- Identifying the Iconic
TOTA recognizes this theme as involving “experiences that are memorable and worth ‘bragging about” as well as “signature landscapes” and anything that “builds recognition for the Thompson Okanagan as a distinctive region.” This was our rationale behind introducing experiences to the tour such as Helmcken Falls, Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort, and Chasm Provincial Park.
2. Enriching Local Flavors
TOTA recognizes this theme as products that offer “exceptional ingredients such as scenic landscape, weather, unique wineries, award winning wines, breweries & distilleries, organic farming & local produce, chefs committed to developing regional cuisine and ‘field to table.” This also encompasses tourism products that “capture the essence of the Region (creates intimacy and romance)” as well as that “strengthen associated sectors and spread economic benefits.” For this theme, we incorporated the following experiences:
Monte Creek Ranch Winery, Privato Winery, Kamloops Farmers Market, Kweseltken Farmers’ and Artisan Market, Hop N Hog Tap & Smokehouse, The Strawberry Moose Snackery, The Sugar Shack and Horsting’s Farm Market.
3. Revealing the Story
TOTA recognizes this theme as “telling the untold stories of the region through signage, technology, events, and publications” as well as moving guests through the region via a theme. Following TOTA’s guidance, we wove a story of wild west culture along with indigenous culture throughout the route. TOTA reveals that “stories create an emotional connection with the destination. Therefore, we chose the following experience:
The Flying U Ranch takes visitors on a unique wild west experience dating back to the 1850s. It was a stop for fur traders along the Alaska Trail. In the 1900s the legendary Jack Boyd took over the ranch operations. Guests now sleep in the same cabins, answer to the same bell for meals and ride the same trails. Guests image the spirit of Jack Boyde rising beside them.
4. Expanding Personal Horizons
TOTA recognizes this theme as involving “unique and interactive opportunities for guests to learn while connecting with locals in an authentic manner.” They also are looking for experiences that “will strengthen shoulder season business.” Surrounding this theme, we incorporated the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park, Historic Hat Creek, and Walhachin Soldier’s Memorial Hall & Museum. Throughout the route, we also encourage the guests to seek out local guided adventure activities, winery tours and hands on experiences like:
The Privato Winery where guests engage all their senses into the vineyard tour. The Sugar Shack where guests can learn how to make maple syrup and try it for themselves. The Lac des Roche Resort offers guided fishing trips to explore the lakes of highway 24.
5. Building Authenticity.
TOTA recognizes this theme as “helping visitors understand how the Region differs from their own in terms of culture, heritage, history and identity” as well as “developing a strong ‘sense of place.’ In order to build authenticity, our route incorporates experiences that connect the guests to the land that they are traveling through and the people that inhabit it.