Tourism Whistler board seats filled by acclamation at AGM

Three returning directors were confirmed to the Tourism Whistler board during its virtual Annual General Meeting on May 22, with all seats filled by acclamation.

Saad Hasan, general manager of Lodging Ovations, retained his position representing the Single-Managed Lodging – Small category. Steve Seatle, regional director of Vacasa Canada, also remains on the board, representing Multi-Managed Lodging – Benchlands. Seatle continues as board chair.

Nadia Demers, chief financial officer of Ziptrek Ecotours, returns as the Commercial Director.

The board’s reappointment comes amid continued efforts to support Whistler’s evolving tourism landscape. In a statement, Seatle acknowledged the complexity of sustaining a resort community that welcomes more than 3.2 million visitors annually.

“Whistler must continue to adapt and evolve in order to remain a desirable destination to visit and community to live in,” he said. He noted while some overseas markets have underperformed, Tourism Whistler has focused its resources on key growth areas and recovery efforts, working alongside resort partners to prioritize destination stewardship and reinvestment.

Tourism Whistler’s 13-member board is composed of seven elected directors and six appointed representatives, including officials from the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb. Directors serve two-year terms unless appointed by a partner organization.

Tourism Whistler president and CEO Barrett Fisher also presented a recap of 2024’s marketing and sales performance. Despite a slow start to the winter season, occupancy rates rose one percentage point over the previous year, largely driven by guests from B.C., and U.S. visitors benefiting from a favourable exchange rate.

“Summer 2024 occupancy was the third highest on record,” Fisher said, attributing the success to strong leisure travel and record-setting group conference attendance. Overseas markets, however, continued to lag behind pre-pandemic levels.

Fisher said the organization’s focus remains on strengthening year-round viability, transforming the visitor experience, and deepening environmental and community stewardship.

Tourism Whistler represents more than 8,000 members who own, manage or operate businesses on resort lands, including hotels, restaurants, activity operators and retailers.

Members can access the full 2024 annual report at whistler.com/members.