InnFocus Summer 2023

NAMES IN THE NEWS
by Deb Froehlick
New Members
The BC Hotel Association is proud to
welcome these new members:
Allied Members:
Apple Valley Promotions Inc.
Eminent Valet
Master Care Janitorial and Facility Services
Inc.
Muisca Trading Company Ltd.
PepsiCo Beverages Canada
Precise Parklink Inc
Superior Lodging Development TL Corp
Teknotip
Trendy Projects Corporation
Accommodation Members:
Basecamp Lodge Golden
Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke
Cactus Tree Inn, Roadside Hospitality
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oyster
Bay
Naturally Pacific Resort
Sparkling Hill Wellness Hotel
Stirling All Suites Hotel
Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations
Community Members:
Capilano University
Appointments
Lisa Jagger has moved into the role
of General Manager of Summerland
Waterfront Resort & Spa after 3 years
as the Assistant General Manager. Tom
Matthew, following a 40+ year career in
hospitality—11 of those years spent as GM
of the resort, is handing the baton over to
Jagger.
Congratulations to Tracy Douglas-
Blowers on being appointed Alberta Hotel
& Lodging Association’s new President and
CEO. Tracy is an exceptional leader and
tireless advocate for Canada’s hospitality
sector.
Destination Greater Victoria (DGV) is
pleased to announce that Miranda Ji has
been promoted to Executive Vice President,
Sales and Business Development, a
newly created position in which Ji will
lead DGV’s meetings, conferences,
incentive, travel trade sales, and business
partnerships. In her new role, Ji will also
play a greater role working with CEO Paul
Nursey in some of DGV’s more complex
business partnerships, such as airline route
development.
24 InnFocus
Chad Wetsch has been appointed as the
new General Manager of the Vancouver,
Coast & Mountains (VCM) tourism region.
Chad brings with him 27 years of experience
in the tourism and aviation industry, having
worked with Harbour Air Seaplanes.
Kafia Yusuf has been promoted to
Manager, Policy & Stakeholder Relations for
the Hotel Association
of Canada. With 10+
years of policy analysis
experience, Kafia has
played a crucial role in
securing wins for the
hotel industry, including
fair short-term rental
Kafia Yusuf
rules and COVID-19
relief programs. In her
new role, Kafia will manage critical files and
spearhead advocacy events.
Jeremy Flewelling has joined the Executive
Hotel Le Soleil Vancouver as Hotel Manager.
With his vast experience in the hospitality
industry and passion for excellence, Jeremy
will continue to enhance the hotel’s reputation
as a beautiful and award-winning property.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the winners of the 2023
BC Hotel Association (BCHA) Awards of
Excellence. Ingrid Jarrett, President and
CEO of the BCHA, says, “Their commitment
to excellence, innovation, and the overall
advancement of our industry has elevated the
standard for the provincial accommodation
sector. We are delighted to recognize their
outstanding contributions and thank both the
winners and all nominees for their integral
role in making hotels in BC such phenomenal
places to work, visit, and enjoy.”
• Hotelier of the Year - Trina White,
General Manager, The Parkside Hotel
& Spa
• Hotel of the Year - Kingfisher Oceanside
Resort & Spa
• Housekeeping Award - Coast Prince
George by APA
• Heart of Hospitality Award - Kunal
Dighe, Executive Chef, JW Marriott
Parq Vancouver
• Supplier of the Year Award - SONA
• Leader of the Future - Pink Yu, Director
of Operations and Marketing, Robin
Hood Inn & Suites
• Recruitment Award - Accent Inns Inc
BCHA Board Chair and GM at
Coast Bastion Hotel, David McQuinn
has been awarded GM of the
Year at the Coast Hotels Brand Conference.
McQuinn has been recognized for
his exceptional work
and dedication to
delivering outstanding
guest experiences
while upholding the
brand’s core values.
He has introduced
environmentally
David McQuinn responsible improvement
at Coast’s hotels,
initiated discussions about Ambassador
rates, and actively supports the BCHA,
City of Nanaimo, and Tourism Nanaimo.
Hotel Association of Canada President &
CEO, Susie Grynol, has been recognized
as a top 100 lobbyist in Canada by The Hill
Times for the third
consecutive year.
This is a testament
to Grynol’s hard
work and the impact
of HAC in Ottawa.
The list is generated
based on reputation,
profile, influence, and
Susie Grynol
effectiveness.
Congratulations to Klahoose Wilderness
Resort for being named among the top 15
destinations on AFAR’s annual Stay List.
Congratulations to these BC hotels for
their coveted FORBES Travel Guide Star
Awards:
• The Sutton Place Hotel
• Wickaninnish Inn
• The Douglas, Autograph Collection
• Fairmont Empress
• Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
• Fairmont Pacific Rim
• Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver
• JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
• The Magnolia Hotel & Spa
• The St. Regis Hotel
• Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver
• The Sutton Place Hotel
• Wickaninnish Inn
Associated Luxury Hotels International
(ALHI), CEO & President Michael Dominguez
was honoured with MeetingsNet’s
Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award.
Congratulations to Michael on this welldeserved
award.