Regional Partners Unite to Advance Growth Opportunities for Kamloops Airport (YKA)
Leaders from Tourism, Government, and Business Join Forces to Chart a Stronger Future for Kamloops Airport and the Regional Visitor Economy
Photo Credit: YKA Kamloops Airport
9 October 2025
Kamloops, B.C. – Stakeholders from across B.C.’s Interior came together in Kamloops to align on the future of Kamloops Airport (YKA) and its role in regional growth. Hosted by YKA LINK and Vantage Airport Group, who manages Kamloops Airport, the session explored opportunities to expand air capacity, strengthen destination alignment, and attract both passengers and airlines. Participants emphasized that collaboration is essential to supporting sustainable growth, not only for air access but for the wider regional economy and tourism industry.
“This kind of alignment with Destination BC’s Invest in Iconics strategy, a collective goal to bring more visitors to more places across all seasons while delivering unique and remarkable experiences under unified destination brands, is exactly the kind of work that moves the needle,” said Alison McKay, Vice President, Destination Management at Destination BC. “YKA LINK’s collaborative approach demonstrates how partners can come together to advance provincial goals while creating local opportunity.”
“This is an incredibly unique undertaking that brings together local, regional, and provincial voices in a way we don’t often see,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA). “The YKA LINK initiative is a model for how collaboration can drive real momentum for air access, tourism, and community development.”
“YKA is a vital gateway for the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, connecting our most rural and remote communities to broader markets,” added Amy Thacker, CEO of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association. “Strengthening air access through Kamloops Airport ensures better connectivity, supports regional alignment, and creates new opportunities to welcome visitors to the unique experiences across B.C.’s interior.”
“The alignment between the City of Kamloops, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, and partners across our region is powerful,” said Councillor Bill Sarai, City of Kamloops and TNRD representative. “Working together at this level ensures we are not only supporting Kamloops but positioning the entire region for growth.”
The roundtable underscored YKA’s strategic importance as a key gateway for both the Rainforest to Rockies and Nature’s Heartland destination brands, two of six Invest in Iconics areas launched by Destination BC to enhance global awareness and drive sustainable visitation. Through YKA LINK, stakeholders are advancing shared priorities across the North Thompson Nicola Valley, Cariboo Chilcotin, Sun Peaks, Shuswap, and the Gold Rush Trail, positioning the region as one of British Columbia’s most experience-rich and connected travel corridors.
About YKA LINK:
YKA LINK (Leveraging Investment, Networking & Knowledge) is a collaborative initiative designed to attract expanded air services and strengthen regional tourism by positioning Kamloops Airport as the premier access point to the North Thompson Nicola Valley, Shuswap, Interlakes, Gold Rush Trail, and beyond. Backed by Kamloops Airport (Vantage Airport Group), Tourism Kamloops, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Tourism Sun Peaks, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA), Destination BC, and regional partners, YKA LINK fosters alignment, shared messaging, and investment to strengthen the region’s visitor economy.
About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association:
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society that represents a geographic area nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The region’s name is derived from two major geographic features: the Thompson River and Okanagan Lake. TOTA plays a support, leadership, and growth role in the tourism industry as a regional destination management organization. It aims to stimulate ongoing sustainable growth by embracing the value of tourism through community engagement, innovative leadership in promoting authentic experiences, and inspiring creative collaboration. Key initiatives include; Biosphere Certified Gold Destination, 7 Generations Pledge, and Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
For more information about TOTA visit TOTABC.org, or visit the consumer facing website ThompsonOkanagan.com.