BC Hospitality & Tourism Industry Update & 2021 Outlook

The BC Hotel Association, Tourism Industry Association of BC, and the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat outlined the state of the Tourism & Hospitality industry and mapped the outlook for 2021.

Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant Eligibility Changes: Tourism Businesses Eligible for Up to $45,000 Non-Repayable Grant

The B.C. government has enhanced the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program to make it easier for businesses to qualify and has increased support for those in the hard-hit tourism sector.

Tourism businesses impacted by the pandemic will be eligible to receive between $10,000 and $45,000 in a non-repayable grant.

Adjustments made to the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program include a streamlined application process and simplified criteria to allow more businesses to be eligible.

Eligibility changes include:

• instead of requiring a revenue loss of 50% or more, the criteria has been reduced to 30% at the time of application;

• the requirement to list a variety of remittance accounts, like the registration numbers for the goods and services tax, provincial sales tax and WorkSafeBC, have been removed;

• businesses that have been in operation for the last 18 months are now eligible (reduced from three years). This means businesses only need to have been in operation nine months before the pandemic to apply for the grant;

• applications can now be submitted by sole proprietors; and

• businesses that are temporarily closed or seasonal are now eligible for the program.

The revised application process and eligibility criteria are now in place. Small- and medium-sized businesses are encouraged to apply.

For more information on the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program, including the application process and eligibility, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/business-recovery-grant

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About StrongerBC

The grant is part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, which outlines the steps the Government of British Columbia is taking to help people, businesses and communities come out of COVID-19 stronger and better prepared. The changes to the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program were made in consultation with industry associations and business groups that represent the small and medium-sized business community.

For more information on StrongerBC, visit: StrongerBC.gov.bc.ca

State of the Indigenous Tourism Video Released by Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) released a State of Indigenous Tourism Industry video showcasing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the Indigenous tourism industry at their 2020 AGM on December 15. Tied to ITAC’s second wave response and advocacy efforts to the Federal Government, ITAC hopes to receive the requested $18.2 M to support the Indigenous tourism industry and its immediate needs.

This emotional video showcases members from across Canada, including Thompson Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, an Indigenous tour company operated by TOTA’s past Board Chair, Frank Antoine. In the video, Frank speaks about the challenges for Indigenous tourism companies at 3:24, 4:00, 6:02, and 8:14.

Watch the State of Indigenous Tourism Industry Video

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About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is the lead organization tasked with growing the Indigenous tourism industry across the country.  Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with other groups and regions with similar mandates. By uniting the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada, ITAC works to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism businesses in a respectful protocol.  Due to COVID-19, ITAC recently released a report on the financial challenges facing Indigenous tourism operators and recommended stimulus solutions. As well, a 2020-2021 revised action plan focused on sustaining Indigenous tourism in the face of COVID-19 was released in March.

Expansion of Midway Trail Network Through Community Collaboration

A new trail in the Midway Trail Network

After a storm caused tremendous damage to the Midway Trail Network in 2018, Osoyoos Indian Band, West Boundary Community Forest, community volunteers, and foresters worked together to restore the recreational use trails in Boundary Country and develop 1,000 meters of new trail, which can accessed through the existing Midway Trail Network. Hikers and bikers can now experience areas in the community forest that were to overgrown or filled with downed trees.

The need for the project started in the summer of 2018 when a strong windstorm came through the southern Boundary region and blew over a vast number of trees.

Midway may only have a population of 649 people, but the community hosts thousands of visitors throughout the year who venture into the West Boundary Community Forest (WBCF) to explore the extensive Midway Trails network on mountain bike, snowshoes, or hiking. As locals, visitors, and school groups are actively out in the Community Forest, it was to proactively improve the health of the forest for future generations, and to remove dead and fallen trees that could pose a wildfire threat.

“This project has been a community effort,” said Dan Macmaster, Fibre Manager for Vaagen Fibre Canada and Forest Manager of the WBCF. “Our team at Vaagen worked to develop the prescription, and then supervise and implement the work using funding dollars provided by FESBC and the WBCF. This project is on actively used trail systems, so it was important to engage the community to ensure their involvement and buy in, including our First Nations partners in the planning and implementation phases.”

The Osoyoos Indian Band and their forestry team provided archaeology assessments at the outset and members of the Band have been involved in post-harvest treatments like bucking and piling trees.

“This project work has been a very light touch on the landscape using an innovative harvesting/forwarding system to minimize soil disturbance. Plus, we are doing hand treatments where possible,” said Macmaster. “We’ve even had school groups come in to learn more about their community forest and do some of the hands-on work.”

Through daily inspections by the Midway Trail Society volunteers, blowdown from the storm was noted as significant, and an aerial inspection by the WBCF verified the extent of the damage. Because the area is already susceptible to the Douglas-fir beetle, the downed trees needed to be removed to prevent further infestation in the local forest. The Mayors of Midway and Greenwood were very supportive of the project, and a Director of the WBCF Board has heard excellent reviews from local residents and community leaders alike.

“We are pleased to see the hard work of so many make an improved difference for our Community Forest and for the Midway Trails,” said Ross Elliot, Director on the Board of the WBCF. “We expressed early on to the Midway Trails Society members and to the residents of Midway and Greenwood who have joint ownership of this Community Forest that there was a lot of work to be done. The $94,200 in FESBC funding, in conjunction with a $139,500 contribution from the WBCF, has allowed us to get the work underway. Moving forward, we will continue to rely on our community volunteers to maintain the trails well into the future for everyone to enjoy.”

Noting the many benefits of the project is FESBC Operations Manager, Gord Pratt: “Our team likes to see projects that request FESBC-funding cover a number of our purposes, and this project is doing just that. Not only are excessive fuel loads being reduced to mitigate increased wildfire risk, but the work is making the forest healthier. This in turn helps create enhanced wildlife habitat, maintain forest recreation opportunities, and ensures timber supply for future generations. When marginal stands can be harvested and brought to the local mill, projects like this also create economic benefits, including jobs for the community.”

To see the project area in relation to the Midway Trails System, visit the West Boundary Community Forest website. The interpretive trail map signs will be updated for 2021.

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Submitted by Forest Enhancement Society of BC

Nominations Open for Lonely Planet Best In Travel Readers' Choice Awards: Cast Your Vote!

Lonely Planet is calling for nominations for the Readers’ Choice Awards, to share and celebrate your favourite destinations, organizations, products, or experiences. The Readers’ Choice Awards will be completely selected by users’ vote, which is open now until December 31. Winners will be announced in January.

Voting is a free and all that’s required is an email address.

New this year, Lonely Planet has created award categories to highlight key areas of how travel has grown and evolved:

• Sustainability

• Community

• Diversity

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Vote for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Businesses

You can share and celebrate your favourite Thompson Okanagan tourism industry businesses to help them jumpstart operations when the time is right. You can vote for multiple destinations, organizations, and/or experiences.

In particular, consider entering nominations for the following subcategories:

Sustainability

• Storyteller

• Walks

• Wildlife Program

• Food Destination

• Cycling Route

• Accommodation

• City Stay

Community

• Tour

• Accommodation

• Revitalization

• Restoration

• Storyteller

• Small Business

• Tourism Project

Diversity

• Accessible Destination

• Indigenous Food

• Inclusive Tours

• Cultural Diversity

• Welcoming Destination

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Biking the Great Trail of Canada near Christina Lake

Photo Credit: Destination BC, Hubert Kang

Accessible pathway along Okanagan Lake in Naramata

Photo Credit: Destination BC, Hubert Kang

Indigenous Cuisine in Osoyoos

Photo Credit: Indigenous Tourism BC: The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry

Locally grown produce at Harkers Organic Market in Cawston

Photo Credit: Destination BC, Hubert Kang

Mount Robson Provincial Park

Photo Credit: Destination BC, Brayden Hall

Click images to download and feel free to share.

Cast Your Vote For Thompson Okanagan as a Sustainable Destination

We would appreciate your nomination to showcase the collective efforts of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry to welcome visitors sustainably and responsibly. Guided by the 10-year regional strategy, Embracing Our Potential, developed with community input in 2012 and updated in 2019, the Thompson Okanagan region aims to be a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

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For more information, contact:

Summit 2020 Presentation Recordings

Moving Forward Better Through Tourism Recovery, Resiliency, and Regeneration

Watch, re-watch, and share Summit 2020 presentations recorded by industry experts from British Columbia and around the globe. Gain insights into the latest trends and developments in tourism, climate action, community building, and more. We invite you to learn, strategize, collaborate, and move forward better than before.

Presentations originally aired at the virtual TOTA CCCTA Summit 2020 on November 25 & 26, 2020.

Sustainable Communities | Kanaka Bar Indian Band (T’eqt”aqtn’mux)

With a continuously changing world due to the direct impact of the actions of the people living within it, it is our responsibility to act today with our future in mind. We need to be continuously mindful that the steps we take today will leave imprints lasting for many generations. The Kanaka Bar Indian Band prides itself on carrying out its community's mandate and building with this mindfulness at the forefront of everything they do.

“... The future of humanity and indeed, all life on earth, depend on us.”

— David Attenborough

Fraser River, Taken by @snsusbjwnsk

The Kanaka Bar Indian Band, also known as “T’eqt”aqtn’mux” or “the crossing place people,” is located 18 kilometers South of Lytton in the Fraser Canyon region, on the western border of the Thompson Okanagan. They are one of fifteen Indigenous communities that make up the Nlaka’pamux Nation. Kanaka Bar’s ancestors knew that to survive, one needs air, water, food, shelter, energy, and community certainty. With these elements in mind and connecting today's science with traditional knowledge, Kanaka Bar has developed programs, plans, projects, and initiatives to ensure that they will be self-sustaining and resilient, and thus able to maintain all foundational physiological elements for generations to come.

As temperatures rise, air quality diminishes, and weather patterns become more unpredictable, Kanaka members are observing the effects of global collective actions on the local environment. In short, Kanaka membership is of the view we are all approaching, if we have not already, a point of no return regarding climate change’s adverse impacts. Changes to our day to day life, big or small go a long way. Businesses and communities who share a similar awareness have a unique opportunity to learn, adapt, and then teach environmentally sustainable habits.

Changes to your business that allow you to become self-sustaining and resilient are not only good for the environment, but for your business as well. For example, imagine not having to worry about a power outage shutting down your computer and payment systems, because your power comes from solar power and battery storage!

Aerial of Kanaka Reserve

Making sustainable and resilient changes can be a long road, but these changes will have a lasting and positive impact. While some communities and businesses may have overlooked these initiatives, the community of Kanaka Bar time and time again have been leaders in environmentally sustainable practices that have truly made a difference for their community and our planet. Some of their incredible initiatives consist of weather stations, water gauging stations, solar projects, hydro projects, wind energy with battery storage, and currently in the design phase of a Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) project, to produce fresh fruits and vegetables year-round to phase out field crops and greenhouses over time.

2020-09-02 Excavating the Restaurant lands Parcel 1

Bee Keeping at Kanaka Bar Band

Energy bills constitute a significant portion of everyone's business and community expenses these days. Thanks to Mother Nature’s generous availability of sun, water, wind, and a few low-cost and no-cost strategies implemented at Kanaka, most residential units are now paying year round approximately $60.00 per month and the administration facilities are paying approximately $20.00 per month to BC Hydro, says Chief Patrick Michell.

These energy conservation initiatives are great evidence for cost-saving opportunities that any business or community can incorporate in the same capacity.

To reduce the energy consumption of Kanaka residences, administration, and businesses, the band follows a holistic proactive 5 pillar approach to manage their energy and costs:

1. Energy Monitoring

2. Demand Side Management

3.  Renovating existing infrastructure

4. New Construction

5. Energy Production

Solar at the Band Office, 2020

Community celebrating around Solar Panel

They use an interactive hardware system installed behind their BC Hydro meter at the Band Office and health office, to monitor solar production and minute by minute consumption. This is to inform them about their energy usage trends and “power hogs” so that they can take control of their bills. All Kanaka buildings were inspected for construction deficiencies such as insulation and air leaks. Seventeen of the buildings were upgraded which resulted in a 40%-70% reduction of daily energy use.

With the vision to become self-sufficient, sustainable, and vibrant, the Kanaka community will continue to be one of the first to research and successfully try new sustainable technologies with the end goal of overall community resilience in mind. They have a myriad of renewable energy projects to generate their electricity, which includes at this time twelve separate Solar systems, a run-off river hydro project, and two vertical axis wind turbines. The life span of the Solar Panel projects is easily fifty years and the payback period is around seventeen years. Though the payback period seems long, the benefits that these solar projects generate after the initial seventeen years is worth the wait. Kanaka has learned that payback periods are now less due to the cost decreases in both solar panels and batteries.

Food Forest Aerial Image Sept 21 2020

““It is not a loss to Kanaka today when we invest in our children and grandchildren’s future. We invest in the long term at the expense of the short term by proactively installing legacy assets… We have rebranded our thinking.””

— Chief Patrick Michell

For any community, resilient food sufficiency can be defined as finding alternatives to retail and trade by utilizing local land and resources to produce what you need to live. New permaculture initiatives and the coming of the pilot Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) project at Kanaka will provide ideal conditions for any kind of fruit or vegetable to be able to grow all year round. Transferrable anywhere, Kanaka learnings will allow for farmers to develop control over variables normally unavoidable and uncertain, for example, bugs, rain, excessive heat, drought, wind events, humidity, and growth lighting. Kanaka Bar plans to transition from working field crops and greenhouses into new, or used shipping containers and to produce, process, and distribute fresh and preserved foods throughout Kanaka, sell the food at their future visitor center, The Must Stop Rest Stop (for people passing through), and incorporate an e-commerce market for organic wind/sun-dried products. By using repurposed shipping containers they will take up less land and can be moved to wherever and whenever.

Current Raised Garden Beds

Pilot Project potential Design

Current Greenhouse, July 2020

The tipping point for our environment is nearing. Kanaka believes it will be sooner than later, which is why the Kanaka community does their best to create strategies with an extensive long term vision. If we do not get ahead of climate change now, the world will be 2 degrees Celsius higher and then 4 degrees Celsius by 2100, millions of people will suffer from dehydration and starvation, and millions of people will be displaced.

Taken by @snsusbjwnsk

Businesses and communities have a unique opportunity to set the stage and then educate other people on how they can make a difference to themselves and the environment. Taking on environmentally sustainable endeavors is not always an easy thing to do, but in the end, the short term pain will be worth the long term gain. What we do today impacts tomorrow, so let's start making a difference today to ensure our tomorrow.

“What affects one affects all – we are part of a greater whole – the body of the planet.”

— Bernard Campbell

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About the Author

Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna Labossiere loves to learn about and experience new places. She feels so lucky to live in such a beautiful place with so much to explore. As a Brand Ambassador for the Thompson Okanagan region, she hopes to be able to showcase the region’s local businesses and natural attractions to encourage others to come and enjoy them in a safe and sustainable way.

About the Author

Thivya Viswanathan is TOTA’s Energy Analyst. She is passionate about energy efficiency & renewable energy and works with the tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan to help them understand their energy consumption. She manages TOTA’s energy assessments for small businesses and a few areas of the Eco Efficiency Program.

Rocky Mountaineer Wins Big in 2020 as World’s Leading Luxury Train, Best Sustainable Train Journey, and More

Rocky Mountaineer has earned global recognition from the World Travel Awards as World’s Leading Luxury Train experience and Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Award for Best Sustainable Train Journey, following several other awards earlier this year: Best Rail Supplier at the Nexion Travel Group Supplier of the Year Awards, Favourite Rail provider in the Baxter Travel Media Agents’ Choice Awards, and Best Rail Company at the prestigious Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards in the UK.

Photo Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Travelling through diverse landscapes, Black Canyon and the Thompson River on the First Passage to the West and Journey Through the Clouds route.

Photo Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Arid landscape, Black Canyon and the Thompson River.

Photo Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Pyramid Falls in the North Thompson Journey through the Clouds route.

Photo Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Guests capturing photos of Mount Robson from the GoldLeaf Service vestibule on Journey through the Clouds through the North Thompson.

Photo Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Approaching Mount Fitzwilliam on the BC-Alberta Border, en route to/from the North Thompson.

Photo Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

View from the GoldLeaf Service vestibule on First Passage to the West route passing Shuswap Lake.

Rocky Mountaineer in the Thompson Okanagan Region

Rocky Mountaineer features several rail routes which travel through the Thompson Okanagan region with a night stay in Kamloops, including:

• First Passage to the West: Vancouver to Kamloops, passing through the Shuswap, to Banff/Lake Louise

• Journey Through the Clouds: Vancouver to Kamloops, passing through the Shuswap, Pyramid Falls, and Mount Robson to Jasper

• Multiple circle routes

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World Travel Awards: World’s Leading Luxury Train

The World Travel Awards are a global initiative to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Rocky Mountaineer was crowned the winner after a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and a record number of the public from around the world.

This is the ninth World Travel Award for Rocky Mountaineer, which also received the award for World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012; and World’s Leading Luxury Travel Product in 2010.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) received the 2020 World’s Responsible Tourism Award for the third consecutive year and will host the World Travel Awards North America Gala Ceremony at Predator Ridge Resort in Vernon this Autumn 2021.

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Lonely Planet Best in Travel: Sustainable Train Journey

Rocky Mountaineer received this award for taking steps to reduce carbon emissions, increase on-board recycling, and partner with organizations to protect the local wildlife.

Train travel is a sustainable method of transportation to the Thompson Okanagan region from both east and west. The Rocky Mountaineer is committed to sustainable tourism. The train line works to protect the areas it travels through and focuses on using resources wisely – including reducing carbon emissions. Further, the Rocky Mountaineer makes annual contributions to Tree Canada’s National Greening Program, which has resulted in over 13,500 new trees being planted across BC to date.

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About Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer offers premium train experiences between Vancouver and the Canadian Rocky Mountains, showcasing the best scenery Canada has to offer. Rocky Mountaineer is an exclusive travel experience that offers unparalleled journeys in its spacious glass-domed train coaches thanks to the pristine scenery, local gourmet cuisine, and attentive service. Since it was founded in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has welcomed more than two million guests and become the largest privately-owned premium tourist train in the world. Learn are more at RockyMountaineer.com.

The Travel Foundation and TOTA Join Forces to Develop New Approaches for Destination Management and Regenerative Tourism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kelowna, B.C. - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is announcing a formal partnership with the Travel Foundation under the shared vision that, if managed well, tourism is a force for good. With the considerable combined experience and expertise of both parties, the focus of this partnership will be supporting the Thompson Okanagan region and global community through the development of new approaches, destination management strategies, tools, and knowledge products.

"Tourism is undoubtedly facing monumental challenges, calling for innovative approaches, alliances, and continued dedication to best practices," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "We are proud to partner with the Travel Foundation, knowing the strong alignment of visions and values will catalyze change and consequently support the region, its residents, visitors, and natural resources."

Specifically, TOTA and the Travel Foundation plan to develop and trial ground-breaking new methodologies to develop tourism as a regenerative force that adds value to the people and places of the Thompson Okanagan while managing its burden on communities, public services, infrastructure, and the environment.

“This partnership is set to break new ground, and to inspire many other destinations to take a data-driven approach to managing their visitor economy," said Jeremy Sampson, CEO of the Travel Foundation. "Understanding benefits and burdens of different aspects of tourism is the key to optimising its regenerative force, ensuring quality experiences for visitors and quality of life for residents. TOTA is in a great position to demonstrate this through innovative pilot projects we'll explore together.”

Jeremy Sampson recently took part in the TOTA and Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) Virtual Summit on November 25 & 26, 2020 with a keynote presentation "No Tourism is an Island" and panel centered around the Future of Tourism Coalition.

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Background

About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. It 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. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.

About the Travel Foundation:

The Travel Foundation is an international sustainable tourism charity that brings together the private and public sector to create concrete, practical and collaborative solutions to alleviate current and future risks to tourism destinations and their communities. For more information, visit TheTravelFoundation.org.uk.

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For More Information:

Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
e: Industry@TOTABC.com
p: (236) 361-4433

Thompson Okanagan Wins World's Responsible Tourism Award for the Third Consecutive Year

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kelowna, B.C. - Among the world's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) was named the 2020 World’s Responsible Tourism Award Winner for the third consecutive year at the 27th Annual World Travel Awards. This announcement follows TOTA’s win of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award in November, and recognizes many years of continued leadership efforts to exceed global standards of sustainable tourism.

World Travel Awards Announcement Video

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is honoured to receive the World's Responsible Tourism Award from the 2020 World Travel Awards.

"We are honoured and grateful to be recognized for a third time with this prestigious global award for our continued commitment to responsible destination management and stewardship," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "I would like to sincerely thank the World Travel Awards for this recognition, as well as our board, staff, partners, and stakeholders, without whom this would not have been possible.”

The World Travel Awards is the international benchmark for recognizing excellence in the travel industry, with voting conducted by industry professionals from around the globe.

The concept of "responsible tourism" has gained new meaning this year and, alongside continued sustainability efforts, TOTA pivoted resources to support local tourism businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic by providing one-on-one support, training, education, and advocacy through the Tourism Resiliency Program.

"It has been a truly challenging year for the travel and tourism industry. Through new trials and tribulations, the well-being and resiliency of our natural, social, and cultural environment remains at the core of our efforts," said Mandziuk. "The tourism operators of the Thompson Okanagan region have displayed impressive resiliency."

The Thompson Okanagan looks forward to welcoming and hosting the World Travel Awards North America Gala Ceremony at Predator Ridge Resort in Vernon this Autumn 2021, marking the first time that the World Travel Awards will be hosted in Canada. The 2020 World Travel Awards were planned to take place in the Thompson Okanagan in November 2020, however were moved to a virtual stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

TOTA has achieved local and international recognition in the form of designations, certifications, affiliations, and awards. For a full list, visit TOTABC.org/Recognition.

For a complete list of 2020 World Travel Award Winners, visit WorldTravelAwards.com.

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Background

About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. It 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. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.

About the World Travel Awards (WTA):

The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit WorldTravelAwards.com.

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For More Information:

Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
e: Industry@TOTABC.com
p: (236) 361-4433

TOTA Declares a Climate Emergency With International Initiative "Tourism Declares"

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has declared a climate emergency as a signatory of Tourism Declares, a global tourism-specific initiative bringing together organizations and individuals from across the industry to take purposeful action and reduce Carbon emissions. TOTA has committed to developing and publishing a comprehensive "Climate Emergency Plan" within the next 12 months, including transparent goals, measurable reductions, and yearly progress updates.

"The climate crisis poses an immense threat. Throughout COVID-19 recovery efforts, we must stay one step ahead to not only mitigate environmental impacts, but work toward transforming tourism into a force for good," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "Becoming a signatory of Tourism Declares is reflective of TOTA's Regional Strategy, Embracing Our Potential, which has lead to this commitment to take climate action towards long-term, measurable results."

Like all signatories of Tourism Declares, TOTA has committed to five key actions, which includes accepting current advice of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stating the need to cut global Carbon emissions to 55% below 2017 levels by 2030, sharing a public commitment, and acting as an advocate for change and urgent action. TOTA intends to support the regional as well as wider travel and tourism sector through continued leadership efforts, accelerating the transition to a low carbon tourism economy.

During the TOTA and Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) joint Virtual Tourism Summit on November 25 & 26, Jeremy Smith, co-founder of Tourism Declares, was welcomed to a panel discussion to share background, insights, and practical tools for climate action. A recording of the panel can be found at News.TOTABC.org/update/Summit-Recap/Climate-Action.

Any company, organization, or individual working in tourism is welcome to join the Tourism Declares initiative, and TOTA encourages you to take action.

Declare and Share at TourismDeclares.com.

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About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport. It 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. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.

About Tourism Declares:
Tourism Declares supports tourism businesses, organizations, and individuals in declaring a climate emergency and taking action to reduce their carbon emissions. As advocates for the urgent changes needed to accelerate a just transition towards carbon-free tourism, Tourism Declares is building a global community of industry leaders, developing resources to help everyone create their Climate Emergency Plans, and ensuring a fair and sustainable recovery from COVID-19. For more information, visit TourismDeclares.com.

B.C. Appoints New Tourism Minister

B.C. Premier John Horgan has announced a new cabinet, including Melanie Mark as the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.

“We look forward to working closely with Melanie Mark, the new Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport to tackle the significant challenges facing the industry, and ultimately moving the sector down the path to economic recovery,” said TOTA President & CEO Glenn Mandziuk. “As well, TOTA extends our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Honourable Lisa Beare for her leadership and steadfast support of the sector during the three years in which she served as Minister for the tourism industry.”

Melanie Mark’s became B.C.’s first female First Nations MLA when she was elected to represent Vancouver-Mount Pleasant in 2016. In 2017, she became the province’s first female First Nations cabinet minister, appointed to the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

Lisa Beare will now serve as Minister of Citizens’ Services.

Ideas Labs

Ideas Labs are 45-minute facilitated online sessions led by an Industry Topic Specialist and The Tourism Cafe. The sessions bring small groups together in a business-to-business learning environment to address hot topics where solutions to common problems are discussed and shared, and new ideas are incubated.

Leveraging Technology to Pivot Your Business

TOTA is co-hosting this Ideas Labs topic with Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival. Discuss how technology can evolve business models, visitor services, and experiences with other businesses from around B.C.

• Nov. 30, 2020 @ 2pm (New Date)
  

  Register
  

Creating Revenue Diversification Opportunities

In response to COVID-19, businesses are having to be creative in diversifying their services and offers in order to generate new sources of sustainable revenue and evolve their business models. In this session, Eleanor Stacey will kick start the Ideas Lab conversation, sharing how the Civic Theatre is diversifying revenue to pivot its business and drive new revenue and benefits for the organization

• Nov. 19, 2020 @ 2pm

• Nov. 25, 2020 @ 2pm

• Dec. 2, 2020 @ 10am
  
  Register

Tourism Resiliency Program

Expert Business Mentorship

TOTA is collaborating with Okanagan College to offer free mentoring sessions to tourism industry businesses with a focus on managing COVID-19 related challenges. Okanagan College business instructors are available to deliver virtual, one-hour individually tailored business counselling sessions based for Tourism Resiliency Program clients.

Learn More & Register

Registration Now Open: TOTA & CCCTA Virtual AGMs & 2020 Tourism Summit

We are happy to announce that registration is now open for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) & Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) virtual AGMs & joint virtual Summit.

This year, the Summit is free to attend with advance registration required. We welcome donations to support the TOTA Tourism Excellence Scholarship Program, an annual award given to exemplary students most connected to current issues in the tourism industry.

More details will be announced over the coming weeks. To learn more, please visit BCTourismSummit2020.vfairs.com.

November 25 & 26, 2020

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, will be hosting a Virtual Wine Tasting on November 25 at 6 PM, followed by a Candlelight Vigil to reflect on the challenges faced by the tourism industry this year.

We have opened up 50 spots for this unique event, which includes a special gift mailed to you in advance. To gain access, be one of the first to register for the Summit along with a donation - by Tuesday, November 10th for registrants from within BC, and November 7th for out-of-province registrants.

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Moving Forward Better: Recovery, Resiliency and Regeneration

12 panels. 2 streams. Over 50 world-renowned speakers and industry experts from around the globe.

• Discover the virtual events centre for a truly immersive, streamlined experience

• Gain insights into the latest trends and developments in tourism, climate action, community building, and more

• Engage in live Q&A sessions, network and connect with industry leaders, colleagues, and partners

• Explore industry and community resources by interacting with live representatives through virtual booths

• Bid on unique experiences and products from regional businesses through our virtual silent auction

Within every challenge lies an opportunity for transformation. Recovery, resiliency, and regeneration start from within. We invite you to join us in coming together as a tourism community - to learn, strategize, collaborate, and move forward better than before.

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Receives North America’s Responsible Tourism Award from World Travel Awards for Third Consecutive Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kelowna, B.C. (November 6, 2020) - World Travel Awards (WTA) revealed 2020's leading travel, tourism, and hospitality brands in North America this morning via a virtual event. The World Travel Awards announced that the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been acknowledged with "North America's Responsible Tourism Award" for the third consecutive year.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is honoured to receive the World Travel Awards 2020 North America Responsible Tourism Award for the third time.

"On behalf of myself the Board of Directors and our entire team at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association we are extremely honoured to once again receive this award for our ongoing commitment to Responsible and Sustainable Tourism," said Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President and CEO. "Never before in the history of our industry have we faced the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has only highlighted the need for all of us to work collaboratively on building back a more sustainable, resilient, and responsible tourism industry. We appreciate and thank the World Travel Awards for recognizing the dedicated work of our association for the third year running and can assure you that this will be a continued focus of our efforts in the months and years to come."

Over the past several years the Thompson Okanagan region has garnered attention for its collective efforts to support the tourism industry in a manner that respects its social, cultural, environmental, and economic foundations. This year the association pivoted their team and resources to support stakeholders through the initial and ensuing days of the pandemic by providing one-on-one support, training, education, and advocacy through the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) Tourism Resiliency Program designed to guide stakeholders through this unprecedented time.

"As we work to build a new and different future for the tourism industry, success will not be possible without continued strong leadership, support, and innovation by the Provincial Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Destination British Columbia, community tourism organizations, and First Nations partners, as well as over 4,500 member industry stakeholders from across the region," said Mandziuk. “We have a great team of professionals at TOTA who are a true reflection of the strong efforts that have been undertaken. To be recognized for these efforts is truly special for us all.”

““The unrivalled dedication to sustainable tourism of Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association was acknowledged with ‘North America’s Responsible Tourism Award’. Nestled in an idyllic corner of British Columbia, the Thompson Okanagan region is blessed with untapped natural beauty, a rich indigenous culture and a thriving culinary scene.””

— World Travel Awards North America Winners Day Announcement

The World Travel Awards™ acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence across key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. The 2020 World Travel Awards were planned to take place in the Thompson Okanagan this November, however were moved to a virtual stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Thompson Okanagan looks forward to welcoming and hosting the World Travel Awards in the fall of 2021.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a nominee for the World's Responsible Tourism Award 2020. TOTA was the recipient of the 2018 and 2019 World’s Responsible Tourism Award for work and commitment to sustainability. Voting has closed and the World Travel Awards will announce the winners in the near future.

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For More Information:

Ellen Walker-Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
e: Industry@TOTABC.com
p: (236) 361-4433

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Background

ABOUT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

The World Travel Awards (WTA) was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. For more information, visit WorldTravelAwards.com.

ABOUT THE THOMPSON OKANAGAN TOURISM ASSOCIATION (TOTA)

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, and is supported by the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, & Sport. It 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. For more information, visit TOTABC.org.

Tobiano Named Canada’s Best Golf Course 2020 in World Travel Awards

Tobiano was named Canada's Best Golf Course 2020 during the World Golf Awards. Located on the sunny bluffs of Kamloops Lake in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, this recognition is one of many recent rankings received, including #15 in the Best Courses in Canada, Golf Digest 2020; #7 in the Top 50 Public Golf Courses, PGA of Canada 2019, and #5 Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada - Canadian Golf Magazine 2018. Tobiano continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of golfing.

Tobiano General Manager Terry Smith accredits the continued accolades for Tobiano to “a very solid foundation of exceptional golf course design; unwavering commitment to superior golf course maintenance; exceptional service from a very dedicated staff; and the ongoing support of those who love to golf Tobiano - our customers.”

The award was accepted by Tobiano’s architect Thomas McBroom, saying:

“It has been my great pleasure to design golf courses all over the world, however Tobiano still stands out as one of my all-time favourites - and we are thrilled to have been voted Canada’s Best Golf Course for 2020! On behalf of the entire team at Tobiano, we would like to thank the World Golf Awards, everyone who voted for us and our incredible staff who deliver the exhilarating Tobiano experience day in and day out. Few settings in Canada are better than Tobiano’s rugged lakeside terrain in Kamloops, British Columbia with views of Kamloops Lake from every hole, dramatic elevation changes, ravines, natural grasses, welcoming fairways and smooth undulating greens that make Tobiano one of the finest, most picturesque golf courses anywhere. I’ve said it before that “Tobiano is literally as good as it gets. and we’d like to thank all of you who agreed and look forward to welcoming everyone again for the 2021 golf season! “

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About the World Golf Awards

The World Golf Awards celebrates and rewards excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses, and golf destinations. The worldwide voting event consisted of a nomination process followed by voting from February 23, 2020 to September 1, 2020. Votes were made by professionals working within the golf travel and tourism industry and also cast by the public golf consumers. Learn on WorldGolfAwards.com

National Geographic Features Thompson Okanagan as "British Columbia’s Best Road Trip"

Screenshot of National Geographic article “British Columbia’s best road trip: Winding through wine country”

Destination Canada and National Geographic partnered with two British Columbia locals to share an epic road trip through the Thompson Okanagan region. According to the National Geographic article, "British Columbia’s Best Road Trip" starts from Vancouver with a drive through the Similkameen Valley to Osoyoos, then follows Route 97 through Oliver, Penticton, Naramata, Kelowna, Kamloops, Clearwater, and Valemount, then back to Vancouver.

The article offers ample inspiration to entice people to plan a trip in the form of helpful recommendations, stunning photos, and mesmerizing videos. The producers have included everything needed to plan a road trip, with recommendations for places to stay, eat, and experience.

Featured activities include:

• Picnic or hike in the Similkameen Valley’s E.C. Manning Provincial Park

• Celebrate Indigenous culture in Osoyoos

• Taste local produce in Oliver

• Hike or bike in Penticton’s Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park and Naramata

• Visit wineries in Oliver, Penticton, Naramata, and Kelowna

• Hike or bike the Kettle Valley Rail Trail to the Myra Canyon Trestles from Kelowna

• Go apple picking and wine tasting in Kamloops

• Hike to a waterfall or go rafting in Wells Gray Provincial Park from Clearwater

• Helicopter tour of Mount Robson Provincial Park and the highest peak in the Canadian Rocky Mountains near Valemount

go2HR Health & Safety Open House for Biosphere

go2HR is pleased to offer a series of virtual drop-in Health and Safety Q&A Sessions for Biosphere Committed Companies. 

• Do you have a health and safety challenge or question, but not sure who to ask? 

• New to Biosphere Commitment and want to learn more about the health and safety support available for you through the program?

• Want to meet and connect with other Biosphere Committed Companies to share health and safety insights, challenges, and best practices?  
   

If you are a Biosphere Committed Company within the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) these sessions are for you!

Whether you have 5 minutes or 50 minutes, a single question, multiple questions, OR just want to drop in to meet the go2HR specialists - we are happy to speak with you. 

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Note: RSVP is not required. Click the button below to join anytime. Stay for as long as you can or need during the one-hour session.

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Air Canada Offers All-Business Class Jetz Aircraft Experience between Toronto & Kelowna this Winter

Air Canada is making its fleet of all-Business Class, Jetz charter aircraft available to customers for commercial flights as it redeploys the fleet on popular winter routes. Each of the airline's four Airbus A319 Jetz aircraft are configured with only 58 North American Business Class seats -- less than half the normal number of seats on this aircraft type -- providing an elevated level of comfort and service.

This winter, Air Canada Jetz will operate non-stop between Toronto and Kelowna.

Travellers now have a unique opportunity to travel like a pro athlete or a VIP and experience the premium Jetz service. Customers booking on a Jetz flight will enjoy such amenities as its all-Business Class seating configuration, upgraded meal service, and shorter boarding and deplaning times. These features, combined with Jetz's other attributes, create a private-jet-like experience.

Jetz aircraft typically transport customers such as professional sports teams, popular musical groups on tour, and corporate clients on a charter basis. With the current pandemic restrictions on sports events and other large gatherings, the aircraft are now available for commercial use.

When flying with Air Canada Jetz, customers will travel in a single cabin with 58 North American Business Class seats offering 42-to-49-inch seat pitch, including four facing seats with a table in the middle that can be booked for families and friends travelling together, and complimentary iPads for entertainment. Customers receive priority check-in and security clearance, Maple Leaf Lounge and Star Alliance Lounge access (where available) and aircraft leave from prime gate locations, requiring customers to begin boarding only 35 minutes prior departure. Customers will also be offered a premium, pre-packaged meal curated by celebrated Montreal chef Antonio Park with complimentary bar and beverage service.  All flights will be operated in accordance with Air Canada's biosafety protocols, centred around the Air Canada CleanCare+ program.

Customers will be able to book their Jetz flight beginning October 21, 2020 for travel during the Christmas period between December 12, 2020 and January 6, 2021, with a second schedule for March Break flights currently under development. Customers should consult aircanada.com/acjetz for schedule details, including operating days.

For customers looking to book leisure travel, Air Canada Vacations is currently developing Ultimate Escapes which include Jetz flights as well as stays at luxury hotels and resorts, private transfers, exclusive resort discounts, room upgrades and complimentary services. Details on Ultimate Escapes will be available shortly on aircanadavacations.com.