Tourism Whistler Organizational Structure
Legally known as the Whistler Resort Association, Tourism Whistler is the non-profit member-based marketing and sales organization representing the resort of Whistler. Our offices are located at the Whistler Conference Centre. Tourism Whistler can be reached at 604.932.3928 or 1.888.869.2777.
Formed in 1979, at the recommendation of the provincial government, Tourism Whistler is responsible for promoting the resort as an international, four-season destination. Our goal is to increase overnight visitation to Whistler.
Purpose — To honour and celebrate the magnitude of Whistler’s rugged mountain environment, and the bold and adventurous spirit of the people who love it.
Vision — To be the most valued, respected and sustainable, four-season, mountain destination in the world.
Mission — To inspire sophisticated thrill-seekers to experience and share Whistler again and again.
Members
Tourism Whistler represents more than 8,000 members who own, manage and operate properties or businesses on Resort Land including hotels, restaurants, activity operators and retail shops. The Annual General Meeting & election of directors is held every spring.
Funding
Member assessment fees are the primary source of funding for the world-wide marketing and sales initiatives that Tourism Whistler manages and directs, supplemented by net income from operating centres, sponsorship and funding.
Governance
Tourism Whistler is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors – seven elected and six appointed. The activities of Tourism Whistler are further directed by its membership through bylaws that are approved by the municipal council and the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
Operations
- Whistler Conference Centre
- Whistler Golf Club
- Whistler Visitor Centre
- Whistler.com Reservations: 1-800-944-7853/ Whistler.com
Board of Directors
View information about the current Tourism Whistler Board of Directors here.
Executive
• Barrett Fisher - President & CEO
• Karen Goodwin - VP, Marketing & Destination Development
• Kirsten Homeniuk - VP, Marketing
• Maureen Peatfield - VP, Finance and Operations
Communications
The Communications department maximizes positive media exposure for Whistler, mitigates negative coverage and creates aligned organizational and resort-wide messaging. In addition to media releases and messaging documents, the Communications team assists Member Relations on member specific communications. Recent media releases.
Marketing Services
The Marketing Services department is responsible for the development and execution of consumer-focused marketing programs designed to increase awareness and engagement with the Whistler brand and to drive room nights. Marketing programs include advertising, collateral, digital assets, promotions, web marketing, search engine marketing, social media, email and database marketing. See our most recent campaigns.
Partnership and Events
The Partnership & Events department supports targeted event, marketing and communication opportunities in order to grow Whistler’s brand awareness, drive visitation and increase Whistler’s marketing reach and frequency. For event producers: Events.Whistler.com.
Reservation Centre
Tourism Whistler's central reservations call centre delivers visitors to the resort by promoting and selling Whistler via the Tourism Whistler website and through effective conversion and retention programs, thereby contributing to the viability of all resort partners and stakeholders. Our booking engine: Whistler.com.
Research
The Research department collects, analyzes and shares information to monitor the performance and economic health of the resort. Insights into markets, products, trends and competitors are shared in order to provide strategic direction for business planning and development. Contact Research.
Destination Development
The Destination Development department is responsible for preserving and improving the Whistler experience, for the benefit of visitors, members, businesses and local residents. Using visitor research and customer feedback, the team facilitates the creation of new experiences, improves existing products and experiences, attracts and retains events, and promotes meaningful and memorable interactions aligned with the Whistler Brand. Learn more about Destination Development initiatives and opportunities.
Travel Trade
The Travel Trade department is responsible for driving room nights through tour operators, travel agents and online travel channels in key and emerging markets. The team works with trade and industry partners on various sales activities, including co-operative marketing campaigns, tradeshows, familiarization tours, in-market sales missions and resort-wide packaging strategies. For tour operators: Trade.Whistler.com.
Travel Media
The Travel Media team is responsible for influencing travel media to create positive travel stories in print, online and broadcast. Activities include positive outreach to media outlets, in-market media missions, in-resort media visits and familiarization tours, along with securing exposure through TV broadcast productions. For media: Media.Whistler.com.
Conference Sales
The Conference Sales department is responsible for bringing the meeting, conference and incentive (MC&IT) travel business to Whistler and the Whistler Conference Centre. Various sales efforts are conducted, including in-market sales missions, tradeshows, site inspections, familiarization tours and marketing initiatives. For meeting planners: Meetings.Whistler.com.
Conference Services
Conference Services works closely with the Conference Sales department, Facilities Operations and Centerplate (food and beverage contractor) to manage operations and fulfill the guest experience in the Whistler Conference Centre (WCC). In addition to conference and event logistics and operations, the Conference Services team works closely with the Sales team on site inspections and familiarization tours. Learn about our Team.
Visitor Services
The Visitor Services department manages the daily operations of the Whistler Visitor Centre and works with resort partners to resolve guest service issues. In addition, the Visitor Services team facilitates resort-wide product knowledge sessions and provides information to delegate services for Whistler Conference Centre groups. Come see us at the Whistler Visitor Centre, or Contact Visitor Services.
Member Relations
The Member Relations department focuses on communication with Tourism Whistler Members, acting as a conduit for member interests within Tourism Whistler, representing members’ interests in discussions on Tourism Whistler directions and strategies, and ensuring that members are able to leverage benefits. Subscribe to the member newsletter for updates, or Contact Member Relations.
Finance
The Finance Department is responsible for all account reconciliations, payables and receivables, financial reporting including audited financial statements, budgets and forecasts.
Human Resources
Human Resources provides strong recruitment, orientation, training and performance management programs, ensuring a positive, high-performing team. Visit our Careers page.
Web Development & Information Technology
The Web Development and Information Technology (IT) department is responsible for the development and maintenance of Tourism Whistler’s technical infrastructure and for providing leadership in software requirements, data analysis, telecommunications and web technology.
Assessments
The Assessments department is responsible for the administration of the annual Member Assessment fees and is the primary contact for any questions from Members regarding the usage of their properties or the billing of their Assessment fees. Learn More.
Whistler Golf Club
The Whistler Golf Club (WGC) delivers a world class resort golf experience at the Arnold Palmer designed course, with the goal of driving sufficient net profit to fund capital re-investment, servicing of debt and reinvestment in resort-wide golf marketing. Revenue is generated through green fees, season passes, rental equipment, food and beverage, retail sales and instructional programs. The team also creates creative programs to encourage participation in golf. For more golf information: WhistlerGolf.com
Building Operations
The Building Operations department manages the buildings of the Whistler Conference Centre (WCC), the Whistler Golf Club (WCG) and the Driving Range. The team is also responsible for organization-wide energy management, waste management, and health and safety programs, as well as shipping, receiving and distribution.