Shuswap Tourism Newsletter - January 2010

Olympic Torch in the Shuswap

January 26 Kelowna to Revelstoke

January 27 Revelstoke to Kamloops

Sicamous - Cultural Presentations at Parkview School at 1 pm Community Dinner and Celebration – 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Eagle River Secondary. Closing Lantern Ski/ Walk and Luminary (light up), Light up a Snowman in Finlayson Park .
Malakwa - Celebrations will be held at the Malakwa Community Hall Food, beverages, bonfire, live music.
Salmon Arm - At 10am, a piece of art by former Olympians will be unveiled at the fountain in front of City Hall. At 10:15am, the VANOC show will begin, with representatives from all levels of government and VANOC present. There is a sparkling array of local and other talent planned. Some of the performers you will see are: Dancing Bear (ErniePhillips), Old Man’s Beard, Salmon Arm community video, A local dance group, Performers from Coca Cola and RBC, A choir group, Juno Award winner Greg Sczebel and band members Steve Davis and Dan Oldfield. Greg Sczebel will sing the national anthem and at 11:13am the Olympic Torch will be carried into the square, accompanied by an entourage which will include RCMP, and local torch bearer Roy Sakaki will light the cauldron.
Tappen - Gather along Myers Frontage Road – students will run beside the Torch to Carlin Middle/Elementary School. Activities, after the Torch run, will be in the gym featuring Olympic DVD, Guest Speaker: Carrie Willem – Olympic Gold Medalist, First Nations Dance Group/Drumming.
Blind Bay - Noon to 3:00 pm, all members of the community are invited to attend. A free lunch will be served from 12:00 to 1:00. Local band performance, Olympic flags distributed, cake, coffee and hot chocolate will be served in the Blind Bay Hall.
Sorrento - Free community lunch from 12:30 to 2:00 pm at Sorrento Elementary School along with musical entertainment. Hot chocolate, cookies, flags and pins will be available in three locations around town while we wait for the torch to arrive. Wear your red toques, scarves , mitts and jackets.
Chase – Warm beverages and snacks will be served to spectators along Shuswap Avenue by community groups. A torch replica will be on display at the community hall where there will also be refreshments & prizes.

Community Tourism Foundations Program

This program , facilitated by Tourism BC, is working in collaboration with community tourism stakeholders to provide long-term destination planning aimed at increasing visitation and visitor spending, employment, industry standards, knowledge about tourism markets and trends and overall participation in tourism marketing. An initial meeting took place in Salmon Arm on September 11, 2009. A total of 20 community stakeholders attended with diverse representation from around the Shuswap. Further consultation took place January 19th & 20th and on the 21st a visioning and strategic planning session took place. The planning process will continue with further workshops on February 15, 16, 2010.

Shuswap Area Tourism Stakeholders

Shuswap Tourism is working to connect with tourism operators and stakeholders to better support, develop and promote tourism in the region. A tourism inventory has been created and will be circulated to check for accuracy and completeness. A database is being put together of tourism stakeholders in the area to facilitate communication and collaboration. Shuswap Tourism plans to publish regular newsletters to promote increased communication with tourism related businesses in the Shuswap region.

Program Tourism Industry Networking Social

To promote increased awareness of tourism assets, products & services, Shuswap Tourism plans to host a tourism industry networking social. This will be a prime opportunity to connect with tourism professionals to learn what they have to offer as well as to develop cooperation for mutual benefit around the region. Stay tuned for further information and a confirmed date for this event. Another opportunity for networking and development is the Thompson Rivers University, Rural Tourism Conference: April 6-8 at the Talking Rocks Resort. http://redtree.tru.ca/

Customer Service

A high priority goal is for the Shuswap region to be a recognized four season destination with memorable experiences.  Exceptional customer service will enhance our profile in the tourism industry in BC. TourismBC has a number of programs aimed at maximizing the visitor experience, including WorldHost certification. http://www.tourismbc.com/IndustryPrograms/MaximizingTheVisitorExperience.aspx
It is recognized that it may be difficult for some small businesses to find the funds to invest in employee development.  The Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development has established a program designed to provide eligible employers with funding for employee training in order to improve productivity, support the introduction of new technology, machinery, equipment or work processes, enhance international competitiveness, and introduce innovative training and workplace strategies to increase the long term competiveness of the organization and its workforce. www.aved.gov.bc.ca/workplace_training_program