Satellite visitor centre opens in shopping centre
The largest shopping centre in the Okanagan is adding a new service for its customers. Tourism Kelowna, in partnership with the Orchard Park Shopping Centre, has opened a new satellite visitor centre located at the Guest Services Kiosk.
This new location joins the downtown Kelowna Visitor Centre, the information kiosk at Kelowna International Airport (YLW), the mobile events kiosk, and virtual/online visitor services as part of Tourism Kelowna’s visitor experience strategy to assist visitors while supporting residents and local businesses.
“The Orchard Park Shopping Centre is a highly visited attraction and a key hub for residents and visitors, and we’re excited to be offering this additional service to our community,” Chris Lewis, Director of Visitor Experience with Tourism Kelowna, said. “We’re complementing the existing guest experience services offered by adding Tourism Kelowna staff and volunteers to answer questions about our region, our local businesses, and the many things to do in our four-season playground.”
In 2020, the Kelowna Visitor Experience team tracked over 81,000 interactions with residents and visitors. Each conversation connects consumers to local businesses and increases sales, supporting Kelowna’s $2 billion dollar tourism industry. Orchard Park Shopping Centre’s location, high amount of internal foot traffic, and attraction of residents and visitors will broaden that reach and impact even further.
“Orchard Park is proud to partner with Tourism Kelowna on this initiative,” Vikki Webster, Marketing Manager with Orchard Park Shopping Centre, said. “This year, Orchard Park celebrates its 50th year as part of this incredible community and every day our Guest Services team provides information in a safe and convenient way about the Shopping Centre and the amazing experiences that Kelowna has to offer with those that visit the mall. Being an official satellite visitors centre will equip our team with the knowledge and resources to provide the most current information during this unique time and in the months and years to come.”
With travel health restrictions currently in place and residents encouraged to stay local, the immediate focus will be on helping Kelowna area residents find ways to safely enjoy the region’s natural surroundings and support local businesses. 2021 visitation to the Kelowna Visitor Centre has been 89 per cent residents year to date. Once travel health restrictions are lifted, information services will expand to provide travel advice and ensure visitors have information to explore Kelowna safely.
The Orchard Park Guest Services team have also received visitor servicing training to add to their customer experience. The kiosk will offer materials such tear-off maps and outdoor trail guides, and will be open during mall hours, starting April 15, 2021.