We are pleased to provide you with updates from our team, including an overview of some key initiatives, as they align with our organization's strategic priorities, that took place during the second quarter of 2022.


Establishing Kelowna and the Central Okanagan as a Four-Season Travel Destination

Outdoor Wine Tasting at O'Rourke's Peak Cellars


Fostering Sustainable Growth of the Destination

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Ensuring Organizational Excellence 

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  • The Tourism Kelowna Society held its 2021 Annual General Meeting in early May, announcing the 2022-23 Board of Directors, updating its membership on recent accomplishments, and outlining future priorities.
     
  • Throughout the quarter, work was underway to complete an updated strategic plan (2022-2025) and the 2021 Report to the Community; both were released at the AGM. 
     
  • The Province of British Columbia has renewed the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) program for the City of Kelowna, with Tourism Kelowna remaining the official eligible entity for destination marketing and management of the region. The MRDT renewal is in effect for five years (2022-2026). We thank the City of Kelowna and all local tourism stakeholders for their support.


Engaging Partners and External Stakeholders to Grow the Visitor Economy

Love for Kelowna - Mom with Kids and Backpack

  • The third annual Love for Kelowna Day kicked off Tourism Week 2022, with the goal of increasing resident support and engagement in the local tourism industry. 
    • Over 150 posts, comments, and stories were shared on social media.
    • More than 1,000 people stopped in at the Kelowna Visitor Centre—including locals who had never visited before—where they were treated to Love for Kelowna cookies and received a discount on Kelowna Vibes and Love for Kelowna apparel and accessories.
  • The fifth iteration of our Mobile Passport Program, Industry Insiders, was launched in April to encourage front-line staff to explore Kelowna by providing them with savings and offers for more than 30 different local experiences.
     
  • Our team collaborated with BC Ale Trail and Visit Westside to successfully launch the first Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail Tasting Passport.
     
  • As part of the featured artist program at the Kelowna Visitor Centre, our team collaborated with local photographer, Steve Austin, on his art installation, THE BIGGER PICTURE: Art4Nature.


To learn more about our team's strategic priorities and key initiatives, contact: