Community Development Initiatives 2010 | Provincial Programs

Welcome to Community Development

Message from Community Development Specialist, Simone Carlysle-Smith

Simone Carlyle-Smith, TOTA Community Development Specialist There have been exciting changes at TOTA in the past several months which have included the expansion of the community development program. As your Community Tourism Specialist for Thompson Okanagan Tourism, I look forward to working with community tourism related stakeholders in your area.

TOTA’s role is to offer communities the opportunity to participate in the Provincial programs that are designed to strengthen tourism at the community level. Our direct relationship with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & the Arts provides communities with access to a broader range of resources, tactical opportunities, funding and expertise. Regardless of your stage of tourism development, your community can potentially benefit through more efficient use of funds, improved planning coordination, and a greater level of integration with regional and provincial strategies.

TOTA’s new focus on industry and community development will assist in strengthening the tourism industry throughout the region. Key areas of action will include establishing new training programs and business advisory services, building awareness of trends, implementing Ministry of Tourism, Culture & the Arts programs, such as the Community Tourism Opportunities™ program, and working directly with communities and sectors to encourage innovative growth strategies.

Community Tourism stakeholders include community tourism alliances, business associations, Chambers of Commerce, Community Futures Development Corporation, Destination marketing and or management organizations, Economic Development Officers, First Nations, local and regional Government Council Representatives, Tourism Advisory Committees and Visitor Centres.

Please don’t hesitate to call, email or drop by the office anytime while in Kelowna. I am available as a resource and look forward to meeting everyone in person over the coming year.

Be sure to refer to TOTA’s strategic priorities over the next year.

Simone Carlysle-Smith
Contact: (250) 860-5999