Growing Tourism Businesses Through Travel Trade

Tourism businesses from across the Thompson Okanagan gathered in Kelowna on September 22 for Growing Your Business Through Travel Trade: From Market Ready to Success, a practical session focused on helping businesses understand and participate in the travel trade market.

Hosted by Tourism Kelowna at Manteo at Eldorado Resort, the session explored the travel trade distribution system, what it means to be export ready, how to develop products that tour operators want to buy, and how to build successful relationships with travel trade buyers.

The session was led by Cameron Mein, founder of Trailhead Consulting, who brings more than 30 years of hands-on tourism experience, including building Destination Snow into Canada’s largest group ski bus tour operator. Jenna Labossiere of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Stephanie Fielden of Destination BC also joined the discussion to share regional expertise, resources and opportunities.

The event concluded with an industry panel featuring Kane Shepetunko of Argus Properties, Ben Vos of Myra Canyon Bike Tours and Rentals, and Christie MacAulay of Prestige Hotels. The panelists shared their experiences, insights and lessons learned from working with the travel trade, offering practical perspectives on entering the market, developing relationships with buyers and growing existing travel trade opportunities.

The session provided participants with practical knowledge, industry connections and resources to support their next steps in working with the travel trade.