Earlier this month, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) announced that it had signed an agreement with 9 Community Futures' offices in the region, including the Central Okanagan, to support the local tourism industry during the recovery phase of COVID-19. 

The two organizations will be creating a task force to not only address the immediate needs of businesses but to also focus on long-term sustainability and resiliency. The task force will also work to support businesses with funding opportunities, training, and more.  

"The negative impact of the pandemic on the Tourism Industry has been unprecedented, “ cited Glenn Mandziuk, President and CEO of TOTA. “Building the industry back requires strong and collaborative partnerships that can provide foundational support and out of the box thinking." 

"This new agreement is a positive sign for people working in the tourism sector who have been adversely affected by the pandemic,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “It will take everyone continuing to work together to build our economy back up and this partnership is an excellent example of the teamwork needed to help tourism rebound in B.C."

Click here to read the full press release.

For more information, contact TOTA Vice President, Market Stewardship, Ellen Walker-Matthews, at (236) 361-4433 or industry@totabc.com.