Appointments announced for Destination BC’s Tourism Marketing Committee

Mike McPhee of Fernie's Island Lake Lodge is one of the new board members.

Destination British Columbia has been mandated to fulfill several key marketing and leadership responsibilities critical to the long-term, sustainable growth of the provincial tourism industry. The Tourism Marketing Committee will provide the Crown corporation’s Board of Directors and CEO with input and recommendations on tourism marketing strategies, tourism performance indicators, ways to encourage alignment in tourism marketing activities, and ways to leverage funds for tourism marketing programs.

The Tourism Marketing Committee is comprised of nominees identified by each of the six Regional Destination Marketing Organizations (RDMOs). Two Destination British Columbia Board members will also sit on the Committee, which will be chaired by Destination British Columbia’s CEO.

There are three representative from the Kootenays.

Kathy Cooper, Managing Director — Kootenay Rockies Tourism

Mike McPhee, Director of Sales and Marketing — Island Lake Resort Group

Thom Tischik, Marketing Manager — Revelstoke Accommodation Association

The rest of the new board consists of the following members…

Angela Rafuse-ahir, Director of Sales and Marketing — The Fairmont Empress

Pat Corbett, Owner — The Hills Health Ranch

Stuart Rempel, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales — Whistler Blackcomb

Harley Elias, Faculty, Tourism & Hospitality and Business Programs at North Island College and Owner/Operator, Protected Water Charters

Saeedeh Salem, Winery Sales and Marketing — Enotecca Wineries and Resorts

Anthony Everett, CEO — Northern BC Tourism Association

Steve Smith, Owner — Crest Hotel

Keith Henry, CEO — Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia

John Stibbard, Vice President of Operations — Capilano Suspension Bridge

Ingrid Jarrett, VP, Business Development — Watermark Beach Resort

Amy Thacker, CEO — Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association

Andre Kuerbis, Manager — Chilcotin Holidays

Ryan MacIvor, General Manager — Global

Joel Tkach, Manager, Passenger Spectrum Facility Management, Encana Events Centre Marketing — Vancouver Airport Authority

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO — Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

Gordon Fitzpatrick (Destination British Columbia Board Member)

Loring Phinney (Destination British Columbia Board Member)

Dave Petryk, President and CEO — Tourism Vancouver Island Destination British Columbia CEO (Committee Chair)