Tourism Fernie Society

The most successful destinations around the world act in a unified and collaborative manner to strategically manage and support the sustainable growth of the destination. A mass of funding and expertise is necessary to be successful.

Tourism Fernie Society is a Destination Marketing & Management Organization (DMO) with the mission to sustainably increase visitation and revenue for stakeholders in Fernie and surrounding area through effective tourism marketing and destination management and development. The Society's stakeholders are its members, and key partners such as local governments, industry associations, First Nations, and project supporters and funders.

Fernie and Elk Valley residents are vital to the success and sustainability of the tourism economy which requires broad support and opportunities for engagement, such as the Fernie Tourism Master Plan process and Resident Sentiment surveys.

The land, trails and waterways of the Elk Valley are also critical to the success of the tourism, which require on-going monitoring and effective management through collaboration, for long-term sustainability and future generations.

About Tourism Fernie

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’s revenues are primarily from the collection of a 3% legislated provincial tax by the local area accommodators called the MRDT. These revenues are augmented with other sources of revenues such as grants, project funding and annual $200 membership fees.

Tourism Fernie is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who represent the local and area tourism industry, each director serves 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 organisations.

Flyer detailing the resident survey about tourism

Fernie Residents asked to Complete Local Tourism Survey

Tourism Fernie is inviting residents to participate in its Resident Sentiment Survey through the month of October. This brief and anonymous survey, in partnership with Kootenay Rockies Tourism, offers locals and 2nd homeowners a chance to share their perspectives on tourism.

Rooted in a community-first approach, this initiative is part of Tourism Fernie’s commitment to listening to residents and using their feedback to inform strategic planning.

The survey will be conducted primarily through an online survey that is open from October 1st till the 31st. Hard copies can be picked up and dropped off at the Fernie Visitor Centre at 102 Commerce Road or requested via email to survey@tourismfernie.com.

Tourism Fernie Wins Award

BC Tourism Conference 2026

Tourism Fernie Society won the Professional Excellence Award which recognizes a community DMO or Sector Association for their demonstration of leadership, innovation, accountability and collaboration with the tourism industry in British Columbia. The winner of this award is chosen amongst others as a proven leader, an example of professionalism and best practices, and has provided measurable value to its members, as well as the local and provincial tourism industry.

2026-2027 Board of Directors

Reto Barrington - Fernie RV Resort (Chair)
Alan Young - Personal Real Estate Corporation (Vice Chair)
Juliana Bower - Bower Builders (Treasurer)
Victoria Flemming - The Pub Bar & Grill and Spirits, Cold Beer & Wine, Park Place Lodge (Secretary)
Jeremiah Pauw - Fernie Fox Hotel
Soranne Montgomerie - Island Lake Lodge
Veronique Roy - Snow Valley Lodging
Jon Ward - Red Tree Lodge

Liaisons to the Board

Troy Nixon - Councillor, City of Fernie
Wendy McDougall - Executive Director, Fernie Chamber of Commerce

Tourism Fernie Staff

Jikke Gyorki - Executive Officer
Broňa Kekeňáková - Marketing Manager
Christine Grimble - Media/Travel Trade & Projects Manager
Corien Sieders - Destination Management & Development Manager
Rebecca Hall - Marketing & Administration Coordinator
Olivia Munro - Social Media, Content Coordinator

Contact Us Today

AmbassadorWILD 2026 Seasonal Staff:

Gabriel Cote-Valiquette
Kristen Hribar
Zoe Garyfalakis
Andrew Nixon