This year’s Top 40 Under 40 Celebration, which will take place virtually on September 30, is particularly special to Tourism Kelowna as our very own Director of Visitor Experience, Chris Lewis, is among those being recognized.

Those who know Chris will understand why he has been included amongst other community trailblazers. Not only has he successfully led a number of initiatives during his seven years with Tourism Kelowna, but he also volunteers his time to a several organizations within the Central Okanagan. 

Chris serves as a Member of Influence on the Okanagan Young Professionals’ Advisory Board and is on the Board of Directors for the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce. He has volunteered with Lake Country Community Policing since 2015 and is currently the organization’s President. For more than seven years, Chris has donated his time to support the Canadian Cancer Society. He is also an active volunteer with Emergency Support Services. 

“Being involved with non-profits and community groups helps to remind me every day why our community is such an incredible place to live and visit," says Lewis. "There are so many passionate individuals recognized in this year’s 40 Under 40 and I am honoured to be included among them.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kelowna Chamber of Commerce (@kelownachamber) on

In his current leadership role, Chris oversees our visitor experience team at the Kelowna Visitor Centre and airport information kiosk. Chris’ efforts during the planning, construction, and opening phases of the Kelowna Visitor Centre were instrumental. Since the centre opened, Chris and his team have worked tirelessly to continue improving and innovating—the installation of solar panels, Sustainable Tourism Gold Certification, and certification through the Rick Hansen Accessibility program are just a few of the initiatives that have been successfully achieved with Chris at the helm. 

The Top 40 Under 40 is not the only recognition Chris has received during his career; in 2016, he was also recognized in Destination International’s 30 Under 30. He was awarded with the Community Volunteer Leadership Award for the Canadian Cancer Society in 2017, and more recently, in January of this year, was recognized for five years of volunteer service with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police E Division.  

Be sure to join in the virtual celebration on September 30 to celebrate Chris and the rest of this year's honourees, including several within the tourism industry:

  • Ross Derrick, Broken Anchor / Codfather's Seafood
  • Jillian Haller, Kelowna Concierge
  • Russ Latimer, Black Mountain Golf Club
  • Adam Relvas, Relvas Catering and The Sandwich Company