Thompson Okanagan Sustainable Tourism Observatory

Member since

2019

Hosted by

Thompson Okanagan
Tourism Association
(TOTA)

Monitoring area

Thompson Okanagan region

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society governed by the BC Societies Act.Governed by an elected Board of Directors representing business and community tourism interests throughout the region. One of five regional tourism organizations in British Columbia that work under the Super, Natural British Columbia brand, and whose mandate includes destination development and marketing.

FACTS & FIGURES

MISSION

“Our mission is to stimulate ongoing sustainable growth in the value of tourism through innovative leadership in promoting unique experiences and inspiring creative collaboration”

Current Monitoring Processes

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association monitors a wide range of sustainable tourism indicators from within the region. Monitoring is done using both primary and secondary research undertaken directly by TOTA as well as through various government and non-government stakeholders from whom TOTA receives and then analyzes their data..

KEY MONITORING AREAS

Local satisfaction with tourism
Destination economic benefits
Employment, HR/labour
Seasonality
Energy management practices
Water management practices
Waste management practices
Carrying capacity
Climate change and increased weather-related events
Intra-regional connectivity
Indigenous products, experiences and community impacts
Land use (cross industry)
Sustainable tourism practices
Universal Inclusivity

DID YOU KNOW…

Indigenous tourism has a strong potential for expansion and there is a clear interest from First Nations participants in the planning process to play a lead role. The Okanagan Valley’s history is intrinsically linked to the Indigenous peoples who have made the area their home for thousands of years. Indigenous Nations in the Thompson Okanagan tourism region belong to the Interior Salish peoples, comprising the Secwepmec, Nlaka’pamux and Syilx Nations.