Tourism in Fernie - Industry Event, AGM & Social - Scroll through the images above from the event.
Thank you to all that were able to attend our event on April 4th! It was another great success with over 90 attendees to the day time portion and over 65 at the evening social.
The morning began just after 10:00am at the Best Western PLUS Ballroom with folks checking in and enjoying some networking time with coffee and morning treats. Le Bon Pain fresh baked pastries were provided at everyone's table to saviour before the day's event began, along with a spring touch from Moonlight Flowers. The day started with a welcome by the Chair of Tourism Fernie, Reto Barrington, followed by opening remarks by Deputy Mayor Kevin McIsaac. The lead team from Tourism Fernie including Jikke, Christine & Brona, then presented highlights from 2023, plans for 2024 and the five year 2025-2029 plan as part of the MRDT (hotel tax) renewal process. Watch video from Tourism Fernie's presentation. Alternatively you can view a PDF of the Tourism Fernie presentation deck.
A few annual highlights from Tourism Fernie include (view more in Annual Report):
A complimentary lunch buffet was immediately followed by Tourism Fernie's formal yet brief annual general meeting during which 2023 reports and audit financials were presented and approved, along with the 2024-2025 Board of Directors:
Before our Keynote Speaker was introduced Tourism Fernie held a special recognition, presented by Andy Cohen and Randal Macnair, for Mike Delich for his significant contribution to Fernie's tourism industry over the past three decades - read more.
The event's keynote speaker was Stuart Back, COO at Pursuit Collections - Banff Jasper Collection & Golden Skybridge. Stuart spoke to the audience about Pursuit's business model and values as a large hospitality and tourism experience operator that see over 2 million visitors annually. His presentation included the value of experiential tourism in being successful to the staff, guests and the bottom line. Watch video from Stuart's presentation. View PDF of Stuart's presentation.
The final guest speaker was Chris Fehr, Director of Hospitality for Canada, Western Trust, the new owners of Fernie Lodging Company. Chris provided a brief update on the new company and their excitement to be in Fernie. Watch video from Chris' presentation.
The day concluded with a few closing remarks and thank yous, with a reminder to meet back up at The Pub at Park Place Lodge for a tourism social with complimentary appy's.
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