UN Tourism Finds Travel Spending Growing Faster Than Arrivals

UN Tourism has found that global tourism is set to recover by the end of the year. Destinations are exceeding 2019 numbers, and the global tourism sector has recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels.

Read the full release by UN Tourism for full details.

DBC Learning Centre

Destination BC has a learning centre with free resources, tools, articles, videos, and guides including:

• Digital Marketing

• Experience Development

• Social Media Marketing

• Travel Trade & Travel Media

• Applying Insights

• Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Accessible Tourism

• BC’s Destination Brand Resources

Access the resources from the learning centre here.

BCTCRI Micro-Grant Program Intake Information Session

Learn more about the micro-grant funding available for tourism businesses to implement sustainability and climate adaptation plans or certifications.

Register for the Monday, December 16, 2024 information session here.

Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples Workshop

Sign up for the “Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples Workshop” designed for tourism professionals in the BC tourism industry. These free sessions focus on strengthening relations and community connections.

Sessions will:

• Build Stronger Relationships: Learn key strategies for respectful, effective collaboration.

• Enhance Cultural Awareness: Gain insights into Indigenous history and contemporary issues.

• Practical Learning: Interactive content focused on real-world applications.

Register now for sessions on January 14 & 16.

CRA GST/HST Information Session

The Canada Revenue Agency is holding information sessions on the GST/HST and how they will be applied during the GST/HST break.

English Information Session    
Date: Monday, December 9, 2024    
Time: 2:30 to 3:30 pm EST   
Location: Microsoft Teams Live (English)   
  
French Information Session    
Date: Monday, December 9, 2024   
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 pm EST   
Location: Microsoft Teams Live (French)   
    
You can also submit your questions to the CRA in advance using this link: GST/HST information session - Your questions for the Canada Revenue Agency.

Inter-Community Transportation Study

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association recently hosted “Community Voices Heard” in partnership with the Okanagan Transit Alliance and the University of British Columbia Okanagan. During this forum, the results of the Inter-Community Transportation Survey were discussed revealing the insights gathered from the survey conducted this summer. 

A study of the results, including the methodology, findings, and recommendations is available to download.

Survey Presentation

TOTA Team Attends the BRC 2024 Building Resilient Communities Conference

The BC Regional Tourism Emergency Management Specialists, including the specialist from the TOTA team, attended the Building Resilient Communities conference in Penticton from November 18th to 21st.

The BRC 2024 Building Resilient Communities Conference, focused on fostering collaboration among local governments, First Nations, organizations, agencies, and businesses to enhance community resilience. The event featured a mix of presentations, training sessions, and workshops designed to encourage active participation and knowledge sharing. It emphasized the evolution of emergency preparedness and business continuity, expanding its scope to address broader aspects of community resilience. Attendees were provided a unique venue for learning and networking to encourage partnership and drive innovation and transformation.

For more details, visit the BRC Conference website.

The “Spark” Mentorship and Grants Program Brings Innovative Ideas to Boundary Country

Boundary Country has officially announced a new program to support innovative tourism ideas in the area.

The “Spark” Mentorship and Grants Program matches selected applicants with tourism mentors and provides a $3000 grant to develop and support new or current tourism ideas that encourage longer stays, address tourism needs, and enhance experiences in the region.

Interested applicants can apply by January 6, 2025.

For more information about the Boundary “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program and upcoming Info Sessions, visit https://www.tourisminnovation.ca/boundarycountry.html

ITBC Leads the Development of a BC First Nations-led Tourism Destination Fund

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has been appointed by the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) to lead the development of a BC First Nations-led tourism destination fund.

This fund will prioritize a distinctions-based approach in alignment with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act). 

Surfrider Bye Bye Mini Bottles Campaign

Surfrider has launched its “Bye Bye Mini Bottles” campaign to eliminate single-use amenities from accommodations and embrace reusable amenities in British Columbia.

Interested businesses can learn more about the campaign and sign the business support form.

Energy Conservation and Management Workshop for South Okanagan Hotels and Businesses

Join the RDOS, FortisBC, and the City of Penticton on November 15th for free a half-day interactive workshop to share and learn about energy conservation, management initiatives, various incentives, and other project supports available for hotels and businesses in the South Okanagan.

The upcoming workshop will address the following key topics:

• FortisBC Small Business Program

• Case Study 1.1: Energy Monitoring and Management at Tin Whistle

• Case Study 1.2: Analyzing Monthly Electricity Bills

• City of Penticton – Energy Programs

• FortisBC rebate and incentive programs

• Case Study 2: Retrofitting Building

• Case Study 3: Heat Pumps

• Case Study 4: Lighting Retrofits

The workshop will be held in person at the Penticton Lakeside Resort on November 15th from 9:00 -13:00 with breakfast included. 

Register Today for this Workshop.

Predator Ridge Resort is now Biosphere Certified

Predator Ridge is a four-season resort community that offers award-winning homes, a 36-hole golf course, an expansive hiking and biking trail network, and vacation-style rental accommodations. Guests can enjoy endless outdoor entertainment such as tennis, biking, and golf during their stay at the resort in Vernon. The team at Predator Ridge dedicates themselves to being stewards of the land, understanding that their business thrives only when the environment around them flourishes.

Sustainability Initiatives

Predator Ridge has adopted sustainable practices into every aspect of its operations to safeguard the local ecology and to foster responsible tourism practices. These initiatives are put into place to make a meaningful, positive impact on the environment so that future generations can enjoy the beauty of the Okanagan as visitors do today.

Some of the many sustainability initiatives that the team at Predator Ridge are excited to share with the community are:

Eco-friendly Irrigation: The golf courses at Predator Ridge Resort are maintained with 100% recycled effluent water, significantly reducing the reliance on fresh water sources. 

Waste Reduction: Predator Ridge has implemented extensive recycling and composting programs across their community and the resort. Guest accommodations are equipped with refillable bathroom amenities, including shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, and lotion, to reduce single-use disposables.n make all the difference.

Wildfire Prevention: Predator Ridge has enhanced its wildfire prevention strategies, including expanding the use of advanced detection system, SenseNet, and supporting local fire services to protect the natural landscapes.

Sustainable Land Use: The development plans of Predator Ridge include the preservation of green spaces, with over 50% of the land left undeveloped. This careful planning ensures that the natural habitat and biodiversity are maintained as they build out the future of the community.

Promotion of Active and Low-Impact Transportation: Guests are continually encouraged to explore the resort’s 1,300 acres and its surroundings by foot, e-bike, or electric golf carts, all of which significantly lower vehicle emissions. There are also a variety of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the resort. 

When asked about the program, Rooms Division Manager, Rupy Gakhal, had this to say: “Joining a sustainability program like Biosphere can be a game-changer. It provides a structured approach, access to invaluable resources, and a supportive community to help organizations improve their sustainability practices. We've benefited greatly from the guidance and metrics provided by these programs, which have helped us create impactful environmental initiatives while enhancing our guests’ experiences.” 

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

Book a Biosphere Introduction Presentation

TOTA 2024 AGM & Announcement of Board Directors

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the Prestige Vernon Lodge & Conference Centre, on the traditional, unceded, and ancestral territory of the Okanagan Indian Band and the syilx (Okanagan) People.

The meeting reviewed the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, including a presentation of the Audited Financial Statements, Governance Report, and TOTA Activities, as well as the announcement of the Board Election Results.

Board Director Election

We would like to thank all of those in attendance as well as the candidates that let their names stand in this year's election.

Please join us in congratulating the new and returning board of directors:

 

Executive Directors

Chair:
Sandra Oldfield, Elysian Projects (Continuing Term)
South Okanagan | Sector: Other

Vice-Chair:
Kimo Linders, ERTCU Travel Group (Elected for Additional Term)
All sub regions | Sector: Other

Secretary-Treasurer:
Cassandra Zerebeski, Destination Silver Star (Elected for Additional Term) North Okanagan | Sector: DMO

Past Chair:
Michael J. Ballingall, Big White Ski Resort
Boundary Country | Sector: Attraction

Directors

Mandi Carroll, Westbank First Nation (Elected for Additional Term)
Central Okanagan | Sector: Other

Vicki Dalgleish, Sandman Hotel Group (New)
North Thompson, South Thompson, Gold Country, North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, South Okanagan, and Similkameen | Sector: Accommodation

Kelley Glazer, Destination Osoyoos (Elected for Additional Term)
South Okanagan | Sector: DMO

Morgen Matheson, Tourism Shuswap / Columbia Shuswap Regional District (Elected for Additional Term) Shuswap | Sector: DMO

Lumin McCutcheon, Trails to the Boundary Society (New)
Boundary Country | Sector: Other

Lara Pethybridge, Andrew Peller Ltd (New)
Central, South Okanagan | Sector: Wine

Ed Ratuski, YKA Kamloops Airport (Elected for Additional Term)
South Thompson | Sector: Transportation

Colin Ross, Peak Cellars (New)
Central Okanagan | Sector: Wine & Culinary

Monica Seys, Shuswap Marina (Continuing Term)
Shuswap | Sector: Speciality retail

Dale Sivucha, Coast Capri Hotel (Continuing Term)

Central Okanagan | Sector: Accommodation

Thom Tischik, Travel Penticton Society (Continuing Term)
South Okanagan | Sector: DMO

Welcome to all of the new and continuing board members. We thank you for your dedication and commitment to the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry and the region.

Learn more about the directors at TOTABC.org/Board.

Wellness Travel BC Creates Online Wellness Travel Directory

Wellness Travel BC has created a mobile-first online wellness travel directory that features 'wellness to transformative travel experiences' at award-winning hotels, resorts, attractions, and community destinations.

This accessible resource will feature easily searchable experiences, wellness trends, tips, reviews, blogs, contests, podcasts, videos, and wellness travel features, all in one place.

Explore the directory here.

Take the go2HR Employer Survey

Help go2HR shape the future of tourism and hospitality by participating in the Employer Survey. Insights from this survey will be used to better understand the key human resource, health and safety, and training issues and opportunities facing the tourism and hospitality industry in BC.

Respondents will be entered to win one of six $500 regional travel credits, which can be used for a BC world-class experience.

Please complete the survey by November 1, 2024.

Tourism Kelowna Destination Video Wins Cannes International Media & TV Award

Tourism Kelowna received the Silver Dolphin award at the 2024 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards in the ‘Tourism Films Destinations—Cities’ category.

The video, titled “Explore More of Kelowna in All Seasons,” showcases the tourism experiences available year-round in and around Kelowna.

Watch the award-winning video.

Register for BCTCRI’s 5th Workshop: Decarbonization and Climate Action

Join Synergy Enterprises on October 16, 2024, for a free virtual workshop that explores innovative strategies and initiatives for reducing carbon emissions in the tourism industry.

This workshop is part of the British Columbia Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI) Project Four: Community Destination Stewardship Initiative.

Destination Canada Launches Interactive Incentive Map

Destination Canada’s Business Events website now features an interactive map of incentive experiences across Canada. Potential clients are invited to explore awe-inspiring experiences in unique destinations from coast to coast to coast, with filters including Experience Type and Economic Sector.

Read the Destination Canada Sustainability Storybook

Destination Canada has released a national program to improve the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental sustainability practices of business events hosted in Canada.

Through its sustainability commitment Destination Canada invites you to read the Sustainability Storybook which presents practical solutions to implement sustainable changes to business events across Canada.

Thompson Okanagan Featured in the National Climate League 2023 Report

The 6th edition of the National Climate League Standings report by the National Climate League (NCL) is now available. Explore data collected from over 50 municipalities, including those in the Thompson Okanagan. This data features detailed policy scans, data visualizations, and in-depth analysis.

Download your copy today to see the latest municipal climate action in Canada and the region.