The largest shopping centre in the Okanagan is adding a new service for its customers. Tourism Kelowna, in partnership with the Orchard Park Shopping Centre, has opened a new satellite visitor centre located at the Guest Services Kiosk.
This new location joins the downtown Kelowna Visitor Centre, the information kiosk at Kelowna International Airport (YLW), the mobile events kiosk, and virtual/online visitor services as part of Tourism Kelowna’s comprehensive visitor experience strategy to assist visitors while supporting residents and local businesses.
“The Orchard Park Shopping Centre is a highly visited attraction and a key hub for residents and visitors, and we’re excited to be offering this additional service to our community,” said Chris Lewis, Director of Visitor Experience with Tourism Kelowna. “We’re complementing the existing guest experience services offered by adding Tourism Kelowna staff and volunteers to answer questions about our region, our local businesses, and the many things to do in our four-season playground.”
In 2020, the Kelowna Visitor Experience team tracked over 81,000 interactions with residents and visitors. Each conversation connects consumers to local businesses and increases sales, supporting Kelowna’s $2 billion dollar tourism industry. Orchard Park Shopping Centre’s location, high amount of internal foot traffic, and attraction of residents and visitors will broaden that reach and impact even further.
“Orchard Park is proud to partner with Tourism Kelowna on this initiative,” said Vikki Webster, Marketing Manager with Orchard Park Shopping Centre. “This year, Orchard Park celebrates its 50th year as part of this incredible community and every day our Guest Services team provides information in a safe and convenient way about the Shopping Centre and the amazing experiences that Kelowna has to offer with those that visit the mall. Being an official satellite visitors centre will equip our team with the knowledge and resources to provide the most current information during this unique time and in the months and years to come.”
With travel health restrictions currently in place and residents encouraged to stay local, the immediate focus will be on helping Kelowna area residents find ways to safely enjoy the region's natural surroundings and support local businesses. 2021 visitation to the Kelowna Visitor Centre has been 87% residents year to date. Once travel health restrictions are lifted, information services will expand to provide travel advice and ensure visitors have information to explore Kelowna safely.
The Orchard Park Guest Services team have also received visitor servicing training to add to their customer experience. The kiosk will offer materials such tear-off maps and outdoor trail guides, and will be open during mall hours, starting April 15, 2021.
About Tourism Kelowna
As the lead destination marketing organization for the Central Okanagan, Tourism Kelowna works on behalf of over 400 local tourism businesses and the larger tourism and hospitality community to support and market the destination of Kelowna in a sustainable manner that strengthens the economy and enriches the quality of life for residents.
Kelowna’s $2 billion dollar visitor economy is a major economic driver, attracting 2 million visitors annually who in turn generate 13,000 jobs, $204 million in tax revenue, and $443 million in direct spending at local businesses. Our goal is to establish the Central Okanagan as North America’s four-season, outdoor destination of choice by 2024.
About Orchard Park Shopping Centre
Orchard Park Shopping Centre is an enclosed regional centre located in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley in the City of Kelowna. It offers the largest selection of retailers between Calgary and Vancouver with a GLA of over 700,000 sq. ft. With 160 stores and services, Orchard Park provides residents of Kelowna, the Okanagan Valley residents, and the year-round tourists who frequent the area with a superior shopping experience.
For more information:
Chris Lewis, Director of Visitor Experience
Tourism Kelowna
Phone: 250-861-1515 ext. 207
Email: chris@tourismkelowna.com
Vikki Webster, Marketing Manager
Orchard Park Shopping Centre
Phone: 250-869-4602
Email: VWebster@primarisreit.com
