Tourism Week 2025 kicked off with a bustling turnout at Tourism Fernie’s annual AGM event held on April 3rd, attracting over 100 attendees including local business leaders, government officials, and non-profit representatives. Hosted at the Fernie Golf Club, the event highlighted Tourism Fernie’s impressive 2024 achievements, plans for the coming year, and valuable industry insights.
Fernie Mayor Nic Milligan joined Tourism Fernie Chair Reto Barrington and Executive Officer Jikke Gyorki in opening remarks that celebrated the community’s thriving tourism sector. Gyorki also shared a commemorative plaque with Blair Craig and Lynn Muller of Canyon Raft Company, recognizing their impactful 30-year contribution to local tourism. Adam Howie was introduced as Canyon Raft’s new owner, warmly welcomed by attendees.
Keynote speaker Greg Klassen, Senior Director at Skift Advisory, captivated the audience during lunch with his presentation, “Today’s World & Achieving Your Unique Competitive Advantage,” now available on YouTube for further viewing. Watch the presentation here:
Following Klassen’s insights, the formal Annual General Meeting (AGM) swiftly covered critical business matters. Reto Barrington and Treasurer Mark Ormandy presented financial reports, while Graeme Nunn of Rockies Law confirmed the unopposed election of the Tourism Fernie Board of Directors for 2025-2026.
Tourism Fernie 2025-2026 Board of Directors:
MRDT Accommodator Seats:
Reto Barrington (Fernie RV Resort)
Jeremiah Pauw (Fernie Fox Hotel)
Jon Ward (Red Tree Lodge)
Wade Barkman (Lizard Creek Lodge)
Veronique Roy (Snow Valley Lodging)
Non-Accommodator Seats:
Andrew Hayden (Fernie Distillers)
Alan D Young (Personal Real Estate Corporation)
Kirsten Madsen (Island Lake Lodge)
Victoria Flemming (Park Place Lodge)
Jikke Gyorki highlighted community partners contributing significantly to Fernie’s tourism success, including The Fernie Trails Alliance, Fernie Museum, Elk River Alliance, The Arts Station, Fernie Museum, Fernie Nordic Society, Fernie Snowmobile Association, and the Coal Creek Heritage Society. Special recognition was also given to Jikke herself, marking her 15-year milestone with Tourism Fernie, her recent nomination for Tourism Woman of the Year, and her DMO Professional Excellence Award from the TIABC Tourism Industry Awards.
Jeremiah Pauw of Peacock Hospitality unveiled an exciting new development at the Fernie Fox Hotel, promising accessible lodging units, conference facilities, a spa, cocktail lounge, and covered parking—a significant enhancement to local accommodations.
Closing the event, Reto Barrington acknowledged the dedicated efforts of Fernie Chamber of Commerce ED Wendy McDougall and Councillor Tracey Audia Kelly, City of Fernie, who serve as board liaisons.
The successful AGM not only celebrated past accomplishments but also set an optimistic tone for future growth, collaboration, and sustainability in Fernie’s vibrant tourism sector during this year’s BC Tourism Week (April 7-11, 2025), highlighting the ongoing message that #BCTourismCounts.
See more here.
