For Immediate Release
February 12, 2025
Mapping Sustainability in Tourism Through a Comprehensive Industry Survey
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Thompson Rivers University Harness Geographic Information Systems for Insights
Photo credit: Thompson Okanagan/Caroline Peterson
Kelowna, B.C. - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) have joined forces to launch a pioneering research initiative aimed at enhancing sustainability within the region’s tourism industry. This innovative project will explore the use of maps and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to capture and analyze the distribution of tourism's benefits and impacts across the Thompson Okanagan.
Researchers from TRU’s Master of Science in Environmental Science program are calling on hotel, restaurant, and winery owners and employees to participate in a study designed to evaluate the sustainability of the tourism industry in the region. The information gathered will contribute to an Environmental Science Master’s thesis and help develop a GIS-based tool to assess and alert tourism stakeholders where the balance among tourism’s sustainability components – economic growth, social development, and reduction of environmental impacts – are at risk.
“Our goal is to build more robust tools that not only reveal the current state of sustainability in our tourism industry, but also empower us to implement targeted improvements for the future,” says Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of TOTA. “By integrating stakeholder perceptions with geographic and statistical data through GIS, we can create a clearer picture of where our industry stands and how we can continue to improve.”
The survey, available at totabc.org, invites participants to share their views on tourism sustainability in their community, including their experiences with GIS tools like Google and Apple Maps, and their opinions on the potential of these tools to support sustainable tourism. The results will map industry stakeholders perceptions and attitudes regarding both sustainability and the use of GIS tools to achieve it. In addition, all participants will be entered into a draw to win one of two $100 restaurant gift cards, redeemable at a dining establishment within the Thompson Okanagan Region.
This project is funded in part by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and underscores the commitment of both the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Thompson Rivers University to promote sustainable tourism practices that benefit visitors, businesses, and the community alike.
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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
Media Contact:
Krista Lochhead
Hatch Comms
778.227.2396
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