Posts in TOTA News
TOTA Golf Tournament Sponsors and Prizes | Join us May 30, 2024 in Kamloops

For 30 years, the TOTA Golf Tournament has brought together people of the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry for a day of connection and comradery, and, of course, fun!

This year, Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops is playing host to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association’s 30th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 30.

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GreenStep EcoFund Verified Program Assists TOTA Stakeholders to Reduce the Costs of Switching to RNG

TOTA continues its commitment to destination stewardship and sustainability through a partnership with GreenStep and its EcoFund program. Tourism businesses that join the EcoFund program, collect an EcoFee that helps their businesses to cut down on the consumption of energy, waste and water, by investing in more efficient technologies and renewable energy.

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BC Fairs Learning Exchange

The BC Fairs Learning Exchange took place in Penticton on April 14-16, bringing together a diverse community of thought leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts from across the realms of business, culture, and innovation. TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews delivered the opening presentation and took part in a panel on crisis communications for BC fairs.

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Promote Your Business at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre - 2024 Season

Thompson Okanagan tourism companies are invited to share adventures and experiences at the Tourism Inspiration Centre on Highway 97C above Peachland, which receives 35,000+ visitors per season.

Promotion Opportunities for the season (May-October)

  • Outdoor Billboard Space: $500+GST / year

  • Brochure Racking Space & QR Code Link to Website: $125+GST / year

  • On-Site Exhibit Space: $150+GST / weekend

Biosphere Commitment Program members will receive a 25% discount on listed prices.

Availability is limited and offered first come, first serve. To secure your promotion space, contact Visit@TOTABC.com.

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Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and TOTA partner to benefit students in TRU’s tourism management program and support the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to benefit students in TRU’s tourism management program and support the TRU Tourism Innovation Lab.

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Reintroducing the Biosphere Commitment Program

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is launching the revamped Biosphere Commitment Program. The updated program has a new focus on the online Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle (BSL) Platform, which allows organizations to measure, manage, and report on their sustainability efforts that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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TOTA Golf Tournament Save the Date & Call for Sponsors

The 30th Annual Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Golf Tournament will be hosted at Bighorn Golf & Country Club in Kamloops on Thursday, May 30, 2024, with a full day of food, drink, and fun. Registration will open shortly. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Tourism Outlook Survey 2024

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is conducting a survey to collect current information from Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses about the financial outlook for the coming year, 2024.

A summary of the findings will be presented in March to the TOTA board, Destination BC CEO, BC Ministry of Tourism, Art, Culture, and Sport (MTACS). Please complete the survey by March 3.

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Vote TOTA for North America's Responsible Tourism Award 2024 | Voting Closes April 7

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has been nominated for North America's Responsible Tourism Award in the annual World Travel Awards. We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to register and vote for TOTA by April 7.

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TOTA Team Represents the Thompson Okanagan Region at the International Media Marketplace (IMM)

The TOTA marketing team represented the Thompson Okanagan region at the International Media Marketplace (IMM) in New York in January 2024. The team met with 25 top tier media in the media marketplace where they got to know the individual writers and creators.

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Ski the Thompson Okanagan Press Release

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is encouraging people to plan a visit to a Thompson Okanagan ski resorts to experience the wonders of winter by sharing a roundup of information with media. The press release is designed to raise awareness of ski resorts, passes, and activities in the Thompson Okanagan, inspiring them to plan a trip.

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Call for insights to support SFU study on advancing tourism resilience through big data and smart destination practices

TOTA is seeking tourism business owners and operators to share knowledge and insights in the study From panic to planning: Advancing tourism resilience through big data and smart destination practices by participating in a short one-on-one interview in February to April 2024.

To schedule an interview, please contact Scott Peters at Scott_Peters@SFU.ca or +1-778-878-2557

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Share Your Insights to Enhance Resilience Planning Using Big Data

Thompson Okanagan tourism business owners and operators are invited to share their perspectives on how the region can advance tourism resilience through big data and smart destination practices. Insights will be collected through an in-person or video interview.

To schedule an interview, please contact Scott Peters at Scott_Peters@SFU.ca or +1-778-878-2557

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New Grant and Mentorship Program to "Spark" Innovative Tourism Ideas Along Rainforest to Rockies Iconic Route | Apply by March 1

A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas along the Rainforest to Rockies iconic route across southern British Columbia was announced by Destination BC, in partnership with Tourism Innovation Lab, TOTA, and other tourism partners.

The Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants with a tourism mentor and provide a $3,000 grant and additional partner support to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development.

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New TOTA Visitors Campaign Focuses on Extended Stay and Transformative Experiences

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is inviting visitors to go deeper and explore the region’s most enriching experiences with its latest campaign and video entitled, Stay a While. Designed to showcase the Thompson Okanagan's hidden gems, visitors are encouraged to dive into authentic local culture, stay longer, and make meaningful discoveries.

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