News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Spring 2024 Beverage Industry Training Program Summary
The "Beverage Industry Training" (BIT) program, a collaborative initiative between the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Okanagan College, and an independent consultant, recently concluded with notable success. This comprehensive, two-week program aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of 20 participants within the South Okanagan beverage industry, covering wine, beer, and spirits and providing essential industry certifications.
The "Beverage Industry Training" (BIT) program, a collaborative initiative between the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Okanagan College, and an independent consultant, recently concluded with notable success. This comprehensive, two-week program aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of 20 participants within the South Okanagan beverage industry, covering wine, beer, and spirits and providing essential industry certifications. The BIT program participants included new hires in wineries, breweries, distilleries, and tasting rooms, owners of small wineries, and existing staff seeking foundational knowledge and opportunities for career advancement.
The BIT program combined practical skills, industry insights, and career development opportunities to address the critical need for skilled personnel retention and enhancement. Participants were taught and immersed in the South Okanagan beverage community, gaining exposure to grape varieties, production methods, and the regional context.
A panel of industry experts was consulted to develop the program’s curriculum, ensuring it met the current needs and standards of the South Okanagan beverage industry. The program also utilized Roots & Vines to transport participants to wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries. This arrangement allowed participants to gain hands-on learning experiences in various beverage production environments.
The program's comprehensive curriculum covered several key modules designed to equip participants with a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge essential for the beverage industry.
Foundations for Industry Professionals
This module explored the unique flavor profile of the South Okanagan's beverage scene, delving into the region's history, terroir, and community connections. Emphasis was placed on customer service excellence to enhance guest experiences through effective communication and hospitality, preparing participants to handle challenging situations with professionalism. Additionally, this segment provided essential knowledge on financial literacy, compliance with regulations, and navigating licensing and safety protocols.
Teamwork and Collaboration
The Teamwork and Collaboration module focused on fostering positive relationships with colleagues and industry partners. Training included conflict resolution and team-building techniques, enabling participants to work cohesively in a professional environment.
Storytelling and Sales
This segment highlighted the construction of compelling sales narratives using traditional storytelling techniques. Participants learned to share regional stories effectively, engaging customers and enhancing their sales strategies.
Retention Strategies for Employers
In this module, strategies for employee engagement, career pathways, and promoting work-life balance were discussed to enhance job satisfaction and retention. The content aimed at helping employers develop a supportive and motivating work environment.
Challenges and Adaptability
Lastly, the Challenges and Adaptability module prepared participants to handle emergency protocols during wildfire seasons, manage air quality issues, and support community resilience during challenging times. This training was crucial for ensuring that participants could maintain operations and support their communities in the face of adversity.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. One participant remarked, "Such a great introduction to the field of the Beverage Industry. Can’t say enough about the two weeks of classes and field trips. Everything about this course was perfect!! Loved it!"
Participants completed the program with a robust understanding of the beverage industry specific to the South Okanagan region. They were equipped to solve real-world challenges in winemaking, brewing, and distillation, manage beverage-related projects effectively, and appreciate the significance of sustainable practices for long-term success.
Building on the initial program's success, plans are underway for a Tier 2 program that will offer more advanced skills and leadership development. This upcoming program will explore craftsmanship and quality assurance, covering advanced winemaking, brewing, and distillation techniques to ensure precision, consistency, and excellence. Participants will stay updated on industry trends and innovation and learn to implement the best product development and marketing practices. Leadership and mentorship will be key components, focusing on effective management strategies, developing mentorship programs, and fostering a learning culture. Business sustainability and succession planning will be emphasized to ensure business continuity and growth, preparing participants for leadership transitions. Advanced retention strategies for employers will also be included, covering talent development, recognition programs, and employee wellness initiatives. Additionally, the program will address challenges and resilience, helping participants adapt to climate variability, plan for emergency preparedness, and strengthen community support during difficult times.
The successful completion of the Beverage Industry Training program highlighted its value in cultivating an appreciation for the beverage industry and its impact on local culture. By equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge, the BIT program has significantly contributed to the professional growth of individuals and the overall enhancement of the South Okanagan beverage industry.
Future Programs
Based on the success of the Spring 2024 Beverage Industry Training Program, a secondary Fall 2024 intake has been created. Interested parties are invited to watch the TOTA Industry Training Centre to learn about ongoing, and future upcoming training programs.
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
Partnership Helping to Fill Staffing Gaps in Hospitality and Tourism Industry
Like many industries, the hospitality and tourism sector has been hard hit by staff shortages over the past few years with a declining youth population and an aging workforce combining to create significant challenges.
But a new program designed in partnership by Okanagan College (OC) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will help to reduce those shortages.
The first of four new cohorts of students enrolled in the Hospitality Professional Program this fall, a flexible program open to students anywhere in the Thompson-Okanagan-Shuswap regions. The 17-week online course is followed by nine weeks of work experience in the students’ local community.
KELOWNA – Like many industries, the hospitality and tourism sector has been hard hit by staff shortages over the past few years with a declining youth population and an aging workforce combining to create significant challenges.
But a new program designed in partnership by Okanagan College (OC) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will help to reduce those shortages.
The first of four new cohorts of students enrolled in the Hospitality Professional Program in autumn 2022. This flexible program is open to students anywhere in the Thompson Okanagan region (including the Shuswap, Similkameen Valley, Boundary Country, and Nicola Valley). The 17-week online course is followed by nine weeks of work experience in the students’ local community.
“Okanagan College is leading the way by collaborating with industry partners to respond in areas where we have real needs in the workforce,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “This new program at Okanagan College supports our Future Ready Plan and shows how working together with the local industry can both support people who are looking for training to advance in their careers, and help businesses find much needed skilled workers.”
Students in Kelowna, Penticton, and Salmon Arm began their courses in the Hospitality Professional Program in October 2022. The online offering is accessible to students throughout the region while industry partnerships will take the training to a hands-on model for the work experience portion. The program will be offered three more times over the next two years.
“Since the classroom work can be done online and the work experience is completed in the students’ home community, this program is accessible to many people throughout our region. You don’t have to live in Kelowna to participate,” said Okanagan College President Neil Fassina. “Flexible learning options like the Hospitality Professional Program are critical as we respond to local and regional workforce needs.”
The Hospitality Professional Program bundles several existing Okanagan College courses together. Areas of study include computer skills, management and leadership training, and human resources, as well as industry certificates such as Serving It Right or FoodSafe, and two Okanagan College Certificates – Hospitality Service Training (HOST) and the Basic Accounting Certificate (BAC).
“We are very excited to be working closely with Okanagan College to help design this program and provide training opportunities to current and future tourism industry employees,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, TOTA CEO. “This important partnership is an invaluable collaboration as the hospitality industry works to rebuild in a post-COVID world; attracting, retaining and retraining staff and building a robust workforce.”
According to a 2019 B.C. Tourism Human Resources Strategy document, the hospitality industry is facing unprecedented challenges in finding and keeping skilled workers. The report identified challenges within the industry including the reliance on workers between the ages of 15 and 24, the numbers of which are declining at a significant rate, combined with record numbers of people retiring.
“This program is designed to start people on a journey of a career, not just a job. When most people think about hospitality, we think front desk and housekeeping. But the need is and will continue to be much broader over the next few years,” said Danelle Greebe, OC’s Director of Continuing Studies. “The Hospitality Professional Program aims to meet the needs of the industry right now. We’re very excited to be able to partner with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association to provide these courses.”
Learn more and register for the Hospitality Professional Program at TOTABC.org/Training.
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Students from the 2022 cohort of the Hospitality Professional Program in their initial orientation in Salmon Arm.
This story was originally shared by Okanagan College: https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/news/partnership-helping-to-fill-staffing-gaps-in-hospitality-and-tourism-industry
For more information, contact:
Barbara Bonnough, TOTA Training Centre Manager: Training@TOTABC.com | (778) 752-5877
Kevin Parnell, Okanagan College Relations:
KParnell@Okanagan.BC.ca | Cell: 250-317-5200
Bridge to Culinary Arts Program
Gain the practical skills and knowledge required for an entry-level position in a large kitchen or restaurant setting. Students will become familiar with kitchen layouts, menu planning, food orders and equipment used in everyday cooking for large numbers. This free 6-week course offers both classroom and hands-on experience cooking and preparing food.
Gain the practical skills and knowledge required for an entry-level position in a large kitchen or restaurant setting. Students will become familiar with kitchen layouts, menu planning, food orders and equipment used in everyday cooking for large numbers. This 6-week course offers both classroom and hands-on experience cooking and preparing food. The program is free for those who meet the eligibility requirements.
This cohort runs from July 25 – Sept 2, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 9:30-2:30 in person cohort at the Okanagan College, Kelowna campus, for Culinary Arts.
Eligibility:
Identifies as having a disability (Cognitive, Mental Health, Physical, Sensory or Developmental),
Unemployed or underemployed (working less than 20 hours per week or precariously employed)
Legally eligible to work in Canada
If interested, please contact 1-866-377-3670 or email oppsfund@opendoorgroup.org.
Tourism Leadership Essentials 7-Week Program | Applications Open Until April 8
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is partnering with Okanagan College to offer the Tourism Leadership Essentials Program for Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals, free of charge through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, part of the BC Tourism Resiliency Network.
Held from April 12 to May 26 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 PM - 8 PM, the seven-part series consists of 2-hour online workshops, twice a week for seven weeks with Okanagan College tourism professors. Each part focuses on specific leadership skills required in today’s multi-faceted workplaces.
Due to an abundance of interest, applications are no longer being considered for this intake. Thompson Okanagan tourism industry professionals are invited to apply to be added to the waitlist for a future program series.
April 12 – May 26, 2022
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 PM - 8 PM
Application Deadline: April 8, 2022
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is partnering with Okanagan College to offer the Tourism Leadership Essentials Program for Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals, free of charge through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, part of the BC Tourism Resiliency Network.
The seven-part series consists of 2-hour online workshops, twice a week for seven weeks with Okanagan College tourism professors. Each part focuses on specific leadership skills required in today’s multi-faceted workplaces.
Participants will discover their leadership style, develop management skills, learn about teams, engagement, communication, conflict resolution, and goal setting.
The program is meant to develop skills for both aspiring leaders and seasoned veterans, with insights and tangible strategies that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
Availability is limited. While priority will be given to professionals currently employed in the Thompson Okanagan tourism industry, other professionals may be eligible.
Application Details
Applications are now closed. If you wish to be informed of future leadership training opportunities, complete the following form:
Schedule & Topics
Each week of the Tourism Leadership Essentials Program will include two instructor-led virtual sessions, plus two hours of independent work covering the followings topics:
Week 1: April 12 & 14 | Leading Workplace Teams
Learn about the skills and tools effective leaders require, how personal values impact leadership, as well as how to develop realistic visions, manage change and promote innovation.
Week 2: April 19 & 21 | Engaging Your Workforce
A highly engaged workforce results in less turnover, better customer service and increased profits. Gain strategies for engaging and motivating employees to foster new ideas and identify solutions in the workplace. Learn about motivation, teamwork, and the stages of teamwork.
Week 3: April 26 & 28 | Communicating Beyond the Basics
Communication is a key component in successful workplaces. Learn how to build respectful and productive relationships with staff and customers. Learn how you communicate, the challenges in communicating effectively, and how to improve your listening skills. Develop a methodology to plan for change.
Week 4: May 3 & 5 | Managing Conflict
Conflicts arise in all workplaces and it’s up to leaders to manage them. Response to conflict defines the result. See the connections between responses and actions and then identify shifts to build better relationships. Gain strategies for dealing with difficult people, having difficult conversations, and providing meaningful feedback.
Week 5: May 10 & 12 | Goal Setting and Time Management
Gain a methodology to tie all objectives and aspirations into a planned approach, matched with resources and timelines to meet goals. Learn how to use time effectively to keep feeling motivated and prevent feelings of overwhelm. The planning and goal setting strategies provided in this course ensure time invested results in solid and measurable results.
Week 6: May 17 & 19 | Change Management
Change is inevitable and not always easy. Learn to lead during times of change by gaining knowledge, skills and strategies that lead to successful change management. Explore reasons for change and factors that influence this process, as well as the impact of change on innovation.
Week 7: May 24 & 26 | Coaching & Developing Employees
Coaching employees builds stronger relationships between managers and their team members. Through coaching, employees are supported in developing the skills they require to reach organizational goals and strategic objectives. This course provides learners with strategies they can use to ensure their employees are engaged in their own personal growth resulting in a positive impact on the organization.
Tourism and Hospitality Focused Summer Courses | Okanagan College
Okanagan College is currently offering low-cost programming to support the Tourism and Hospitality sector throughout the summer months. They are pleased to offer short courses delivered online that will fit both your schedule and provide additional support.
Employers may be reimbursed for 60% of training costs through the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG), a reimbursement program from WorkBC for employers to support workforce training. The Okanagan College training programs falls into the Workforce Training Stream.
Okanagan College is currently offering low-cost programming to support the Tourism and Hospitality sector throughout the summer months. They are pleased to offer short courses delivered online that will fit both your schedule and provide additional support.
Employers may be reimbursed for 60% of training costs through the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG), a reimbursement program from WorkBC for employers to support workforce training. The Okanagan College training programs falls into the Workforce Training Stream.
Free Business Mentorship Sessions with Okanagan College Instructors
Okanagan College instructors are available to deliver virtual, one-hour individually tailored business counselling sessions on a variety of leadership soft skills, business administration, and hospitality topics.
This service is offered free of charge through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, for a limited time.
Okanagan College instructors are available to deliver virtual, one-hour individually tailored business counselling sessions based on expressed areas of need.
This service is offered free of charge through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, for a limited time. Mentors can provide support on a variety of leadership soft skills, business administration, and hospitality topics.
Okanagan College Hospitality Professional Program for Unemployed Workers - Applications Now Open
The Province is providing more than $450,000 to Okanagan College, Kelowna campus to deliver two intakes of its hospitality professional program. Participants will receive 17 weeks of occupational and employability skills training, 10 weeks of on-the-job work experience with local employers and three weeks of followup support to assist in their job search.
Courses will include computer software, marketing and sales, soft skills, COVID-19 health and safety training, human resources and management, project management and accounting. Participants will also receive certification courses in FoodSafe, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and Serving it Right, as well as basic accounting or hospitality service training.
The hospitality professional program project is recruiting eligible applicants living in and around Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton and Revelstoke.
Full-time online and classroom learning for the first intake will start on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, and project activities will run until June 17, 2022. Anyone interested in finding out more about this or other CEP projects can contact their local WorkBC centre.
The Province is providing more than $450,000 to the Okanagan College Kelowna campus to deliver two intakes of its hospitality professional program for people on EI.
Participants will receive 17 weeks of occupational and employability skills training, 10 weeks of on-the-job work experience with local employers and three weeks of follow-up support to assist in their job search. Courses will include computer software, marketing and sales, soft skills, COVID-19 health and safety training, human resources and management, project management and accounting. Participants will also receive certification courses in FoodSafe, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and Serving it Right, as well as basic accounting or hospitality service training.
The hospitality professional program project is recruiting eligible applicants living in and around Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton and Revelstoke.
Full-time online and classroom learning for the first intake will start on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, and project activities will run until June 17, 2022.
TOTA Award Remembers George Hanson, Supports Okanagan College Viticulture Student
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is commemorating George Hanson’s legacy by funding a new award to support a viticulture student at Okanagan College towards cultivating their future in the wine industry, which Hanson dearly loved. TOTA donated $1,500 to create the George Hanson Memorial Bursary, which will be open to students in the college’s Viticulture Certificate program starting in January.
Winemaker George Hanson, who passed away in February 2021, was widely acknowledged for his efforts to grow the B.C. wine scene. A new award funded by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will commemorate his legacy, while helping a viticulture student at Okanagan College to cultivate their future in the industry Hanson so dearly loved.
In honour of Hanson, TOTA donated $1,500 to create the George Hanson Memorial Bursary, which will be open to students in the college’s Viticulture Certificate program starting in January.
“We are very pleased to be able to support this award in memory of George Hanson,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of TOTA. “George’s legacy of excellence will live on in the high bar he set for future grape growers and winemakers, such as those coming out of Okanagan College. George is dearly missed, and we hope this award will plant a seed of inspiration in the heart of a budding viticulturist.”
“George Hanson was truly larger than life and will be remembered as someone who left an inspirational legacy in the Okanagan wine and tourism industry,” said Jonathan Rouse, Associate Dean for the School of Business and Director of Food, Wine and Tourism at Okanagan College. “We're deeply grateful to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association for this meaningful tribute to George, which will aid and inspire an Okanagan College viticulture student as they step out into the industry and carry on the tradition and passion of winemaking, creativity, and excellence that he embodied.”
About George Hanson
After a career in telecommunications, George Hanson arrived in the Similkameen Valley in 1999 with the goal of following his dream of winemaking. The rest is B.C. wine history.
He purchased a 20-acre parcel of land near Cawston and planted Bordeaux varietals. Four years later, he released his first vintage. A few years after that, he formalized and built what would become Seven Stones Winery. By the time he retired in 2019, Hanson and his wines had garnered international attention and awards—cementing his place as a pioneer in the industry and a respected name among B.C.’s acclaimed winemakers.
George Hanson served as a TOTA board member from 2013 to 2018, and as a Symphony Tourism Services (a subsidiary of TOTA) board member from 2019 to 2021.
About Okanagan College Viticulture Certificate
Those future viticulturists looking to follow in his footsteps can learn more about the College’s Viticulture Certificate at www.Okanagan.BC.ca/viticulture-certificate. The popular program starts in January at the Penticton campus. Students gain the skills and knowledge needed to master the art and science of grape growing, and gain vineyard operation and management skills needed to start and thrive in the industry.
Viticulture students interested in applying for the award are encouraged to do so through the College’s Financial Aid and Awards application portal on their myOkanagan account. General information for applying for awards at OC can be found at www.Okanagan.BC.ca/awards.
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For more information:
Tyler Finley, Interim Director, Public Affairs
Okanagan College
250-762-5445, ext. 4211
Webinar Recording & Follow Up Video: The Art of Communication in Challenging Times
In times of frequent change and crisis, clear communication is an essential soft skill for tourism professionals and leaders. With limited staff and resources, every interaction is an opportunity to establish, build, and maintain relationships with guests and team members. Fortunately, communication skills can be developed by business leaders and team members, to minimize conflict and instead build relationships.
Watch the 45 minute webinar recording and follow up video on The Art of Communication Through Challenging Times, hosted by the BC Tourism Resiliency Network and John Singleton, Okanagan College instructor and business consultant.
Okanagan College Expert Business Mentors, including John, are available for free 1-1 coaching sessions for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency clients.
Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 9:00 AM 10:00 AM
In times of frequent change and crisis, clear communication is an essential soft skill tourism professionals and leaders. With limited staff and resources, every interaction is an opportunity to establish, build, and maintain relationships with guests and team members.
Fortunately, communications is a soft skill that can be a developed as a foundation of success. By understanding expectations and responding decisively, we can avoid disappointment and instead connect in a meaningful way.
Join the BC Tourism Resiliency Network and John Singleton, Okanagan College Expert Business Mentor, for a free 45 minute webinar on The Art of Communication Through Challenging Times. Learn how to develop communications skills for yourself and your team members, in order to minimize conflict and instead capitalize on interactions to build relationships.
John will share insights for tourism professionals, including:
How people communicate in different ways
How to develop soft skills
How to enhance communication with guests and colleagues
The webinar will conclude with 15 minutes for Q&A.
Register for Okanagan College Business Expo & Employment Fair: February 2, 2022
Okanagan College/Okanagan School of Business and the Student, Graduate and Co-op Employment Centre is excited to be hosting their 14th Annual Business Expo and Employment Fair on February 2, 2022 at the Okanagan College KLO Kelowna Campus.
Register by November 30 for the early bird discount.
Okanagan College/Okanagan School of Business and the Student, Graduate and Co-op Employment Centre are excited to be hosting their 14th Annual Business Expo and Employment Fair on February 2, 2022 at the Okanagan College KLO Kelowna Campus. Specifically, this event will be taking place in the atrium of the “Centre for Learning” building.
The event will provide the opportunity to promote your organization and to connect with the skilled students from ALL Okanagan College programs (Business, Engineering Technologies, Health, Trades, Office Administration, Computer Information Systems and Arts and Science) – both graduating this year and those continuing with their studies with the business community in hopes of fulfilling job vacancies within your organization.
This event will also provide the opportunity to display information on employment and careers within your organization. Generally there are approximately 1000 students who attend the fair. The fair is also open to job seekers from the public.
Early Bird Registration Discount before November 30
New Business Supports Now Available for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Businesses
The TOTA and BC Tourism Resiliency Network teams have prepared several new business support programs to assist tourism businesses. The programs are available free of charge for Thompson Okanagan tourism companies.
We encourage you and your team members to register as soon as possible, to take advantage of these programs while they are available.
Supports include:
Thompson Okanagan Wildfire Resilience Roundtable this Tuesday, October 5
Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism - Apply by Friday, October 8
Business Mentorship Sessions with Okanagan College Instructors
BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 - November 3 & 4
Hospitality Professional Program - Apply by November 28
TOTA Complimentary Energy Assessments & FortisBC Equipment Rebate Support
Change Management Webinar Recording & Skill Building Exercises
Happy autumn and welcome to October. With the changing of the seasons, the TOTA and BC Tourism Resiliency Network teams have prepared several new business support programs to assist tourism businesses. The programs are available free of charge for Thompson Okanagan tourism companies.
We encourage you and your team members to register as soon as possible, to take advantage of these programs while they are available.
Supports include:
Thompson Okanagan Wildfire Resilience Roundtable this Tuesday
Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism - Apply by October 8
Business Mentorship Sessions with Okanagan College Instructors
BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 - November 3 & 4
Hospitality Professional Program - Apply by October 29
TOTA Complimentary Energy Assessments & FortisBC Equipment Rebate Support
Change Management Webinar Recording & Skill Building Exercises
Read on to learn the details of the support programs and how to register your company. Feel free to forward this email to anyone who may benefit from these services.
- The TOTA Team
Upcoming Opportunities
Thompson Okanagan Wildfire Resilience Roundtable
Virtual | October 5, 10 AM - 11 AM
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is hosting a virtual Wildfire Resilience Roundtable for the Thompson Okanagan region on Tuesday, October 5 from 2 PM to 3 PM. The session will begin with a wildfire scenario developed from the guest perspective, tailored to reflect the realistic and relevant needs of the region.
In this roundtable session, you'll learn more about:
Developing a shared understanding of the impacts a wildfire may have on guests
How messaging can influence guest confidence and safety
Generating a repository of solutions or resources that either currently exist or could be developed to support guests and tourism operators
Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism
Virtual | Apply by October 8, 2021
The Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism through the UN Sustainable Development Goals is a virtual capacity-building program to support businesses across B.C. to create a Sustainable Development Goal Strategy and Decade of Action Plan.
Decade of Action Seminar (Tuesday, October 19, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST)
Business Action Planning and One-on-One Coaching Calls (October - December)
Decade of Action Showcase (Thursday, November 18, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST)
Learn how to align your sustainability efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, set targets for the future, and drive meaningful results for your guests, company, and community.
Free Business Mentorship Sessions with Okanagan College Instructors
Virtual | One on one
Okanagan College instructors are available to deliver virtual, one-hour individually tailored business counselling sessions based on expressed areas of need.
This service is offered free of charge through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, for a limited time. Mentors can provide support on a variety of leadership soft skills, business administration, and hospitality topics.
To access the service, register for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program and schedule a Discovery Call with a TOTA Advisor.
If you have already registered for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, you can sign up for Expert Business Mentorship and schedule your first meeting with an Okanagan College mentor.
BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021
Virtual | November 3 & 4, 2021
On November 3 and 4, come together as a tourism community to learn from everything we've been through and think differently about how we can co-create a vibrant and resilient tourism industry in BC. The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 is a joint virtual event, in collaboration with the five regional destination management organizations of the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 is open to all tourism stakeholders and GSTC members at no cost.
Hospitality Professional Program - Fully Funded Training for New & Underemployed Tourism Professionals Hosted by TOTA & Okanagan College
Virtual | Winter 2021/2022
Application Deadline: November 28, 2021
Do you know current hospitality professionals looking to build on their hospitality management career by further developing their skills, knowledge and connections? Someone eager to develop the tools and resources necessary to thrive in the evolving world of hospitality?
TOTA, in partnership with Okanagan College, is offering the fully funded Hospitality Professional Program to unemployed, seasonal, part-time, and casual workers.
This 28-week LIVE online learning program pairs practical, unique and intensive hospitality skills training with key industry certifications so participants can jump into a supervisory position in 2022.
Ongoing Opportunities
Tourism Resiliency Business Support Services
The TOTA team is here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program tourism companies can access the following free supports:
Register for 1:1 Business Support with a TOTA Resiliency Advisor.
Submit a Voice Your Concerns form so TOTA can share the impacts on the tourism industry with government.
Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to share challenges faced by your business.
TOTA Complimentary Energy Assessments & FortisBC Equipment Rebate Support
TOTA is offering complimentary virtual energy assessments and free one-on-one equipment rebate consultations to Thompson Okanagan tourism companies that are serviced by FortisBC. The goal is to help businesses reduce their energy-related operating and capital expenses, energy consumption, and carbon footprint.
TOTA’s Energy Analyst can assist in choosing the right equipment eligible for rebates, submitting a rebate application to FortisBC, and guide you throughout the process.
To book your complimentary virtual energy assessment or to find out if your business is eligible for rebates, book a free appointment with TOTA's Energy Analyst.
Accommodation Accessibility Features Survey
Accommodators (resorts, hotels, motels, B&B) in the Thompson Okanagan region are invited to share information about the accessibility features of their venue.
Please take a few moments to fill out this survey to better help us identify the accessible accommodations available in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Change Management Webinar Recording & Skill Building Exercises
COVID-19 and climate change have caused frequent disruptions and major changes to the workplace for tourism and hospitality businesses. As this trend of change will likely continue, business leaders can prepare by developing a dynamic and resilient team.
Watch the webinar recording by Angela Pomeroy, Engagement and Leadership Development Consultant and Okanagan College professor, for insights on the principles of Change Management, followed by a pre-recorded video with exercises to develop change management skills for individuals or teams.
Introduction to Sustainable Tourism Presentation
TOTA’s Destination Stewardship team offers 30-minute virtual presentations to share how tourism businesses can work towards sustainable tourism through TOTA's Biosphere Commitment Program.
TOTA and Okanagan College Support Tourism Industry Through Expert Business Mentorship as Part of Resiliency Program
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has signed a formal agreement with Okanagan College to provide one-on-one business training and mentoring sessions to tourism industry businesses and assist in managing COVID-19 related challenges. This collaboration forms part of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, which has been established to provide support to the tourism industry to aid in recovery and regeneration.
Kelowna, BC (August 11th, 2020) - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has signed a formal agreement with Okanagan College to provide one-on-one business training and mentoring sessions to tourism industry businesses and assist in managing COVID-19 related challenges. This collaboration forms part of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program, which has been established to provide support to the tourism industry to aid in recovery and regeneration.
TOTA's Resiliency Program Advisors are working together with Okanagan College staff and expert instructors to deliver virtual, one-hour individually tailored business counseling sessions based on expressed areas of need. Subject experts drawn from Okanagan College instructors have been assembled to provide support and mentorship in a wide variety of relevant subject areas including Leadership Soft Skills, Business Administration, and Hospitality topics.
“Okanagan College students, alumni, and employees lend their expertise to the tourism industry in so many ways and have for many years; this is yet another way we can continue to do that. We are very proud to be a part of the fabric of this industry that is so vital to our region, and to be able to contribute to its resiliency by providing innovative mentoring, education, and training to TOTA members,” said Bill Gillett, Dean of Okanagan College’s School of Business.
Where TOTA Program Advisors identify similar needs among multiple businesses, they will work with Okanagan College to create and deliver topic-specific webinars designed to address those needs. This expansion reflects an ongoing recognition that while every business is unique, often the challenges tourism businesses face are shared. Together, TOTA and Okanagan College are looking to support the tourism industry in the most targeted and efficient way possible.
"Industry resiliency is our key priority and the cornerstone of our efforts. This program is part of meeting immediate needs following the COVID-19 Pandemic," said Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO of TOTA. "We are proud to be partnering with Okanagan College and know their expertise will serve as a tremendous resource for tourism businesses as we navigate the way forward."
To participate, register for the Thompson Okanagan Resiliency Program:
Register by phone: 1-877-431-8489 (ext 8)
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. 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 Okanagan College:
Okanagan College is a dedicated learner-centred institution, serving the largest number of post-secondary school students in the B.C. Interior. Okanagan College instructors bring out the best from the more than 20,000 people who take courses or programs through four regional campuses. Over the years, the College has done much to respond to the growing and shifting needs of the communities it serves. For more information, visit Okanagan.BC.ca
For more information, contact:
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Vice President, Stewardship
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association