Join us for a TOTA Biosphere Program Snack and Learn Event April 21st, 2026 Quality Inn Hotel Vernon.
The Biosphere Program
The Thompson Okanagan was the first Biosphere Gold Certified Destination in North America in 2017. TOTA has continued it's commitment to maintaining a sustainable destination that will welcome visitors for generations to come through efforts such as the TOTA Biosphere Program.
If you are a Vernon Tourism Business, Get your first year of the TOTA Biosphere program for Free!
What Is the Program
The Biosphere Commitment Program equips tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan with the necessary tools and resources to measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts that align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Thompson Okanagan Destination Certification to prepare businesses for a globally recognized certification.
The Biosphere Commitment program is open to businesses, non-profit organizations, and communities.
Biosphere Program Sustainability Services
Businesses enrolled in the TOTA Biosphere Program will have free access to the following:
Sustainability Management Software
A user-friendly online platform to track your progress, complete your sustainability assessment, and identify areas for improvement — all in one place.
HR Support & Training
Employer resources and training delivered by go2HR, BC's tourism human resources organization, to support your team and workplace culture.
Designated Biosphere Program Advisor
Your own dedicated advisor to guide you through the program, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way.
Invasive-Wise Tourism Certificate
Earn your Invasive-Wise Tourism Program Certificate and demonstrate your commitment to protecting the landscapes that make Vernon special.
FortisBC Energy Analyst
Access a designated FortisBC Energy Analyst who can help identify opportunities to reduce your energy use and cut operational costs.
Global Certification Pathway
Work toward a globally recognized Biosphere Certification that sets your business apart and builds credibility with sustainability-minded guests.
Biosphere is the international sustainability management and certification system of the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), based on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets. With indicators developed in collaboration with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, this is the worldwide methodology for connecting DMOs, organizations, and tourists, enabling different entities to define and make their sustainable strategies and objectives visible. The system of continuous improvement in sustainability includes all the international know-how and 100% online tools to evaluate, recognize, and communicate the sustainable practices of any entity in real time.
"Obtaining an eco-certification is crucial for every hotel, and the Biosphere program has been an excellent avenue for us to achieve it. Thanks to our certification, we've seen a remarkable 20% boost in revenue on booking.com compared to our competitors. Furthermore, our certification allows us to command premium rates, setting us apart in the market."
-Quality Inn and Suites Vernon
Program Testimonials
“My experience with the Biosphere program has been very positive. Their online platform is intuitive and user friendly, as I was able to navigate easily through the actions catalogue to complete my sustainability assessment. When I needed help, the knowledgeable team at TOTA was there to answer all my questions. I would recommend the Biosphere program to all businesses and destinations as it really helped me up my game in terms of sustainability.”
-Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery
“Using the online portal has been incredibly easy to identify areas that we have already succeeded in and where we can improve upon our sustainability practices at Dirty Laundry.”
-Dirty Laundry Vineyard
