The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it more opportunities to promote your products, services, or events to locals and visitors alike. Here are some online and in-person options you can take advantage of this year. 


BC Buy Local Week

This year's annual celebration of all things local takes place from November 28 to December 4, promoting ways for British Columbians to support local and encouraging them to shift a percentage of their holiday spending towards businesses and organizations in their own communities. Businesses interested in celebrating the week can download campaign resources on the BC Buy Local website. 


Local Markets

Local holiday markets kick off in November and many have already filled up their vendor spaces; however, here are a few markets that are still accepting applications: 

While the Craft Culture Holiday Markets and Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market & Light Up are both full, you can still add your name to the waitlist in case any last-minute spots open up (or keep them on your radar to apply for 2023). 


BC Marketplace

Originally launched by Small Business BC to support businesses through the pandemic, BC Marketplace is now an always-on online platform showcasing local businesses around the province, including here in the Thompson Okanagan. Businesses can create their online profile free of charge, connecting them with consumers across the province during the holiday season and beyond.


The Local Gift Card

Gift certificates are a popular item for the holidays, but also throughout the year for birthdays and other special occasions. The Local Gift Card provides an opportunity for consumers to purchase a gift card that can be redeemed at a number of participating local businesses in and around Kelowna, including the Kelowna Visitor Centre. For more information on including your product or service on The Local Gift Card, email info@thelocalgiftcard.ca or call (778) 821-2247. 


#exploreKelowna Local Savings Pass

We have relaunched the #exploreKelowna Local Savings Pass as part of a local activation to connect area residents with great offers at local businesses during a traditionally slower time of year. As a way to incentivize use, pass holders that redeem a minimum of five offers each month will be entered into a draw for a $500 prize. 

Participation is open and free to all Tourism Kelowna members who would like to offer a promotion or discount through December 31, 2022. If you would like more information about the savings pass or would like to include an offer, please reach out to Carla Bechard, Marketing Programs & Partnerships, at carla@tourismkelowna.com.


Kelowna Visitor Centre (KVC) Retail Program

Tourism Kelowna's consignment retail program helps support local entrepreneurs, artists, and businesses. All of the products are available for purchase at the KVC and through our Love for Kelowna online store. Our team is always interested in hearing from local businesses, artisans, and artists who might be interested in joining our retail program—please email retail@tourismkelowna.com to learn more. 


Tourism Kelowna Events Calendar

If you're hosting events throughout the fall, we encourage you to submit them to our website's events calendar. The Calendar of Events is one of the most frequently visited pages on our website and is used by our team to promote what's happening in our region and to suggest ideas to visitors and locals when they are looking for things to do. Our Community & Visitor Engagement team also uses the calendar to create promotional ads for events that are displayed on a digital screen in the Kelowna Visitor Centre.


Accommodation Packages & Promotions

Accommodators within the Central Okanagan are encouraged to provide Carla Bechard, Marketing Programs & Partnerships, with information about packages and promotions that are being offered for through the holiday sesason so we can include them on our website. 


If you have retail promotions or other information about the holiday season that would be of interest to our team, please email us at marketing@tourismkelowna.com. Be sure to also tag us on social media and include #exploreKelowna when posting. We look forward to helping you promote your offerings through the holidays and beyond!