Tourism Kelowna has been named one of three finalists in the Community Contribution & Impact award category for the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Awards. The award recognizes efforts demonstrating social responsibility through enhancing social and cultural impact, fostering collaboration, and building resiliency in the community.

The nomination covered the efforts in which Tourism Kelowna supported the destination after the August wildfires. Recovery initiatives included the “Kelowna is Open’ campaign, partnering with the Kelowna Hotel Motel Association (KMHA) on content marketing, the “Shop Local Now” campaign with the Kelowna Chamber, relaunching the #exploreKelowna Local Savings Pass to support businesses, and increasing fall advertising using marketing reserves to bring awareness to the destination.

“Tourism Kelowna is proud to be shortlisted for this award as we continue our work towards a sustainable and meaningful impact through tourism,” says Lisanne Ballantyne, President and CEO of Tourism Kelowna. “It is especially gratifying as it shows that our work, and Kelowna’s Tourism Destination Development Plan, are aligned with the global trend to destination management, where the tourism industry works together with the community to benefit visitors and locals, even in times of adversity.”

The award seeks participants that demonstrate leadership in their commitment to social responsibility, have tangible impact on the community, and work collaboratively with the tourism industry, governments, and stakeholders, which Tourism Kelowna has and continues to do.

Within the application, the organization shared details on its Destination Development plan with annual highlights, including welcoming an Appointed Director representing Westbank First Nation to the Board of Directors, advocating the return of more direct Seattle flights in partnership with YLW through Air Alaska, entering into a two-year agreement to provide visitor services to the District of Lake Country, hosting the fourth annual Love for Kelowna Day to connect residents and visitors with tourism businesses, and supporting over 100 vendors through its retail program at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.

The awards will be announced on March 7 as part of the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference.

Visit the award website for a complete list of finalists. Learn more about the Destination Development plan here.