBC) is a charitable organization that works with its members, government agencies, Indigenous communities, other organizations, and the public to address issues related to outdoor recreation access, environmental stewardship, and public policy.
Call for Tourism Companies - ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses
UN Tourism and the University of Oxford are inviting tourism businesses to join a collaborative project on sustainable tourism and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting.
UN Tourism and the University of Oxford are inviting tourism businesses to join a collaborative project on sustainable tourism and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting.
Tourism businesses will have the opportunity to help create a standardized framework for ESG reporting by participating in brief interviews, surveys, focus group discussions, and field visits carried out between June and August 2024 by a team of experts from UN Tourism and the University of Oxford.
Interested businesses can read more about the ESG Framework or sign up to participate.
Tourism Digital Marketing Essentials course is now open for enrollment
Enrollment is now open for eLearningU’s Tourism Digital Marketing Essentials.
Enrollment is now open for eLearningU’s Tourism Digital Marketing Essentials. The course uses real-world examples of what visitors are looking for and how brands can utilize this information for digital marketing opportunities.
What to expect:
11 on-demand modules that cover all aspects of digital marketing
Short, practical video lessons
Real case studies and examples from tourism brands
Downloadable templates and resources that you can use right away
Hands-on exercises
Feedback from your instructor on each exercise
Ongoing support that you can access any time
Earn your dual certifications upon completion
This all-new course is convenient and allows learners to earn a professional certification, so it is ideal for people who have already completed the Tourism Digital Academy or those looking for a course they complete on their own time.
For a short period, eLearningU is offering preferred pricing to interested BC-based businesses who can use BC300 to get $300 off the course fee.
For more information and to register for the program visit the eLearningU program page.
I-CEDAR program registration is open for new, existing, or ready-to launch Indigenous business ventures
The Indigenous Community Entrepreneurship Development & Action Recovery (I-CEDAR) program is a fully-funded training program for Indigenous BC Residents with a new or existing business.
The Indigenous Community Entrepreneurship Development & Action Recovery (I-CEDAR) program is a fully-funded training program for Indigenous BC Residents with a new or existing business.
The program runs for 14 weeks and focuses on planning and development in the domestic Indigenous tourism sector. Participants will attend 3 courses a week starting in September 2024, and once they have completed the program will have a fully developed business plan and a certification from the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.
For more information and to register for the program visit the I-CEDAR program homepage.
TOTA Awarded North America's Responsible Tourism Award 2024
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been awarded the 2024 North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in the annual World Travel Awards.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been awarded the 2024 North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in the annual World Travel Awards.
The World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.
TOTA has received the North America’s Award for Responsible Tourism for six consecutive years, in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024 (there was no NA competition in 2021) and is honoured to win once again in this category.
As well, TOTA received the World Travel Award for Responsible Tourism in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Achieving this recognition helps TOTA spread the word on how the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry and our organization are working to offer tourism services in a responsible and sustainable manner.
As the winner of the North America award, TOTA is nominated for the World Travel Award for Responsible Tourism contest in autumn 2024. Voting information will be shared then.
Background
About the World Travel Awards™
World Travel Awards™ was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards™ brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia and the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.
TOTA is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.
TIABC's One Minute Monitor (OMM)
TIABC's One Minute Monitor (OMM) is a short survey deployed as necessary to help us better understand members' views on pressing issues and to help inform policy development and prioritize advocacy activities.
QUESTION: Is your projected business (i.e. bookings, revenues) for the months of July, August and September up, down, or the same compared to the same period in 2023?
TIABC's One Minute Monitor (OMM) is a short survey deployed as necessary to help us better understand members' views on pressing issues and to help inform policy development and prioritize advocacy activities.
QUESTION: Is your projected business (i.e. bookings, revenues) for the months of July, August and September up, down, or the same compared to the same period in 2023?
Osoyoos Tourism Master Plan to Focus on Benefits to Residents, Environment, and Business
Destination Osoyoos is set to present the first ever collaborative Osoyoos Tourism Master Plan to the public in just a few months. For more information on the Tourism Master Plan, visit the Destination Osoyoos project information page.
Destination Osoyoos is set to present the Osoyoos Tourism Master Plan to the public in just a few months.
This first-ever, collaborative project represents an 18-month effort involving local businesses, cultural organizations, governments, Indigenous groups, and other tourism-related agencies. The project began in November 2022 with an examination of similar tourism-dependent communities including Ucluelet, Fernie, Tofino, Cranbrook, and others.
The Tourism Master Plan will focus on strategies to enhance destination appeal while delivering resident benefits, such as improving outdoor recreation opportunities; enhancing coordination and support for arts, culture, and heritage; and exploring new opportunities to diversify hospitality and travel industry experiences. Another key component is maintaining, diversifying, and improving industry resilience during peak summer travel, and also deepening the travel season into spring, fall, and winter.
For more information on the Tourism Master Plan, visit the Destination Osoyoos project information page.
BC Workplace Accessibility Standards: Business and Industry associations virtual feedback session on July 4
Residents of British Columbia are invited to comment on how the government can best address barriers that restrict people with disabilities from participating in the workforce and accessing community services. The public engagement on the draft accessibility standards is open from May 31 to July 31.
The Province, in collaboration with the Provincial Accessibility Committee, is inviting British Columbians to comment on how the government can best address barriers that restrict people with disabilities from participating in the workforce and accessing community services. The public engagement on the draft accessibility standards is open from May 31 to July 31.
The public and organizations can share their input/feedback on the draft standards through:
The public consultation on draft accessibility standards is open and you are invited to provide input on BC's draft accessibility standards recommendations.
PAC is hosting a virtual workshop on July 4 - share your perspectives on the draft accessibility standards.
If you are unable to attend the Workshop, but would like to provide feedback, complete the Online Survey, or submit your written feedback to: AccessibleBC@urbansystems.ca
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Haywire Winery
Haywire Winery is dedicated to the stewardship of the land on which the vineyard and farms reside. This includes investments in habitat restoration, conservation efforts, and implementing innovative environmental practices in their vineyards.
Join TOTA in welcoming Haywire Winery to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Program.
Haywire Winery’s wine-making facility is located in Summerland, BC, and is home to four other wine labels that live under the umbrella of Okanagan Crush Pad. Haywire Winery has constructed a modern tasting lounge next to the crush pad and cellars, and they invite guests to join them year-round for a taste of their wines or to enjoy the view of Okanagan Lake and Switchback Organic Vineyard.
At Haywire Winery, they use unique concrete tanks to create the wines they serve to guests. These tanks allow for a low-intervention method that gradually and consistently heats and cools the fermenting wine which positively impacts the aromatics and flavour of the finished product. Wine is not the only thing that Haywire Winery puts its care and attention into; Winemaker and Sustainability Officer Katrina D’Costa believes that the team is responsible for the stewardship of the land on which the vineyard and farms reside.
Sustainability Initiatives
The heart of Haywire Winery’s philosophy is a commitment to socially responsible commitments that include investments in habitat restoration, conservation efforts, and implementing innovative environmental practices in their vineyards. The team at Haywire Winery honours the privilege they have living and working in the beautiful Thompson Okanagan region. However, they recognize that it is a temporary privilege to be stewards of the lands their vineyards and wineries exist on.
Haywire is dedicated to developing and implementing industry-leading sustainable initiatives that capitalize on the region's immense potential while, at the same time, reaching their own business goals.
When asked about the Biosphere Commitment Program, Winemaker and Sustainability Officer Katrina D’Costa had this to say: “Biosphere has offered us an exceptional opportunity to explore innovative approaches to sustainability within our company while also strengthening our ties to the community. It has motivated us to increase our efforts in public engagement, aiming to boost awareness and education about sustainability practices. This initiative has not only enhanced our internal sustainability measures, but it has also encouraged us to play a more active role in promoting environmental responsibility among the broader public.”
The next project for Haywire Winery is to focus on Garnet Valley Ranch as a place for team and community members to connect to the local environment. The 320-acre property has been developed with organic and sustainable practices in mind and is now ready to host events that highlight the team's sustainability efforts while cultivating appreciation for the community’s shared surroundings.
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
Okanagan College breaks ground on new centre for food, wine, and tourism
Okanagan College’s Kelowna Campus is welcoming a new centre for food, wine, and tourism that will include modern teaching spaces, food labs, beverage research and development facilities, and common spaces.
Okanagan College’s Kelowna Campus is welcoming a new centre for food, wine, and tourism that will include modern teaching spaces, food labs, beverage research and development facilities, and common spaces.
The centre is the first of its kind, a collaboration will bring food, wine, and tourism programs to the campus first of its kind, a partnership between students and businesses in the food, beverage, hospitality and resort industries, and will address the labour shortages in the industry by expanding its culinary enrolment by more than 125 students per year, and hospitality and tourism enrolment by 450 students per year.
Plans unveiled for the new Centre for Food, Wine, and Tourism
