getawaybc.com

Travel Insider

The Travel Insider profiles travel trends and tips  of  movers and shakers in tourism.  Community leaders and respected executives, check out some of their favourite travel items.  Email me at editor@getawaybc.com.

From Vancouver 2010

Monday, February 15 we had the supreme pleasure of travelling by train from Vancouver to Whistler to experience the Olympics. With an early departure (6am) in North Vancouver, we spent the most marvelous day being entertained by the outstanding hospitality of our host, Travel Alberta.  The move to ‘dress’ BC based, Rocky Mountaineer’s Whistler

Train in bright, multi-coloured banners bedecked with Alberta’s new logo and brand messaging caused a bit of an uproar prior to the opening of the Winter Games in Vancouver.  Personally, I think it was a brilliant move and I shared this with Travel Alberta CEO, Bruce Okabe while we rode the rails together.  His enthusiastic response was “Yes, this decision to hire the train is exceeding all our expectations.  It’s an absolutely fantastic opportunity for our top corporate customers, leisure clients and travel media to see just a little slice of Alberta while travelling through British Columbia.”  A high light of the relaxing journey included ‘living characters’ on board who usually work at Alberta attractions including Calgary’s Heritage Park the day we travelled, with members from Calgary Stampede participating later in the week.

As we neared the end of this outstanding experience, it was time to ask the former Deputy Minister of Tourism for British Columbia – a position Mr. Okabe held from 2006 to 2008, the one question we all want an answer to…what is the one travel accessory he can’t be without?  Without missing a beat, the charming CEO of Travel Alberta responded with “Oh that’s easy. My noise-cancelling ear plugs!  Airline noise drives me crazy. The plugs are the perfect item to block out noise, especially if you’re stuck in a seat you don’t want.  They are so comfortable I sleep with them on!”  For more information on the great getaways in Alberta, visit www.travelalberta.com.

From Vancouver:

A good friend from ‘the biz’, Tim Tindle is the proud General Manager at one of Vancouver’s favourite downtown, luxury hotels – the beautiful Pan Pacific Vancouver.  We caught up just prior to the opening of the Winter Games during the reception for  “Kla-how-ya,” the First Nations’ welcome village located in the lobby of, and promoted in partnership with the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel and Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia to celebrate the Olympics.  Tim’s Travel Insider comments sure make me smile!

“As a Travel Insider I have to admit that most of my travels are to Pender Island to enjoy our family cottage at Currents at Otter Bay. The one thing we have to travel with is the family dog, Cowboy. He is an 11 year young Lhasa Apso/Maltese cross. Cowboy is always by our side and will not let you sit in a chair without him being in your lap. He is such a big part of the family that honestly, we can’t go anywhere without him. As soon as he sees a bag being packed he is howling at the door to get outside and get in the car. I think he has spent more time in the car, travelling with us, than anywhere else including the house!”  Be sure to visit during the Olympic celebrations – the hotel is open to the public and easily accessible during the Winter Games.  Take the Skytrain, Sea Bus from the North Shore and regular transit from points throughout the lower mainland.  See more at www.panpacific.com/vancouver

From Lake Louise, Alberta:

When visiting Lake Louise and Banff for World Cup this past December, I had the great pleasure of finally meeting up with Klaus Roth of Travel Alberta.  His reputation within Canada’s tourism industry is tremendous and I am so pleased to have met this charming individual in person.  From the world stage to domestic, Klaus has devoted over 40 years positioning Canadian travel products in the consumer’s mind. The Northwest Territories benefited from his expertise in the early days, as has the Canadian Tourism Commission and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada where he served as Vice Chair.  Yes, Dr Klaus Roth, Head of Strategy & Olympic Marketing for Travel Alberta, is an entertaining individual and extremely fond of the outdoor adventures his beloved Alberta offers.  Oh, and what does he always love to travel with…Oban Single Malt Scotch Whiskey!  This gal with Scottish heritage looks forward to enjoying a wee dram when we next get together in Vancouver during BC’s hosting of the 2010 Winter Games!  Visit www.travelalberta.com for cool stuff on Canada’s first Olympic hosting!

From The Okanagan:

Most people who work in tourism and hospitality are passionate…about pretty much everything.  Jon Zwickel of Bellstar Hotels & Resorts is no exception.  A third generation hotelier, ‘it’s in my blood’ (a common theme amongst my peers!), this wonderful, charming guy who originally hails from New York state, loves Canada.  In fact, he’s called our country ‘home’ for over twenty years.  I asked Jon for his thoughts about engaging Canadians in discovering more of what their own country is about and here’s what he shares “Look at our amazing country!  We have everything right here, especially in BC! Where else in the world can one walk on a glacier in the Rocky Mountains, taste wines with the winemakers in the Okanagan Valley, play a round of golf in the Kootenays, kayak through the Gulf Islands, and hike through a temperate rain forest on the west coast trail – all in a week long holiday?”  He excitedly continues “To tell you the truth, exploring our own backyard always leaves a smile on my face – I remember that sense of discovery I had when I first moved here from New York over 20 years ago…” And by the way? Guess what he now travels with as he travels here and abroad.  A high quality badger shaving brush recently purchased in London, England.  A gentleman, through and through.  Visit www.bellstar.ca for getaway inspirations in BC and Alberta.

From Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, BC :

Michael J, as he’s fondly referred to throughout the ski industry, is a true champion of skiing and the abundance of  snow in gorgeous British Columbia.  As Senior Vice President, Schumann Resorts for Big White and Silver Star Resorts, Michael has been instrumental in spearheading Big White and Silver Star from regional destination ski areas into world-class mountain facilities. Featuring over 17,500 on-mountain beds and a combined lift capacity of over 40,000 passengers per hour this is impressive stuff!

Michael’s passion for a warm welcome and outstanding hospitality extends right through to his team’s delivery of guest services at both resorts.  As he shares “Much of our success is due to being family-owned and paying attention to the details.  Our operations are really hands-on to make sure our guests have great holidays!”  With such a passion for exceeding guest experiences, it’s no wonder both resorts are considered top favourites with visitors from around the world as well as those of us fortunate to have them located in our British Columbian “back yard”!  Visit www.bigwhite.com

From Tofino in Vancouver Island:

The Travel Insider recently caught up with the ever gracious Charles McDiarmid, Managing Director of the west coast chic Wickaninnish Inn of Tofino, British Columbia.  When asked what he always carries in his travel bag, the enthusiastic response resonated with me.  Charles never leaves home without his Blackberry (keeping in constant touch with the resort and family is tantamount for this busy tourism executive), as well as his running gear. Whether holidaying, or partaking in business meetings around the world, Charles always finds time for a healthy fitness break. Visit www.wickinn.com