Barbara Bonnough
Tourism Skills Training Program Lead
Barbara Bonnough is the Visitor Inspiration Centre Manager and Training Program Manager for Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA). Barbara was born and raised in British Columbia and has lived in the Thompson/Okanagan region for most of her life. Barbara has had the pleasure of immersing herself in many different cultures while travelling but wholeheartedly believes that BC is one of the most beautiful areas in the world, and enjoys the multicultural aspects of Canada.
For this reason she is passionate about welcoming visitors to the area and promoting all of the incredible experiences and adventures that the region has to offer.
For this reason she is passionate about welcoming visitors to the area and promoting all of the incredible experiences and adventures that the region has to offer.
Barbara has spent most of her career in tourism and hospitality, and studied Hospitality Management at Vancouver Island University. She has held positions in major hotels and country clubs in the US and Canada in various positions from Banquets and Catering, Concierge, Sales and Marketing, Destination Event Management, and Wedding and Event planning.
For the past 10 years she has held positions as a program and event manager for training companies in BC and Alberta, handling projects and logistics of onsite training programs in remote Indigenous communities across Canada. The majority of these training programs were fully funded through Provincial and Federal governments, with well over $3 million dollars having been awarded due to her grant writing efforts.
As a traveller and dog owner, Barbara recognized the challenges of travelling with dogs, she started a vacation rental property on 5-acres with self-contained, dog friendly accommodations to welcome visitors with furry travel companions.
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