Town holds up the biosphere destination of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Glenn Mandziuk is not willing to sell his soul for the cause of tourism. However, he’s eager to do things in a different way and put Oliver on the map.

 
In fact, the chief executive officer of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has by now done that by assisting the association win the world’s Tourism for Tomorrow award 2018.

 
Lately, Mandziuk addressed Oliver Town council asking it to sustain the Thompson Okanagan as a “biosphere-certified” destination. He observed that TOTA is the first in all the America to attain this high standard certification.

 
Mandziuk stated that TOTA began developing a regional tourism policy eight years ago, observing the fact that 80 percent of revenue traditionally churned out in 45 days of the year really held back the industry.

 
“We are looking at doing things differently because we were just developing tourism for the sake of tourism,” Mandziuk said.

 
He stated they’ve stretched those 45 days to 110, however the goal is to expand that to 200.
“We’re not just summer sun and fun.”

 
Mandziuk mentioned that portion of the strategy is advancing rail/trail partnerships with indigenous communities for visitors who are keen to experience a different culture.
“We’re attracting visitors who want to experience us in a respectful way.”

 
Nevertheless, Mandziuk confessed they don’t want to become another Barcelona, a place where people shy away from because there are too many visitors.

« Back to Page

• Thompson Okanagan Tourism still looking for employees

• Tourism Kamloops Board announces organization’s new CEO

• TOTA to host International Indigenous Tourism Conference 2019

• B.C. tourism will develop with long term sustainability plans for the revival of environment