Thompson Okanagan Sustainable Tourism Observatory
Member since
2019
Hosted by
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Monitoring area
Thompson Okanagan region
![INSTO](http://pre-webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/webimages/LogoINSTO_2024.png?VersionId=td9vbF7fZ5LNazkwh9SnLlqD8YmGG4ps)
![Map location](http://pre-webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/webimages/Thompson%20Map.png?VersionId=xQMVwysjJiUaA76FDXrXMKZSW7VY1RJC)
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
![Figures](http://pre-webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/webimages/Thompson%20Facts.png?VersionId=U_GlI8ZEpI1BXBsPcGfci.OGEW9tL.FM)
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.
RESOURCES
- Website TOTA
- Preliminary Study of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Observatory
- 2019 Annual Report of the Thompson Okanagan Sustainable Tourism Observatory
- 2021 Annual Report of the Thompson Okanagan Sustainable Tourism Observatory
ELLEN WALKER-MATTHEWS
Chief Executive Officer
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
email: info@totabc.com