About Us
Get to Know Oliver
Discover what makes Oliver unique. Explore our history, culture, and community, and see why it’s Canada’s Wine Capital.
Oliver’s Story: Past and Present
Oliver, the Wine Capital of Canada, is located at the northernmost point of the Great Basin Desert. The diverse landscape, featuring mountains, lakes, and endangered native grasslands, offers perfect settings for hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking.
Experience Oliver’s rugged beauty year-round. Wander back roads through orchards, scenic landscapes, and lush vineyards. Whether it’s harvest time or any time, Oliver’s charm is always on display.
Oliver & Osoyoos Indigenous Culture
Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB)
The Syilx of the Okanagan Nation, live in eight communities in the interior of British Columbia and Washington. Over 400 band members live and work on the Osoyoos Indian Reserve which stretches from Oliver to Osoyoos. The Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) acknowledges the ancestors and elders who have carried on our traditions and kept our language, history and culture alive so that we can share it with our guests and visitors.
Learn More
Oliver’s Culture & Heritage
People, Arts, History & Agriculture
Oliver’s rich culture and heritage span thousands of years. Nestled between forested mountains and the Sonoran Desert, the region supports one of Canada’s most diverse species assemblages, unique to this area.
In 1919, Premier John Oliver initiated the Southern Okanagan Lands Project, transforming 8,000 acres of semi-arid desert into fertile land. This irrigation project led to one of Canada’s most successful tree fruit and viticulture regions, earning Oliver its esteemed agricultural reputation.
OTA Mission
Our Mission:
The Oliver Tourism Association will identify and promote tourism opportunities and activities within the Town of Oliver and the surrounding area, encourage and support tourism initiatives that will benefit the Town of Oliver and the surrounding area, and develop and market the destination branding.
The Oliver Tourism Association (OTA) is a registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting businesses and organizations that focus on or support tourism. Our goal is to provide valuable information and opportunities to visitors in Oliver and Area C.
OTA works strategically with partners to promote regional tourism. We are committed to understanding and supporting our member businesses, showcasing what makes Oliver a unique home, workplace, and playground.
Meet the Team
Staff, Board and Volunteers
Meet the dedicated team behind the Oliver Tourism Association. Our staff, board members, and volunteers work tirelessly to promote and enhance tourism in Oliver, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.
Our diverse team collaborates to support local businesses, create engaging events, and share the unique charm of Oliver. Together, we strive to make Oliver a welcoming and vibrant destination for everyone.
Community Thanks
We proudly acknowledge the support of local community organizations in making Oliver a vibrant destination. Their dedication and collaboration play a vital role in enhancing our town’s appeal and contributing to Oliver’s unique charm. Their ongoing efforts ensure a welcoming environment, enriching the experiences of both residents and visitors.
- Town of Oliver
- Regional District of Okanangan Similkameen
- Osoyoos Indian Band
- Destination British Columbia
- Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
- Visit South Okanagan
- Destination Osoyoos
- Eastlink Curling Centre
- South Okanagan Skating Club
- Rise Dance Academy
- South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce
- Oliver Business Association
- Eastlink
- Oliver Business Association
- Oliver Osoyoos Wine Association
- Oliver & District Recreation
- South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation
- Oliver Arts Council
- Frank Venables Theatre
- Big League Experience
- Oliver & District Heritage Society
Join Our Team
Join our team at Oliver Tourism Association! Explore exciting career opportunities and contribute to making Oliver a premier destination. We’re looking for passionate individuals to help promote our vibrant community.
Job Description:
As Visitor, Communication & Event Ambassador you will work closely with the Communications Manager to assist visitors to the area in obtaining information on what there is to do in the area through the Visitor Centre as well as providing mobile visitor services at events with stakeholder businesses and community park. You will also work with the Executive Director and Communications Manager to plan and execute events put on by Oliver Tourism and other local organizations we support. Additionally, you will assist with marketing campaigns, social media and other tasks as needed.
Who We Are:
The Oliver Tourism Association operates the Visitor Information Centre for the Town of Oliver and strives to increase the number of nights visitors spend in our community. Through Visitor Services we share information on businesses, activities, and offerings within the town and regional district, specifically from Road 22 to Vaseux Lake, and beyond to engage visitors from all over BC. Oliver Tourism also operates two major festivals – Oliver Cask & Keg and Festival of the Grape – while supporting other community organizations and stakeholders with the promotion and execution of their events.
Who You Are:
You are a dynamic and passionate individual who wants to ensure visitors and locals get the most out of their time in Oliver. This includes sharing information and connecting them to businesses, events, and recreational activities around the area. You enjoy talking with people and have strong communications skills, you have a desire to continue in hospitality, tourism or communications. You are willing to learn. You embrace the Okanagan lifestyle and participate in some of the activities in the area. This position requires a person to be flexible in their work schedule as weekends and some evenings are required.
Qualifications & Desired Skills:
Preference will be given to candidates pursuing post-secondary studies in Tourism, Communications, or Marketing. Applicants must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, computer/telephone skills/etiquette, organizational ability, and strong attention to detail. Ability to work well under pressure, demonstrate initiative and work both independently and as part of a team is essential. You must be resourceful and have an excellent knowledge of the local area and tourism opportunities in the region. An ability to speak a second language is an asset.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Visitor Information & Gift Shop:
- Update files and reference materials.
- Contribute to providing tidy, safe, and clean work environment and replenishing stock as required.
- Advise on shortfalls relating to visitor information and merchandise.
- Assist customers in selecting and purchasing items from the gift shop as well as online tickets.
Events:
- Promote year-round festival/events in Oliver as well as local tourism products and services.
- Assist with event coordination.
- Assist with social media for the promotion of events, festivals, ticket sales and member engagement.
- Assist with marketing collateral.
Social Media & Marketing:
- Execute the social media plan as directed with input from the Communications Manager. This will include targeted postings on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Make recommendations for the improvement of online presence and social media channels.
- Work with Communications Manager to ensure the events calendar is detailed and accurate with an array of activities for visitors to choose from.
- Help identify new marketing opportunities by monitoring websites, social media channels, and publications.
- Knowledge of WordPress will be an asset.
Other Administrative & Team Duties:
- Work with Visitor Centre team to provide the best guest experience.
- Be engaged in a team environment with Visitor Centre volunteers, Communication Manager, Tourism Manager, and Executive Director.
- Support supervisors with other administrative tasks as assigned.
- Provide suggestions to improve services and where we can grow our offerings.
- Be flexible in a changing environment.
- Perform all other duties enthusiastically.
Additional duties as required.
Please forward your cover letter and resume to the attention of Ian Lobb, Executive Director at ian@visitoliver.com.
Position Summary:
Join the Oliver Tourism Association (OTA) as a volunteer and contribute to making Oliver a vibrant and welcoming destination. We offer a variety of volunteer roles that allow you to share your passion for our community, support local events, and provide exceptional service to visitors.
Volunteer Support Areas:
Visitor Centre Ambassador
Role: Welcome and assist visitors at the Oliver Visitor Centre.
Responsibilities:
Event Operations
Role: Support the planning and execution of local events
Responsibilities:
- Assist with event setup and teardown.
- Help coordinate event logistics and manage attendee flow.
- Provide information and assistance to event participants and visitors.
- Ensure events run smoothly by addressing any issues promptly.
Wine Capital Weekend & Festival Support Roles
Role: Aid in the execution of the Wine Capital Weekend and other festivals.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with event setup, including arranging tables, chairs, and displays.
- Support event activities such as ticket sales, registration, and crowd management.
- Provide information and assistance to festival attendees.
- Help with post-event cleanup and inventory management.
OTA General Ambassador
Role: Represent the OTA and promote Oliver’s attractions and events.
Responsibilities:
- Attend community events and outreach programs to promote Oliver.
- Distribute promotional materials and engage with the public.
- Provide information about OTA initiatives and upcoming events.
- Gather feedback from visitors and community members to help improve OTA services.
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Qualifications:
Friendly, outgoing, and enthusiastic personality.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of Oliver and the surrounding area (training provided).
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Reliable and punctual. -
Benefits:
Gain valuable experience in tourism and event management.
Meet new people and network within the community.
Contribute to the promotion and success of Oliver’s tourism industry.
Receive recognition for your volunteer efforts.
How to Apply:
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator at info@visitoliver.com or visiting the Visitor Centre. Join us in making Oliver a premier destination for visitors from around the world!
Oliver Tourism Association is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and abilities.
Become a Member
Become a member and enjoy exclusive member benefits, advocacy, direct support, and online promotion. Gain visibility in our Visitor Guide and access to exclusive events, connecting your business with travelers year-round.
Join the OTA