The Tourism Kelowna Society hosted its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, May 21, at the Coast Capri Hotel, where members and stakeholders gathered to review the organization’s 2024 Report to the Community, welcome the newly appointed 2025–26 Board of Directors, and share an optimistic outlook for the year ahead. 

Following the challenges of 2023, Kelowna’s tourism industry rebounded in 2024, welcoming 2.1 million total trips, representing 6.4 million total nights, and generating an estimated $1.2 billion in visitor spending. As one of the region’s most significant economic generators, tourism contributes a total economic output of $2.4 billion and supported more than 12,000 jobs, underscoring its continued impact on local prosperity and community vibrancy. 

“While 2024 presented distinct challenges, overall, it was a positive year for tourism," said Kelly Watt, Chair of Tourism Kelowna's Board of Directors. "The strong visitation numbers are a direct reflection of the hard work, strategic planning and adaptability of both Tourism Kelowna and our local tourism and hospitality businesses.”

Building on the success of 2024, Tourism Kelowna is optimistic about the year ahead with first-quarter visitation and spending for 2025 showing year-over-year increases. These increases are due in great part to the success of the Montana’s Brier that took place in March of 2025.

“We’re encouraged by the strong results from our first quarter,” said Watt. “Our Strategic Plan is designed to sustain this momentum, and with exciting opportunities on the horizon like Kelowna’s bid to become a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and hosting the Canadian Country Music Awards in September, we’re well-positioned to elevate our reputation as a dynamic, four-season destination.” 

The Society’s board will continue work on Tourism Kelowna’s strategic plan, including efforts to support local tourism businesses facing challenges from climate change and increasing cost of business operations. The board will elect directors to executive roles at the upcoming May board meeting.  


2025-26 Tourism Kelowna Society Board of Directors

Elected 

  • Audrey Surrao, RauDZ Creative Concepts Ltd. 
  • Clee Varon, Iconic Wines of BC 
  • Dale Sivucha, Coast Capri Hotel
  • Daniel Ruel, PR Hotels 
  • Edan Fay, The Royal Kelowna 
  • Heather Courtney, Sandhill Winery 
  • Jason Guyitt, Argus Hotels 
  • Jillian Haller, Kelowna Concierge 
  • Joanna Schlosser, Quails’ Gate Winery/Niche Wine Co.  
  • Kelly Watt, Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna 
  • Michael J. Ballingall, Big White Ski Resort  
  • Tara Gerald, Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort 

Appointed  

  • Elyse Godard, President Kelowna Hotel Motel Association (Hotel Zed)
  • Councillor Loyal Wooldridge, City of Kelowna 
  • Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport 
  • Thom Killingsworth, Past Chair (Kelowna Yacht Club) 
  • Councillor Tricia Brett, District of Lake Country 
  • TBD, Westbank First Nation  

“I am extremely proud of the work that the Board, our team, and our members have done this past year,” said Lisanne Ballantyne, President & CEO of Tourism Kelowna. “As we move through 2025, Tourism Kelowna remains committed to supporting our tourism and hospitality businesses in the Central Okanagan by focusing our work on four strategic pillars of seasonality, destination management, organizational excellence, and stakeholder collaboration. We are grateful to our members for their invaluable support and insights that guide us to create a sustainable and vibrant tourism economy." 

 
2024 Accomplishments  

A few select highlights of Tourism Kelowna’s 2024’s accomplishments include: 

  • Secured 174 leads for meetings, sports, and major events, generating 55,000 potential room nights and an estimated economic impact of over $57.6 million 
  • Profiled the destination in 220 travel media articles, with an advertising value of over $15 million. 
  • Implemented destination attraction campaigns with the District of Lake Country and Visit Westside, and recovery and response campaigns with the Kelowna Hotel Motel Association and Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. 
  • In partnership with the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission and Accelerate Okanagan, leveraged the collaborative OKGO program to generate 12 business event leads with a potential economic impact of $2.3 million and earned an Economic Developers Association of Canada 2024 Marketing Awards for Community Collaboration. 
  • Welcomed nearly 250,000 guests to the Kelowna Visitor Centre (KVC) and provided visitor services for Kelowna International Airport, Lake Country District, and special events throughout Kelowna.
  • Generated $587,000 in revenue through Tourism Kelowna retail sales in-store and online, including $258,000 in consignment sales for more than 100 local businesses and artisans.
  • Launched a visitor information chatbot, KAITI (Kelowna Artificial Intelligence Tourism Information), providing 24/7 service, 365 days per year. Launched in May 2024, KAITI had a total of 1,120 chats last year. 

For a complete look back at 2024’s accomplishments, please read Tourism Kelowna’s 2024 Report to the Community.

 

For more information: 

Lindsay Kelm, Travel Media & Communications
Tourism Kelowna 
250-861-1515 ext. 209 
lindsay.kelm@tourismkelowna.com