The Thompson Okanagan Region and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is fortunate to have been recognized internationally for the work we have been doing in sustainable tourism management and development.

On November 2, 2017, we were officially accredited as the first destination in the Americas to have successfully achieved the Sustainable Tourism Destination Certification from the Responsible Tourism Institute.

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Designations + Certifications

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Biosphere Certified Gold Destination

Thompson Okanagan Region
Biosphere Certified Gold Destination, 2018 - present | Biosphere Tourism

UNWTO.QUEST Certification

The UNWTO supports destination management organizations in strengthening three key areas of work: Strategic Leadership, Effective Execution, and Efficient Governance. TOTA earned this certification in 2020.

Sustainable Tourism Certified Gold - GreenStep Solutions

The TOTA office is Sustainable Tourism GOLD certified by Sustainable Tourism 2030, a division of GreenStep Solutions.

Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP)

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) accredited organization | Destinations International

Awards

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World’s Responsible Tourism Award • 2020 | World Travel Awards

North America’s Responsible Tourism Award • 2020 | World Travel Awards

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World’s Responsible Tourism Award • 2019 | World Travel Awards

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North America’s Responsible Tourism Award • 2019 | World Travel Awards

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World’s Responsible Tourism Award • 2018 | World Travel Awards

World Travels Award 2018 - North America's Responsible Tourism Award.png

North America’s Responsible Tourism Award • 2018 | World Travel Awards

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Tourism for Tomorrow Awards • 2018 | World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

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The Thompson Okanagan was recognized as a Sustainable Top 100 Global Destination and 2nd in the Americas in 2018.

Laureate • Tourism Category • Place Marketing Award • Place Marketing Forum • 2019

Winner • Innovation Award • BC Tourism Industry Conference Awards • Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) •2019

Affiliations

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United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Affiliate Member

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is proud to be an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO)

INSTO works towards continuous improvement of sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector by monitoring tourism performance and impacts. TOTA has been a member since 2019.