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Tourism Fernie Society

A non-profit society and membership-based organization.

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Tourism Fernie Society is a Destination Marketing & Management Organization (DMO) with the mission to sustainably increase visitation and revenue for stakeholder in Fernie and surrounding area through effective tourism marketing, programs and destination management. 

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.

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 is a membership-based organisation. Professionals, businesses and organisations 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 organisations.

2026-2027 Board of Directors

CHAIR - Reto Barrington - Fernie RV Resort
VICE CHAIR - Alan Young - Personal Real Estate Corporation 
TREASURER - Juliana Bower - Bower Builders
SECRETARY - Victoria Flemming - The Pub Bar & Grill and Spirits, Cold Beer & Wine, Park Place Lodge
Jeremiah Pauw - Fernie Fox Hotel
Soranne Florea - Island Lake Lodge
Veronique Roy - Snow Valley Lodging
Jon Ward - Red Tree Lodge
 

Liaisons to the Board

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

Tourism Fernie Staff

Executive Officer: Jikke Gyorki
Marketing Manager: Broňa Kekeňáková
Media/Travel Trade & Projects Manager: Christine Grimble
Destination Management & Development Manager: Corien Sieders
Admin & Marketing Coordinator: Rebecca Hall
Social Media, Content Coordinator: Kate Wienburg

Vision, Mission & Guiding Principles

Vision

Fernie is a vibrant and sustainable tourism destination built on respect, collaboration and authenticity.

Mission

Sustainably increase visitation and revenue for stakeholders through tourism marketing and management.

Guiding Principles

  • Industry-Led / Government Supported
  • Market & Data Focused
  • Sustainable
  • Fair and Transparent
  • Inclusive
  • Innovative
  • Accountable

Goals

  • Collaborative destination management and development
  • Effective marketing
  • Long-term sustainability of Tourism and Tourism Fernie

Annual Reports, Plans, Metrics