The Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association has elected new directors for 2022-23.
The association held its annual general meeting at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort on March 31, with nearly 40 business and community leaders in attendance.
The directors elected by acclamation were: Tara Ryder, Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort; Angela Hinz, Shorewater Resort; Karim Mohammadi, Coast Hotel Parksville; and Storm Jespersen, Bayside Oceanfront Resort. The other members of the board are: Pat Jiggins, Arrowsmith Golf; Paul Drummond, Tigh-Na-Mara Resort; Andy Lee, Ocean Crest Motel; Sandy Herle, Close to You; Lisa McCormick, Beach Club Resort; Jean Young, Arbutus Emporium (Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce appointee); Chief Michael Recalma, Qualicum First Nation liaison; Adam Fras, RDN board liaison; Scott Harrison, Town of Qualicum Beach liaison; Marilyn Wilson, City of Parksville liaison; Pam Bottomley, Parksville Downtown Business Association; and Kim Burden, non-voting director, Parksville and District/Qualicum Beach Chambers of Commerce.
Former director Robynne Shaw was presented with a thank-you gift for years of commitment to the association. Parksville Qualicum Beach tourism board also appointed its executive committee with Paul Drummond as chair, Tara Ryder as vice-chair, Andy Lee as treasurer, and Pat Jiggins as past chair.
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Karen Chalmers of Symphony Tourism Services also presented a new visitor research partnership with PQB Tourism. Using anonymous mobile phone data, Symphony, PQB Tourism and its stakeholders can learn about visitor origins and behaviour like never before. This information can be applied to business planning, experience development, advertising, and much more.
Reports were presented that highlighted 2021 challenges along with positive statistics resulting from social media, co-operative marketing, accommodation bookings, and other efforts.
— NEWS Staff, submitted