Sunshine Coast, British Columbia (November 23, 2021) – Sunshine Coast Tourism (SCT) elected its 2021/22 Board of Directors at its virtual Annual General Meeting held November 9, 2021. Stepping up once again this year is a full slate of returning volunteers to the Board, with a renewed commitment to leadership and stewardship for the sector.

“We are pleased to support and advocate for our tourism industry on behalf of our valued peers, partners and visitors to the Sunshine Coast,” said Jack Barr, SCT Board President. “We aspire to strike a balance between improved business for the tourism sector and our responsibility to ensure this spectacular region is protected
today, and for generations to come.”

The following five Directors have served half of their two-year term, to continue in 2021-22:

● Geoff Gornall, Tapworks Brewing Company – Member At Large, South
● Christine Hollman, Terracentric Coastal Adventures – Vice President & Member At Large, North
● Jamie Mani, Alpha Adventures – Treasurer & Member at Large, South
● Heather Newman, Pointhouse Suites on Sargeant Bay – Large Accommodations, South
● Chris Tait, Klahoose Wilderness Resort — Large Accommodations, North

The following six Directors have re-committed to a new two-year term:

● J.L. (Jack) Barr, Powell River Town Centre Hotel / Beach Gardens Resort & Marina – President & Large Accommodations, North
● Gary Bearchell, Cabins on the Coast – Small Accommodations & Campgrounds
● John Hermsen, Footprint Kayak & Hike Explorations – Member at Large, North
● Theressa Logan, Sunshine Coast Air – Recreation
● Shangxuan Ma, Gibsons Garden Hotel – Large Accommodations, South
● Linda Williams, Coast Cultural Alliance – Arts, Culture, & Heritage

With approximately 55 participants in attendance, Sunshine Coast Tourism Executive Director Annie Wise shared the organization’s vision for a resilient and sustainable tourism economy, emphasizing regional priorities: seasonal dispersion, environmental sustainability, destination development and management.

“Over the past several months we have explored new ways to enhance the social, cultural and economic benefits of a year-round visitor economy,” said Executive Director Wise. “There is still much work to do, but we know that the way forward for our sector relies on our shared commitment to a balanced growth strategy – one that considers diverse consultation, and broad communication and collaboration, which together will win the day,” Wise added.

All tourism-related businesses and organizations within the qathet (Powell River) and Sunshine Coast Regional Districts are invited to register with Sunshine Coast Tourism free of charge. Registered partners can access the new stakeholder portal, which provides free industry resources and information, the ability to opt-in to various SCT programs, and the opportunity to learn more about and participate in the organization’s activities. Registration information will be used to create/update the public business directory listing on the SCT website. Register now at sunshinecoastcanada.com/join.

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Sunshine Coast Tourism (SCT) is a non-profit destination marketing organization (DMO) established in 2008 to promote and manage BC’s Sunshine Coast as an unparalleled destination for discerning travellers. The organization’s mandate is to cultivate a sustainable year-round tourism economy while protecting and respecting the region’s natural environment and cultural diversity. SCT is committed to facilitating the evolution of the Sunshine Coast as a travel destination that is consistent with the values of its Indigenous communities, residents, local business, and stakeholders across the region.