News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
BCTCRI Micro-Grant Program Intake Information Session
Learn more about the micro-grant funding available for tourism businesses to implement sustainability and climate adaptation plans or certifications.
Register for the Monday, December 16, 2024 information session here.
Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples Workshop
Sign up for the “Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples Workshop” designed for tourism professionals in the BC tourism industry. These free sessions focus on strengthening relations and community connections.
Sessions will:
Build Stronger Relationships: Learn key strategies for respectful, effective collaboration.
Enhance Cultural Awareness: Gain insights into Indigenous history and contemporary issues.
Practical Learning: Interactive content focused on real-world applications.
Register now for sessions on January 14 & 16.
Energy Conservation and Management Workshop for South Okanagan Hotels and Businesses
Join the RDOS, FortisBC, and the City of Penticton on November 15th for free a half-day interactive workshop to share and learn about energy conservation, management initiatives, various incentives, and other project supports available for hotels and businesses in the South Okanagan.
The upcoming workshop will address the following key topics:
FortisBC Small Business Program
Case Study 1.1: Energy Monitoring and Management at Tin Whistle
Case Study 1.2: Analyzing Monthly Electricity Bills
City of Penticton – Energy Programs
FortisBC rebate and incentive programs
Case Study 2: Retrofitting Building
Case Study 3: Heat Pumps
Case Study 4: Lighting Retrofits
The workshop will be held in person at the Penticton Lakeside Resort on November 15th from 9:00 -13:00 with breakfast included.
Register Today for this Workshop.
BCTCRI: Project One Fall Application Intake is Now Open
Project One of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI)– Facilitated Sustainable Tourism and Climate Adaptation Planning for Tourism Businesses, provides free support to BC-based tourism businesses looking to include sustainability measures into their operations, strategy, and storytelling.
Applicants are connected with a program advisor who will work one-on-one with businesses to help them develop a customized plan to improve sustainability within their operations.
The Fall 2024 intake is now open and accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® Workshop
Registration is now open for the Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® workshop.
In an effort to support community-based needs within the industry Destination BC (DBC) is running two free virtual training sessions titled “Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples®” these session aims to deepen Indigenous awareness and strengthen community connections.
These workshops will help attendees build:
Indigenous Awareness
&
Indigenous Relations
Registration is now open for the fall sessions running on October 21, 2024, and December 5, 2024.
OUT for Business (OFB) Mentorship Program
OUT For Business (OFB) is Canada's only national mentorship program for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, offering support through one-on-one and group mentoring sessions.
The program connects experienced business leaders with the next generation of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, fostering knowledge exchange and network building.
Applications are now open for the 2024/2025 cohort. This 10-month program encourages participation from individuals with intersecting identities.
For more information about OFB, contact Idara Effiom, Mentorship Manager, at idara.effiom@cglcc.ca.
Destination BC Tourism Digital Academy Registration Opens
Destination BC has once again launched the Tourism Digital Academy.
Destination BC has once again launched the Tourism Digital Academy. The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.
Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting your goals, to building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more – you’ll leave the program with the confidence and knowledge to put that plan into action.
Intake for October 8, 2024 - November 27, 2024 is now open!
Intake for October 15, 2024 - December 4, 2024 is now open!
Learn more and Register for this program by visiting Destinationbc.ca/Learning-Centre.
Cultural Competency Training
The Sncewips Heritage Museum is running a four-part series on cultural competency.
The Sncewips Heritage Museum is running a four-part series that will raise awareness of colonial issues and expand knowledge on Syilx worldview, the history of contact, current affairs, and the way forward.
The series runs on September 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 9 am to 3 pm.
Visit the Sncewips Events page for program details and registration opportunities.
Registration for BCTCRI Project 4 is Now Open - Climate Resilience and Indigenous Knowledge
Registration is now open for the third BC Tourism Project Four Workshop: Regenerative Tourism & Systems Thinking Workshop.
Date: July 17 - Virtual
Time: 10:00 am
The workshop will cover the key. oncepts of regenerative tourism and systems thinking, their. relationships to climate change, and their importance when it comes to developing regenerative tourism.
The Community Destination Stewardship Initiative's Project 4, Climate Resilience and Indigenous Knowledge, aims to create a provincial network across BC to enhance climate resiliency and sustainability in community destinations and the broader tourism industry. The program provides comprehensive learning opportunities through workshops, discussions, and peer-to-peer engagements, offering essential knowledge and tools. It emphasizes sharing successes and lessons learned to promote collaborative growth and connects communities to resources, programs, and initiatives supporting sustainable business practices and community engagement.
This initiative helps advance BC’s sustainable tourism development by equipping communities to adopt sustainable practices, support local businesses in climate emergency preparedness, and reduce impacts from extreme weather events. Participants can join workshops on topics such as Climate Resilience, Sustainable Tourism, and Decarbonization, that you can choose to join based on your community’s needs. The program is available in various formats to accommodate different schedules, and encourages networking with other communities to exchange successes and practical solutions for sustainability challenges.
Eligible Participants for Joining the Destination Stewardship Network:
Any community or community organization that manages visitors as a destination
BC-based Community Destination Management Organizations (CDMOs)
Municipal government staff
First Nations and First Nation Economic Development Corporations
Communities with any level of experience in managing climate change resiliency, adaptation, mitigation, or sustainability in tourism are encouraged to participate, regardless of their experience level
Learn more about the course at www.destinationbc.ca
Working with the Travel Trade: Six-Part Tutorial Video Series
DBC has developed a 6-part video series based on the previously written Working with the Travel Trade Guide.
DBC has developed a 6-part video series based on the previously written Working with the Travel Trade Guide,
These tutorial videos will help tourism businesses determine whether working with the travel trade is right for them, provide guidance on how to work with travel trade, and how local and regional Destination Management Organizations can help.
Tourism Digital Marketing Essentials course is now open for enrollment
Enrollment is now open for eLearningU’s Tourism Digital Marketing Essentials.
Enrollment is now open for eLearningU’s Tourism Digital Marketing Essentials. The course uses real-world examples of what visitors are looking for and how brands can utilize this information for digital marketing opportunities.
What to expect:
11 on-demand modules that cover all aspects of digital marketing
Short, practical video lessons
Real case studies and examples from tourism brands
Downloadable templates and resources that you can use right away
Hands-on exercises
Feedback from your instructor on each exercise
Ongoing support that you can access any time
Earn your dual certifications upon completion
This all-new course is convenient and allows learners to earn a professional certification, so it is ideal for people who have already completed the Tourism Digital Academy or those looking for a course they complete on their own time.
For a short period, eLearningU is offering preferred pricing to interested BC-based businesses who can use BC300 to get $300 off the course fee.
For more information and to register for the program visit the eLearningU program page.
I-CEDAR program registration is open for new, existing, or ready-to launch Indigenous business ventures
The Indigenous Community Entrepreneurship Development & Action Recovery (I-CEDAR) program is a fully-funded training program for Indigenous BC Residents with a new or existing business.
The Indigenous Community Entrepreneurship Development & Action Recovery (I-CEDAR) program is a fully-funded training program for Indigenous BC Residents with a new or existing business.
The program runs for 14 weeks and focuses on planning and development in the domestic Indigenous tourism sector. Participants will attend 3 courses a week starting in September 2024, and once they have completed the program will have a fully developed business plan and a certification from the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.
For more information and to register for the program visit the I-CEDAR program homepage.
Indigenous Tourism BC Cultural Safety: Free Online Training Sessions on June 25 & 26
Cultural Safety Training is a two-day virtual session held June 25th and 26th, from 10am-12pm each day over Zoom, facilitated by Shelley Joseph from Ladders 2 Kindness.
This course starts with a journey through Canada's history of colonization and oppression, and teachings of Indigenous ways of being. Participants will each develop actionable items to ensure they can provide trauma-informed and culturally safe services to and for Indigenous people. It is a transformative journey, where Indigenous wisdom meets contemporary practice. Let’s build a kinder, more connected future together.
Cultural Safety Training is a two-day virtual session held June 25th and 26th, from 10am-12pm each day over Zoom, facilitated by Shelley Joseph from Ladders 2 Kindness.
This course starts with a journey through Canada's history of colonization and oppression, and teachings of Indigenous ways of being. Participants will each develop actionable items to ensure they can provide trauma-informed and culturally safe services to and for Indigenous people.
We will delve into the intricate dynamics of lateral violence and lateral kindness, examining its roots in trauma and its manifestations, so we can move forward in the right direction for our common humanity.
It is a transformative journey, where Indigenous wisdom meets contemporary practice. Let’s build a kinder, more connected future together.
This workshop is provided by Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative (ITTI), at no cost to participants.
Please extend the invitation for ITBC's Cultural Safety training to anyone in your network. This is a great opportunity for a shared learning experience.
Eligibility for this course includes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people – all are welcome!
New Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Online Courses by go2HR
go2HR is offering online Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training courses so tourism and hospitality employers can get started on their journey or continue to grow their practices.
Tailored for the tourism industry, the courses will equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to foster a culture of inclusivity in the workplace. EDI can increase employee retention, reduce absenteeism, improve on recruitment success, and have positive impacts on employee’s mental health.
go2HR is offering online Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training courses so tourism and hospitality employers can get started on their journey or continue to grow their EDI practices.
Tailored for the tourism industry, the courses will equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to foster a culture of inclusivity in the workplace.
EDI can increase employee retention, reduce absenteeism, improve on recruitment success, and have positive impacts on employee’s mental health.
The online courses are:
2SLGBTQ+ Diversity and Inclusion Training - $50
Introduction to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - $35
Navigating Cultural Diversity in the Workplace - $40
Unconscious Bias in the Workplace - $40
Managing Crisis Communications | BC Hotel Association Education Series in June
BC Hotel Association is offering crisis communications training for hotels to ensure teams are prepared to face the unforeseen with resilience and professionalism. This online training is held over 3 sessions in June.
BCHA's Fast Track Your Future Education Series returns for one more series this season - Managing Crisis Communications. Co-facilitated by Hatch Hospitality and tartanbond Communications
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, crises can range from natural disasters like fires and floods to complex HR issues and cybersecurity threats. Effective communication during these times is paramount to safeguarding the reputation of hotels and resorts while maintaining guest trust.
Preparation is the cornerstone of crisis management. In this series, we equip participants with essential issues management and communication tools tailored to the unique challenges of the hospitality sector. From establishing proactive response plans to implementing best practices, attendees will gain the confidence and expertise needed to navigate crises responsibly and intentionally. Join us to ensure your team is prepared to face the unforeseen with resilience and professionalism.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
· June 4th Preparedness Protocol
· June 11th Strategic Responses
· June 18th From Reaction to Recovery
Commit to Workplace Safety for National Safety & Health Week
May 6 to 11 is National Safety & Health Week. Create a safe and strong workplace by accessing free resources and training from go2HR.
May 6 to 11 is National Safety & Health Week. Employers can gear up for this week-long event by accessing the free resources from go2HR.
Health & safety training promotes a positive safety culture that results in the reduction rate and duration of injuries, improves employee morale, and attracts and retains employees.
Sustainable Tourism Course by eLearningU
Learn from experts from around the world who will go beyond the need for sustainable practices to define the business opportunity and the ways that we can all take steps to develop, attract, and grow sustainable travel for your business/destination. Early bird pricing is available. Use discount code BC300 to receive a $300 discount.
This series of live, interactive Zoom lessons will demonstrate the demand for sustainable travel, highlight the opportunities, then empower you to take advantage.
Learn from experts from around the world who will go beyond the need for sustainable practices to define the business opportunity and the ways that we can all take steps to develop, attract, and grow sustainable travel for businesses and destinations.
Program goals include:
Empower businesses to embrace the sustainability need and identify the opportunity for sustainable travel
Build the skills necessary to connect sustainable businesses with travellers
Create engaged and informed stakeholders
Develop thriving local tourism economies
Early bird pricing is available. Use discount code BC300 to receive a $300 discount.
BC Wine Month - Here's how to get involved, including free online certification
April is BC Wine Month! To celebrate, Wine Growers BC has shared several resources, including winery, event, and restaurant listings, free Wines of BC Ambassador Program level one course and certification, and a social media campaign. #BCWineMonth
The provincial government proclaimed April 2024 as BC Wine Month for the seventh year.
Wineries are excited to welcome guests this spring and summer and share an abundance of 100% BC wines.
Wineries are hosting tastings, tours and paired dining experiences, as well as yoga, painting and concerts. View winery events and start planning a visit at WineBC.com.
Restaurants and wine shops that serve BC wines are listed on the Pour More BC webpage.
Wine Growers BC are offering the Wines of BC Ambassador Program first level, complimentary for the month. Level One is an online certification course with valuable information on BC wine history, varieties, styles, unique climate, and food pairing expertise. Get certified now – $99 value offered complimentary (promo code BCWINE24) for BC Wine Month.
Want to spread the word? Follow along all BC Wine Month on social media @WinesofBC and tag #BCWineMonth in your BC wine adventures this season.
go2HR New Safety Basics Health & Safety Orientation Training (Free)
The Safety Basics Orientation Course is a free, online, asynchronous health and safety training for new and young workers, designed to meet the WorkSafeBC regulatory requirement to provide a health and safety orientation.
This newest addition to go2HR's training portfolio will also help employers deliver a positive onboarding experience, showcasing your commitment to creating a healthy and safe work environment.
The Safety Basics Orientation Course is a free, online, asynchronous health and safety training for new and young workers, designed to meet the WorkSafeBC regulatory requirement to provide a health and safety orientation.
This newest addition to go2HR's training portfolio will also help employers deliver a positive onboarding experience, showcasing your commitment to creating a healthy and safe work environment.
Register for 2SLGBTQI+ Diversity & Inclusion Online Training for Tourism on March 1
Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals are invited to an online training session on March 1 to start a conversation about how your team can contribute to a work environment that empowers 2SLGBTQI+ colleagues, guests, and other stakeholders.
Friday, March 1, 2024 | 9 - 10:30 am
$25 per person
Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals are invited to a 90-minute session designed to start a conversation about 2SLGBTQI+ diversity and inclusion in your workplace. The session is hosted by Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, as part of the Rainbow Registered program.
As a business, your responsibility to maintain an inclusive and accessible workplace is more important than ever. This session is a great way to start a conversation about how your team can contribute to a work environment that empowers 2SLGBTQI+ colleagues, guests, and other stakeholders.
Topics include:
2SLGBTQ+ Intro - terminology, sexuality, orientation & attraction
Gender Diversity - identity and expression, transition, names & pronouns
Inclusion Considerations - context, work & employment related experiences
Inclusive Workplaces - what they look like, benefits & challenges of achieving them
Putting it into practice - how to demonstrate allyship & contribute to an inclusive workplace and atmosphere