Room to Shine: Helping Visitors Discover Kamloops with Jahzeiah Dubria
Every month, Room to Shine highlights the people who help make Kamloops a great place to live, work and visit. This month, we’re shining a light on Jahzeiah Dubria, Guest Experience Manager at Rocky Mountaineer.
Jahzeiah was nominated by her peers for her exceptional leadership and dedicated support. Her nominators highlighted the time she invests in expanding her team’s knowledge of Kamloops, creating opportunities for growth through shared community experiences and local events.
Finding Her Way Into Tourism
Jahzeiah's hospitality career began back in 2017, when she took on the role of a Front Desk Agent at Sandman Signature Kamloops. Her three years at the hotel gave her a strong foundation in hospitality and guest relations.
During her time at Sandman Signature, she was introduced to Rocky Mountaineer through the train passengers regularly staying at the hotel. She became fascinated by the level of service and memorable travel experiences the company created for its guests.
When the COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty to the tourism industry, Jahzieah, like many others, wasn't sure what came next. But when an opportunity opened up at Rocky Mountaineer in 2021, she decided to take a chance on something new. Despite some initial hesitation about the industry's future, joining the team proved to be a rewarding step, opening the door to new opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Shaping First Impressions Through Shared Experiences
As Guest Experience Manager, Jahzeiah believes her team’s role goes beyond just welcoming travellers aboard the train. They're shaping visitors' first impressions of Kamloops. Jahzeiah shared that one of the ways she encourages staff to learn more about Kamloops is through Tourism Kamloops' "Learn in the Loops" program, while also encouraging them to get out and explore local walking tours, keep up with community happenings, and experience the city firsthand. As she puts it, sharing a recommendation that starts with "I've been there, and here's what I loved about it!" creates a much more genuine connection with guests.
Jahzeiah also makes team bonding a priority, organizing outings that help staff connect with each other and the community. From paintball and hockey games to farmers' markets, cooking classes, and visits to local wineries and cideries, there's always something bringing the team together. Most recently, they rallied to support a fellow colleague performing in Little Shop of Horrors with Western Canada Theatre.
Local Lore and Lakeside Adventure
One of Jahzeiah’s favourite things to share with visitors is the story behind the name Kamloops. Derived from the Secwepemc name Tk'emlúps, commonly translated as “the meeting of the rivers,” it refers to where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet. She also enjoys sharing the city’s lesser-known stories, from its Gold Rush and railway history to Coyote stories in Secwepemc culture and Kamloops’ unique inverted treeline. Another fun fact she learned this year is that Kamloops has a Latin city motto, “Salus et Opus,” meaning "Health and Work.” For Jahzeiah, there’s always something new to discover, and she loves helping visitors see there's more to Kamloops than meets the eye.
When she's off the clock, Jahzeiah enjoys getting out on the water and making the most of the 100+ lakes within an hour of Kamloops. Kayaking and paddleboarding are a few of her favourite pastimes, often followed by a stop at a local café or restaurant or checking out what's happening around the city. For Jahzeiah, it's the people and sense of community that make Kamloops feel like home. What started as the place where she began her career has grown into somewhere she's proud to call home.
And one thing that might surprise people about Jahzeiah? She loves a good karaoke night!
"I definitely wasn't blessed with a singer's voice, but what I lack in vocal talent, I make up for in confidence and enthusiasm! Let's just say I might not hit all the right notes, but I'll always give it my best performance!"
Thank You, Jahzeiah!
Whether she's organizing team outings, supporting her staff's professional development, or helping visitors form lasting first impressions of Kamloops, Jahzeiah shows how investing in people and local knowledge can strengthen the visitor experience. Her approach is a great reminder of the role tourism businesses play in building community pride and creating a welcoming destination.
Thank you, Jahzeiah, for helping Kamloops shine!
