News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
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.
Relief for BC wineries 2024 vintage
BC wineries will receive temporary support in response to the loss of grapes and damage to vines effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
BC wineries will receive temporary support in response to the loss of grapes and damage to vines effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Wineries will be able to use grapes and grape juice from outside the province for the 2024 vintage year. This measure aims to help wineries produce a 2024 vintage, maintain job security, and ensure the continued availability of BC-produced wines.
“B.C. wine growers and wineries are an integral part of the province’s economy and this year they have been hit by devastating losses due to extreme weather events,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “By extending this support, we are providing badly needed help for our wineries during this challenging period. This relief for the 2024 vintage is essential to protect jobs and maintain the cultural and economic vitality this sector brings to our communities.”
Details on eligibility and related requirements will be available to the industry this fall.
The Amazing Race Canada heads to the South Okanagan
The South Okanagan shined in the fourth episode of the tenth season of The Amazing Race Canada
The South Okanagan was featured on The Amazing Race Canada on July 23, 2024.
Racers flew from Vancouver to Penticton to check out the SS Sicamous on the shore of Okanagan Lake, the Area 27 Motorsports Park in Oliver, and Dirty Laundry Vineyard in Summerland.
WestJet announces new flights from Seattle to Kelowna
WestJet will connect Kelowna and Seattle with a new daily service starting in January 2025.
WestJet will connect Kelowna and Seattle with a new daily service starting in January 2025. This route will enhance connectivity between these regions and a wide network of U.S. destinations via Seattle, thanks to WestJet's partnership with Delta Air Lines. WestJet's Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill emphasized that this service will offer convenient and affordable travel options for both business and leisure throughout the year.
WestJet will serve 12 destinations from Kelowna this winter with up to 20 daily departures out of YLW during peak winter travel.
Read the full announcement from WestJet.
Review and Provide Feedback to the New DriveBC Website
The DriveBC website is undergoing improvements, and people are invited to test the new version and provide feedback.
The DriveBC website is undergoing improvements, and people are invited to test the new version and provide feedback.
The updated site will be easier to use, more reliable, and personalized, helping drivers plan safe and efficient trips. Key features include a simplified map, clearer event notifications, and enhanced mobile experience.
Individuals can test the new site and complete a survey to provide feedback and help to improve the new site.
Drivers should continue using the current site for travel planning until the updates are finalized.
Visit the DriveBC test site to review and participate in the survey here.
BC Wine Industry Celebrates Direct to Consumer Shipping to Alberta
The BC wine industry welcomes the news that BC wineries can now ship directly to Alberta consumers, thanks to a new agreement between the provinces.
The BC wine industry welcomes the news that BC wineries can now ship directly to Alberta consumers, thanks to a new agreement between the provinces.
This comes at a perfect time as many Albertans visit BC wineries after the Calgary Stampede, marking an increase in summer travel for the Alberta market. Although the Alberta direct-to-consumer market is a small part of BC's wine sales, it is important for growth, offering high-end products and building customer relationships.
Industry leaders, including Wine Growers BC and Hester Creek Estate Winery, are pleased with the renewed connection, which supports BC wine tourism and the local economy. Wine Growers BC thanks both provincial premiers and local MLAs for their support in making this agreement possible.
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Caravan Farm Theatre
Despite what the name suggests, Caravan Farm Theatre is not a farm, but, instead, a rural space that is designed for the production of professional theatre, especially large-scale, outdoor productions. They are inspired by the fields, forests, and land that create the stage they perform on to make sustainable choices whenever and wherever they can.
Join TOTA in welcoming Caravan Farm Theatre to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Program.
Caravan Farm Theatre was established in 1978 in the small, agricultural town of Armstrong, BC. Despite what the name suggests, they are not a farm, but, instead, a rural space that is designed for the production of professional theatre, especially large-scale, outdoor productions.
Sustainable Initiatives
Caravan Farm Theatre uses the land as its venue and the fields and forests as its stage, so the team works diligently to act as stewards of the land they work and perform on. The theatre is operated on 80 acres of land and is located on the unceded, traditional territories of the Secwépemc Nation and the Syilx Okanagan Nation. It is the environment and community of the Northern Okanagan that inspires the team to make sustainable choices, and because the health of the land they operate on is directly linked to the health of their organization, Caravan Farm Theatre chooses to make sustainable choices whenever and wherever they can.
When asked about the experience working with TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program, Artistic & Environmental Programs Manager Vicki Stroich had this to say: “Biosphere Committed gives us a clear framework that we can use to understand the impact of choices we make and find inspiration for new actions as we look ahead. It gives us a vocabulary we can all use as we discuss sustainability. It also helps us think of sustainability holistically in a way that includes not only the flora and fauna here on the land or the operational systems like our water, power, and waste management, but also the people we engage with as an arts organization: our staff, volunteers, artists or audiences.”
Recently, Caravan Farm Theatre has partnered with the Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship and Land Conservancy of BC to improve the biodiversity of the land they operate on, including recent work on FireSmarting their property and other properties around their neighbourhood.
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
Osoyoos Tourism Master Plan to Focus on Benefits to Residents, Environment, and Business
Destination Osoyoos is set to present the first ever collaborative Osoyoos Tourism Master Plan to the public in just a few months. For more information on the Tourism Master Plan, visit the Destination Osoyoos project information page.
Destination Osoyoos is set to present the Osoyoos Tourism Master Plan to the public in just a few months.
This first-ever, collaborative project represents an 18-month effort involving local businesses, cultural organizations, governments, Indigenous groups, and other tourism-related agencies. The project began in November 2022 with an examination of similar tourism-dependent communities including Ucluelet, Fernie, Tofino, Cranbrook, and others.
The Tourism Master Plan will focus on strategies to enhance destination appeal while delivering resident benefits, such as improving outdoor recreation opportunities; enhancing coordination and support for arts, culture, and heritage; and exploring new opportunities to diversify hospitality and travel industry experiences. Another key component is maintaining, diversifying, and improving industry resilience during peak summer travel, and also deepening the travel season into spring, fall, and winter.
For more information on the Tourism Master Plan, visit the Destination Osoyoos project information page.
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Haywire Winery
Haywire Winery is dedicated to the stewardship of the land on which the vineyard and farms reside. This includes investments in habitat restoration, conservation efforts, and implementing innovative environmental practices in their vineyards.
Join TOTA in welcoming Haywire Winery to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Program.
Haywire Winery’s wine-making facility is located in Summerland, BC, and is home to four other wine labels that live under the umbrella of Okanagan Crush Pad. Haywire Winery has constructed a modern tasting lounge next to the crush pad and cellars, and they invite guests to join them year-round for a taste of their wines or to enjoy the view of Okanagan Lake and Switchback Organic Vineyard.
At Haywire Winery, they use unique concrete tanks to create the wines they serve to guests. These tanks allow for a low-intervention method that gradually and consistently heats and cools the fermenting wine which positively impacts the aromatics and flavour of the finished product. Wine is not the only thing that Haywire Winery puts its care and attention into; Winemaker and Sustainability Officer Katrina D’Costa believes that the team is responsible for the stewardship of the land on which the vineyard and farms reside.
Sustainability Initiatives
The heart of Haywire Winery’s philosophy is a commitment to socially responsible commitments that include investments in habitat restoration, conservation efforts, and implementing innovative environmental practices in their vineyards. The team at Haywire Winery honours the privilege they have living and working in the beautiful Thompson Okanagan region. However, they recognize that it is a temporary privilege to be stewards of the lands their vineyards and wineries exist on.
Haywire is dedicated to developing and implementing industry-leading sustainable initiatives that capitalize on the region's immense potential while, at the same time, reaching their own business goals.
When asked about the Biosphere Commitment Program, Winemaker and Sustainability Officer Katrina D’Costa had this to say: “Biosphere has offered us an exceptional opportunity to explore innovative approaches to sustainability within our company while also strengthening our ties to the community. It has motivated us to increase our efforts in public engagement, aiming to boost awareness and education about sustainability practices. This initiative has not only enhanced our internal sustainability measures, but it has also encouraged us to play a more active role in promoting environmental responsibility among the broader public.”
The next project for Haywire Winery is to focus on Garnet Valley Ranch as a place for team and community members to connect to the local environment. The 320-acre property has been developed with organic and sustainable practices in mind and is now ready to host events that highlight the team's sustainability efforts while cultivating appreciation for the community’s shared surroundings.
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
Okanagan College breaks ground on new centre for food, wine, and tourism
Okanagan College’s Kelowna Campus is welcoming a new centre for food, wine, and tourism that will include modern teaching spaces, food labs, beverage research and development facilities, and common spaces.
Okanagan College’s Kelowna Campus is welcoming a new centre for food, wine, and tourism that will include modern teaching spaces, food labs, beverage research and development facilities, and common spaces.
The centre is the first of its kind, a collaboration will bring food, wine, and tourism programs to the campus first of its kind, a partnership between students and businesses in the food, beverage, hospitality and resort industries, and will address the labour shortages in the industry by expanding its culinary enrolment by more than 125 students per year, and hospitality and tourism enrolment by 450 students per year.
Plans unveiled for the new Centre for Food, Wine, and Tourism
Thompson Okanagan featured in Outlook Travel Magazine
Read the latest issue of Outlook Travel Magazine featuring Thompson Okanagan landmarks, travel recommendations, and an interview with Ellen Walker-Matthews.
The Thompson Okanagan region is featured in a travel guide in Issue 17 of Outlook Travel Magazine.
The guide includes region features, travel recommendations, and an interview with TOTA CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews about the region’s commitment to sustainability and growth in tourism.
Read the Thompson Okanagan Travel Guide
Destination Development Case Studies
Destination development case studies showcase the positive impact of tourism's social, cultural, and economic advantages through destination development initiatives.
Destination BC has put together 12 case studies that showcase the positive impact of tourism's social, cultural, and economic advantages through destination development initiatives.
Read the case study about how Larch Hills Nordic Society and Overlander Ski Club have improved trails and added lighting to bring in more people to cross-country ski at night.
Read the case study about how Big White Ski Resort, SilverStar Mountain Resort, and Sun Peaks Resort answered the demand for more accessible mountain bike infrastructure.
New Supports for People Evacuated Due to Emergencies
To better support people who cannot meet their own needs during evacuations from wildfires and other climate emergencies, the Province is introducing several improved measures stemming from the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies, including accommodation allows, e-transfers, and updates to the EmergencyInfoBC website.
The Province of BC announced additional and faster support for people evacuated from their homes during an emergency.
To better support people who cannot meet their own needs during evacuations from wildfires and other climate emergencies, the Province is introducing several improved measures stemming from the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies, including:
Introducing an accommodation allowance of $200 per night, which is available through Interac e-transfer or at reception centres. This will provide people with greater flexibility choosing where they stay during an evacuation, whether to stay with family or friends, find a hotel on their own or stay at a campground. Alternatively, people can still receive a direct referral to a hotel or other accommodation from their local government or First Nation.
A new Interac e-transfer direct deposit payment option for people who need help securing accommodation during large-scale evacuations. This will help cut down on long lineups at evacuation reception centres and allow people more flexibility and quicker access to emergency funds during an evacuation. People will also have the option of visiting a reception centre to receive financial support in person.
Updating and redesigning the EmergencyInfoBC website (https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/) to improve user experience, especially on mobile devices. This includes introducing a new easy-to-use share feature, inviting people to share validated and accurate emergency information with their social network, such as X and Facebook.
People can access the Interac e-transfer support by creating a profile at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/. When there is a large-scale evacuation, people who have created an Emergency Support Services (ESS) profile can log into the online self-service registration tool to receive instructions about the types of supports available to them and how they can be accessed. People are encouraged to create a profile before an emergency as part of their preparedness. The online self-service registration tool may only be available during large-scale evacuations.
People are encouraged to consider getting home or tenant insurance, which is one of the best ways people can protect their families in the event of an emergency. In B.C, home insurance that provides coverage for fire damage and losses is widely available in every community across B.C. Both home and tenant insurance policies typically have additional coverage for living expenses while the person is under evacuation order.
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Kelowna Yacht Club
The Kelowna Yacht Club is home to the largest freshwater marina in Canada and the largest lakefront dock. They are consistently working towards the sustainability and stewardship of Okanagan Lake.
Join TOTA in welcoming the Kelowna Yacht Club to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
The Kelowna Yacht Club is located in downtown Kelowna, BC, on Okanagan Lake. The Kelowna Yacht Club is home to the largest freshwater marina in Canada and the largest lakefront dock that features stunning views of the mountains, Okanagan Lake, and Stuart Park all year round.
Sustainability Initiatives
With two of their four organizational pillars focusing on sustainability and stewardship of Okanagan Lake, the Kelowna Yacht Club is very conscious of the impact that the marina has on the lake. By utilizing the resources, tools, and assessments from TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program, the Kelowna Yacht Club was able to focus its sustainability efforts towards a set of goals that aligned with the complexity of their business while also aligning with other local businesses that have committed to protecting the future of the region.
Over the past three years, the Kelowna Yacht Club’s Environmental Committee Green Team has created and run several initiatives that support their ongoing stewardship of Okanagan Lake. Along with the recycling and composting program they have implemented onsite, the Club holds a “Dock Swap” event, which encourages members to repurpose boat parts and gear. As part of their sustainability program, they host a shore clean-up in April and September each year.
Twice a year the Kelowna Yacht Club hosts and participates in a clean up to clear waste and debris from the shoreline
When asked what other tourism businesses in the region should know about the Biosphere Commitment Program, Brenda Cortés, Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator, had this to say: “The program provides a clear framework for businesses looking to transform operations and perspectives,” Brenda also reported that Biosphere “helps businesses to adapt and start a journey to collaborate with the community, mitigate impacts, and help to gradually restore the land we all live as uninvited guests.”
While working under the Biosphere Commitment Program and collaboratively with other organizations, the Kelowna Yacht Club works more sustainably to protect the lake's ecosystem.
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: BC Wildlife Park
BC Wildlife Park is an important community partner that works towards conserving species in British Columbia. They are home to nearly 200 animals and 65 different species native to the province. They work under their developed themes of creating positive emotional connections to wildlife, experiencing the interconnectedness of nature, and emphasizing the importance and power of individual responsibility with sustainability programs, like the Biosphere Program, to interpret BC wildlife and promote sustainability to visitors and residents alike.
Join TOTA in welcoming BC Wildlife Park to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
BC Wildlife Park was founded by John Moelaert after he proposed that a wildlife attraction would be beneficial to Kamloops for both visitors and residents. In February of 1966, Molson Breweries donated 106 acres of land that was previously a hops farm for the creation of a wildlife park. In August of the same year, the first exhibits were open to the public. BC Wildlife Park is now an important community partner that works towards the conservation of species in British Columbia. They are home to 65 different species native to the province and nearly 200 animals in total, including bighorn sheep, Kermode bear and western painted turtles. The Park also partners with the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society to prevent the local extinction of burrowing owls; together, they are the largest and most successful breeders of the species in the world. They also partner with the Fawcett Family Wildlife Health Centre as a dedicated wildlife rehabilitation centre that annually accepts over 600 animals from all over BC.
Sustainability Initiatives
BC Wildlife Park works under their developed themes of creating positive emotional connections to wildlife, experiencing the interconnectedness of nature, and emphasizing the importance and power of individual responsibility with sustainability programs, like the Biosphere Program, to interpret BC wildlife and promote sustainability to visitors and residents alike.
Animal Welfare
The Park is committed to the principles of ethical and scientific responsibility by providing the highest animal welfare standards. BC Wildlife Park ensures that the animals within their care have a stable diet, are provided social opportunities, and are treated in a way that avoids mental and physical suffering.
Accessibility for all Visitors
BC Wildlife Park has taken the initiative to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors. All public pathways throughout the park are paved, and the animal habitats are wheelchair accessible. They have also taken steps to create sensory-friendly experiences by offering a visual walkthrough of the park and sensory kits that are available for use during visits. BC Wildlife Park is also working on fundraising a major upgrade to the current playground, to create a more accessible and inclusive play space for kids of all ages and abilities.
Sustainable Measures at the Organization
BC Wildlife Park has made sustainable changes by implementing more reusable options around the park, such as their replacement of single-use paper maps with permanent map stations, adding water refill stations and eliminating the sales of plastic water bottles, and onsite composting which is used to fertilize the gardens around the park.
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
Destination BC & Wine Growers BC Experiences: Sip, Smile, and Stay Awhile
Ten wineries across the province have developed completely new wine tourism experiences as part of the Cultivating Experiences: Elevating BC Wine Tourism program.
Ten wineries across the province have developed completely new wine tourism experiences as part of the Cultivating Experiences: Elevating BC Wine Tourism program. Working with Wine Growers British Columbia and Destination BC in partnership with Firecircle, and supported by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), the wineries have been hard at work over the past few months with the goal of bringing their offerings from vision to market this summer.
The Cultivating Experiences program represents Wine Growers BC and Destination BC’s united effort to promote the province as a destination for incredible tourism experiences.
The program provided virtual workshops, valuable market research, and mentorship for each participant winery to ultimately launch a unique wine tourism experience. These Cultivating Experiences winery offerings are the latest added to the plethora of options available to those exploring BC wine country this summer:
Monte Creek Winery, Thompson Valley, Long Table Dinner Series
Maverick Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley, Intimate Dinner Series
Mythology Vineyards, Okanagan Valley, Sip, Savour & Create Mediterranean Experience, launching soon
Joie Farm Winery, Naramata Bench, Aikin’s Walk the Loop Tour Experiences, launching soon
Da Silva Vineyards & Winery, Naramata Bench, Terroir Sessions
Township7 Vineyards and Winery, Fraser Valley & Naramata Bench, Saber & Sip: The Art of Sabrage at both locations
Bartier Bros. Vineyard & Winery, South Okanagan Valley, Flavour, Texture & Time
Blue Grouse Estate Winery, Vancouver Island, A Sparkling Day in Cowichan
Unsworth Vineyards, Vancouver Island, A Sparkling Day in Cowichan
Culmina Family Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley, Wine & Art event
Watercraft transportation legal requirements to prevent invasive species, effective May 17, 2024
Effective May 17, 2024 in B.C. it is now illegal to transport your watercraft with the drain plug still in place, in order to prevent invasive species. Before transporting a boat or other watercraft, owners/operators must remove the drain plug and drain all water on dry land including all internal compartments such as ballasts, bilges, and live wells. Allow a minimum of 24 hours drying time for watercraft and/or equipment before entering new waters.
Effective May 17, 2024 in B.C. it is now illegal to transport your watercraft with the drain plug still in place.
Before transporting a boat or other watercraft, owners/operators must remove the drain plug and drain all water on dry land including all internal compartments such as ballasts, bilges, and live wells. Operators should also allow a minimum of 24 hours drying time for watercraft and/or equipment before entering new waters.
Learn more:
Erik Fisher Appointed as New CEO of Tourism Kamloops
Tourism Kamloops' Board of Directors announced the appointment of Erik Fisher as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Tourism Kamloops' Board of Directors announced the appointment of Erik Fisher as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Erik brings a wealth of tourism experience including brand and destination development at several premium winery establishments across BC, including Kamloops’ own Monte Creek Winery.
Erik is no stranger to the tourism landscape of Kamloops, having contributed to the local industry and serving on many boards, including the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Wine Growers British Columbia. Under Erik’s leadership, Tourism Kamloops will focus on leveraging his expertise in destination development and strategic brand marketing to enhance the city's profile as a must-visit location. His appointment comes at a time when the organization is poised to take significant strides in promoting tourism and fostering economic growth within the region.
Any relevant sub regions: North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, South Okanagan, Similkameen, North Thompson, South Thompson, Gold Country, Boundary Country, Shuswap
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New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Prestige Beach House Kelowna
Join TOTA in welcoming the Prestige Beach House Kelowna to the Biosphere Commitment Program. The Biosphere Program ensured that the ecological efforts and the service Prestige Beach House Kelowna provided to their guests aligned with their sustainable actions.
Join TOTA in welcoming Prestige Beach House Kelowna to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
The Prestige Beach House is located in downtown Kelowna, BC, and is the first accommodation you’ll see when entering Kelowna off the W.R. Bennett Bridge. It is located directly across the street from Kelowna’s City Park, offering visitors a prime location to the lake and all the amenities of downtown Kelowna.
Sustainability Initiatives
The Prestige Beach House Kelowna is inspired to make sustainable choices by following the company's Prestige in Balance program. Joining the Biosphere Program ensured that their ecological efforts and the service they provide to their guests aligned with their sustainable actions and with the help of their Biosphere Program Success Advisor, Prestige Beach House discovered the resources for sustainable initiatives available to them as Biosphere Program members. The Prestige Beach House Kelowna is working on sustainability initiatives in all three of the SDG fields, including environment and climate change, society and culture, and governance and economy, as they work towards certification.
Assistant General Manager Tyler Bolen believes that Biosphere is an essential program “for a real serious look into the world of sustainability,” and offers businesses a “platform to see how globally businesses compare to each other globally and how the standards vary from place to place.”
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: Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa
Join TOTA in welcoming Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa to the Biosphere Commitment Program. Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley for generations to come. They believe sustainable practices can benefit the current and future environment while providing eco-conscious guest experiences.
Join TOTA in welcoming Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is tucked in between Penticton and Kelowna in beautiful Summerland, BC. The resort is located on Okanagan Lake and offers countless amenities for visitors to enjoy throughout the year including live music evenings, yoga, painting sessions, Wine Wednesdays, and numerous family activities. Visitors can also enjoy the onsite spa, watercraft rentals, and restaurants as well as nearby wineries, cideries, and breweries.
Sustainability Initiatives
Summerland Waterfront Resort is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley for generations to come. They believe sustainable practices can benefit the current and future environment while providing eco-conscious guest experiences.
Summerland Waterfront Resort worked closely with TOTA’s Biosphere Program Success Advisor, Kavan, who helped guide the resort towards being Biosphere Committed. Once they started, the resort was pleasantly surprised at how quickly they could progress through implementing sustainable changes to their current business practices. The guidance and support from the program and platform helped them navigate and understand the steps necessary to achieve the sustainability goals they had made for themselves.
General Manager Lisa Jaager invites others in the tourism industry to use the Biosphere Program to implement sustainable actions into their business practices. “We would encourage other businesses to embrace the challenge and take the first step, as the rewards of participating in the Biosphere program extend far beyond initial hurdles. It has been a transformative experience for us, and we believe it can be for others as well.”
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