Tourism Revelstoke welcomes six new board members to guide future strategic direction.

Following a robust application process, Tourism Revelstoke (previously known as the Revelstoke Accommodation Association) is excited to welcome six new board members to help represent the diverse tourism landscape in Revelstoke. The new board will work to support continued collaboration across the community to sustainably move tourism forward in a way that benefits everyone in Revelstoke.

Non-Traditional Accommodator:

Nico Leenders (Revelstoke Property Services) - Nico has extensive experience in the tourism industry. Previously the marketing manager for Revelstoke Mountain Resort and member of the board of directors for Kootenay Rockies Tourism, Nico hopes to leverage the distinct advantages Revelstoke offers as a tourism destination, while supporting the interests of the community and its businesses who rely on tourism. Nico was a founder of the Luna Arts Festival and is the current Director of Hospitality for WesternTrust, the parent company of Revelstoke Property Services.

Experience Providers:

Mike Brown (The Taco Club) - As the owner and operator of The Taco Club for ten years, Mike has established himself in the community as a valued food and beverage provider. His previous board experience and sustainable vision for the future of tourism in Revelstoke makes him an excellent addition to the board. His vision for tourism is “One in which a strong tourism industry complements our existing community rather than supplanting it. While we continue to promote Revelstoke to the world, we take steps to ensure that our local infrastructure can support the people that live here, especially with respect to adequate housing and access to affordable services.”

Carol Palladino (Revelstoke Arts & Culture) - Carol has a deep appreciation for the arts and culture scene in Revelstoke. She is the current president of Arts BC, and is a founding and current member of Arts Revelstoke. Her breadth of experience includes positions in community economic development, finance, and community futures as a business analyst. Her goal is to expand the tourism offering in Revelstoke to include more arts and culture opportunities. “After 15 years developing and raising our profile as an adventure destination, I believe that it’s time to articulate and communicate our opportunities for a more diverse experience; in particular our growing cultural sector…year round, and especially during shoulder seasons.”

Cheryl Swanson (Revy Riders Dirt Bike Club) - Cheryl has extensive advisory board experience in the snowmobile and dirt bike realm. She plans to utilize her event planning experience to develop shoulder season activation and expand the perspective of what recreational tourists think of when they hear ‘Revelstoke’. Cheryl’s vision is to plan for long term sustainability while curbing the exploitation of the community so that tourism growth can occur without losing our small town charm.

Dave Pehowich (Fineline SUP & Fly, Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing) - Dave’s career in the tourism industry spans 30 years. As the current general manager of Selkirk Tangiers yet also running his own small adventure-tourism business, Dave understands the value of a diverse tourism offering. “I would like to help balance growth between larger tourism companies and the small operators. I believe that diversity is key to attract tourists to our small town in all economic climates.”

Revelstoke Mountain Resort appointment:

Kevin Manuel (Revelstoke Mountain Resort) - Overseeing all aspects of marketing at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Kevin works closely with local, regional, and provincial DMOs to showcase Revelstoke’s unique experiences. Kevin is a member of the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Board of Directors and the Tourism Marketing Committee for Destination British Columbia. He brings over ten years of experience in a senior marketing role with a diverse skill set and plans to advocate for the responsible and sustainable development of Revelstoke's tourism economy.

The new board members will attend their first meeting on July 13 and join long standing directors:

Peter Nielsen (Sutton Place Hotel, Sandman Hotel, Revelstoke Mountain Resort)

Brady Beruschi (Regent Hotel, Best Western Plus, Stoke Hotel, 112, River City Pub, Cheers liquor stores)

Eric Scarcella (Swiss Chalet Motel)

Stephen Jenkins (The Explorers Society Hotel, Quartermaster Eatery)

James Ngo (Revelstoke Lodge)

For more information on the new board or how to get involved with tourism in Revelstoke, please contact media@seerevelstoke.com.