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Tourism Whistler still considering fate of central reservations

Tourism Whistler continues to consider the long-term fate of its central reservations. "We are continuing the process," said president and CEO of Tourism Whistler Suzanne Denbak.

Tourism Whistler continues to consider the long-term fate of its central reservations.

"We are continuing the process," said president and CEO of Tourism Whistler Suzanne Denbak.

Last September Tourism Whistler announced that it was planning to relocate central reservations to Vancouver and planning an upgrade of its software.

After further discussion with its members the move was put on hold. But the search for better software has continued.

Intrawest, which owns Resort Reservations, and other reservation companies have been approached as Tourism Whistler seeks out the best technology for its needs.

Meanwhile Tourism Whistler has hired Intrawest Golf on a multi-year contract to provide leading-edge golf expertise for the Whistler Golf Club.

"We were looking for ways in which we could further enhance our offerings to guests and further improve our operating ability," said Denbak.

A number of golf management companies were approached by Tourism Whistler, which found the Intrawest package to be the best.

"We were looking for the best golf management company we could find and it just so happened that it was Intrawest Golf," said Denbak.

"If it had been another company that was superior in their service we would have chosen to work with another company."

Intrawest Golf was created in 1998 and quickly grew to become a leader in golf management. It currently manages 27 resorts.

Denbak said the relationship would give the Whistler Golf Club access to experts who would not normally be available, such as agronomists and guest service standards professionals.

There will be no full-time Intrawest staff at the golf course and Tourism Whistler maintains control of the course.

"The business direction and all of the budgets remain under the control of the board of directors of Tourism Whistler," said Denbak.

"Really it is the provision of specialty advice and golf expertise.

"At Tourism Whistler and the Whistler Golf Club we are always looking for ways to improve operations."

Tourism Whistler has operated the Whistler Golf Club since 1983 and has grown the course to international standards.

The most significant development was the $2.2 million course renovation in the spring of 2000, which included upgraded turf conditions, amenities and bunker renovations.

This week also saw the promotion of Alan Kristmanson to Director of Golf at the course.

Previous to this appointment he was Head Professional. He joined the Whistler Golf Club in 1991.