Tourism Kelowna’s newly appointed board has elected Thom Killingsworth to Chair the Board of Directors.

Thom Killingsworth

Over his career, Thom has held executive-level positions at several leading North American hotels and resorts including Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Fairmont Newport Beach, Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire, and Predator Ridge Resort. Most recently, Thom was Chief Operating Officer with Inn-Trust Hospitality and the Argus Group whose Kelowna and area portfolio currently includes the Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport, Gulfstream Restaurant, Hotel Eldorado Kelowna, Eldorado Marina, Manteo Resort Kelowna. Thom has recently taken the role of Executive Director with the Kelowna Yacht Club. Thom brings over 30 years of tourism and hospitality experience to his role as Chair at an important time of growth for both Tourism Kelowna and the Central Okanagan tourism industry.

Thom has been a member of the Tourism Kelowna board since December 2013, most recently serving as Vice-Chair.

“I look forward to continued work with our Board to further define Tourism Kelowna’s strategic direction to grow our local tourism industry and economy,” said Killingsworth. “Our goal for continued growth and to position Kelowna as a highly-desirable destination for year-round leisure and business travel remains a top priority as we aim to attract 3 million visitors annually by 2021.”

The complete list of Tourism Kelowna Board of Directors includes:

  • Chair: Thom Killingsworth, Kelowna Yacht Club
  • Vice-Chair: Tanya Stroinig, Prestige Hotels
  • Past-Chair: Stan Martindale, Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre
  • Treasurer: Heather Schroeter, Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel & Villas
  • Secretary: Debbie Dupasquier, Distinctly Kelowna Tours
  • Brent Lavery, Holiday Inn Express Kelowna Conference Centre
  • Dan Matheson, Okanagan Golf Club
  • David McFadden, Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm
  • Debra Harding, UBC Conferences and Accommodation
  • Gail Given, City of Kelowna
  • Katie Balkwill, Big White Ski Resort
  • Nataley Nagy, Kelowna Art Gallery
  • Patricia Leslie, Sandhill Wines / Andrew Peller Ltd.
  • Penny Gambell, District of Lake Country
  • Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport
  • Sean Coward, Kelowna Hotel Motel Association

About Tourism Kelowna

Working on behalf of over 370 local businesses, Tourism Kelowna is the lead destination marketing organization for the Central Okanagan generating overnight visitor demand that economically benefits Kelowna and its neighbouring communities. 

In 2016, over 1.9 million visitors came to Kelowna and area and spent $337 million dollars. Overall, our local tourism industry contributes over $1.25 billion in total economic output and provides nearly 12,000 jobs and generates $142 million in tax revenues.