Meeting Community

BCHA Launches Mexico Pilot Project

2023/05/19

The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) has partnered with the Government of Mexico to launch an innovative labour mobility pilot project, which will place 100 Mexican workers in accommodations across B.C. This ground-breaking initiative not only addresses the shortage of skilled workers in B.C. but also ensures the safe and streamlined mobility of Mexican workers, providing them with invaluable opportunities to enhance their skills and training. “The BCHA is strongly committed to delivering innovative and results-oriented solutions to support…
New Passport Design for Canadians

2023/05/19

The Canadian government has unveiled a new passport design that features new artwork and state-of-the-art security features. The new passport will start rolling out later this summer. The new passport includes security features such as a polycarbonate data page—a technology similar to Canada’s driver’s licences. Passport holders’ personal information will now be laser engraved instead of being printed with ink, making the data page more durable and resistant to tampering and counterfeiting. Other features include a Kinegram over the…
Ask Tough Questions for Better Events

2023/05/19

by Tahira Endean Who remembers that moment in time with no meetings or events, no air travel, no need to wear pants to work? For at least one full year, we met people online, learned how to work remotely and either fell in love with this or were desperate to return to the office, at least some of the time. We wore masks if we left the house, and we didn’t go to any events. There were no events…
Porter Adds Vancouver-Ottawa Route

2023/05/18

Porter Airlines is growing its list of non-stop routes with new service between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The addition of the Ottawa–Vancouver route provides another way to travel between Porter’s extensive regional Eastern Canada network and British Columbia. “Ottawa is positioned as a critical part of Porter’s growing North American network,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “We will continue building our presence in YOW and providing a superior level of service and travel options for economy travellers.”…
Veronica Lyver Joins CHSR

2023/05/18

The Centre for Hospitality Studies and Research (CHSR) is welcoming Veronica Lyver, CPHR to its leadership team. With more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Lyver has worked with respected brands such as Canadian Pacific Hotels, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Delaware North Companies, among others. “I am thrilled to join the team at the Centre for Hospitality Studies and Research and apply my extensive experience to this exciting new venture,” said…
Parkside GM is Hotelier of the Year

2023/05/18

The Parkside Hotel & Spa general manager Trina White has been named Hotelier of the Year during the 2023 BC Hotel Association Awards of Excellence. A seasoned hotelier with more than 20 years of experience, White has had a direct positive impact on the community and beyond. “It is a humbling experience to receive this award,” said White. “I love what I do and am thrilled to be part of an industry that can be a power in support of renewal. Many…
Ottawa Celebrates Tourism Service

2023/05/18

Ottawa Tourism hosted its inaugural Shine On Awards to recognize customer service excellence and celebrate the front line tourism industry. The event was held at the Canadian Museum of History. The Shine On Awards were developed by Ottawa Tourism to recognize excellent service in all areas of front line hospitality. Nominations were compiled throughout the year (2022) and judged by a panel of industry experts to determine winners in each category, as well as a final Shine On Grand…
Choice Hotels to Offer Instant Booking

2023/05/08

Choice Hotels International will be rolling out GroupSync Instant Booking from hotel technology solution provider Groups360 across Choice’s global portfolio in 2023 Soon meeting and event organizers can shop and book online group guest rooms at Choice Hotel properties within GroupSync Marketplace. GroupSync’s direct integration with Choice Hotels will offer real-time best available group rates and inventory to thousands of Choice properties. Planners of small or simple meetings can book these events in real-time, with guaranteed rates and availability. Event organizers…
Explore Waterloo Unveils Tourism Plan

2023/05/08

Explore Waterloo Region has unveiled the Waterloo Region Tourism Master Plan, which provides a roadmap for the future of the region’s visitor economy by 2030. The goal is to position Waterloo Region as one of Ontario’s most dynamic and connected destinations for the leisure, business events and sport hosting markets. “Tourism is an important contributor to the local economy,” said Michele Saran, CEO of Explore Waterloo Region. “The focus of this new plan is to build our destination brand…
New PNE Amphitheatre Plans Revealed

2023/05/08

A brand-new PNE Amphitheatre at Hastings Park in Vancouver has been unveiled, featuring a dramatic mass timber curved roof. Construction of the open-air, 10,000-seat venue is set to begin in 2024, with expected completion in 2026. The estimated cost is $65 million. “The amphitheatre will be a jewel in Vancouver’s crown of spectacular venues,” says PNE president and CEO Shelley Frost. “The project will be designed to showcase British Columbia building products and engineering while adhering to the highest…