B.C. is introducing a new Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) on hotels and other short-term accommodations to help communities offset the cost of hosting major tourism events. The MRDT of a maximum of 2.5 per cent is a time-limited, dedicated funding tool that communities can apply for through Destination BC. Communities must get approval from the tourism and finance ministers before applying the tax, which is only allowed for a defined time and must be publicly…
There is widespread dissatisfaction among event professionals, minority groups, and women when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), according to the Events Industry Council’s 2022 Equity Benchmarking Study. While there is an ever-growing awareness and commitment toward equity, survey scores indicate DEI efforts are largely in principal but not in practice. There is an urgent need for organizations to advance their DEI structures, policies, and initiatives to deliver measurable change. “It’s crucial that we champion inclusivity in our…
The City of Calgary and the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) have agreed to restart formal discussions about a new event centre. These discussions bring an opportunity to realize a modern and forward-looking sport, arts and entertainment venue for Calgary. “We’re at the beginning of an important stage,” said Councillor Sonya Sharp, chair of the Event Centre Committee. “A new event centre for our city will attract investment and international events. It will have enormous benefits for visitors…
ICE District and OEG Sports & Entertainment have officially opened ICE District Plaza in downtown Edmonton, the social hub at the heart of Canada’s largest mixed-use sports and entertainment district. The ICE District development is the vision of born-and-raised Edmontonian Daryl Katz, owner of the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club and founder and chairman of Katz Group. With more than 50,000 sq. ft. of space, the ICE District Plaza can host markets, festivals, concerts and any other large gathering. “It is thrilling…
Following the merger of MeetingPlay and Aventri and the acquisition of eventcore earlier this year, these event technology companies are rebranding as one global leader in event management solutions: Stova. Marking another major milestone in the evolution of the consolidation of three major event technology pioneers, Stova offers a comprehensive platform for delivering exceptional experiences for global enterprise clients. The new branding is rooted in the heritage, technology, and people of these three iconic brands. As the organization continues…
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announced that Alejandro Reynal has been appointed as president and chief executive officer. Reynal succeeds John Davison, a 20-year veteran of Four Seasons, who announced his intention to retire late last year and remains a member of the company’s board. “It is an honour to join Four Seasons, a company I have always admired for its unwavering focus on its values and for the boldness of its innovative spirit,” said Reynal. “I look forward to…
According to the 2022 Incentive Travel Index (ITI) reports, the incentive travel industry is strong overall. Recovery is progressing, program design is evolving and there is increased interest in new destinations. The Incentive Travel Index is joint initiative of Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP), the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and the Foundation of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE Foundation) and is undertaken in partnership with Oxford Economics. “We see good signs of recovery, but these signs…
Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops announced the appointment of Derek Hiscoke as general manager. Hiscoke comes to Kamloops with a wealth of experience in managing luxury properties including the Calgary Marriott Hotel (Calgary, Alberta), the Millennium Bailey Hotel (London, United Kingdom), the Sopwell House (St. Albans, United Kingdom), Arc The Hotel (Ottawa, Ontario), and the Waltham Abbey Marriott (Waltham Abbey, United Kingdom). “We are thrilled to welcome Derek and his wife Zoe to Kamloops”, says Tristan Armstrong, president at…
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and Destination Canada have formed a new partnership with Signature Travel Network. Signature Travel Network is a member-owned travel cooperative, and today, includes 277 member agencies with more than 600 retail locations around the world. Collectively, Signature members generate more than $11 billion in annual travel sales. This agreement represents the first global partnership between an Indigenous organization and Signature Travel Network. “Moving Indigenous businesses into the international spotlight through the Signature…
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and The Sutton Place Hotels, a luxury hotel brand owned and operated by B.C. based Northland Properties Corporation, have announced development plans for a new luxury hotel at Kelowna International Airport. The Sutton Place Hotel Kelowna will be conveniently located adjacent to the terminal building, accessible for travelers to stay and explore the Okanagan Valley. “The Sutton Place Hotels are known for delivering exceptional guest experience,” says Sam Samaddar, Kelowna Airport director. “Their reputation will…
