In this episode of TIABC's Voice of Tourism, Walt Judas welcomes Royce Chwin, President and CEO of Destination Vancouver, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, city building, and the future of Vancouver's visitor economy. Born and raised in the Lower Mainland, Royce shares his non-linear career path, from cleaning grease traps and opening Boston Pizza franchises to leading Canada's national tourism brand and eventually running one of the country's top destination management organizations. The conversation covers Destination Vancouver's transformation from a traditional sales-and-promotion DMO into a full destination management organization, tackling everything from hotel development policy and attraction investment to downtown safety and new international market opportunities. Royce details how the Hotel Development Task Force moved the city's pipeline from 9 to 28 properties, why Vancouver needs to reach 10,000 hotel rooms by 2050, and what the 2026 FIFA World Cup means as the next "leapfrog moment" for a city that is the only one in the world to have hosted a World Expo, Winter Olympics, FIFA Women's World Cup, and Men's World Cup. He also reflects on AI adoption at Destination Vancouver, the irreplaceable human element of tourism, and why curiosity and a mindset of change are at the core of his leadership philosophy.

In this episode of TIABC's Voice of Tourism, Walt Judas welcomes Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination Canada, for an engaging conversation about her remarkable career journey and Canada's ambitious tourism future. Born to Dutch immigrants in Vancouver, Walden shares how her father's hotel business sparked her early connection to tourism, beginning with her first job as a buffet attendant at the planetarium. She traces her path through 17 years in advertising with Baker-Lavic and BBDO, the BC Lottery Corporation, and seven years leading Destination British Columbia before taking the helm at Destination Canada during the pandemic. Walden discusses Canada's strategic goal to reach the global top 10 in tourism competitiveness, currently ranking 11th, through seven key levers including labour supply, investment attraction, air access, and sustainability. She reflects on the industry's challenges and optimism, the innovative Open Home campaign reassuring American visitors they're welcome in Canada, and the transformative role destination organizations must play beyond marketing. As she prepares for retirement after 40 years in business, Walden looks forward to time with her three young grandsons, travel with friends, and enjoying her off-grid cabin in Howe Sound.

In this episode of TIABC's Voice of Tourism, Walt Judas welcomes Starr McMichael, owner and president of Starrboard Enterprises, for a conversation spanning decades of tourism innovation on southern Vancouver Island. Starr shares her journey from cleaning the heads on the historic Princess Marguerite turboelectric vessel to building the Truffles Group and becoming a governance leader with her Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Rotman School of Business. She reflects on co-founding the IMPACT Conference, now entering its ninth year, which brings together cleantech innovators, Indigenous leaders, and tourism professionals to advance regenerative business practices. Starr discusses the power tourism professionals have to drive change, the importance of including local communities in business decisions, and why she believes the conversation around regenerative tourism is still evolving. Her philosophy of leading with gratitude shapes both her board work across multiple organizations and her approach to building a more sustainable tourism industry.

In this episode, Walt Judas welcomes Mike Retasket, who currently serves as a Director for the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, New Pathways to Gold Society, and TIABC, for a powerful conversation about Indigenous leadership, cultural preservation, and the journey from activism to reconciliation through tourism. Mike shares his remarkable path from crossing the US-Canada border to becoming Chief of the Bonaparte Indian Band, his transformation from Olympic protestor to one of the Games' most photographed Indigenous ambassadors, and his current work as a cultural interpreter and storyteller at Barkerville Historic Town and Park. This episode explores the complexities of Aboriginal title, the Heritage Conservation Act, and what meaningful reconciliation looks like in BC's tourism landscape, offering invaluable insights for anyone committed to building authentic Indigenous partnerships.

Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
01:01 – From Oliver to Oroville: Growing Up Between Borders
03:35 – Finding Home: Returning to Canada and Bonaparte
06:51 – Becoming an Indian: Learning Language, Culture, and Medicine
11:10 – Leadership Years: Chief of Bonaparte Indian Band
15:54 – From Protest to Partnership: The Tourism Journey Begins
18:34 – Barkerville: Cultural Interpretation and Storytelling
22:46 – Aboriginal Title: What It Really Means
26:09 – The Cowichan Decision: Addressing Public Concerns
31:15 – Heritage Conservation Act: Protecting Sacred Sites
35:48 – Steps Toward Reconciliation: What Businesses Can Do
36:45 – Honorary Doctorate: Recognition and Legacy

In this episode of TIABC’s Voice of Tourism, Brett Soberg, co-owner and lead captain of Eagle Wing Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours, shares his journey from art school to marine ecotourism and his passion for protecting the Salish Sea.

He discusses how Eagle Wing became North America’s first carbon-neutral whale watching company, the creation of their award-winning Floating Classroom program, and the balance between sustainability, regulation, and guest experience. Brett also reflects on life off-grid and the importance of collaboration in safeguarding marine ecosystems and the Southern Resident killer whales.

In this episode of TIABC's Voice of Tourism, Ben Liegey, founder and CEO of Better Table, shares his journey from Alsace, France, to Canada, where he focuses on food sustainability and reducing food waste in the tourism industry. 

He discusses the importance of understanding food waste, the impact of sustainability practices, and the role of culinary tourism and agritourism in British Columbia. Ben also highlights his documentary, Food Synergy, which aims to inspire change in food waste solutions across the food supply chain.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Heather MacDonald, Chief Integrative Officer of Gibbons Whistler, for an engaging conversation on leadership, workforce challenges, and the resort community’s future. Heather shares her journey from Perth, Australia to Whistler, starting as a server at Black’s Pub and working her way through finance and operations to help lead one of Whistler’s most dynamic tourism companies. She reflects on her experiences during the 2010 Winter Olympics, the growth of Gibbons into food and beverage, accommodation, recreation, and events, and the company’s mission to create joy for guests, staff, and the community. Heather also discusses pressing issues like housing, workforce recruitment, immigration policy, and sustainability, while offering her perspective on Whistler’s growth and potential to once again host the Olympics.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort Ltd., for a dynamic conversation on hospitality, ski tourism, and the future of winter recreation in BC. Michael shares his journey from Winnipeg to Jasper Park Lodge and eventually to the Okanagan, where he helped shape Big White into a world-class destination. He reflects on lessons learned in hospitality, his time working abroad in Australia, and the unique attributes that make Big White stand out—including its legendary champagne powder and close proximity to Kelowna’s international airport. Michael also discusses the challenges of red tape, the need to attract new generations of skiers, and the importance of infrastructure and air access in keeping BC’s ski industry globally competitive.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Deneen Allen, founder and CEO of Firecircle and Pure North Canada, for an inspiring conversation on entrepreneurship, innovation, and tourism development. Deneen shares her journey from boutique hospitality ventures in Ontario to building Canada’s first online tourism and hospitality development hub. She reflects on the challenges and opportunities she’s encountered working with rural operators, Indigenous communities, and entrepreneurs across the country, highlighting the importance of brand, operations, design, and financial management in building sustainable businesses. Deneen also discusses the regulatory barriers facing agritourism, the need for greater investment in tourism infrastructure, and how Fire Circle is helping to close knowledge gaps for the next generation of operators.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Barrett Fisher, President and CEO of Tourism Whistler, for an engaging conversation on destination management, major events, and community sustainability. Barrett shares her journey from journalism on Vancouver’s North Shore to leading one of Canada’s premier resort destinations for over three decades. She reflects on Whistler’s transformation before and after hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the community’s progress on housing and transportation, and the importance of balancing growth with responsible tourism. Barrett also discusses her organization’s unique funding model, efforts to extend the tourism season, and the policy priorities needed to keep Whistler competitive and vibrant year-round.