Alexis von Hoensbroech has officially started as chief executive officer (CEO) of the WestJet Group, after being named to the role in December. “As the WestJet Group moves into its next chapter, I am thrilled to be joining this dedicated team, at such a critical time,” said von Hoensbroech. “As we forge ahead, the more than 8,500 WestJet and Swoop employees have shown admirable tenacity and determination over the last two years. Together we will emerge from the pandemic…
Michele Saran has been named the new chief executive officer (CEO) of Explore Waterloo Region. Saran comes to Waterloo Region after serving as the CEO of Tourism Nova Scotia. There she was focused on establishing strong relationships with industry stakeholders, making research-based decisions and leveraging local, regional and national partnership opportunities to support and grow Nova Scotia’s tourism economy. Prior to COVID-19, the province broke records for both revenue and visitation following the strategy which she worked to create.…
Business events and workforce support initiatives, such as hiring and retaining employees, in the tourism sector will receive more than $9.3 million over the next two years as part of B.C.’s Tourism Recovery Initiatives Action Plan. The Tourism Recovery Initiatives Action Plan is B.C.’s comprehensive plan to support the survival, recovery and growth of the sector. This action plan is part of government’s quick response to the Tourism Task Force’s recommendations that demonstrates continued commitment to the recovery and…
The Government of Canada has announced a series of adjustments to the current border measures, representing the beginning of a phased easing of travel restrictions. The Global Business Travel Association Canada (GBTA Canada) welcomed the announcement by the federal government that it would be easing travel restrictions on March 1, 2022. Removing barriers to entry for travel into Canada, especially for business travel, is a positive step that will contribute to the recovery of Canadian trade and commerce. As…
Swoop is set to grow its fleet from 10 to 16 aircraft with the acquisition of six new Boeing MAX-8 aircraft. Canada’s fast growing ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) confirmed it will begin receiving all six aircraft this summer as the airline rapidly expands to meet peak season travel demand. Alongside this fleet growth, Swoop will significantly expand its domestic network, adding non-stop flights to Newfoundland and increasing service in Atlantic Canada. The ULCC will also add six new routes and capacity in Ontario and the Prairies…
The Kootenay Rockies region has become the first destination to be certified by GreenStep Sustainable Tourism – the Canadian-based provider of tourism industry certifications for both tourism businesses and destinations. “We congratulate Kootenay Rockies Tourism for this important achievement in measuring and verifying the sustainability performance of their destination, and for putting in place their Sustainability Charter and action plan to help guide their continued improvement over time,” said Angela Nagy, CEO of GreenStep Solutions. The certification process included an assessment with…
Jon Mamela joins Travel Alberta as senior vice president, chief commercial officer, leading tourism and destination development, effective March 14, 2022. Mamela brings a unique blend of public and private experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. He comes to Travel Alberta from Destination Toronto, where, as executive vice president and chief marketing officer (CMO), he worked with government and industry groups to promote the city. Prior to that, Mamela was CMO and senior vice president, marketing and sales…
Edmonton Destination Marketing Hotels (EDMH) and Explore Edmonton Corporation have formalized a partnership which creates a powerhouse in event attraction and marketing of the City of Edmonton. The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding where EDMH will provide important marketing funds to Explore Edmonton to bolster marketing initiatives in the city’s tourism and hospitality sector. This is a key step as Edmonton looks to recover from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. “While we’ve been working together for a…
Design-led brand Ace Hotel is set to open a property in Toronto in June, marking its first property in Canada. The 124-room hotel will be housed in a new-build in the city’s Garment District. Located on Camden Street, the hotel will be designed by Toronto firm Shim-Sutcliffe Architects in collaboration with Atelier Ace’s interior design team. The design will include a “refined material palette of concrete, clay, copper and wood”, along with custom-designed lighting, vintage furniture sourced locally in…
More than 50 new tourism projects throughout B.C. are receiving a total of $21.3 million. The funding aims to strengthen tourism growth and develop emerging tourism opportunities, stimulating the recovery of B.C.’s post-pandemic visitor economy. The Richmond Olympic Oval and the Shipyards in North Vancouver were among the projects to receive funding. Both destinations will receive $1 million. “The Richmond Olympic Oval is an enduring legacy venue of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games for Richmond and the country,” said Richmond…
