New board at Tourism Kelowna
Photo: Tourism Kelowna
Tourism Kelowna held its annual general meeting on Thursday, and it welcomed six new elected and two new appointed members to its board of directors.
New to the fold this year are Clee Varon of Iconic Wines of BC, Daniel Ruel of PR Hotels, Jason Guyitt of Argus Hotels, Jillian Haller of Kelowna Concierge, Shauna Wilton of Andrew Peller and Tara Gerald of Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort. They were all elected to the 12-member board.
The two new appointed members are Edan Fay from Kelowna Hotel Motel Association and Kelowna city councillor Rick Webber.
“2023 was another year of evolution and creative strategizing,” Tourism Kelowna board chairperson Kelly Watt said in a press release. “Further refinements to our governance took place, along with strong fiscal management, development of the Tourism Kelowna team and continued recognition of the needs of our membership, tourism industry employees and residents who live work and play in our beautiful community.
“As we continue on our destination development path and the ongoing implementation of our strategic plan, our Tourism Kelowna team has worked hard to secure valuable opportunities such as the Canadian Country Music Awards and the Montana’s Brier in 2025, building our reputation as an attractive four-season destination to visit.”
Tourism Kelowna president and CEO Lisanne Ballantyne reported the industry was worth $2.4 billion in 2023, despite the August wildfires, and more than 222,000 people visited Kelowna Visitor Centre during the calendar year.
The 2024 Tourism Kelowna board of directors:
Elected
• Audrey Surrao, RauDZ Creative Concepts Ltd.
• Clee Varon, Iconic Wines of BC
• Dale Sivucha, Coast Capri Hotel (Kelowna)
• Daniel Ruel, PR Hotels
• Jason Guyitt, Argus Hotels
• Jillian Haller, Kelowna Concierge
• Kelly Watt, Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna
• Kimberly Hundertmark, Okanagan Wine Festivals
• Michael J. Ballingall, Big White Ski Resort
• Natalie Corbett, Accent Inns & Hotel Zed
• Shauna Wilton, Andrew Peller Ltd
• Tara Gerald, Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
Appointed
• Edan Fay, Kelowna Hotel Motel Association (The Royal Kelowna)
• Jenny Money, Westbank First Nation
• Councillor Rick Webber, City of Kelowna
• Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport
• Thom Killingsworth, Past Chair (Kelowna Yacht Club)
• Councillor Tricia Brett, District of Lake Country
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