Okanagan College (OC) has signed partnerships with key tourism organizations to strengthen its programming and create new opportunities for students.

These agreements are with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), and Tourism HR Canada (THRC).

香蕉视频直播淭he tourism sector across Canada is a major driver of our economy and a major employer, with one in 10 employed Canadians working in the sector,香蕉视频直播� said Joe Baker, Dean of the OC School of Business.

The partnerships will align OC香蕉视频直播檚 tourism and hospitality curriculum with industry standards. They will also provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience and build connections through Work Integrated Learning.

Okanagan College will align its programming with Tourism HR Canada香蕉视频直播檚 SMART accreditation program. Members of TOTA, TIABC, and THRC will serve on OC香蕉视频直播檚 program advisory committee, offering valuable industry guidance.

The collaboration also opens doors for applied research projects and grant opportunities through OC香蕉视频直播檚 Department of Applied Research and its BC Beverage and Technology Access Centre (BCBTAC).

香蕉视频直播淲e are focused on creating programming that fits the needs of our communities, and supporting the food, beverage, and tourism industries is a perfect fit,香蕉视频直播� said Samantha Lenci, OC Provost and Vice President Academic. 香蕉视频直播淲e look forward to having dynamic programming available when our new Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism is complete in 2027.香蕉视频直播�

Okanagan College already offers a variety of programs supporting these industries, including its Tourism Management Diploma, Culinary Arts School, and certificates in viticulture, wine sales, winery assistant, landscape horticulture, and hospitality. Future offerings will include a Hotel and Restaurant Management Diploma and an Events Management Diploma.

The Centre for Food, Wine, and Tourism is currently in the site preparation stage at OC香蕉视频直播檚 Kelowna campus. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with completion expected in 2027. Once finished, the facility will support education and innovation in the food, beverage, and tourism sectors.