Room to Shine Spotlight Series — Introducing Michelle Thompson
Get ready to meet the heart and soul of Kamloops in our Room to Shine Spotlight Series! Each month, we're pulling back the curtain to celebrate the incredible individuals who make this city what it is today. From leading visionaries to the behind-the-scenes heroes, these stories will dive into the grit, passion, and genuine spirit that keep Kamloops shining bright. So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let's shine a light on what makes this place unforgettable - its people.
The heart of any great city is its people, the ones who quietly keep things running, who take pride in their craft, and who show up every single day to make experiences better for everyone else. In Kamloops, Michelle Thompson is one of those people.
As a Front Office Manager with Best Western Plus, with nearly 14 years of experience in hospitality, Michelle represents the steady, dependable force that keeps Kamloops' tourism industry thriving. She's not looking for the spotlight - in fact, she'd rather cheer from the sidelines, but her dedication to doing work that matters deserves recognition.
Michelle's journey to Kamloops began when her family transitioned from Nelson, BC for her father's career. After spending some time in Kelowna, she made the move to Kamloops, and as she puts it, "the rest is history." What started as an interesting field of study, Tourism and Hospitality Management, has turned into a career built on organization, efficiency, and genuine care for her team and guests.
We're excited to spotlight a Kamloops champion like Michelle!
TK: Michelle, how did you first get into the tourism industry?
"I Thought it looked like an interesting field and decided to take the Tourism and Hospitality Management course. It was long ago now, but I graduated with honors in courses like Event Management, Restaurant, Hotel and Resort Management."
What began as curiosity evolved into nearly 14 years of hands-on experience managing the front-of-house operations that serve as the first impression for countless visitors to Kamloops. Her education laid the foundation, but it's her commitment to excellence that has defined her career.
TK: What fuels you? What drives your passion for the work you do?
"I wouldn't say I have a burning passion for this specific type of work, but I do care about doing it well. What fuels me is doing work that contributes to something organized and efficient. I take pride in keeping things running smoothly and supporting the team. I like seeing the results of a job done well and knowing I've helped along the way."
This kind of honest, grounded perspective is exactly what makes hospitality work in Kamloops. Michelle doesn't need fanfare, she finds fulfillment in the quality of her work, in supporting her team, and in knowing that her attention to detail creates better experiences for guests. It's the behind-the-scenes dedication that makes tourism feel seamless.
Her goals reflect the same steady approach: continuous improvement. The hospitality industry has taught her invaluable skills in communication, patience, and problem-solving, skills that strengthen not just her career, but the entire team around her.
TK: On your day off, what's your absolute favorite thing to do in Kamloops?
"Golfing! Kamloops and the surrounding areas have some spectacular golf courses. I've done most of them now, but we have so many choices so it never gets boring."
With Kamloops' renowned sunshine and diverse terrain, it's no surprise that Michelle takes advantage of the region's outstanding golf scene. From challenging courses to stunning views, the variety keeps every round fresh and exciting—a perfect way to unwind after managing the organized chaos of front office operations.
TK: What makes Kamloops stand out for you?
"I like that Kamloops has such easy access to the outdoors—lakes, trails, and sunshine most of the year. It's nice living somewhere that has that mix of work and nature, especially if you enjoy being active or outdoors."
Michelle captures something essential about Kamloops: it's a place where you can work hard and play hard, where the outdoors is never more than a few minutes away, and where that balance becomes part of daily life. As she puts it, "Kamloops has been a steady place to grow, both personally and professionally. It's not flashy, but it's friendly, real, and full of good people who make it a great place to be."
That's the Kamloops spirit in a nutshell, authentic, welcoming, and grounded in community.
For those who cross paths with Michelle in her role, you'll encounter someone who takes pride in doing things right, who values efficiency and teamwork, and who contributes to making Kamloops hospitality what it is: warm, organized, and genuinely caring. She may prefer to cheer from the sidelines, but her work speaks volumes about what makes this city shine.
Best Western Plus Kamloops
