News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® Workshop
Registration is now open for the Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® workshop.
In an effort to support community-based needs within the industry Destination BC (DBC) is running two free virtual training sessions titled “Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples®” these session aims to deepen Indigenous awareness and strengthen community connections.
These workshops will help attendees build:
Indigenous Awareness
&
Indigenous Relations
Registration is now open for the fall sessions running on October 21, 2024, and December 5, 2024.
Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) Grant Intake Now Open
The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) is a grant launched by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI) that supports projects that promote economic diversification, resilience, clean growth opportunities, and infrastructure development.
The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) is a grant launched by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI), with a funding allocation of $33M per year. REDIP supports projects that promote the following:
Economic diversification
Resilience
Clean growth opportunities
Infrastructure development
Learn more and apply for the third intake of REDIP. This intake will close on October 31st at 11:59 PM PST.
AGM & Board Director Call for Nominations
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will hold the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 29, 2024, at 3:30-4:30 pm, in the Prestige Vernon Lodge & Conference Centre.
We invite Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association voting stakeholders to put their name forward or to nominate a qualified candidate to serve as a member of the TOTA Board of Directors for a two-year term, effective October 29, 2024, to the 2026 AGM.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will hold the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 29, 2024, at 3:30-4:30 pm, in the Prestige Vernon Lodge & Conference Centre in Vernon, home of the Okanagan Indian Band and the unceded, traditional territory of the Syilx People.
On behalf of TOTA Vice-Chair and Governance Committee Chair, Sandra Oldfield, we invite Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association voting stakeholders to put their name forward or to nominate a qualified candidate to serve as a member of the TOTA Board of Directors for a two-year term, effective October 29, 2024, to the 2026 AGM.
Leading up to the AGM, the Board Election will take place as follows:
Deadline to become a Voting Member: August 29
Call for Nominations: August 30 - September 20 (3 weeks)
Electronic Voting: October 1 - 15 (2 weeks)
Election results announced at TOTA AGM and first board meeting: October 29
TOTA is committed to assisting and supporting tourism stakeholders and working closely with Destination BC to put the Thompson Okanagan region and the Province of BC at the forefront of innovation as we maneuver through the tourism industry’s changing landscape.
This year, there are 10 openings. 7 directors are letting their names stand for re-election. 4 directors moving into the second year of their 2-year term.
Directors continuing their term:
Owner & Manager
Blind Bay | Shuswap
Executive Director, Travel Penticton Society
Penticton | South Okanagan
Sandra Oldfield, Vice-Chair
Founder
Elysian Projects & Fortify Conference & Tradeshow
South Okanagan
General Manager, Coast Capri Hotel
Kelowna | Central Okanagan
Current directors standing for re-election:
Economic Development & Communications
Westbank | Central Okanagan
Co-Founder / Director, Business Development
Penticton | South Okanagan
Managing Director
Kamloops | Thompson Valleay
General Manager, Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls
Clearwater | North Thompson
Executive Director
Osoyoos | South Okanagan
Team Leader, Tourism and Film
Tourism Shuswap / Columbia Shuswap Regional District
Salmon Arm | Shuswap
Executive Director
Destination Silver Star / Silver Star Resort Association
Vernon | North Okanagan
Thank you to the exiting directors:
Michael J. Ballingall, Chair (moving into position of Past Chair)
Senior Vice President
Boundary Country
Business Development Officer
Kamloops | South Thompson
Patricia Leslie, Secretary-Treasurer
National People & Culture Business Partner, for the Estate Wine Group of Andrew Peller properties
Okanagan Valley
Submit a Nomination
We look forward to having candidates representing various communities and sectors, with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Voting members are eligible to put a name forward as a candidate in the election. Candidates must complete the nomination form which includes signatures from 4 voting stakeholders - see details below.
If you or someone you know is interested to run in the TOTA board election and is on the current Voting Stakeholder List, please:
Collect signatures for the nomination form
Submit the nomination form to TOTABC.org/AGM/election by 11:59 pm, September 20, 2024
For questions, please email BoardLiaison@TOTABC.com.
Register for the TOTA AGM & Summit
October 29 - 30, 2024
Hosted with Tourism Vernon & Destination Silver Star
Job Opportunity: Marketing Manager - Travel Penticton
Travel Penticton is looking for a Marketing Manager for a 12-15 month contract starting October 2024.
Travel Penticton is searching for a full-time Marketing Manager for a 12-15 month contract starting in October 2024.
Please send your resume and cover letter to employment@visitpenticton.com
OUT for Business (OFB) Mentorship Program
OUT For Business (OFB) is Canada's only national mentorship program for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, offering support through one-on-one and group mentoring sessions.
The program connects experienced business leaders with the next generation of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, fostering knowledge exchange and network building.
Applications are now open for the 2024/2025 cohort. This 10-month program encourages participation from individuals with intersecting identities.
For more information about OFB, contact Idara Effiom, Mentorship Manager, at idara.effiom@cglcc.ca.
TOTA’s Corporate Carbon Inventory & Thompson Okanagan’s Destination Carbon Inventory
This Carbon Inventory was done to get a comprehensive assessment of our Destination and Corporate carbon emissions and to set the stage for future coordinated action based on accurate data.
With sustainability as one of our guiding principles, and as a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration, TOTA has committed to net zero by 2050 and 50% reduction by 2030. This Carbon Inventory was done to get a comprehensive assessment of our Destination and Corporate carbon emissions and to set the stage for future coordinated action based on accurate data.
A carbon footprint - or Carbon Inventory - measures the amount of greenhouse gasses released by an activity, such as TOTA's business operations. It's expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), which shows the impact on global warming.
To calculate TOTA's corporate carbon footprint, the GHG Protocol’s Corporate Standard was used, a widely accepted method that ensures consistency in measuring and comparing greenhouse gas emissions across different organizations globally.
If you run a tourism business and have taken actions to decarbonize your business, please let us know by emailing eve@totabc.com
Help Steer the Future of Transportation in the Thompson Okanagan with Inter-Community Transportation Survey
As the region continues to grow input from the public is crucial in shaping the future of transportation. The survey results will guide planning and advocacy efforts to enhance transportation options between communities, ensuring a connected and sustainable future for the Thompson Okanagan.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), with support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior, have launched the Inter-Community Transportation Survey. This important initiative invites businesses, residents, and visitors to share their thoughts on transportation needs and preferences within the Thompson Okanagan region.
As the region continues to grow— with StatsBC projecting an increase of 250,000 people by 2046—input from the public is crucial in shaping the future of transportation. The survey results will guide planning and advocacy efforts to enhance transportation options between communities, ensuring a connected and sustainable future for the Thompson Okanagan.
“We encourage all business owners, residents, and visitors in the Thompson Okanagan region to participate in this important survey,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of TOTA. “Feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation, making travel between our communities more efficient, sustainable and accessible for everyone.”
The survey is quick and easy, taking just five minutes to complete. To thank participants for their time, they will be entered into a draw to win one of several incredible prizes, including:
3-night stay at Big White Ski Resort.
2-night stay at Summerland Waterfront Resort.
Predator Ridge Golf Experience.
Read the Release here: www.hatchcomms.ca/post/thompson-okanagan-transportation-survey
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Sovereign Lake Nordic Club
Sovereign Lake is inspired by the desire for future generations to experience the wonder and beauty of Vernon's natural landscapes which has led them to a continued lead on environmental sustainability to ensure that the landscape is preserved.
Sovereign Lake Nordic Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting active outdoor lifestyles through cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Silver Star Provincial Park just outside of Vernon, BC.
The sports that Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and its members enjoy are very weather-dependent, and recent warming weather patterns across Canada have created challenges for other Nordic clubs. Due to this, Sovereign Lake has increased its environmentally sustainable operations to the natural setting and ensure that they are doing their part to limit their impact on climate change. Sovereign Lake is also inspired by the desire for future generations to experience the same wonder and beauty. This has led to a continued lead on environmental sustainability to ensure that the landscape is preserved.
Sustainability Initiatives
Sovereign Lake Nordic Club is working towards its sustainability goals and providing transparency by assessing and sharing its organizational resource consumption and emissions. The team at Sovereign Lake has been unable to find similar information about other Nordic clubs, suggesting that they are pioneers in running a Nordic club sustainability. By understanding where the emissions in their organization are highest, they have been able to implement changes, such as switching to battery-operated electric chainsaws to reduce gasoline consumption. Director David Dennier has also found that this sustainability swap came with additional benefits: electric chainsaws are much easier to start in cold, high-altitude conditions prevalent in ski season and are more practical than carrying heavy gasoline supplies when clearing snowshoe trails in the early winter.
When asked about working with TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program, David had this to say: “The Biosphere Committed database is quite straightforward to follow and complete. The most compelling aspect is that there are many simple actions that lead towards achieving the overriding goals, and in many cases we found that we had already been doing many of these actions as part of our business anyway. Compound the ease of use with the great support from TOTA, and you have a system that works well to allow organizations to contribute to social and environmental wellbeing. [Other] businesses will probably be surprised by how many things they are already doing that make them Biosphere Committed.”
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: Lakeside Eco-Sports
Lakeside Eco-Sports is Kelowna’s local gateway to nature. They are partnered with the Prestige Beach House in Downtown Kelowna and provide eco-friendly outdoor experiences through Kelowna’s picturesque landscapes.
Join TOTA in welcoming Lakeside Eco-Sports to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Program.
Lakeside Eco-Sports is Kelowna’s local gateway to nature. They are partnered with the Prestige Beach House in Downtown Kelowna and provide eco-friendly outdoor experiences through Kelowna’s picturesque landscapes.
Sustainability Initiatives
Lakeside Eco-Sports founder Gareth Brown comes from a background in cruises and other global tourism companies. Previously, Brown was able to achieve Gold Certification in the Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program (STEP) which involved the collection of historical data to meet STEP criteria. When he and his wife started Lakeside Eco-Sports, they knew that sustainable tourism would be a key pillar in their business model, and, from the beginning, they sought out the most eco-friendly options for their new business. Their passion was to operate a business that drives towards and beyond net zero, inspiring them to work towards the next step of Biosphere Certification actively.
Lakeside Eco-Sports Bike Fleet at Meadow Vista Honey Wines
When asked about the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Biosphere Program, Gareth had this to say: “Don’t hesitate to sign up! The mentoring process is perfect and will help you identify both what you are already doing and what can be done to further improve your business through the SDG goals and activities. It’s a lot of fun to log into the dashboard and see progress metrics and often I find myself spending time looking at other actions and activities that can help push us towards Biosphere Certification, often inspiring us to make more changes and better decisions.”
As the team at Lakeside Eco-Sports continues to work towards Biosphere Certification, keep an eye on their space beside the Prestige Beach House, as their next sustainable action involves the installation of an 8kw solar system that will allow them to utilize solar power and recharge the batteries of the e-bikes completely off the electrical grid.
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
Tourism Marketing Committee: Call for Applications 2025-2027 Term
Destination BC is seeking representatives for its Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) beginning on January 1, 2025.
Destination BC is seeking representatives for its Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) beginning on January 1, 2025.
There is one available, three-year term position in the Thompson Okanagan, running until December 31, 2027.
Interested applicants should possess the following experience and skills, to complement those of the current members:
Understanding of the tourism industry, its issues, trends, and opportunities.
Experience with destination marketing on a global, national, and/or provincial scale demonstrating a thorough understanding of the tourism industry.
Experience with destination management with a focus on industry development/training, cooperative programming, sustainable tourism development, visitor management strategies, resident engagement and familiarity with provincial, regional, or local destination development strategies.
Plus, at least one of the following, as an area of specific expertise:
Sector knowledge – representative of one of our 2025 priority industry or experience sectors or stakeholders including wine, culinary, golf, fishing, camping, transportation, etc.
An owner/operator/senior manager of a tourism business based in BC.
Learn more about the TMC and read the full Terms of Reference.
Visit the TMC homepage for more information.
BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops “Conservation Minutes” YouTube Series on Fire Prevention
The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops hosts educational YouTube series called "Conservation Minutes." This month's episode is on fire prevention.
The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops hosts educational YouTube series called "Conservation Minutes." This series offers practical, actionable, advice on how people, businesses, and organizations can make changes to take care of the planet's ecosystems and wildlife.
From water conservation tips to poisonous plants for pets, these videos are designed to educate and inspire. The most recent installment is a fire prevention segment to help individuals and organization be more fire smart.
Learn more and watch the "Conservation Minutes" series on YouTube.
Destination BC Tourism Digital Academy Registration Opens
Destination BC has once again launched the Tourism Digital Academy.
Destination BC has once again launched the Tourism Digital Academy. The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting your goals, to building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more – you’ll leave the program with the confidence and knowledge to put that plan into action.
Intake for October 8, 2024 - November 27, 2024 is now open!
Intake for October 15, 2024 - December 4, 2024 is now open!
Learn more and Register for this program by visiting Destinationbc.ca/Learning-Centre.
Thompson Okanagan Launches the “Travel Now to the Thompson Okanagan On Us” Campaign
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is inviting visitors to enjoy lazy days at the beach, picturesque landscapes, and all the charming communities nestled within the region with its latest campaign entitled Travel Now to the Thompson Okanagan - On Us.
Visitors to the region and locals enjoying a staycation can share their vacation photos within the region to be entered to win one of ten $1,000 cash prizes toward a 2024 trip.
Visit thompsonokanagan.com/on-us for full contest details and share the campaign via social media via @Thompson_Okanagan post on Facebook and Instagram.
Read the full press release by Hatch Comms for full campaign details.
New Accessible Viewing Platform at Helmcken Falls
A new fully accessible viewing platform has opened at Helmcken Falls.
A new fully accessible viewing platform has opened at Helmcken Falls, ensuring visitors of all abilities can experience the iconic waterfall while also enhancing the park’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Wells Gray Provincial Park invites visitors to plan their trips as they offer the beauty of the park to a broader audience.
Learn more about the newly opened platform from the full press release.
Cultural Competency Training
The Sncewips Heritage Museum is running a four-part series on cultural competency.
The Sncewips Heritage Museum is running a four-part series that will raise awareness of colonial issues and expand knowledge on Syilx worldview, the history of contact, current affairs, and the way forward.
The series runs on September 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 9 am to 3 pm.
Visit the Sncewips Events page for program details and registration opportunities.
Registration for BCTCRI Project 4 is Now Open - Climate Resilience and Indigenous Knowledge
Registration is now open for the third BC Tourism Project Four Workshop: Regenerative Tourism & Systems Thinking Workshop.
Date: July 17 - Virtual
Time: 10:00 am
The workshop will cover the key. oncepts of regenerative tourism and systems thinking, their. relationships to climate change, and their importance when it comes to developing regenerative tourism.
The Community Destination Stewardship Initiative's Project 4, Climate Resilience and Indigenous Knowledge, aims to create a provincial network across BC to enhance climate resiliency and sustainability in community destinations and the broader tourism industry. The program provides comprehensive learning opportunities through workshops, discussions, and peer-to-peer engagements, offering essential knowledge and tools. It emphasizes sharing successes and lessons learned to promote collaborative growth and connects communities to resources, programs, and initiatives supporting sustainable business practices and community engagement.
This initiative helps advance BC’s sustainable tourism development by equipping communities to adopt sustainable practices, support local businesses in climate emergency preparedness, and reduce impacts from extreme weather events. Participants can join workshops on topics such as Climate Resilience, Sustainable Tourism, and Decarbonization, that you can choose to join based on your community’s needs. The program is available in various formats to accommodate different schedules, and encourages networking with other communities to exchange successes and practical solutions for sustainability challenges.
Eligible Participants for Joining the Destination Stewardship Network:
Any community or community organization that manages visitors as a destination
BC-based Community Destination Management Organizations (CDMOs)
Municipal government staff
First Nations and First Nation Economic Development Corporations
Communities with any level of experience in managing climate change resiliency, adaptation, mitigation, or sustainability in tourism are encouraged to participate, regardless of their experience level
Learn more about the course at www.destinationbc.ca
Indigenous Tourism BC Job Opportunity: Indigenous Tourism Specialists
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is looking for candidates for an Indigenous Tourism Specialist position.
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is looking for candidates for an Indigenous Tourism Specialist position in four of the province’s regions including the Thompson Okanagan.
This is a full-time position and the Indigenous Tourism Specialist will support the advancement of Indigenous Tourism by providing responsible and respectful regional-specific support through meaningful engagement with local communities and tourism partners.
Interested candidates can submit a cover letter, resume, and references to gail@IndigenousBC.com by August 9, 2024.
New Flight Routes Coming to Kelowna International Airport
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will welcome 3 new routes in late 2024 and early 2025.
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will welcome 3 new routes in late 2024 and early 2025.
Pacific Coastal Airlines has announced a new direct flight route connecting Prince George to Kelowna. This flight will run 6 days a week from Sunday to Friday, starting October 28, 2024.
Alaska Airlines has announced a daily, non-stop, seasonal route connecting Los Angeles to Kelowna. This service will start on December 19, 2024.
WestJet has also announced new routes connecting Seattle and Kelowna, starting in January 2025.
Accommodation Plastic Use and Reduction Survey
Accommodators in the Thompson Okanagan are invited to take the BCHA’s short survey on plastic use and sustainability.
Accommodators in the Thompson Okanagan are invited to take the BC Hotel Association’s (BCHA) short survey on plastic use and sustainability.
Results from this survey will be used to assess the current landscape of plastic use and reduction efforts among accommodators, contributing to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) annual reporting commitment.
Working with the Travel Trade: Six-Part Tutorial Video Series
DBC has developed a 6-part video series based on the previously written Working with the Travel Trade Guide.
DBC has developed a 6-part video series based on the previously written Working with the Travel Trade Guide,
These tutorial videos will help tourism businesses determine whether working with the travel trade is right for them, provide guidance on how to work with travel trade, and how local and regional Destination Management Organizations can help.