Meet Justin Tarasoff, Visitor Experience Specialist
Tourism Kamloops is pleased to introduce Justin Tarasoff, who has joined the team as Visitor Experience Specialist on a one year contract.
In this role, Justin will be working closely with our industry partners to help create remarkable experiences for both visitors and locals. He brings a strong belief that tourism is all about connection and is eager to support the work that helps people experience Kamloops in meaningful ways.
We asked Justin a few questions to help our industry partners get to know him a little better and to learn what he is most excited about in the year ahead:
What drew me to tourism, and why Tourism Kamloops?
I grew up in northern BC, where I spent my winters skiing and my summers skateboarding. Those experiences shaped how I connect with places and communities. I always knew I wanted a career that would let me share that passion for the outdoors with others, and tourism felt like the perfect fit. It brings together people, place, and experience in a way that really resonates with me.
That passion led me to the Tourism Management program at Thompson Rivers University. Through the program, I became more aware of Tourism Kamloops and the role it plays in promoting the region and supporting the industry. Seeing the organization’s involvement at TRU and its impact in the community made joining the team feel like a natural next step.
What excites me most about starting my career in tourism?
I’m most excited about building relationships. Tourism is such a people centered industry, and I’m energized by the opportunity to connect with visitors and industry partners while helping create positive experiences that leave a lasting impression. It’s also motivating to apply what I learned during my degree in a real world setting and start contributing in a tangible way.
How would I describe Kamloops in three words?
Beautiful, diverse, and welcoming. The landscape is incredible, but what stands out to me just as much is the sense of community. There’s diversity in the environment and in the people who live here, and there’s a genuine friendliness that makes you feel like you belong, whether you’ve lived here for years or just arrived.
What have skiing and skateboarding taught me that I bring into my work?
Both sports have taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of community. You do not improve without putting in the time, staying patient, and being willing to fall and try again. That mindset translates directly into my work. I try to show up prepared, stay adaptable, and keep moving forward even when things are challenging. They have also introduced me to strong communities, which has shaped how I value teamwork and communication.
What is my perfect Kamloops day?
It depends on the season, which is one of the things I love most about living here. In the winter, it would start with an early morning on the ski hill taking in the views. In the warmer months, I would be skateboarding at McArthur Island or exploring one of the local trails. I would wrap up the day at a local brewery with friends, supporting local businesses and enjoying the relaxed Kamloops atmosphere.
What is one hidden gem I think more people should know about?
Harper Mountain stands out to me. It has a strong community feel and reminds me of the ski hill I grew up riding in northern BC. It is only about 20 minutes from town, but it feels like a local secret. It is welcoming, authentic, and a great example of the kind of experience that makes Kamloops special.
What am I most excited about in leading the Roam Street Team this summer?
I’m really looking forward to being out in the community with a motivated group of individuals who are proud to represent Kamloops. I’m excited to engage with residents and visitors while also building a strong team dynamic and helping everyone feel confident promoting the destination. It is a hands on opportunity to combine leadership, community engagement, and destination promotion.
What kind of experience do I hope visitors have when they meet the Summer Crew?
I hope every interaction feels welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuine. Whether we are giving directions, recommending activities, or just having a conversation, I want visitors to walk away feeling informed, excited about their time here, and confident they can make the most of their stay.
What event am I especially looking forward to?
Rail Riot is one I’m particularly excited about. It began as a class project in my Tourism Management program at TRU and has grown into a community focused ski and snowboard event. Seeing something that started in a classroom evolve into a real event that brings people together is incredibly rewarding. It reflects what I love about tourism, which is creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to deepen my understanding of how the tourism industry operates, especially from a destination marketing and community engagement perspective. I’m looking forward to building strong relationships within the industry, continuing to develop my leadership skills, and gaining hands on experience representing Kamloops in the community. Most of all, I’m excited to grow professionally while helping create positive experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Tourism Kamloops is excited to see the impact Justin will have in this role and the connections he will build within our industry. We encourage our partners to reach out, introduce themselves, and connect with him directly at as we continue working together to showcase everything that makes Kamloops such a remarkable place.
