UNWTO.QUEST Quality Certification for Destination Management Organizations

In November 2020, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) was awarded the UNWTO.QUEST Certification by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), recognizing excellence in leadership, project execution, and governance capacities and competitiveness to build a more sustainable tourism industry. The programme emphasizes UNWTO’s commitment to leading the way in promoting tourism standards internationally.

TOTA was the third organization in the world and first in North America to receive the UNWTO.QUEST Certification.

Aimed at destination management organizations (DMOs) worldwide, the UNWTO.QUEST Certification provides a unique framework for strengthening institutional capacities and benchmarking excellence. TOTA was found to excel in the three key areas of Strategic Leadership, Effective Execution, and Efficient Governance, receiving a final score of 529 out of a possible 531 points through an in-depth audit conducted in August and September of 2020.

By driving DMOs to improve and recognizing those that are leading the way, the UNWTO.QUEST certification helps to enhance governance and competitiveness across the whole of the tourism sector while also advancing sustainability and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals at a destination level.

The UNWTO.QUEST Certification is valid for four years (until November 2024), with possibility of renewal.