Tourism Marketing Committee

Amy Nunn is the VP of Sales and Marketing for Prestige Hotels and Resorts where she leads the team of wholesale, conference, and corporate sales directors for the company’s 15 locations across BC which include the Northern BC properties of Prince Rupert, Smithers, and Prince George.

Amy Nunn is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Prestige Hotels and Resorts where she leads the team of wholesale, conference, and corporate sales directors for the company’s 15 locations across BC which include the Northern BC properties of Prince Rupert, Smithers, and Prince George. In her role, she directs the development of all marketing and branding materials including their online presence, as well as digital, print, social media, and traditional marketing efforts. Amy began her career after earning a Communication Studies Degree with a focus on Journalism Arts from the University of Calgary. After moving back to her home province of Saskatchewan, she held positions as an Account Manager for advertising agencies before taking on the role of Director of Leisure Marketing at Tourism Saskatoon. In 2016 Amy moved to the Okanagan Valley with her young family in search of the BC lifestyle. She feels fortunate to be a part of the thriving tourism industry in the province, still finds herself looking at the destination through the awe-inspired eyes of a tourist and is proud to contribute to the industry’s success in her role on DBC’s Tourism Marketing Committee. Communication Studies Degree with a focus on Journalism Arts from the University of Calgary. After moving back to her home province of Saskatchewan, she held positions as an Account Manager for advertising agencies before taking on the role of Director of Leisure Marketing at Tourism Saskatoon. In 2016 Amy moved to the Okanagan Valley with her young family in search of the BC lifestyle. She feels fortunate to be a part of the thriving tourism industry in the province, still finds herself looking at the destination through the awe-inspired eyes of a tourist and is proud to contribute to the industry’s success in her role on DBC’s Tourism Marketing Committee.

Amy Thacker is the CEO of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association.

Amy has a strong passion for rural tourism and economic development. Amy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in Project Management and Operations Management. Entering tourism as the Marketing Manager for Gold Country Communities Society, Amy wrote and successfully implemented the Gold Country GeoTourism program, a first in British Columbia, encompassing parts of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains and Thompson Okanagan. Since joining the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Amy has become very familiar with all aspects of destination management, leading award-winning programs such as the Gold Rush Trail and Cariboo Reputation Recovery collaboratives. Amy believes rural British Columbia holds untapped potential and unlimited opportunities for excellence. Amy has a strong passion for rural tourism and economic development. Amy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in Project Management and Operations Management. Entering tourism as the Marketing Manager for Gold Country Communities Society, Amy wrote and successfully implemented the Gold Country GeoTourism program, a first in British Columbia, encompassing parts of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains and Thompson Okanagan. Since joining the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Amy has become very familiar with all aspects of destination management, leading award-winning programs such as the Gold Rush Trail and Cariboo Reputation Recovery collaboratives. Amy believes rural British Columbia holds untapped potential and unlimited opportunities for excellence.

Anthony Everett is a passionate and long-term tourism advocate and professional, and has been involved in the tourism sector in British Columbia for the majority of his working career, starting in Victoria at Butchart Gardens in Visitor Services and then establishing Butchart Gardens’ Media Relations department.

Anthony Everett is a passionate and long-term tourism advocate and professional, and has been involved in the tourism sector in British Columbia for the majority of his working career, starting in Victoria at 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 an account director. In 2006, Anthony moved away from Vancouver Island to lead the Northern British Columbia Tourism Association through 2015. In addition, he was Chair the board of directors for the 2015 Prince George Canada Winter Games Host Society. Well versed as a director with various organizational boards, Mr. Everett has gained invaluable experience from his involvement with the Myeloma Canada Board of Directors, the Canada Games Council Board, go2HR, and as a Co-Chair of the 2015 Canada Winter Games Ambassador Program. He has earned significant achievements through his more than 30-year career including the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA) Prestige Award 2016, the Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the 2015 Prince George Citizen of the Year.

Chris is the owner-operator of the boutique Cloudside Hotel in Nelson. He helped found the Nelson-Kootenay Lake DMO and is past chair, currently back for his second term as a director.

Chris is the owner-operator of the boutique Cloudside Hotel in Nelson. Before immigrating from the UK in 2006 his career was in marketing and brand management for large corporates. He helped found the Nelson-Kootenay Lake DMO and is past chair, currently back for his second term as a director. Chris grew up in a small village in Cheshire, attended the University of Birmingham and then Kingston Business School, moved to the tumult of London for work and has now come full circle to the small, but definitely not sleepy, community of Nelson in the Kootenay Rockies.

Chris Shauf is a senior brand, marketing, and communication leader with extensive experience in tourism, arts and culture, economic development, and major national and international events including the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays.

Chris has experience working in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors in a variety of industries, with a uniting thread of building strong and revered brands for the projects, organizations, and communities he’s worked for. Currently, Chris works with Tourism Kelowna leading the marketing and communication team for one of BC’s and Canada’s top destinations. His work focusses on generating strong economic impact for the local business community and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Standout career experiences include establishing the foundational brand for Canada’s newest collecting modern art gallery, brand renewal strategies for some of Western Canada’s largest brands, overhauling online services and digital citizen engagement programs, and orchestrating a year-long, provincewide celebration that resulted in incredible participation and brand lift. Chris’ career has taken him across Canada from coast to coast to coast, and even to Ancient Olympia. As a senior leader on the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays team, Chris was fortunate to witness the lighting of the Olympic Flame in the Temple of Hera in person, and then travel with the Olympic Flame across Canada. Chris visited over 1,000 communities and places of interest during the 106-day relay, including an overnight stop at a Canadian Forces Station in Alert, Nunavut – the northernmost permanently inhabited place in the world. Chris’ volunteer work includes past chair of the Saskatoon Library Board of Trustees; director on the University of Regina Board of Governors, Senate and Executive of Council; trustee on the Royal Saskatchewan Museum Board, and past president and board member of the International Association of Business Communicators and Canadian Public Relations Society chapters. He has a business degree from the University of Regina and is accredited with both the International Association of Business Communicators and the Canadian Public Relations Society. Personal interests include nature and the outdoors; sports like volleyball and tennis; and arts, music, and cultural experiences. In fact, Chris has lugged a tuba across eight European countries (and at every stop wondered why he didn’t take up the piccolo). He still struggles to pack light when travelling.

As the Marketing & Leisure Sales Manager at the award-winning Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, Claire Macdonald is passionate about building lasting relationships and creating unique experiences for visitors to Vancouver Island.

As the Marketing & Leisure Sales Manager at the award-winning Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, Claire Macdonald is passionate about building lasting relationships and creating unique experiences for visitors to Vancouver Island. With over eleven years working in the tourism industry, a diverse background of professional experience in marketing strategy and administration and real passion and pride for the cultural fabric of British Columbia, Claire sees limitless opportunities for showcasing the diverse nature of this province. Claire has an academic background in Commerce (Royal Roads University), and, alongside her role at the Wickaninnish Inn, is a dynamic member of her community. A long-standing volunteer for Surfrider Foundation, a volunteer firefighter and working paramedic for BC Ambulance Service, she is dedicated to fostering all aspects of community health. Claire has a natural curiosity for all types of travel, from backcountry camping to high-end resorts, and is invested in nurturing a multi-faceted approach to sustainable tourism.

As CEO, Clint Fraser works with the board and team at Northern BC Tourism to achieve the overall vision and mission for the organization.

As CEO, Clint Fraser works with the board and team at Northern BC Tourism to achieve the overall vision and mission for the organization. For over a decade he has been working to promote tourism experiences in the north and has excelled as an innovator in digital marketing practices. Mr. Fraser holds a Bachelor of Commerce (marketing) from the University of Northern British Columbia and has also held positions in the brewing industry and economic development.

At ITBC, Dana is the marketing lead and collaborates with ITBC stakeholders and industry partners to promote Indigenous tourism experiences to the world.

Born in Berlin, Germany, Dana has called Canada home for more than 20 years. With extensive experience in product development and marketing tourism businesses domestically and internationally, Dana has supported the tourism initiatives of several Indigenous organizations and communities, including Talaysay Tours, Haida Enterprise Corporation, Tsimshian Nation, Nisga’a Nation, and others. Her work with Indigenous tourism began in 2005 as part of the team that developed the foundational Blue Print Strategy for Aboriginal Tourism BC, now Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC). At ITBC, Dana is the marketing lead and collaborates with ITBC stakeholders and industry partners to promote Indigenous tourism experiences to the world.

As the VP of Travel Trade & Promotion at Dufry North America, Elaine Xu based at Vancouver international Airport, British Columbia, Canada.

As the VP of Travel Trade & Promotion at Dufry North America, Elaine Xu based at Vancouver international Airport, British Columbia, Canada. Building on her past experience as Director, Travel Trade Development at WDFG in charge of Tourism industry development, she develops and maintains business relationships for strategic partnerships for duty free retail operations in 12 airports in Canada & US. With a focus on China and the rest of Asia, Elaine has been a driving force behind the exponential growth in Vancouver Airport Duty Free retail. Elaine is a subject matter expertise. With an MBA and a Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial Business Management from Beijing, China, she has produced and implemented business strategies for expanding and enhancing opportunities between Canada and China, Japan, and South Korea. Prior to Dufry, Elaine developed a comprehensive understanding of Asian markets as Western Canada Sales and Promotions Manager for the Nuance Group, one of the world’s leading travel retailers. Elaine speaks Mandarin and Cantonese.

Ellen Walker-Matthews has more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry, including the last 11 with TOTA in various capacities, including Vice President of Stewardship, Senior Vice President and, for the past six months, Acting President and CEO.

She has spearheaded and played a significant role in key initiatives including Biosphere Certification, GreenStep Certification, and Green Destination Top 100; overseeing the Tourism Resiliency Program; development and implementation of regional tourism strategies; and sales, marketing, and business plans.

Erika Stenson has a depth of experience in providing vision and leadership in organizational development, community relations, international marketing, operations, government relations and business development in both the private and public sectors.

Erika Stenson has a depth of experience in providing vision and leadership in organizational development, community relations, international marketing, operations, government relations and business development in both the private and public sectors. In her over-20-year career, she has successfully delivered on the strategic alignment of business against organizational goals and objectives and has provided direction and advice on strategy, planning and implementation to clients and partners in many sectors. She is an alumna of Harvard Business School, a communications and advertising accredited professional, and has a diploma in applied communications. Ms. Stenson currently sits on the Board of Tourism Victoria, is chair of the Tourism Victoria sales and marketing committee and sits on the governance and human resources committee. She is a past board and executive member of the BC Museum Association, past board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters Victoria, was a member of University of Victoria’s Congress of the Humanities 2013 Community Partnerships committee, and a Royal BC Museum representative on the marketing committee of the National Association of Natural History Museums. As A/Vice President, Museum Operations at the Royal BC Museum, Ms. Stenson’s extensive portfolio includes responsibility for the marketing communications, business development, media relations and corporate communications, membership, IMAX Victoria, property management, exhibitions, and IT and innovative technologies.

Ian Jenkins is responsible for all aspects of sales, marketing and property management at SilverStar Mountain Resort as the Director of Sales, Marketing and Accommodation at SilverStar Mountain Resort.

Ian Jenkins is responsible for all aspects of sales, marketing and property management at SilverStar Mountain Resort as both the winter and summer business grows into the future. Ian is involved in many aspects of the travel industry in the Okanagan and advises with the Tourism commission for City of Vernon as well as a board member of the newly formed Silver star resort association. Ian has been involved in the resort business for the last 27 years, with previous roles at Whistler Blackcomb as the GM of sales and Vail Resorts in Colorado as the Director of International Sales and marketing. Ian has a deep passion for the outdoor travel industry and how providing outstanding experiences along with great marketing, can keep guests coming back year over year.

Jayson’s career has been focussed in the outdoor and tourism industries beginning as the Marketing Manager for Whistler Mountain after graduating from SFU with a BBA and from Humber College with a Degree in Ski Area Management.

Jayson’s career has been focussed in the outdoor and tourism industries beginning as the Marketing Manager for Whistler Mountain after graduating from SFU with a BBA and from Humber College with a Degree in Ski Area Management. From there he spent time in Europe in Merchant Banking before returning home to Whistler to enter the outdoor tourism industry proper, opening a retail outdoor store and founding a Mtn Guiding business. He joined Arc’teryx Equipment as VP Sales and Marketing and as a partner where the company grew to a leading worldwide outdoor clothing and equipment brand. The company was sold in 2001 and he returned to his retail businesses back in Whistler and Squamish in time for the Olympics. He then was elected to Council in Whistler serving a term and was the Municipality representative on the Whistler Tourism Board as well as many other of the Resort’s committees. He then took on a position as a General Partner and General Manager for the Sea to Sky Gondola. The small team designed and implemented the successful project which was $25M in investment and opened in spring 2015. He is now developing another major gondola sightseeing project in the Fraser Valley.

In Jessica’s current role as Marketing Director at Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort, she manages all aspects of the resort’s marketing efforts — conducting B2B and B2C marketing aimed at attracting both local and international clientele.

In Jessica’s current role as Marketing Director at Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort, she manages all aspects of the resort’s marketing efforts — conducting B2B and B2C marketing aimed at attracting both local and international clientele. Her role includes marketing directly to consumers and to travel trade; exhibiting at shows such as PURE, GoMedia, and RVC; hosting travel media and influencers; content creation and product development; initiating digital marketing campaigns; interpreting analytics; SEO; reputation management activities: and managing social media. Jessica has grown up working in high-end adventure travel, bringing a broad set of skills derived from years of operational experience and direct contact with customers. Whether she’s evaluating product-market fit, analyzing global travel trends, or seeking partnerships with industry players and travel trade to generate and market new experiences, her ‘boots on the ground’ knowledge allows her to understand challenges faced by the industry, and evaluate marketing strategies with a holistic view. She is a member of the Dragonfly Resort Management Ltd. consulting team, an organization providing guidance and expertise to current and prospective resort professionals. Jessica is also a Director of the BC Wildland Ecology Centre Society, a not-for-profit organization with the purpose of protecting, studying, and showcasing the sensitive ecosystem created by wildfires in BC, through conservation, education, reforestation, and responsible tourism activities.

Kathy Cooper has been a key member of the Kootenay Rockies team over the last 30 years, assisting the region to become a leader in the marketing of British Columbia as a premier tourism destination.

Kathy Cooper has been a key member of the Kootenay Rockies team over the last 30 years, assisting the region to become a leader in the marketing of British Columbia as a premier tourism destination. She has excelled in many diverse roles with the organization including project management, consumer advertising, travel trade, media relations, board relations and governance, and most recently, strategic planning and implementation of a new direction for Kootenay Rockies Tourism that aligns with Destination BC’s corporate strategy.

Kirsten Homeniuk is responsible for brand strategy and overall development of global marketing plans for the world-class Whistler resort.

Kirsten Homeniuk is responsible for brand strategy and overall development of global marketing plans for the world-class Whistler resort.  She is known for driving change and innovative thinking during a time of explosive growth in digital, social, data and content marketing. Previous roles in database marketing and customer relationship management at Intrawest Corporation, Whistler Blackcomb, and Aritzia set the foundation for being a truly data-driven, customer-centric marketer. She is fascinated by the changing landscape of both marketing technology and travel/tourism, and is passionate about maximizing the unique opportunities they present.  

Mike Randall is a tourism sales and marketing professional who has worked in the sport fishing sector for the past 17 years.

Mike Randall is a tourism sales and marketing professional who has worked in the sport fishing sector for the past 17 years. As director of marketing for one of North America’s top high-end fishing destinations, he is responsible for planning and implementing all aspects of Langara’s marketing, with a focus on the sport fishing, corporate, luxury, and adventure travel markets in Canada and the United States.

Royce Chwin is the President & CEO of Tourism Vancouver. With over 30 years of experience in the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors, Royce has focused the last 14 years of his career in senior leadership roles at the national, provincial, and now the civic level of destination management organizations.

With over 30 years of experience in the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors, Royce has focused the last 14 years of his career in senior leadership roles at the national, provincial, and now the civic level of destination management organizations. After spending 10 years at Travel Alberta, Royce relocated back to his hometown Vancouver to take on the role of President, CEO, and team leader of Tourism Vancouver in July of 2020. While at Travel Alberta Royce oversaw the development and launch of the award winning (remember to breathe) destination brand that resulted in increased awareness and visitation for Alberta. While at the Canadian Tourism Commission, Royce was part of the team that brought the Canada brand to life for millions of viewers and attendees of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics helping to put Vancouver and Canada on the global tourism bucket list. Before that Royce developed extensive experience working in corporate, franchise and start-up business in operations, sales, and marketing in various leadership roles.

Tyler Beckley along with his family, has been operating the Three Bars Guest Ranch, In Wycliffe, BC for over 20 years. Three Bars has been recognized as one of the top properties of its kind in the world.

Tyler Beckley along with his family, has been operating the Three Bars Guest Ranch, In Wycliffe, BC for over 20 years. Three Bars has been recognized as one of the top properties of its kind in the world. Tyler is currently serving as vice president for Kootenay Rockies Tourism. For six years Tyler served as president of the BC Guest Ranch Association, working in conjunction with Destination BC to bring BC ranches to the world. As an owner/operator, Mr. Beckley brings a unique perspective to marketing a BC property.