The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), along with its core partners Indigenous Tourism of British Columbia (ITBC), Tourism Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Shackan Indian Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, were chosen as the successful bidder to host the 8th annual International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) in Kelowna, British Columbia in 2019.
This is a tremendous opportunity for tourism stakeholders in the Thompson Okanagan Region and beyond to hear the latest trends in our industry and connect with Indigenous Communities and Individuals to explore the conversations around collaboration. This year’s conference brings together the three Indigenous Nations in the Thompson Okanagan as well as national and international participants interested in building relations and creating opportunities, education, and understanding through tourism.
This year’s conference theme is “Inspire. Transform. Unite. Accelerating Indigenous tourism growth”. Presentations will be focused on inspiring communities and entrepreneurs to explore tourism as an economic driver. Transform, focuses on the impacts of Indigenous tourism on visitors and Indigenous operators alike. Unite speaks to the power of partnerships and coming together to empower the Indigenous tourism industry
The conference is already the largest one that the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has hosted and will be a tremendous opportunity to learn more about Indigenous Tourism and how to work more closely with the communities in the Thompson Okanagan while learning from others experiences both in Canada and Internationally. The conference is close to sold out but it is not too late to register and book your seat at this important event.

On Tuesday, November 12th following the pre-conference tours, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) will be hosting its annual AGM reviewing an overview of the many activities and initiatives that have taken place over the past year and a glimpse of things to come. As part of the AGM Marsha Walden, CEO of Destination BC will be providing a provincial overview.