Glenn Madzuik, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program has now been in place for just over two months. Our team has worked with over 700 stakeholders since the program launched on April 27th. Through that time we have heard alarming and ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 crisis. We have gained an understanding of the many issues that continue to challenge the tourism industry today and will continue for weeks and months to come.
While the summer has brought a small reprieve to some business owners and some locations, we are deeply aware that this is not common to all and the current increase in business being experienced by few does not replace the loss that has occurred since the lockdown began in early March.
We are continuing, with our industry partners, to monitor occupancy, average rate, revenues, visitor volumes, and spending patterns to ensure our government officials have the facts to take necessary action to support ongoing tourism operators in the Thompson Okanagan and throughout the province of British Columbia.
At the same time, we are also looking at cost-saving measures to help the industry and one of those initiatives was announced late last week. Through a partnership with Fortis BC, GreenStep Solutions, and the BC Hotel Association, we have launched an Eco Efficiency Program to help tourism businesses save money through assessments.
To get started with the Eco Efficiency Program:
- TOTA Biosphere Committed Companies are eligible for a full assessment (energy, water, waste, and carbon footprint) at no cost through the Eco Efficiency Program and can register their interest at totabc.org/eco-assessment.
- Tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region can sign up for a complimentary energy assessment at totabc.org/eco-assessment.
- BCHA members can apply through the BC Hotel Association GoGreen Analysis program at bcha.com/gogreen-analysis.html.
For more information on the Eco Efficiency Program, see the news release.
In the weeks to come, we will announce other initiatives to assist and support tourism businesses through this evolving situation.
Glenn Mandziuk is CEO and President of TOTA