Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

📣The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), with support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior, have launched the Inter-Community Transportation Survey. This important initiative invites businesses, residents, and visitors to share their thoughts on transportation needs and preferences within the Thompson Okanagan region. Participate in survey, and win prizes - open until September 12, 2024.



Read more and see contest details at

Help Steer the Future of Transportation in the Thompson Okanagan with Inter-Community Transportation Survey | TOTA News Centre As the region continues to grow input from the public is crucial in shaping the future of transportation. The survey results will guide planning and advocacy efforts to enhance transportation options between communities, ensuring a connected and sustainable future for the Thompson Okanagan.

🌱🌎Lakeside Eco-Sports is Kelowna’s local gateway to nature. They provide eco-friendly outdoor experiences through Kelowna’s picturesque landscapes.

Read more about their plans to install solar charging system at https://hubs.ly/Q02L-pRP0

🌱🌎 Sovereign Lake Nordic Club (SLNC) is inspired by the desire for future generations to experience the wonder and beauty of Vernon's natural landscapes which has led them to a continued lead on environmental sustainability to ensure that the landscape is preserved.

Read more about the efforts that SLNC has taken to reduce emissions at https://bit.ly/4fLFXAF

Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) members work towards developing a successful, dynamic, and sustainable tourism sector for BC. Destination BC requires one representative from the Thompson Okanagan for the 2025-2027 term.

Read on for more information https://bit.ly/3AG4Op9

💌 If you are planning an autumn conference consider the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre. There are four different spaces with different capacity options, perfect for weddings, events, or corporate team building.

Contact 250-495-7901 ext. 5002 for more information.

📬Read the latest edition of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Newsletter. With current TOTA updates, industry news, and regional updates you don’t want to miss.

In this issue:
💌: Two new wineries open in Vernon & Kelowna
🖥️: BCTCRI Project 4 registration
🖥️: Relief for BC Wineries 2024 Vintage

Make sure to subscribe to stay up to date on the latest tourism industry news, trends, and updates from TOTA.

Read more at

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Newsletter | August 8, 2024 | TOTA News Centre Latest updates from the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, including announcements, webinars, events, opportunities to get involved, resources, and research to support Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals.

📣♻️Accommodators in the Thompson Okanagan are invited to take the BCHA’s short survey on plastic use and sustainability.

Learn more at

Accommodation Plastic Use and Reduction Survey | TOTA News Centre Accommodators in the Thompson Okanagan are invited to take the BCHA’s short survey on plastic use and sustainability.

🖥️ DBC has developed a 6-part video series based on the previously written Working with the Travel Trade Guide.

Learn more about the tutorials at https://hubs.ly/Q02J7xQZ0

📣 We want to hear from you! 📣

TOTA and UBCO have partnered to understand business, resident, and visitor needs regarding transportation preferences between communities in the Thompson Okanagan region, with funding support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior.

The results from this survey will be used to help direct future planning and advocacy for inter-community transportation needs in the region.

Respondents can enter to win one of several great prize packages from Big White Ski Resort, Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa, Predator Ridge Resort, Moxies, BC Wildlife Park, and The Vista Inn.

Take the survey today at https://news.totabc.org/intercommunity-transportation-survey/2024-survey

📨🛫 Pack your bags, WestJet has announced a new route between Seattle and Kelowna starting January 2025. WestJet will serve 12 destinations from Kelowna this winter with up to 20 daily departures out of YLW during peak winter travel.

Read more at https://hubs.ly/Q02J5DKF0

Jasper Employees Seeking Work & Staff Accommodation
Anderson Vacations is supporting affected employees by compiling a list of employment opportunities *that include staff accommodations* across BC and Alberta to help these displaced workers find new homes. Pet-friendly accommodations are in dire need.

If you are currently hiring for immediate (or soon) start AND have staff accommodations available, learn how to share your opportunity at

Jasper Employees Seeking Work & Staff Accommodation | TOTA News Centre Anderson Vacations is supporting affected employees by compiling a list of employment opportunities *that include staff accommodations* across BC and Alberta to help these displaced workers find new homes. Pet-friendly accommodations are in dire need. If you are currently hiring for immedi

📆 Save the date! TOTA's annual AGM & Summit returns on October 29 & 30, 2024.

Join TOTA, Tourism Vernon, and Destination Silver Star at the Welcome Reception on October 29, 2024. Attendees will taste, hear, and experience the best that Vernon has to offer in a four-season experience.

Registration is now open: https://hubs.ly/Q02HN_vQ0

Stay tuned next week....Amazing Race Canada in the South Okanagan!

Amazing Race Canada roars into the Okanagan on next week’s episode It’s a milestone season for the Amazing Race Canada, as the reality competition show celebrates its 10th year of sending duos around the country.

Check out the latest TOTA Newsletter with highlights such as:

⭐Inter-community Transportation Survey
⭐Tourism Digital Marketing Essentials Course
⭐TOTA Summit & AGM Early Bird Registration
⭐And more...

Read the full newsletter at

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Newsletter | July 16, 2024 | TOTA News Centre Latest updates from the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, including announcements, webinars, events, opportunities to get involved, resources, and research to support Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals.

A Category 1 Campfire Ban will come into effect at 12 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

A Category 1 Campfire Ban will come into effect at 12 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. This campfire prohibition will remain in effect until noon on Oct. 11, 2024, or until the orders are rescinded.

In addition to open fires being prohibited, the following activities and equipment are also restricted:
Fireworks;
Sky Lanterns;
Binary Exploding Targets;
Air curtain burners;
Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description;
Chimineas; and,
Tiki and similar kind of torches.

Learn more at www.bcwildfire.ca or visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/know-before-you-go.

**The Thompson Okanagan is a large region that is composed of many incredible climates. During the hot summer months, there is a risk of forest fires. To report a forest fire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a forest fire in British Columbia, please call 1 800 663-5555 or (*5555 from cell phone) as soon as possible. Click the link in our bio for more information before exploring the region.

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.

Read the full announcement at https://bit.ly/4cXD5OV

UN Tourism and the University of Oxford are inviting tourism businesses to join a collaborative project on sustainable tourism and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting.

Interested businesses can read more and sign up at

Call for Tourism Companies - ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses | TOTA News Centre UN Tourism and the University of Oxford are inviting tourism businesses to join a collaborative project on sustainable tourism and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting.

The Tourism Digital Marketing Essentials course is now open for registration, interested BC-based businesses can save on enrollment for a limited time.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3Wb3rY9

Check out the latest TOTA Newsletter with highlights such as:

⭐Thompson Okanagan Outlook Travel Guide
⭐Outdoor Recreation BC Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities
⭐2024 North America's Responsible Tourism Award
⭐And more...

Read the full newsletter at

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Newsletter | July 2, 2024 | TOTA News Centre Latest updates from the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, including announcements, webinars, events, opportunities to get involved, resources, and research to support Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals.

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.

Read the entire announcement at

New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Haywire Winery | TOTA News Centre 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.

Indigenous Tourism BC is offering free online Cultural Safety Training sessions. This 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.

Learn more and register: https://hubs.ly/Q02CSV-X0

Read the latest issue of Outlook Travel Magazine featuring Thompson Okanagan landmarks, travel recommendations, and an interview with Ellen Walker-Matthews.

Get the full travel guide at https://hubs.ly/Q02CJ3JP0

The Outdoor Recreation Council released a new guide offering recreation organizations a roadmap for advancing reconciliation objectives and tools for recreation organizations embarking on discussions and relationship building with First Nations at the community level. Read the Guide: https://www.orcbc.ca/blog/new-guidance-toolkit-for-engagement-with-indigenous-communities

Outdoor Recreation BC Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities | TOTA News Centre The Outdoor Recreation Council released a new guide offering recreation organizations a roadmap for advancing reconciliation objectives and tools for recreation organizations embarking on discussions and relationship building with First Nations at the community level. Read the Guide

WORTH Association is seeking candidates for its 2024 Board of Directors, to help advance their vision to develop a community of confident, connected women who accelerate their leadership ambitions.

You can learn more and apply by June 30 at https://hubs.ly/Q02Cyzy90

2024 Summer Travel Outlook for Canadian Destinations | Deloitte Report. Learn more:

2024 Summer Travel Outlook for Canadian Destinations | Deloitte Report | TOTA News Centre With the arrival of summer, Deloitte has released the  Canadian Summer Travel Outlook report, which provides excellent insights for destinations and tourism businesses.

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. Learn more:

New Supports for People Evacuated Due to Emergencies | TOTA News Centre 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 ...

Check out the latest TOTA Newsletter with highlights such as:

⭐BetterTable Shortcast featuring Ellen Walker-Matthews
⭐12th Charity Challenge Roll n' Stroll
⭐Perceptions of tourism research survey
⭐And more...

Read the full newsletter at

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Newsletter | June 19, 2024 | TOTA News Centre Latest updates from the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, including announcements, webinars, events, opportunities to get involved, resources, and research to support Thompson Okanagan tourism professionals.

Water Conservation Toolkit . Learn more:

Water Conservation Toolkit | TOTA News Centre BC’s tourism industry can advocate for water conservation by inspiring residents and visitors to take part in protecting one of the province’s most important resources.

Partnership Opportunities: 2024-25 Resident Perceptions of Tourism Research Survey. Learn more:

Partnership Opportunities: 2024-25 Resident Perceptions of Tourism Research Survey | TOTA News Centre There are partnership opportunities available for Regional and City Destination Management Organizations in BC to better understand how residents view tourism in their communities.