Tourism Vancouver has announced its new Board of Directors for 2005/2006. The 15-member board represents a cross-section of the tourism industry representing the organization`s 1,050 members.

This group of experienced and distinguished tourism industry members forms a solid foundation to prepare us for future opportunities and development, said new Tourism Vancouver Chair, Stuart McLaughlin of Grouse Mountain Resorts. As well as planning for 2010, this group`s mandate is to ensure the organization stays focused on building business, the introduction of the new tourism levy, and marketing and selling the expanded convention centre.

The new board reflects the changes to Tourism Vancouver`s governance model, which previously consisted of 31 board members. Over the past two years we`ve undertaken a rigorous review to ensure that Tourism Vancouver`s leadership and governance is strong and effective enough to steer the organization through the next decade`s opportunities and challenges, said Terry Bubb, co-chair of the Tourism Vancouver Governance Taskforce and President, Red Robin Restaurants of Canada Ltd. It was a transparent process that served us well, and we believe that the smaller group will lead to the stronger engagement of every member.

Tourism Vancouver`s board is responsible for policy issues, as well as ensuring that the organization`s business and market development plans, along with corresponding financial plans are developed, endorsed and monitored.

Tourism Vancouver`s Board of Directors are:

• Stuart McLaughlin, President, Grouse Mountain Resorts Ltd. (Chair)
• Paul Tilbury, Managing Director, Gray Line West (Past Chair)
• Jim Storie, President, Vancouver Trolley Company (First Vice-Chair, Chair-Elect May 2006)
• Smith Munro, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Hotel Georgia (Second Vice Chair, Chair-Elect May 2007)
• Philip Barnes, Regional Vice President, Pacific NorthWest Region, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
• Rick Baxter, President, CEO, West Coast Air
• Gary Collinge, General Manager, Hampton Inn & Suites Vancouver
• Emily Edwards, President, Destination Planners
• Terry Farmer, President, Accent Inns
• Howard Jang, General Manager, Arts Club Theatre Company
• James Kaufman, General Manager, Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel
• John Korenic, Director, Aviation Marketing, Vancouver International Airport Authority
• Chris Simpson, Owner, Vancouver All Terrain Adventures
• Randy Vannatter, President, City Passport
  One further director to be appointed

Tourism Vancouver`s focus is on building exceptional customer relationships with meeting planners, travel influencers, travel media and independent tourists. The organization`s brand essence is about exceeding expectations.