The Rotary Club of Kelowna, Ogopogo is once again presenting our exciting, rewarding and fun filled ADVENTURES IN TOURISM program to selected high school students from across Canada, the North Western United States, Australia and Scotland. The ADVENTURES IN TOURISM program will involve up to 20 high school students in an intense five-day exploration of many leading tourism facilities within the beautiful Okanagan Valley. During their packed program, participants will be given unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the inner workings of a wide array of some of Canada s leading destination resorts, golf clubs, wineries and First Nations attractions. The students will also be treated to the very best hospitality; being welcomed into Rotarian homes for the duration of their stay. For 10 years now the ADVENTURES IN TOURISM program has promoted a greater level of understanding and appreciation for the value tourism represents to communities across Canada. The program promotes an understanding of the vocational opportunities present within this growing and important industry. This program exposes students to the inner workings of a variety of specific tourism based industries with the intent of clarifying both the question of how these operations function and why they are integral components of our communities. In 2013 (latest year with complete statistics), tourism in Canada was responsible for $88.5 billion in revenues and represented approximately 2 percent of Canada's overall gross domestic product (GDP). That's more than the combined GDP of the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors. Approximately 628,000 jobs in Canada are directly generated by tourism in every province and region of the country. Moreover, the visitor economy drives key service industries, including accommodations, food and beverage, passenger transportation, recreation and entertainment, which account for over 9 percent of total employment in Canada. The registration fee is CDN$500.00 plus travel expenses to and from Kelowna. Kelowna Rotarian families will billet the students in minimum groups of two during their stay in the Okanagan and all food and social events will be provided. Our tenth annual event will be held from March 25 th 2018 through Thursday, March 29 th 2018 with students expected to travel to Kelowna on the weekend of March 24 and 25 and returning home on Friday morning, March 30 th. Travel adjustments will be made, upon request, for students where needed (ie international students) For further information, please contact: Gus McLeod Rotary.AIT@gmail.com 250-784-7262
The following is a preliminary itinerary, and details may change before the program starts. Day 1 This is your travel day to the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. You ll arrive in Kelowna and be greeted by your host family. 4:00 PM Welcome reception and orientation at Okanagan College. You will get a chance to meet the other students in the program and Rotarian members from the Club and get to know your host families. A meal and fun activities have been planned that will give you an opportunity to interact with the other attendees. 7:00 PM Depart to host family homes.
Day 2 Today we stick close to home, and see some of the many things the city of Kelowna has to offer. 7:00 AM Breakfast The day starts off bright and early with a hearty breakfast at a downtown restaurant. 8:30 AM Downtown Walking Tour - A guide will lead you on a walking tour of the downtown core and arts district. You ll gain an understanding of the rich history and background to many of the heritage and modern buildings along the way, many of which contribute to the tourism attraction of the city. 10:30 AM Delta Grand Hotel - Tourism in the Okanagan is well-serviced by hundreds of fine hotels, motels and B&Bs. With a tour of the Grand you will get a superb insight into the behind-the-scenes operations that make the facility work effectively to provide visitors with an enjoyable stay. 12:00 PM Lunch at the Rotary Centre for the Arts - Following lunch you will have an opportunity to hear Robert Fine, Director of Business and Entrepreneurial Development for the City of Kelowna, present fascinating information and statistics relating to the region and tourism specifically. (Mr. Fine is also a local entertainer and we might just convince him to entertain us with a song!)
2:00 PM Houseboat Tour With a major lake dominating the Okanagan Valley, thousands of tourists are attracted to its many amenities and activities boating, water sports, beaches, swimming, festivals, parks, fishing, hiking and much more. Okanagan Lake is an excellent, fun location set among the majestic mountains on either side. The lake is also home to Ogopogo, our legendary lake monster. We meet at The Sails, the sculpture at the foot of Bernard Avenue Kelowna s world-famous symbol. From there you ll board the houseboat, along with members of the Rotary Club, for a lazy and enjoyable cruise around the lake. This will give you an opportunity to see the city from a waterside perspective and, who knows, you may even spot Ogopogo! 4:00 PM Mission Creek Greenway - The Greenwa y is an environmental corridor where hundreds of people use the trails each day. The creek meanders through the park to the lake- shore in a peaceful environment where one can appreciate the adjacent wild life and fish habitat. Here you ll be able to hike along a portion of the trail prior to a presentation at the Interpretive Centre. 6:00 PM Dinner. At White Spot Restaurant you ll enjoy a nice dinner followed by an opportunity to make a group presentation on the day s events and impressions from your experiences as well as a presentation from White Spot staff on the history White Spot 8:30 PM Hosts pickup at Perkins
Day 3 Aboriginal Tourism & Exciting Water Wonderland. Today we have something very special planned that includes a unique tourism destination in Osoyoos at the far south of the Okanagan Valley. You will tour the Nk Mip Spirit Ridge Resort. This will be followed by an exciting water adventure in Kelowna. 7:00 AM Breakfast. Meet at The Capri Hotel for the drive to Penticton for breakfast. 10:00 AM Nk Mip (ink-a-meep). Depart for the border town of Osoyoos (the only Canadian region designated as a desert climate) where the First Nations People of the Osoyoos Aboriginal Band will welcome you for a tour of their expanding facility which includes a luxury resort and spa, desert cultural centre, outstanding winery and golf course. You ll have an opportunity to hike the grounds. 12:00 PM Lunch Tickleberrys - the best ice-cream store (and so much more) in the Okanagan Valley! 4:00 PM H2O Adventure & Fitness Centre - This unique facility, the largest municipally owned water park in Canada, will amaze you. It boasts an Olympic size pool, wave pool, river run, water slides and an ocean wave simulator. Here you ll have an opportunity to put on your bathing suit and enjo y all these thrilling features. 6:00 PM Dinner Presentations on the day s events and your experiences. 8:30 PM Hosts pickup at the Restaurant.
Day 4 Golf Course & Ski Hill - The Okanagan Valle y is renowned for its world-class golf courses and outstanding ski hills. In only a few areas of the country could you enjoy both on the same da y. We have arranged visits to two of our best. 7:15 AM Breakfast - You ll join the Rotary Club members for their regular breakfast meeting at the Kelowna Yacht Club where you will present briefly about your home tourism focus. 9:30 AM The Harvest Golf Club - This course is unique in that it is situated within a working orchard and vineyard and provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape. You ll have an opportunity to develop or hone your golfing skills or just have fun on the driving range (weather permitting.) The club manager will give you a fascinating look into the operation of the various aspects of this course which is very popular with tourists from all over. 12:00 PM Lunch at the Golf Club. 2:00 PM Big White - Put on your parkas because you are off to Big White, one of Canada s premier ski destinations. There will be a tour of the facility and members of the staff will share the behind-thescenes operational activities. There will be time for you to enjoy the hill as a tourist yourself including such things as tubing or snowshoeing. 5:30 PM Dinner on the Hill at Happy Valley - Presentations on the day s events. 8:00 PM Hosts pickup at The Capri Hotel
Day 5 Airport, Resort & Winery - The Kelowna Airport plays an integral part in the tourism business of our city. The valley is famous for its wineries and world- class wines and the more than 135 wineries in the valley are a major tourist attraction and economic contributor. The newest and very unique resort and wellness centre is Sparkling Hill infused with over 3.5 million Swarovski crys t als in every area of the facility. 7:00 AM Meet at the Capri Hotel Breakfast at the Airport provided by Tim Hortons. This will be followed by a guided tour of the airport which will include the emergency coordination centre and fire hall. Kelowna Airport is one of the top 10 airports in Canada serving well over one million passengers annually. 10:00 AM Sparkling Hill Spa & Crystal Hotel - This newest valley resort opened in 2010 and is the first hotel project in North America incorporating crystal elements into every aspect of its design. It is perched high on a cliff above Okanagan Lake and provides unmatched scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. 12:00 PM Lunch Tasty choices and a tour will be offered by the unique Jammery Restaurant. 1:00 PM Geert Mass Sculpture Garden Works in a variety of media creating sculptures welcome art lovers from around the world. 2:00 PM St Hubertus Winery - You ll tour this premier winery that welcomes visitors from around the world every year. The tour will incorporate a presentation of the entire process from vines to grapes to wine. 3:30 PM Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan A family owned tourism boutique dairy spot for cheeses and gelato. 5:00 PM Okanagan College - This is a public, post-secondary institution offering over 120 certificates, diplomas, degrees and programs. It has grown to be the largest college in BC s interior with over 5,500 full-time students at four regional campuses. In addition, over 350 international students from over 30 countries currently study here. You will have an opportunity to take a rest break and to work on your team projects and presentations for the evening event. 6:00 PM Wrap Up Dinner - Infusions Restaurant is part of the college experience. The culinary arts students will prepare a full buffet meal. This is also the night of awards, presentations, photos and farewells and the conclusion to an exciting and memorable week 9:00 PM Hosts pickup at the College
Day 6 This is your travel day back to your homes and an opportunity to tell your sponsoring Rotary club all about your experiences get them to include you in one of their meetings in order to make a presentation. We would also ask you to pass along information about the event to other young people that might be interested in the program the following year. Here s what some of previous years AIT participants have to say about the program: Best week of my life. Thank you so much for everything. Overall program is too great to describe. I really enjoyed myself. It was a wonderful experience. I met some really awesome people and I absolutely love my host parents. This program overall is very well operated. I will definitely talk about this program and promote it! Thank you for giving us all the opportunity for this wonderful experience. Awesomest program ever! Great job Keep doing this program. It is very enjoyable and life-changing. Great program. Wish it was longer. Can I come back next year???