Promote Penticton
Providing input on Travel Penticton’s five-year destination marketing strategy will be one of Thom Tischik’s first tasks as the new executive director of the new organization.
Travel Penticton was formed this fall when Tourism Penticton and the Penticton Hospitality Association decided to join forces as a single tourism marketing association for the city.
As a new group with the mandate to attract tourists to Penticton from around the world, it needs a comprehensive marketing strategy to make it happen.
Tischik brings decades of experience in tourism marketing along with him from place like the Revelstoke Accomodation Association and the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce.
“I know the importance tourism plays in our Valley economy and the balance between business growth and sustainability,” said Tischik.
“Penticton has always been a favourite destination for me and I feel very forutnate to become part of the community.”
While Tischik doesn’t officially start his new position until Jan. 3, he’s already met with Travel Penticton board members and staff and has begun giving his input.
Tischik was picked from 50 who applied for the job.
Promote Kelowna
At this week’s annual general meeting, Tourism Kelowna set an ambitious goal of attracting 2.5 million overnight visitors annually by 2019.
It’s not know exactly how many tourists come to Kelowna every year right now, but a good guess might be over two million because the last confirmed data counted 1.5 million visitors in 2010.
The goal is totally doable as hotel occupancy over the past year has increased 3.3 per cent, and Kelowna continues to be an attractive four-seasons destination based on summer water sports and beaches, golf, skiing, wine, sports, shopping and conventions.
The new 17-strong Tourism Kelowna board was also elected at the AGM.
– chairman: Daniel Bibby, Delta Grand hotel
– vice-chairman: Thom Killingsworth, Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport
– past-chairman: Stan Martindale, Ramada Hotel
– treasurer: Tanya Stroinig, Prestige Hotel
– secretary: David McFadden, Okanagan Lavender Farm
– Katie Balkwill, Big White Ski Resort
– Debbie Dupasquier, Distinctly Kelowna Tours
– Nathan Flavel, Kelowna Actors Studio
– Donna Faigaux, Gray Monk Winery
– Debra Harding, UBC Okanagan Conferences and Accommodation
– Dan Matheson, Okanagan Golf Club
– Rosemary Paterson, Best Western Hotel
– Heather Schroeter, Manteo Resort
– Sam Samaddar, Kelowna airport
– Penny Gambell, District of Lake Country
– Gail Given, City of Kelowna
– Sean Coward, Kelowna Hotel Motel Association
Business owners in West Kelowna can now renew their licences online.