Save the Date: BC Outdoor Recreation Conference 2026

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC is celebrating 50 years of advocacy in 2026, and they’re marking it a big occasion! Join them at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC, for this milestone event.

This conference will bring together outdoor recreation leaders, advocates, and enthusiasts from across British Columbia to reflect on our past, celebrate our achievements, and shape the future of public recreation.

Tourism Kamloops is seeking a candidate for the Director of Brand & Marketing

Tourism Kamloops is seeking an enthusiastic leader for the Director position of their brand & marketing department.

Applications are open until April 20, 2025, and interested candidates can send their resumes and cover letters to careers@tourismkamloops.com.

Camping reservations now open for Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Park

On April 2, 2025, people can begin reserving camping. Tent pad rentals will be available at any of the seven backcountry campgrounds along the Berg Lake Trail for arrivals starting June 26, 2025, the same day the entire trail is scheduled to reopen. Reservations will open for the entire season and are required to stay at campgrounds along the trail until Sept. 29, 2025.

Visitors are encouraged to check the park webpage for updates about the final phase of construction: https://bcparks.ca/mount-robson-park/

DBC Learning Centre - How to work with Receptive Tour Operators

This video from DBC will explain how Receptive Tour Operators (RTO’s) open your business up to new markets.

Increasing Wealth and Wellbeing for Canadians

Destination Canada provides a Wealth & Wellbeing Index Report which provides a summary of Tourism’s Wealth and Wellbeing Index. This index aligns with the United Nations’ Measuring Sustainability in Tourism (MST) framework, ensuring that all values align with sustainable tourism and the 17 sustainable development goals.

DBC Learning Centre - Who are the Travel Trade?

This is part three of nine in DBC’s Learning Centre series “Working with the Travel Trade”. This short video helps tourism operators learn who the travel trade is, why and how to work with them, and how your local and regional DMO can help you start your journey working with the travel trade.

Resources for Canadian Workers and Businesses

The Government of Canada has put in new measures to help Canadian workers and businesses navigate the impact of the recently imposed tariffs.

This includes:

• Launching the Trade Impact Program through Export Development Canada.

• Making $500 million in favourably priced loans available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support impacted businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, as well as companies in their supply chains.

• Providing $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry.

Take the Canadian Tourism Data Collective Utilization Survey

The Canadian Tourism Data Collective (CTDC) was launched in May 2024, and Simon Fraser University is running a survey to assess the awareness and usage of the CTDC tool.

Participant feedback will help improve data accessibility for industry stakeholders and support research on tourism resilience.

This anonymous survey will take 5–10 minutes to complete. Complete the survey by March 27, 2025, for a chance to win a $200 Amazon gift card.

Vernon Youth Job Opportunity with Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) - Applications Closing Soon

There are some exciting youth climate action job opportunities coming to Vernon this summer! Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) is hiring 5 youth (aged 17-30) to mobilize community climate action in the Vernon area. One Program Lead, one Program Coordinator, and three Community Climate Action Mobilizer positions are available.
 
The following positions are now open for application. Click the links below to access the job postings:

• Program Lead, Vernon (deadline to apply: March 6)

• Program Coordinator, Vernon (deadline to apply: March 6)

• Community Climate Action Mobilizer, Vernon (deadline to apply: April 6)

DBC Learning Centre - Are you Travel Trade Ready?

This is part two of nine in DBC’s Learning Centre series “Working with the Travel Trade”. This tool will provide a set of criteria and standards to help BC’s tourism industry assess whether they are ready to work with the travel trade.

Tourism Kelowna is a Finalist for the 2025 BC Tourism Awards

Tourism Kelowna is one of the three finalists for the Professional Excellence DMO or Sector Association Award at the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Awards.

The winners of this award will be announced during the BC Tourism Industry Conference on March 5 - 7, 2025.

DBC Learning Centre - Working with the Travel Trade

This is part one of nine in DBC’s Learning Centre series “Working with the Travel Trade”. This initial learning material will guide you through who the travel trade is, why to work with travel trade, and how to work with travel trade.

Congratulations to the Boundary Country Spark Program Winners!

Three finalists from Boundary Country who made winning pitches have been awarded a $3000 seed grant and mentorship to help them kick start their new tourism ideas.

The Boundary Country “Spark” Program winners are: 

• Lisa Houston – Christina Lake Sauna Experience

• Carissa Boynton – Hotel Midway as a Tourism & Community Hub

• Rocio Graham – Christina Lake Mushroom Festival

Take the Tourism Climate Adaptation & Environmental Sustainability Business Survey

As a partner of Destination BC, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is excited to invite you to take part in the first-ever Tourism Climate Adaptation & Environmental Sustainability Business Survey. Your input will help shape a custom report for the region, so we can work together toward a sustainable future! Don’t miss out—complete the survey today!

New Short-term Rental Registry, Host Registration Required

The Province is launching a new short-term rental (STR) registry in order to give hosts who are operating legally to continue to welcome visitors.

Anyone operating a short-term rental will have to register with the province which must be displayed on all listings in BC, effective May 1, 2025.

Join WORTH for the 2025 WORTH Leadership Summit

Join WORTH Association for Western Canada’s only summit dedicated to women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality—an inspiring event designed to uplift women, elevate organizations, and drive progress across our industry.

The Summit will take place on March 11, 2025, at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Summit will bring together aspiring leaders and seasoned executives to address industry challenges and create actionable pathways for change. Participants will gain the tools and strategies to accelerate their careers and drive transformative change within their organizations. For companies, the Summit represents more than an investment in their people —it’s a commitment to shaping the future of the industry.

Highlights of the day will include:

• Melanie Mark in the welcome address.

• Amal Masri, founder of Fix the Broken Rung, in the keynote presentation. 

• Panels and Presentations featuring industry leaders such as Jen Murtagh (Maturn), and Talaysay Campo (Talaysay Tours).

• Breakout Sessions tackling real-world challenges for women in the industry.

• Networking at the closing reception.

Register today to take advantage of early bird pricing, available until February 1, 2025.

BCTCRI Workshop #6: Climate Resilience, Governance and CDMOs

Join DBC on January 22, 2025, for a one-hour workshop focused on government partnerships within the context of climate resiliency. The workshop will focus on the importance of provincial, regional, and municipal partnerships to enhance climate resiliency strategies.

Community Meets Adventure in Blue River

Where Community Meets Adventure – Discover Life in Blue River!

Imagine waking up to breathtaking mountain views, endless outdoor adventures, and the warmth of a welcoming community. Blue River, BC, isn’t just a place—it’s a lifestyle.

Why Blue River?

• Nestled in the heart of untouched wilderness

• Endless opportunities for outdoor recreation: hiking, skiing, kayaking, and more!

• A tight-knit, supportive community

• The perfect balance of tranquility and modern conveniences

Whether you’re seeking a fresh start, a new adventure, or a place to grow, Blue River is calling!

ETSI-BC Has Been Approved for Over $800,000 in Funding for the Southern Interior

The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) has been approved for $804,230 in funding to support 26 projects that will help support the economic growth of the Southern Interior of B.C.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is among the 26 other approved projects that will receive funding from ETSI-BC.

Read the full press release for information about the project.

Global Sustainable Tourism Council Attraction Criteria Early Adoption Program

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has launched an early adopter program for the GSTC attraction criteria.

The early adoption program will begin in January 2025, interested parties can find more information about the program’s activities and applications here.