Meeting Community

Studio 6 All-Suite Hotel Coming to Ontario
2022/03/28

A new purpose-built Studio 6 all-suite hotel will be built in Hornepayne, Ontario. The hotel marks the first of what will become a portfolio of new construction Studio 6 locations built in northern Ontario. “The Studio 6 all-suite prototype has eye-catching curb appeal and features thoughtful, functional and efficient layouts with an interior design that is as guest-welcoming as it is comfortable,” said Irwin Prince, president and COO, Realstar Hospitality, Canadian master franchisor of Studio 6 and Motel 6 in Canada. “We look…
Toronto Pearson Recognized by ACI
2022/03/28

For the fifth-consecutive year, Toronto Pearson has been named Best Large Airport in North America by Airports Council International (ACI) – World, the global trade representative of the world’s airports. The win comes as part of ACI World’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program. In addition, Toronto Pearson received the award for Best Hygiene Measures by Region in North America, as chosen by passengers, for the second-consecutive year. As travel restrictions ease, Pearson maintains a strong focus on science- and…
New Executive Chef At Westin Bayshore
2022/03/25

Steve Rutherford has joined The Westin Bayshore in Vancouver as executive chef. Rutherford is a 10-year veteran of The Westin Bayshore, having spent a decade-long tenure there between 2007 and 2017, during which he moved up through the ranks from restaurant chef to banquet chef and, lastly, executive sous chef. His return to The Westin Bayshore follows more than four years at Victoria’s world-renowned Fairmont Empress, where he served as executive sous chef under executive chef Morgan Wilson (famed…
B.C. Tourism Awards Winners Revealed
2022/03/25

The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) and Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) in partnership with Indigenous Tourism British Columbia have announced the winners of the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards. The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers. The winners are: Accessibility Award Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association A non-profit organization working on the design and…
Tourism Kamloops Names New CEO
2022/03/14

The Tourism Kamloops board of directors has named Monica Dickinson as the organization’s new CEO. After a thorough process, she has been chosen to lead Tourism Kamloops through its next chapter. “Tourism Kamloops is about to enter a period of growth. We know there is pent-up demand for travel and as travel restrictions continue to lessen, we know we need a strong leader to navigate this new era,” explains board chair Percy Amaria. “We are excited to work alongside Monica…
WestJet to Purchase Sunwing Airlines
2022/03/14

Calgary-based airline WestJet has agreed to purchase Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines. Following the close of the transaction, a new tour operating business unit will be created under the WestJet Group, to include both Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations Inc., and will be led by Sunwing CEO Stephen Hunter. Sunwing’s current shareholders will become equity holders in the WestJet Group. The WestJet Group of companies will expand to include Sunwing Airlines. This will add increased capacity, dedicating otherwise seasonal aircraft…
Travel Tests Remain a Barrier to Recovery
2022/03/11

As COVID-19 cases continue to decline across Canada and restrictions are eased, the meetings and events industry is eager to see the restart of corporate meetings, conferences and conventions. But a major barrier remains to fully welcoming back visitors and attendees. While the federal government took a step in the right direction by allowing the use of rapid antigen tests for pre-departure as of Feb. 28, it is still not enough, according to travel and tourism leaders. Bridgitte Anderson,…
Marriott Joins Mixed-Use Project in Laval
2022/03/11

A new Courtyard by Marriott hotel will be an integral part of Espace Montmorency, a mixed-use development in the heart of Laval. The $45-million hotel is slated to open in fall 2022. Espace Montmorency, an urban hub directly connected to Montréal’s underground network via the Montmorency metro station, will feature offices, cafés, restaurants, 717 residential units and inviting green spaces, which will create a vibrant and animated new space for the community and visitors. The Courtyard by Marriott hotel…
New Vernon Event Venue Breaks Ground
2022/03/11

The Rise Golf Course in Vernon, B.C. has multi-million-dollar project plans for a 30,000 square foot, multi-amenity building that includes a restaurant and lounge, corporate event space and wedding venue. The venue’s top floor will feature 35-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and a 120-seat casual dining area including a multi-level patio overlooking Okanagan Lake, the City of Vernon and the golf course. “Vernon, B.C. is the right place and now is the right time to elevate local experiences. We’re breaking ground now and…
MPI Report Shows Optimism For 2022
2022/03/10

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has published its Winter Meetings Outlook, which reveals positive signs as well as complications for the year ahead. The report identifies new trends and innovations, allowing event planners to budget and plan accordingly. According to the report, while a balancing market reveals signs of positivity, complications such as the shifting desires of humans emerging from various degrees of societal lockdown as well as a lack of qualified staff/applicants in many meeting and hospitality roles continues to…

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