The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Thompson Rivers University (TRU) have launched a research initiative aimed at advancing sustainability in the region鈥檚 tourism industry.
The project will use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze how tourism's benefits and impacts are distributed across the Thompson Okanagan. Hotel, restaurant, and winery owners and employees are invited to participate in the study.
鈥淥ur 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,鈥� said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of TOTA. 鈥淏y 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.鈥�
Survey respondents will also be asked about their experiences with GIS tools like Google and Apple Maps and their thoughts about using these them to support sustainable tourism. Participants will be entered into a draw to win one of two $100 restaurant gift cards, redeemable at dining establishments within the Thompson Okanagan.
The survey is available on the TOTA website.
