Tourism Fernie's purpose is executing effective tourism marketing, programs and projects that sustainably increase and manage local tourism revenue, visitation and economic benefits for Fernie and surrounding area.
The most successful destinations around the world act in a unified and collaborative manner to strategically manage the destination and by promoting their destination first, then the individual products. A critical mass of funding is necessary to be sustainable and to heard in the competitive marketplace, which is often beyond the means of an individual business or organization. Pooling financial and human resources into a strategic initiatives, marketing and programs will maximize results.
Interested in joining Tourism Fernie as a member? Learn more.
Link to Strategic Plan, Annual Reports and Tourism Master Plan
Tourism Fernie was officially established as a non-profit society in November 2007. Many of Fernie’s tourism businesses saw the opportunity and need to pool resources in order to jointly market and sell Fernie under a unified brand to key target markets. With the support of the City of Fernie, the local community and businesses, the Regional District of East Kootenay, Tourism BC and the Government of British Columbia, Tourism Fernie was established.
Tourism Fernie is a membership-based organization. Professionals, businesses and organizations that want to partner on initiatives and be promoted under the Fernie brand pay a nominal annual membership fee of $200. In addition to membership fees, Tourism Fernie’s revenues are generated from the 3% Municipal & Regional District Tax (MRDT/Hotel Tax) and partner marketing and destination management and development initiatives.
Tourism Fernie is governed by a board of nine directors who represent the local and area tourism industry, each serve a two-year term. In addition to the Board of Directors both the City of Fernie and the Fernie Chamber of Commerce appoint an individual to be a liaison between the Board and their organizations.
CHAIR - Reto Barrington - Fernie RV Resort
VICE CHAIR - Jeremiah Pauw - Fernie Fox Hotel
TREASURER - Mark Ormandy - Fernie Alpine Resort/Slopeside Lodge
SECRETARY - Jon Ward - Red Tree Lodge
Andrew Hayden - Fernie Distillers
Sadie Howse - Raging Elk Adventure Lodging
Sydney Salvador - The Chopstick Truck
Alan Young - Alan D. Young Personal Real Estate Corporation
Dave Hozjan - Elk River Mountain Homes
City of Fernie: TBD by the City of Fernie
Fernie Chamber of Commerce: Wendy McDougall, Executive Director
Executive Officer: Jikke Gyorki
Marketing Manager: Brona Kekenakova
Media/Travel Trade & Projects Manager: Christine Grimble
Destination Management & Development Manager: Corien Sieders
Admin & Marketing Coordinator: Rebecca Hall
Social Media, Content & Digital Marketing Coordinator: Emily Williams