Our Travel Media Program was in full bloom this spring and early summer, as our team hosted or co-hosted six incredible media tours that weaved through Lake Country, Kelowna, and West Kelowna, visiting more than 45 amazing local businesses.
We kicked things off in April with a spectacular outdoor escape in Lake Country for BC-based content creators Andy and Meagan from Fuel for the Sole. They laced up for an adventure-packed itinerary that included hiking, biking, and paddling, inspiring many to follow in their footsteps. The Reel they created for the 3-day Lake Country spring itinerary has garnered over 160,000 views, while their "Where to Stay, Eat, and Sip" video has racked up more than 30,000 views.
In May, we worked with partners from The Royal Kelowna to support a golf-themed familiarization (FAM) trip as well as Iconic Wineries of BC (CedarCreek Estate Winery and Mission Hill Family Estate) to support their ‘Bounty of the Okanagan’ FAM featuring local farm-to-fork delights.
June saw a flurry of foodie-focused media visits as we tailored three FAM trips to welcome content creators Katherine and Randy Feltis of KatherineWants, Kate Robinson with Fodor's Guidebook, and Ilona Kauremszky, Editor of Dreamscapes Magazine. From farm-fresh markets and vibrant vineyard stops to mouthwatering bites and satiating craft brews, each itinerary championed our region's culinary identity, aligning perfectly with Kelowna's bid to become Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
With accommodation support from Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport, The Cove Lakeside Resort, and The Outside Inn at Niche Wine Co., our guests were well-rested for their land-to-table adventures that featured a tour at Sncewips Heritage Museum, along with freshly picked delights at Don-O-Ray Farms, Paynter’s Fruit Market, and Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market.
Katherine and Randy Feltis of KatherineWants with Jas Sanghera of Don-O-Ray Farms
The visits also featured unforgettable experiences at BNA Burger, Craft 42 Roasters, Frankie We Salute You!, Home Block at CedarCreek, HUMO Kelowna, Lakehouse Kitchens Cooking School, Lakeside Dining at Hotel Eldorado, OAK + CRU Social Kitchen & Wine Bar, Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate, Provisions at Kettle River Brewing, Red Bird Brewing, Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate, Sprout Bread, Sunny’s – A Modern Diner, The Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, and Waterfront Wines.
It was a truly delicious few weeks, and our visitors all left with a deep appreciation for the connection between the land, our amazing farmers and producers, and the creative talents of our local chefs in bringing it all together.
We’re grateful to all the local businesses who helped bring Kelowna’s spring and summer spirit to life and to Destination BC for their partnership on select visits. We’re excited to see the stories that emerge from these most recent visits and how they’ll shine a spotlight on Kelowna as a must-visit culinary destination.
(1) Ilona Kauremszky with Amit Gitta of Volcanic Hills Winery, (2) Ilona Kauremszky with Caitie Bannow of Paynter's Fruit Market, (3) Ilona Kauremszky with Coralee Miller of Sncewips Heritage Museum
