Recognition for two tourism supporters
Charlayne Thornton-Joe is being honoured with the Miracle award and Geoff Dickson will received the Life Member award from Destination Greater Victoria at its annual general meeting on Friday.
“This year’s award recipients embody the spirit of excellence and dedication in shaping Greater Victoria’s tourism landscape,” said Paul Nursey, chief executive of Destination Greater Victoria. “Their visionary leadership has significantly contributed to our community’s growth and success.”
The Miracle Award recognizes an individual or group that has shown leadership in the development of the tourism industry in Greater Victoria. The Life Member Award honours exceptional contributions to Destination Greater Victoria, the tourism industry and the community.
Thornton-Joe, as a long-time Victoria city council member, was involved in events and projects that added vibrancy to the region, including Canada Day celebrations and the development of murals and statues in Chinatown and the zodiac animals across Government Street at Fisgard Street. She spearheads an annual Chinatown Scrub Up Day during Asian Heritage month. In 2022, Thornton-Joe was contracted to run the new Chinese Canadian Museum—Fan Tan Alley Exhibit as the visitor experience and facilities co-ordinator. She has also served on several boards including Victoria Women’s Transition House, the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and the Victoria Chinatown Lioness Lions Club.
Dickson was president and chief executive of the Victoria International Airport from January 2011 until retiring last October. While he was there, YYJ was one of the fastest growing airports in the country and received international recognition for service quality, environmental stewardship and financial management. “Victoria International Airport often serves as the first and last impression for visitors to the region. It is a facilitator for overall economic growth and a vital contributor to the success of tourism in Greater Victoria,” Dickson said. He was previously B.C. Ferries’ vice-president of marketing and business development. Dickson is a past member of Destination Greater Victoria’s board and advisory committees, and currently serves on the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority board.