Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association chief to retire in 2027
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association says its chief executive will retire in 2027 after 16 years leading the regional tourism group. The organization says the change will come as it continues to shift from traditional marketing to broader destination management and stewardship of the region’s tourism industry.
What is changing
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has announced that CEO Ellen Walker-Matthews will retire on May 30, 2027. She has led TOTA since 2009 and helped refocus the group from a simple advertising body to one that supports destination management, stewardship, and broader industry development. The retirement marks the end of a 16-year tenure during which the organization says it expanded its mission beyond marketing to include broader regional tourism responsibilities.
Who is affected
Staff, regional tourism partners, local businesses, and stakeholders who rely on TOTA for coordination and industry support may experience changes as leadership transitions occur. The organization described the shift in leadership as part of ongoing governance and strategic planning, not as an immediate overhaul of services. There is no indication that public services or traveler information will be disrupted during the transition.
Practical next steps
For those in the regional tourism sector, stay updated through TOTA communications and their official website for details on interim leadership and transition plans. Partners may be invited to participate in succession planning and strategy reviews as the organization maintains its focus on destination management and sustainable tourism practices. General travelers should continue to use standard local travel resources for planning and updates.
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