For Immediate Release
Tourism Kamloops adds three new team members to support year-round destination development – and take “one more night” to the next level for visitors
Kamloops, British Columbia, March 2, 2022 – Tourism Kamloops is pleased to announce the addition of three skilled tourism professionals to its team, increasing the organization's capacity to deliver impactful destination development solutions for visitors, residents, and business owners in Kamloops.
New team members include Nic Zdunich, Destination Development Manager; Holly Therrien, Destination Experience Manager; and Anam Rahman, Community Engagement Coordinator.
“As Tourism Kamloops evolves from a destination marketing organization to a destination management organization, we needed to build our destination development capacity. Our strategic plan is clear; it outlines our opportunity to step up as a community leader in new ways by solidifying our city-wide partnerships, facilitating conversations focused on destination gaps and opportunties, and taking the vision of building community to the next level,” explains Tourism Kamloops CEO Monica Dickinson. “With newly dedicated team resources, Tourism Kamloops is able to pursue more opportunities in this space and make 2023 our strongest year yet.”
The new team members will be working towards initiatives that level seasonal peaks and valleys, drive “one more night”, develop and attract new products and experiences (all with competitiveness in mind) and build community pride and connectedness. “Destination development isn’t just about the visitor – as a destination increases its tourism offerings it enriches our local lifestyle, creates jobs (directly and indirectly), and infuses our local economy with more non-resident dollars,” says Dickinson.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to collaborate with an energetic team to create vibrant public spaces for the benefit of locals and visitors,” Zdunich beams. “From public space activation to transforming back alleys, let’s break new ground and continuously try new things.” As Destination Development Manager, Zdunich is responsible for executing strategies that provide value to the Kamloops tourism industry and enhance the city’s tourism competitiveness.
In her role as Destination Experience Manager, Therrien will act as an ambassador for the Kamloops region and its stakeholders. “I’m most excited for the opportunity to work with a fun and progressive group of people and alongside so many others in the community interested in developing and promoting great experiences in Kamloops,” explains Therrien.
As Community Engagement Coordinator, Rahman is tasked with supporting industry and stakeholder event development and execution for Tourism Kamloops. “Working with such an empowered and energetic team is my favourite part,” explains Rahman. “There is never a boring day here!”
With these new team members in place, Tourism Kamloops is strongly positioned to construct a predictable tourism economy that is sustainable year-round.
“The City of Kamloops is doing very meaningful work with community in-mind,” explains Dickinson. “Our role is to elevate, support and help achieve strategic goals outlined in their Official Community Plan, neighbourhood plans, Recreation Master Plan, and new cultural strategy. We know that visitor dollars propel the ability to make city-wide plans come to fruition; our team will drive towards this.”
Dickinson adds, “We are now in a place where we have the capacity to be part of city-wide Destination Master Plan discussions. A unified vision for our city to be the destination of choice for target audiences.”
- 30 -
About Tourism Kamloops
Tourism Kamloops leads strategic destination marketing, partners, and collaborates with stakeholders, and supports development to promote Kamloops as a distinct and desirable tourism destination. Their goal is to increase tourism revenues through the delivery of innovative, results-based marketing strategies.
Learn more about Tourism Kamloops: https://www.tourismkamloops.com/
Media Contact:
Christina Pilarski, Tourism Kamloops Media Liaison
CIPR Communications
P: 403-836-8249
E: christina@ciprcommunications.com
