Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Launches “Our Door Is Open” Campaign and Toolkit
Help Tourism Industry Welcome Visitors to their Open Doors, Like they Have For Evacuees and Neighbours
Kelowna, B.C. - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is proud to announce the launch of the "Our Doors Are Open" campaign and comprehensive industry toolkit. This region-wide campaign was created to provide a clear and aligned message to visitors: the Thompson Okanagan is open, safe, and ready to welcome you.
Communities across the Thompson Okanagan and the province were impacted by forest fires this summer resulting in a Provincial State of Emergency and community wide evacuations. Although no travel bans were put in place, the impacts of misinformation about the fires and inability to travel throughout the region has been felt throughout. When faced with a climate crisis like a fire, communities and businesses answered by opening their homes, hotels, restaurants and hearts to evacuees and neighbours in need. That instinct to open the door is genuinely who this region is, and it is the foundation for this recovery campaign.
Recognizing the resilience of the local tourism community and the importance of clear, inviting communication with travellers, TOTA has developed the "Our Doors are Open Toolkit." Available to all regional destinations, businesses, and organizations and easy to incorporate into day to day messaging. The toolkit provides logos and graphics, aligned messaging, visual guidelines and a video editing tutorial. This campaign will offer every community, business, and operators a simple, consistent way to say the same thing in their own voice while inviting guests to plan their upcoming visits to the region.
"Tourism is the heartbeat of our communities, and our operators continuously demonstrate incredible resilience and hospitality," said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of TOTA. "The 'Our Doors Are Open' campaign is about speaking with one united voice to let travellers know that the Thompson Okanagan is ready for them. By providing this toolkit, we are making it as easy as possible for businesses to connect with visitors and showcase the exceptional, welcoming experiences their businesses and destinations are known for."
Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by the forest fires in the Thompson Okanagan and across the province and we are grateful to the first responders, emergency management personnel, and all those who have been working tirelessly to support response and recovery efforts.
“The community of Summerland is recovering well and is showing remarkable resilience after the Bald Range fire”, said Sally Pierce, Executive Director of Destination Summerland. “Our hearts go out to the people who have lost their homes and businesses, and we wish to thank all firefighters and emergency responders who have done an incredible job to ensure Summerland is now safe, open, and ready to welcome our visitors back!”
Join us in opening our doors to visitors and inviting them to the Thompson Okanagan this fall.
Get Involved: Tourism destinations, organizations, businesses, accommodations, restaurants, and attractions are encouraged to explore the toolkit and learn more about the campaign by visiting: thompsonokanagan.com/our-door-is-open-toolkit.
Visitors and residents looking to explore participating businesses and regional events can learn more at: thompsonokanagan.com/our-doors-are-open.
About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association:
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society that represents a geographic area nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The region’s name is derived from two major geographic features: the Thompson River and Okanagan Lake. TOTA plays a support, leadership, and growth role in the tourism industry as a regional destination management organization.
It aims to stimulate ongoing sustainable growth by embracing the value of tourism through community engagement, innovative leadership in promoting authentic experiences, and inspiring creative collaboration. Key initiatives include; Biosphere Certified Gold Destination, 7 Generations Pledge, and Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
For more information about TOTA visit TOTABC.org, or visit the consumer facing website ThompsonOkanagan.com. Connect socially at @Thompson_Okanagan.
