We invite you to come together as a tourism community to learn from everything we've been through and think differently about how we can co-create a vibrant and resilient tourism industry in BC. The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 is a joint virtual event, in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Attend thought provoking workshops and panels, learn from tourism leaders from around the globe, and network with industry colleagues. The BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 is open to all tourism stakeholders and GSTC members at no cost.
British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a collaboration between the following five regional destination management organizations: Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Tourism Vancouver Island.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is managing the GSTC Criteria, global standards for sustainable travel and tourism;
as well as providing international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. They are the result of a worldwide effort to develop a common language about sustainability in tourism. They are arranged in four pillars: (A) Sustainable management; (B) Socioeconomic impacts; (C) Cultural impacts; and (D) Environmental impacts. Since tourism destinations each have their own culture, environment, customs, and laws, the Criteria are designed to be adapted to local conditions and supplemented by additional criteria for the specific location and activity.
The GSTC Criteria form the foundation Accreditation for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators/transport providers, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services; but provides an accreditation program through its partner ASI/Assurance Services International to accredit Certification Bodies.
Innovation Norway's “CO2rism” is a tool for calculating the CO2 emissions caused by transport of tourists to and within Norway. The user groups of this calculator are businesses and destinations marketers, interested in insights on the emissions generated by the guests they want to attract. This allows Innovation Norway to judge both the potential tourist consumption and the CO2 emissions by combining their tourist consumption calculator with this new calculator on CO2 emissions.
Participants in this session will learn how tourism-related emissions can be measured effectively and be taken into consideration when planning tourist activities at destinations.
Criterion A4 of the GSTC Destination Criteria clearly points out the importance of engagement with the private sector. DMOs should regularly inform tourism-related enterprises about sustainability issues and encourage and support them in making their operations more sustainable. As part of these efforts, a DMO should promote the adoption of sustainability standards and incentivize businesses to achieve certification to verify their claims, such as publicizing a list of sustainability certified enterprises.
Through case studies from destinations around the world, participants will learn how a DMO can better engage the private sector and drive certification in order to make the destination as a whole more sustainable.
Tourism in natural areas is a major part of the global tourism industry however, without proper planning and management of tourism activities, there may be negative environmental impacts such as habitat degradation, over-consumption of water, pollution, waste generation, the introduction of alien invasive species, among others. Visitor management plays an essential role in protecting the ecological sustainability of natural areas, providing funding and business opportunities, and creating an enjoyable visitor experience.
Through case studies from North America, Europe, and South America, participants will learn about strategies for visitor management in natural areas.
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Elected in 2016, HLI HAYKWHL ẂII XSGAAK, 馬蘭妮| Melanie Mark is the first First Nations woman member of the legislative assembly (MLA) in British Columbia's history, representing the riding of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant.
During the 41st parliament, she was appointed as the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. Melanie remains the only First Nations woman to serve in Cabinet as B.C.'s new Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. Melanie is Nisga'a, Gitxsan, Cree and Ojibway. She was born and raised in East Vancouver and has deep roots in northern B.C. and Manitoba.
Melanie is unapologetically passionate about social, environmental and economic justice; she entered politics to disrupt the status quo. Within two months as a minister, she paved a new path by creating the first provincial tuition waiver program for youth from the foster-care system and removed all fees for adults accessing Adult Basic Education.
She is most proud of her work to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, specifically supporting Indigenous teachers and language fluency, and launching the world's first Indigenous law program at the University of Victoria in 2018.
Melanie firmly believes that education is the great equalizer and often says, "a rising tide lifts all canoes."
Melanie's work is inspired by her two daughters Maya and Makayla and the desire for them to have greater access to education and opportunities as they grow up. Family is very important to Melanie and her time with Maya, Makayla, and her extended family keeps her grounded and motivated.
Melanie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Simon Fraser University. She holds a Criminology Diploma from Douglas College/Native Education College and an Advanced Executive Certificate from Queen's School of Business.
Melanie believes strongly that the changes we need to inspire and support future generations require all of us to get on board and paddle together.
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
10:50 AM - 11:00 AM11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Milena S. Nikolova is a leading expert in applying insights about human behavior to solutions in sustainability and travel. Her passion is in exploring ways in which behavior-smart tactics can enhance the positive impacts of travel for people, companies and places. In the last years she has been a frequent speaker at global and regional tourism industry events on topics such as behavioral economics for tourism, innovation dynamics in travel, new traveler consumptions patterns, etc. She is the author of the first book that explores the potential of applying knowledge from behavioral sciences to strategic issues in the travel industry. She is also the founder of a boutique consultancy focused on behavior-smart innovations for the tourism industry.
Ásta Kristín Sigurjónsdóttir is CEO of the Iceland Tourism Cluster, a business-driven organization with members from all over the value chain of tourism and travel. The cluster focuses on promoting competitiveness and value creation within the Icelandic tourism industry.
Ásta Kristín has worked with companies of all sizes for the last 15 years focusing on business development and innovation. She has worked as a business advisor in one of the national banks, a manager for development and innovation for the Centre of East Iceland. She is currently managing the Tourism Cluster on a national level. She also sits on the board of TCI network, the global cluster organization and works with various cluster managers in all kinds of industries globally.
Ásta Kristín has a BSc in International Business and Marketing from the University of Reykjavík and an IMPA certificate in project management, various training in strategy implementation, sustainability, management, marketing, and leadership.
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM1:15 PM - 2:30 PMWhile the COVID-19 pandemic has presented tremendous challenges for Canada's tourism industry, it has also created opportunities to develop innovative partnerships, adopt new ways of doing business, and redefine success. In this panel, the leaders of Destination Canada, Destination BC and the Tourism Industry Association of BC will share how their organizations have responded and how they are charting a path forward to support recovery and shape a re-imagined future for tourism.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PMFor destination sustainability to be possible, diversity, equity and inclusion must be cultivated and celebrated within all levels of the tourism industry. Creating diverse and inclusive workplaces are integral to our industry’s ability to remain competitive, drive innovation and maintain relevance. Join us as we speak with industry leaders who are creating change and opening dialogue to foster a visitor economy that represents a wide variety of individuals at all levels.
Chastity Davis is a mixed heritage woman of First Nations and European descent. She is a proud member of the Tla’amin Nation. Chastity is sole proprietor to her own multi-award-winning consulting business. She has worked with 100+ First Nation communities in BC and several well-known corporations, companies, not-for-profits, and Indigenous organizations. Chastity’s work is completed in the spirit of reconciliation and focuses on building knowledge and capacities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals, organizations, communities, and governments.
Chastity’s approach is from an Indigenous women’s lens. She is on the leading edge of Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis (IGBA) in Canada working with the federal and provincial governments, Tsilhqot’in National Government, and several others to weave the Indigenous women’s lens into their daily practices. Chastity is creator and visionary of Deyen – An Invitation to Transform one of the only online learning platforms that centers the wisdom, knowledge, and lived experiences of the original Matriarchs of the lands often called Canada.
Chastity has a Master of Arts in Intercultural and International Communications, a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication, and a Diploma in Marketing Management & Professional Sales from BCIT. Chastity is also a certified yoga teacher in two modalities: Yin and Kundalini. She weaves the ancient practice and philosophy of yoga into her personal and professional life.
Darrell is an advocate of effecting social change through the economic empowerment of LGBT+ entrepreneurs. He is the co-founder and CEO of the CGLCC, Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, a national not-for-profit organization with a mission to expand the opportunities and advancement of the LGBT+ business community in Canada.
Darrell is also passionate about strengthening Canada’s tourism industry. He was the co-founder of Travel Gay Canada, an organization focused on increasing tourism receipts to Canada, and Managing Partner at DNA Marketing Group, a specialized marketing company for the tourism industry. Prior, he spent 6 years with VIA Rail Canada and 5 years with the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council.
Darrell completed his Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the University of Calgary, and completed his Executive MBA from Richard Ivey School of Business, Western University.
Joanna Jagger is passionate about educating future leaders and moving the dial for gender equity. She is the President and founder of WORTH Association, a society for women of recreation, tourism and hospitality. WORTH Association was incorporated in 2018 to combat inequities in the industry and provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, education and leadership development. Representing women of WORTH across the province, Joanna advocates with industry associations and the provincial government to ensure a more equal future for women in industry leadership.
Joanna is an Instructor in the School of Tourism Management at Capilano University. At CapU, she teaches Human Resources and Organizational Behaviour, helping students identify their career passion and potential. She has held leadership roles in sales, catering and human resources at top hospitality brands including Marriott International, Shangri-La Hotels, Sequoia Company of Restaurants and Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse. A Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), she provides HR solutions to individuals and organizations through her consulting practice, Adanac HR Services. Joanna has a Provincial Instructor’s Diploma from VCC and a Masters in Leadership from Royal Roads University.
Nesreen Ali (She/Her) facilitation geek, a policy nerd and social innovator. After completing a Masters in Public Administration, and Bachelor of Political Science she has been advancing public policy for equity-seeking groups across Canada since. Nesreen is the Manager of Inclusion Projects with INclusion INcorporated.
Spanning national, provincial and municipal organizations Nesreen has made her mark on the areas of public policy that affect housing and homelessness, LGBTQI2S+ youth housing, newcomers, women and gender diverse people and domestic violence, childcare and economic policy. She believes lived experience is the greatest asset to any work related to equity, diversity and inclusion. It is her hope that by disrupting what we thought was possible about belonging, will create a world that is just, fair and equitable.
She is a respected collaborator, advisor and leader and hopes to offer these skills to the organizations on their equity, diversity and inclusion journey. Trained in conflict coaching, and conflict resolution Nesreen is an expert facilitator. She uses her intuitive abilities to bring the best out of participants, designing engaging environments to create and deeply listen to stakeholders.
Nesreen currently lives with her best dog-pal Kona on the unceded and traditional territories of the Squamish, Musquam and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, also known as Vancouver.
Andrea Carey (she/her) is a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP), holds a Masters of Education in Leadership Studies and is a champion of inclusion. Andrea is currently working towards a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching, is Dare to Lead trained and Nova Profile Certified. Andrea recently completed an appointment as a Special Advisor on Disability Inclusion for Minister Carla Qualtrough P.C., M.P.
Andrea works to support clients to create cultures of belonging and inclusion for everyone to thrive and has worked extensively on inclusion and improved access for Indigenous peoples, Newcomers, persons with disabilities and women and girls. She brings extensive experience in business operations, facility management, human resources, strategic planning, marketing, group facilitation, curriculum development and product development.
Her passionate, playful and engaging approach to inclusion provides a platform for understanding the challenges, to develop a strategy that aligns the organization’s needs with global trends and connects clients to tools to ensure successful implementation.
Andrea volunteered for ten years with the Canadian Paralympic Committee as a Board Director and Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee; and currently sits on the Board of KidSport Victoria.
3:30 PM - 3:40 PM3:40 PM - 4:40 PMNow more than ever, the drive for tourism to become a regenerative and restorative industry is at the forefront of most of our efforts. Join tourism operators and industry leaders as they discuss their dedication to sustainable practices and the importance of fostering destination stewardship amongst visitors. Learn about the innovative programs and approaches that BC operators have adopted to create a better tomorrow for residents and visitors alike.
4:40 PM - 5:00 PM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Candace Carr Strauss took the helm of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau with the start of 2021 where she leads the $1 billion tourism industry as a 3-C Chamber and as the official Destination Management Organization under Arizona’s first Sustainable Tourism Plan. The tsunami of visitors brought by the pandemic that now equates tourism to traffic, trash, trailhead congestion and tension among outdoor recreationists, the agricultural industry and residents on surrounding public lands is a primary focus.
Prior to Sedona, Candace spent four years leading the Big Sky Chamber & Visit Big Sky located in a mountain resort community growing exponentially in popularity as a ski destination and gateway community to Yellowstone National Park. She is no newcomer in addressing growing pains and overburdened infrastructure in a singular tourism-based economy.
Candace's professional background includes positions with Wonderful Copenhagen in Denmark, and Destination DC in the nation's capital, where her career in tourism began in the wake of 9/11. She presently holds a seat as an at-large Director of the U.S. Travel Association Board and serves on the National Parks and Public Lands working group. She also serves on the Verde Front Leadership Council, a sustainable recreation collaborative, the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization and Verde Valley Leadership boards.
Candace holds a B.S. in business administration from Miami University of Ohio with minors in European Studies and Spanish.
Dr. Ivana Damnjanović is a professor at the Faculty of Health and Business Studies, Singidunum University, Serbia. After completing her Ph.D. in sustainable tourism in national parks in 2014, she continued her academic and scientific interests in various aspects of sustainable tourism: protected areas tourism; the regenerative and transformational potential of tourist experience; community wellbeing; recreation, adventure, and nature-based tourism. She has published in scientific journals and conferences, in book chapters, and is currently completing a book on sustainable tourism.
She is dedicated to facilitating learning experiences for future tourism professionals through creating tailor-made educational opportunities at home and in the international context. She enjoys working with students with diverse cultural backgrounds (teaching in Serbia and across Europe since 2005).
As a Vice-dean for international cooperation at the faculty, she works on mobility projects for students and academic staff, establishing and maintaining meaningful partnerships with universities across Europe and worldwide.
She feels privileged and grateful to be actively involved at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist Group of the IUCN, Transformational Tourism Council, Planet Happiness, and as a Future of Tourism Coalition signatory and its community platform moderator.
N. Qwynne Lackey is an assistant professor at SUNY Cortland in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies and a recent graduate of the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Ph.D. program at the University of Utah. Her current research interests include sustainable tourism, protected area policy, community development and quality of life, and stakeholder engagement. Her most recent work explored sustainable tourism development in the Thompson-Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada and Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA. Specifically, she explored the relationships that existed between stakeholders as well as gateway community quality of life in these contexts. Previously, Qwynne has completed research and outreach projects focused on environmental education, interpretation, and ecotour guiding in the United States and South Africa.
State University of New York College at Cortland
Jake Powell is an Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at Utah State University. His professional career focused on uniting communities to their surrounding landscapes through collaborative planning and design efforts. He has worked throughout the intermountain west to envision and implement watershed planning and restoration projects, natural resource conservation efforts, recreation infrastructure, and community economic growth opportunities. Jake’s research and extension efforts focus on analyzing and improving how the design of communities, sites, infrastructure, and natural areas affect the quality of the environment and the human experience from the site to the watershed scale. Jake currently serves as a member of the core leadership team for USU’s Gateway and Natural Amenity Region (GNAR) Initiative and in this capacity works to help gateway communities across the intermountain west thrive amid change.
Julia Branstrator is a Ph.D. student studying under Dr. Christina T. Cavaliere in the Tourism and Conservation Lab at Colorado State University. Julia is researching the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources with an emphasis on conservation through tourism. Inspired by her work in the national parks and love of natural spaces, her experience includes researching the barriers to adopting waterless waste technologies into the United States, cultural heritage tourism impacts, consumer image of tourism destinations after natural disasters, and facilitating sustainable operations within the human dimensions of tourism. Her current projects focus on biocultural diversity through the experiences of protected area gateway and buffer communities.
Rogier Gruys manages the Visitor Experience program in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site on Haida Gwaii, BC. Previously, he led visitor product development in Jasper National Park. Before joining Parks Canada, Rogier worked in the Brand team at Destination Canada, Canada’s national tourism marketing organization, and spent ten years in various roles for international development organizations in Indonesia, Mongolia, Malaysia and Bhutan. Rogier holds an M.Sc. in Zoology from the University of Alberta.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM1:30 PM - 2:45 PMThis panel will explore how storytelling and truth telling in tourism can support Canadians and visitors alike to gain a better understanding of Indigenous history and move towards authentic reconciliation.
2:45 PM - 3:45 PMDiscuss and share stories about universal design, access and inclusion, physical literacy, and encouraging full participation in outdoor tourism spaces and communities across BC.
This panel draws on experiences from frontline initiatives and leaders within those initiatives who are advancing research, community development, sport and recreation infrastructure, and consumer information access to identify and create accessible experiences across the tourism sector.
Participate in a conversation about the key priorities to addressing barriers in the natural and built environment to increase access and inclusion in the services, products, and experiences that you have to offer.
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
5:00 PM - 5:15 PMProceeds from the BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021 Silent Auction will be donated to support wildfire relief in BC. We have partnered with Food Banks BC to identify hard-hit communities across BC and we will ensure that all of the proceeds from the silent auction are dispersed evenly among these food banks.
Food Banks BC is the provincial association of food banks and their membership comprises 102 hunger relief agencies throughout British Columbia. They support their members through the provision of resources that assist their efforts to tackle hunger in communities they represent. This is achieved through the distribution of food and financial donations, providing access to training and capacity building programs, networking opportunities, and as a representative voice to speak to the needs of food banks as well as the hundreds of thousands of British Columbians who face ongoing food insecurity.
We intend to raise as much as we can to support residents of communities affected by wildfire and in order to give attendees more time for bidding, the Silent Auction will open 2 weeks prior to the Summit.
Once you register for the BCRTS Tourism Summit 2021, you will automatically receive the links to place your bids once the silent auction opens.
Successful bidders will be notified by email on November 5, 2021.
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For the past two decades, Ingunn Sørnes has been with Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Governmental organization for innovation and development in industries in Norway, including tourism. She was earlier employed in the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture, then the State Bank of Agriculture before entering the Norwegian Industrial and Regional Development Fund (SND). From a position in rural development and diversification in agriculture in the Ministry she moved to funding, research coordination and training in the State Bank and the SND before being appointed to Innovation Norway to lead the work towards a more sustainable tourism. Her work includes policy development, measures and incentives to increase sustainability within tourism in Norway. This includes developing and implementing a national standard for sustainable tourism at destination level (GSTC-Recognized Standard) with all assisting tools and instruments.
For the past two decades, Ingunn Sørnes has been with Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Governmental organization for innovation and development in industries in Norway, including tourism. She was earlier employed in the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture, then the State Bank of Agriculture before entering the Norwegian Industrial and Regional Development Fund (SND). From a position in rural development and diversification in agriculture in the Ministry she moved to funding, research coordination and training in the State Bank and the SND before being appointed to Innovation Norway to lead the work towards a more sustainable tourism. Her work includes policy development, measures and incentives to increase sustainability within tourism in Norway. This includes developing and implementing a national standard for sustainable tourism at destination level (GSTC-Recognized Standard) with all assisting tools and instruments.
With experiences in marketing, strategic planning of tourism in destinations and implementation of sustainable tourism. At the moment she manages the Institute Factory of sustainable tourism GoodPlace responsible for development of the national certificate programme Slovenia Green. In eight years of experience GoodPlace became an international partner on sustainable tourism focusing on implementation of sustainable management of tourism on all levels from country, regions, destinations to business based on the experiences implemented in Slovenia. GoodPlace also runs an Association of certified destinations and business in Slovenia and has a partner role in travel agency Visit GoodPlace which is putting the green products on the market.
Jorge Moller is a sustainable tourism expert with nearly 40 years of leadership and hands-on experience in Chile and throughout Latin America. Currently, Jorge is the Director of Regenera ONG, which is a GSTC Training Partner that delivers training courses in Spanish online and in Latin America. Through Regenera, Jorge builds bridges with indigenous communities to create authentic experiences for tourists by sharing their culture and beliefs while generating income to sustain their way of life. Jorge has been involved with the GSTC since 2013, when he participated in the GSTC Early Adopter Program in Chile. He also served on the GSTC Board of Directors for a number of years. Jorge was instrumental in the founding and development of the South American Sustainable Tourism Network (SAST Network). Also co-founder of LACEN (Latin American and Caribbean Ecotourism Network) and on the board of GEN (Global Ecotourism Network). He regularly shares his expertise as trainer, consultant and speaker, lecturing on tourism and sustainable development in events throughout the region. Jorge is especially passionate about his work with the Mapuche and other indigenous peoples in Chile.
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In the late 1990s the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), largely through the efforts of Chief Clarence Louie, established itself as an economic force in the South Okanagan. At the same time, chief and council embarked on the feasibility for a cultural centre that would not only help preserve Syilx (Okanagan) culture but present this cultural richness to the greater public.
In 2003, Brenda Baptiste was hired to coordinate the planning and operations for the $10-million first phase of the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (NDCC) that would celebrate Syilx culture and life in the desert context. The OIB had limited financial resources to subsidize the cultural centre and decided to open the NDCC to the public to assist with financial operations and to celebrate Indigenous Sylix culture, truly a precursor for reconciliation. The centre went on to win numerous awards and is now in a Phase 2 expansion, for which Baptiste is guiding the Indigenous story. The completion of this next phase will further anchor the centre as one of the leading cultural attractions in B.C.
Following the inspirational success with the NDCC, Brenda was elected to the board of the then Aboriginal Tourism BC (AtBC), which was a young financially strapped organization of 12 members and one employee. Now, Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has 500 members and 12 employees.
Ellen Walker-Matthews has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry, with a career that included senior and regional positions with CP (Fairmont) Hotels, Delta Hotels and Tepic Management / Rim Hospitality. Her roles in these organizations included working with new and existing properties to oversee their sales and marketing departments, develop and execute marketing plans, evaluate and purchase media, work directly with Travel Trade and Travel Media, implemented promotional activities and assist management teams in building strategic business plans to drive revenues and competitively position properties within their respective marketplaces. She also worked in the capacity of both General Manager at a property level and as a Regional Sr Vice President.
In addition to her work in the hotel industry EWM also worked as a hospitality consultant for Pannell Kerr Forster (PKF), as a sales and management trainer with Xerox Learning Systems and co-founded KMSC Hospitality which specialized in sales and marketing training for the hospitality industry.
Since 2009, EWM has worked with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association in many areas of the organization including lead roles in Consumer Marketing, Travel Trade/Travel Media, Industry/Destination Development and most recently as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective July 2021.
Anthony Everett, ICD.D was appointed to the position of President and CEO by the Tourism Vancouver Island Board of Directors in January 2018.
Anthony has been involved in tourism in British Columbia for 30+ years starting his career at The Butchart Gardens in visitor services and then establishing Butchart Gardens’ Media Relations department. In 1999, he was recruited to Tourism Victoria to manage the Media Relations Department until 2003 when he joined the team at Tartan Public Relations as Account Director. In 2006, Anthony moved away from Vancouver Island to lead the Northern British Columbia Tourism Association until 2015.
From 2011 to 2017, Everett Chaired the Board of Directors for the 2015 Prince George Canada Winter Games Host Society, which hosted the 2015 Canada Winter Games. Well versed as a director with various organizational boards, he has gained invaluable experience from his involvement with the Myeloma Canada Board of Directors (June 2016 – present), the Canada Games Council Board (fall 2016 – present), go2HR (2012 – 2016), and as a Co-Chair of the 2015 Canada Winter Games Ambassador Program (2012 – 2015).
Anthony graduated from the ICD-Rotman, Directors Education Program in May 2017 and achieved his Institute of Corporate Directors, ICD.D in June 2017.
Anthony has earned significant achievements through his career including the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA) Prestige Award 2016, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the 2015 Prince George Citizen of the Year.
Marsha’s career spans leadership roles in strategy and organizational renewal, marketing and communications, corporate social responsibility, operations management, and business innovation. She has worked with enterprises in many of Canada’s flagship industries and found her true calling in tourism.
Marsha joined Destination Canada as President and CEO in August 2020 in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. She is proud to lead a team of passionate professionals who share a common purpose of inspiring those with glowing hearts to fall in love with Canada – enriching the lives of visitors and enhancing the quality of life of Canadians. Previously, Marsha led the team at Destination British Columbia, initiating ground-breaking strategies for tourism development and data-driven performance marketing.
A resident of North Vancouver, Marsha holds a bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia and is an active volunteer with the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, BC Business Laureates, and The Presidents Group championing inclusive employment. Marsha’s glowing hearts Canadian moment was wildlife touring in Haida Gwaii and witnessing the prehistoric-looking spectacle of humpback whales bubble-net feeding nearby. “Their power and intelligence was breathtaking and humbling.”
Au cours de sa carrière, Marsha a occupé des postes de direction dans les domaines du renouvellement stratégique et organisationnel, du marketing et des communications, de la responsabilité sociale des entreprises, de la gestion des opérations et de l’innovation commerciale. Après avoir travaillé au sein d’entreprises œuvrant dans différentes industries phares du Canada, elle a trouvé sa véritable vocation en tourisme.
Marsha a rejoint Destination Canada comme présidente-directrice générale en août 2020, en pleine pandémie de COVID-19. Elle est fière de diriger une équipe de professionnels passionnés qui partagent les mêmes ambitions : inspirer les gens au cœur grand ouvert à tomber amoureux du Canada, améliorer la qualité de vie des Canadiens et enrichir la vie des visiteurs. Auparavant, elle avait dirigé l’équipe de Destination British Columbia, où elle avait mis en place des stratégies novatrices pour le développement du tourisme et un marketing au rendement fondé sur les données.
Résidente de North Vancouver, elle est titulaire d’un baccalauréat en commerce de l’Université de Colombie-Britannique et une bénévole engagée auprès du YMCA du Grand Vancouver, du Business Laureates of British Columbia et de l’organisme The Presidents Group, qui fait la promotion de l’emploi inclusif. Un des souvenirs qui fait le plus battre son cœur est une expédition d’observation de la faune à Haida Gwaii, où elle a pu admirer des baleines à bosse se nourrir en formant des filets de bulles. « Leur force et leur intelligence étaient aussi imposantes qu’inspirantes. »
Walt has been involved in the tourism industry for more than 30 years, having worked at BC Pavco, Port Metro Vancouver and Tourism Vancouver prior to joining the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) in May 2015. As CEO, Walt leads multiple advocacy/policy files, sets the strategic course for TIABC, builds relationships with members and industry stakeholders, and communicates the value of B.C.’s visitor economy to various constituents.
Before TIABC, Walt spent 15+ years at Tourism Vancouver as Vice President of Marketing Communications, Membership and Sport. Over the years, Walt has held dozens of board and committee positions. At present, he is on tourism program advisory committees for both Capilano University and Vancouver Community College. He also serves on the City of Vancouver’s Sport Hosting Grant Committee, and most recently was Treasurer of the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition. Walt has a Bachelor of Hospitality Management Degree from Vancouver Community College, as well as a Diploma in Broadcast Communications from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Richard Porges is Destination BC’s Interim President and CEO, and previously served as the corporation’s Vice President of Corporate Development. Richard joined the corporation’s research department in 1999, and moved to progressively more senior roles within the provincial government and Destination BC. As Vice President of Corporate Development, Richard provided strategic leadership for Destination BC’s corporate communications, research and analytics, human resources, and corporate services departments. Before joining Destination BC, Richard taught in the Economics, MBA and MPA programs at the University of Victoria, and was a consultant for several government and non-profit organizations.
Amorita Adair works, lives and plays within the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha’huulthii (Tlaoquihat First Nation Traditional Territory). She is the Chair of Surfrider Pacific Rim. She is also the owner of the health and natural foods store Gaia Grocery in Tofino, which is a Surfrider Pacific Rim designated "Ocean Friendly Business" and a member of Tribal Park Allies. She is also a yoga teacher at Coastal Bliss Yoga and has in the past been a volunteer yoga teacher with Reaching Out with Yoga and at Wickaninnish Community School. Previously she was also a member of the Community Economic Development Advisory Committee. Outside of work and volunteering, Amorita is a mother of two young children and spends her free time reading, gardening, hanging out with her chickens and dog and attempting to beat her partner at chess.
Stephen Gabrysh has had a passion for the water since moving from Alberta in 1992. He is an avid fisherman, aviation enthusiast, and outdoorsman. Stephen lives in Campbell River and loves spending time with his family. His two daughters are 4 and 11. They have enjoyed spending more time on the water and share his passion for the outdoors. His business background as an entrepreneur has grown a company from 30 employees to 75. Stephen has a Bcom in Entrepreneurial Management from Royal Roads University. He is a trained naturalist and has MED 3A – Marine Emergency Duties, Marine First Aid, VHF Radio Operators License, Small Vessel Operators Proficiency Transport Canada, Multi Engine IFR Pilots License, and a Class 1 Commercial Drivers License.
Captain aboard SV Maple Leaf, Co-owner, CEO. An adventurer and explorer all his life and a professional mariner since the age of 18, Kevin is also the leader of Maple Leaf Adventures and one of its owners. His experience as a geographer, backcountry park ranger and teacher all contribute to his leadership of one of the premier ecotourism organizations on the coast. Kevin continues Maple Leaf’s tradition of building the framework for ecotourism on the coast, and is an executive member of many respected industry organizations. In addition to educating youth, Kevin developed and taught the Ecotourism for Entrepreneurs course for North Island College in British Columbia.
His 5-year tenure as a negotiator on the central coast (Great Bear Rainforest) land use plan brings a rare depth of understanding to the area’s history and current situation. Kevin’s extensive marine experience began with family cruising (under sail) while growing up on this coast. To pay for his university degree he took any job that involved being on the ocean. Skill and experience developed from years as: a rowing coach and sailing instructor, a Coast Guard rescue training officer and rescue boat coxswain, fisheries research vessel Captain, backcountry (marine) Park Ranger, sail training instructor, and Captain on passenger carrying vessels.
He is one of the few Full Bear Guides certified by the Commercial Bear Viewing Association. Kevin is a true man of the coast. He was raised on Salt Spring Island in the Southern Gulf Islands, and, following his formal education, he was employed for a decade by the B.C. government to steward the marine parks of northern Vancouver Island. He is a strong advocate for protecting the north coast. As Maple Leaf’s owner since 2001, he has continuously explored the breadth of this, North America’s last great rainforest, from Victoria to Juneau. He is a genial host whose love of B.C. and Alaska’s wilderness places is infectious.
Dave Butler, based in Cranbrook, BC Canada, is a professional forester and biologist and Director of Sustainability for Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH). Dave now also works with the Adventure Travel Trade Association's AdventureEDU team as a consulting tourism educator. He is a published novelist, and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
The Rev'd Michael Shapcott joined the staff of the Sorrento Centre in 2018. Ordained as a Deacon in the Anglican Church of Canada, Michael is well-known for a life-time of social and economic justice work focusing on housing and human rights.
In his work, Michael has managed national youth employment programs for Prince's Charities Canada, the Canadian charitable office of HRH The Prince of Wales; led the housing and innovation practice at the Wellesley Institute think tank; co-ordinated community and university research partnerships for the University of Toronto's Centre for Urban and Community Studies; managed the development of hundreds of units of affordable housing through the innovative Rupert pilot project; and worked at street-level with adults who were homeless as a Community Development Worker at the Toronto Christian Resource Centre.
Michael, who is pictured carrying a trowel on the day of his installation as Executive Director of the Sorrento Centre and the Sorrento Centre Farm, seeks to live deeply into the words of the 14th century English mystic Julian of Norwich: "Be a gardener, dig a ditch, toil and sweat, and turn the earth upside down and seek the deepness and water the plants in time. Continue this labour and make sweet goods to run and noble and abundant fruits to spring. Take this food and drink and carry it to God as your true worship." Michael lives on the campus of the Sorrento Centre with the delightful Phoebe, a young labradoodle. Michael knows how to play the accordion, and frequently does.
Mike Retasket has made significant contributions to many areas of Indigenous tourism, issues of Title and Rights, culture, education and leadership. Mike is a champion for traditional knowledge and cultural and heritage values and is a storyteller, Traditional Pipe Carrier, Dancer, Drummer, and Singer. He is a compassionate, analytical and focused professional who has the ability to utilize problem-solving, exceptional communication and patience in providing guidance in negotiations with third parties or Government organizations.
Mike currently serves as a Director on the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association and New Pathways to Gold Society and has served on numerous other Boards including the Thompson Basin Fisheries Council, Fraser Basin Council, First Nation Emergency Services, Forest Stewardship Council, Indigenous Caucus, Shuswap Nation Tribal Council Executive, First Nations Forestry Council – Secretary/Treasurer, Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group (appointed member) and Blueprint Implementation Advisory Committee. Mike has also served five terms as Chief of the Bonaparte Indian Band, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs/Secretary Treasurer, and a Founding Member of BC First Nations Leadership Council.
An award-winning community planner, Patrick is recognized as a leader in fostering reconciliation and creating relations based on trust and mutual respect.
As the Founder and Executive Director of the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program, Patrick has assisted numerous communities to create trails and recreation initiatives that have led to enduring social and economic prosperity.
Dianne Dredge is Founder and Director of an Australian-based social enterprise, The Tourism CoLab, a global tourism education and capacity building initiative with humble yet audacious goals. Audacious because we want to re-invent tourism as a social and environmental sector that connects and transforms destinations for good. Humble because we believe it should be inclusive, place-based and community led. Along with the delivery of online courses and mentoring, the CoLab is delivering a place-based, community-led and environment-centred regenerative tourism living lab on Flinders Island, Tasmania.
Originally trained as an environmental and urban planner, Dianne’s career has focused on tourism, planning and policy delivering advice to the OECD and the European Commission as well local tourism planning and management initiatives. She has authored 7 books, 200+ papers, but her energy and passion is derived from working with and for local communities.
Sophie Pierre is former chief commissioner of the British Columbia Treaty Commission. She was appointed in April 2009 by agreement of the governments of Canada and British Columbia and the First Nations Summit and served until 2015. Sophie served the St. Mary’s Indian Band for 30 years, 26 as elected chief, and was the administrator of the Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council for 25 years. She also served as the tribal chair of the Ktunaxa Nation Council, chairperson of the First Nations Finance Authority, and president of St. Eugene Mission Holdings Ltd. Pierre was involved in the work of the British Columbia Claims Task Force and served as a co-chair of the First Nations Summit. She has also served on several boards and committees, including the Institute on Governance, Environmental and Aboriginal Relations Committee of the BC Hydro & Power Authority, and the First Nations Congress. Sophie was recognized with the Order of British Columbia in 2002 and the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in the business category in 2003.
During her tenure as chief commissioner, Sophie Pierre was awarded two honorary Doctorates of Law in 2010 from the University of Canada West and in 2012 from the University of British Columbia.
Melanie is a Nisga’a woman from the House of Ksdiyaawak, of Gitwiluuyakw (the Wolfpack). She is a former member of the elected Council of the Nisga’a Village of Gingolx with extensive work history in Accounting and most recently has been the Executive Assistant to the CAO in Gingolx.
In June 2021, Melanie was promoted to the position of Economic Development Officer for Gingolx, putting to good use the Advancing Indigenous Management Certificate and Community Economic Development Certificate. The years as a councilperson have come in very handy in this respect. A sustainable economic future is of the foremost interest for Melanie.
Tom Eustache is a proud Secwepemc man, father and husband and former councilor of the Simpcw First Nation, People of the North Thompson River, a Secwepemc community who have lived on their lands and territories since time immemorial. Throughout his life, Tom has always worked to instill in his children, and the youth of his Nation, the value of sport and healthy living. Over the past decade, he has led an effort to build more than 15 km of single-track nature trails and support his people to reconnect to their traditional territories.
After sustaining a spinal cord injury due to a horse accident 24 years ago, Sonja has recently retired from a successful career in the sport of wheelchair curling, competing for Canada around the world for 13 years, winning three Paralympic gold medals and three World Championships.
She has been with TOTA for 3 years, lending her lived experiences and knowledge to the tourism industry, assisting in creating accessible environments and experiences in communities and in the tourism space.
Nancy is SCI BC’s Regional Development Liaison and has almost 40 years of experience advocating for increased accessibility for people with disabilities in BC. She has been instrumentally involved with Measuring up the North, the conception of the Access North project and its transformation to Access BC. She sits on a number of provincial and regional and National committees that work to implement universal design in recreation and leisure, tourism, the built environment, development of CSA standards for outdoor spaces and community planning. Nancy also consults in audits and universal design concepts, especially for outdoor spaces.
When Nancy is not busy running around the province in pursuit of accessibility for all she enjoys being in and around water, flowers, gardening and her collection of fur and feather critters on the family hobby farm in rural Prince George. Her musical ear leans towards country music and she enjoys concerts of local musicians on a regular basis. Her travelling shoes are always itching to enjoy a new adventure.
Mark Groulx is an Associate Professor in the University of Northern British Columbia's School of Planning and Sustainability and supervises graduate students in the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies graduate program. Mark’s research focuses broadly on sustainable and resilient communities, and specifically on the importance of community engagement and placemaking in effective collaborative planning. Inspired by the creativity and careful craft of place makers of all types, Mark explores how communities are tapping into local knowledge and values to ensure that resilient planning and design is people focused. Mark is currently working on projects examining accessibility and inclusivity in the outdoors and community-based approaches to low-carbon resilience.
Janis Neufeld, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Inclusive by Design, a Social Enterprise initiative of the Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association. Janis is a dynamic and motivating non-profit leader and award-winning entrepreneur, who specializes in business development strategies to accomplish accessibility in outdoor spaces. Janis is a member of an international team of Academic Scholars leading the research and development of Physical Literacy Enriched Environmental Design and its application to accessibility in outdoor recreation.
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