News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
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 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. Applications will open in January 2025.
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.
UN Tourism Finds Travel Spending Growing Faster Than Arrivals
UN Tourism has found that global tourism is set to recover by the end of the year. Destinations are exceeding 2019 numbers, and the global tourism sector has recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels.
Read the full release by UN Tourism for full details.
The “Spark” Mentorship and Grants Program Brings Innovative Ideas to Boundary Country
Boundary Country has officially announced a new program to support innovative tourism ideas in the area.
The “Spark” Mentorship and Grants Program matches selected applicants with tourism mentors and provides a $3000 grant to develop and support new or current tourism ideas that encourage longer stays, address tourism needs, and enhance experiences in the region.
Interested applicants can apply by January 6, 2025.
For more information about the Boundary “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program and upcoming Info Sessions, visit https://www.tourisminnovation.ca/boundarycountry.html
ITBC Leads the Development of a BC First Nations-led Tourism Destination Fund
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has been appointed by the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) to lead the development of a BC First Nations-led tourism destination fund.
This fund will prioritize a distinctions-based approach in alignment with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
Surfrider Bye Bye Mini Bottles Campaign
Surfrider has launched its “Bye Bye Mini Bottles” campaign to eliminate single-use amenities from accommodations and embrace reusable amenities in British Columbia.
Surfrider has launched its “Bye Bye Mini Bottles” campaign to eliminate single-use amenities from accommodations and embrace reusable amenities in British Columbia.
Interested businesses can learn more about the campaign and sign the business support form.
Register for BCTCRI’s 5th Workshop: Decarbonization and Climate Action
Register today for the free virtual Decarbonization and Climate Action workshop on October 16, 2024.
Join Synergy Enterprises on October 16, 2024, for a free virtual workshop that explores innovative strategies and initiatives for reducing carbon emissions in the tourism industry.
This workshop is part of the British Columbia Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI) Project Four: Community Destination Stewardship Initiative.
Destination Canada Launches Interactive Incentive Map
Destination Canada’s Business Events website now features an interactive map of incentive experiences across Canada. Potential clients are invited to explore awe-inspiring experiences in unique destinations from coast to coast to coast, with filters including Experience Type and Economic Sector.
Read the Destination Canada Sustainability Storybook
Read about the Sustainability Commitments that cements Destination Canada's position as a global leader in business event sustainability and positions Canadian destinations toward the industry's 2050 net zero targets
Destination Canada has released a national program to improve the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental sustainability practices of business events hosted in Canada.
Through its sustainability commitment Destination Canada invites you to read the Sustainability Storybook which presents practical solutions to implement sustainable changes to business events across Canada.
Thompson Okanagan Featured in the National Climate League 2023 Report
The Thompson Okanagan is featured in the National Climate Leagues 2023 report.
The 6th edition of the National Climate League Standings report by the National Climate League (NCL) is now available. Explore data collected from over 50 municipalities, including those in the Thompson Okanagan. This data features detailed policy scans, data visualizations, and in-depth analysis.
Download your copy today to see the latest municipal climate action in Canada and the region.
Get Involved: Help Shape the Future of the TNRD Parks and Trails System
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is inviting residents to take a short survey about their experiences at the park to help shape the future of TNRD parks and trail systems.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is inviting residents to take a short survey about their experiences at the park to help shape the future of TNRD parks and trail systems.
The Parks and Trails Strategic Plan will evaluate the existing assets, designate community or regional parks, identify opportunities for future development, and more.
The survey is open until October 7, 2024. Read more about the strategic plan and take the survey.
Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Showcasing Grand Forks Recovery From 2018 Floods
In 2018, severe flooding occurred in Grand Forks, B.C. but the community has made significant strides in recovery and resilience. This video from the Government of BC highlights the efforts.
In 2018, the spring thaw caused intense flooding in Grand Forks, B.C. Many people lost their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Six years later, the community has come a long way towards recovery and built up resilience to handle extreme weather in the future. A video release from the Government of BC shows the extraordinary efforts, and stories on the path to future flood mitigation, and how far they have come, in the city of Grand Forks.
Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Business and Workforce Survey
The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is inviting businesses, residents, and local workers to complete a short survey to understand the needs of local businesses and the workforce, as well as the perceptions of business owners and employee’s regarding working and doing business in the region.
Survey respondents can enter to win one of two $150 prepaid Visas or one of two $100 local business gift baskets.
The survey is open until September 30, 2024.
Job Opportunity: Marketing Manager - Travel Penticton
Travel Penticton is looking for a Marketing Manager for a 12-15 month contract starting October 2024.
Travel Penticton is searching for a full-time Marketing Manager for a 12-15 month contract starting in October 2024.
Please send your resume and cover letter to employment@visitpenticton.com
BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops “Conservation Minutes” YouTube Series on Fire Prevention
The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops hosts educational YouTube series called "Conservation Minutes." This month's episode is on fire prevention.
The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops hosts educational YouTube series called "Conservation Minutes." This series offers practical, actionable, advice on how people, businesses, and organizations can make changes to take care of the planet's ecosystems and wildlife.
From water conservation tips to poisonous plants for pets, these videos are designed to educate and inspire. The most recent installment is a fire prevention segment to help individuals and organization be more fire smart.
Learn more and watch the "Conservation Minutes" series on YouTube.
New Accessible Viewing Platform at Helmcken Falls
A new fully accessible viewing platform has opened at Helmcken Falls.
A new fully accessible viewing platform has opened at Helmcken Falls, ensuring visitors of all abilities can experience the iconic waterfall while also enhancing the park’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Wells Gray Provincial Park invites visitors to plan their trips as they offer the beauty of the park to a broader audience.
Learn more about the newly opened platform from the full press release.
Indigenous Tourism BC Job Opportunity: Indigenous Tourism Specialists
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is looking for candidates for an Indigenous Tourism Specialist position.
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is looking for candidates for an Indigenous Tourism Specialist position in four of the province’s regions including the Thompson Okanagan.
This is a full-time position and the Indigenous Tourism Specialist will support the advancement of Indigenous Tourism by providing responsible and respectful regional-specific support through meaningful engagement with local communities and tourism partners.
Interested candidates can submit a cover letter, resume, and references to gail@IndigenousBC.com by August 9, 2024.
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.
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.