Highlights & Industry Updates

Dear Team Richmond,

As we approach the end of the year, I’m reflecting on what has been a busy and productive season for our team and partners. It’s been wonderful to see Richmond represented across key international markets — from Destination Canada’s sales mission in Asia to collaborations with EVA Airways and Destination BC, and several successful familiarization tours here at home. Our recent partnership with Northwest Territories Tourism and Air North also highlighted the value of cross-regional collaboration and the exciting opportunities it creates. 

Here in Richmond, our Industry Development team hosted the Live, Work and Travel in a Good Way workshop with Indigenous Tourism BC, bringing partners together for thoughtful conversations around respectful and responsible tourism. We’ve heard great feedback from participants and look forward to offering more learning opportunities in the future. 

We were also honoured to be named a finalist for the BCAMA (BC Chapter of the American Marketing Association) Marketer of the Year Awards — recognition that speaks to the creativity and collaboration of our team and partners. 

And closer to home, I’m pleased to share this year’s EPIC Tourism Award finalists, representing Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration across our industry: 

Excellence Award for Innovation 
• Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine 
• McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport 
• Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site 

Passion Award for Individual Achievement 
• Pat Lee – Jet-Lag Travel Fashion Boutique 
• Jose Diaz – Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina 
• Freddie Cruz – The Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport Hotel 

Integrity Award for Community Participation 
• The Story Café 
• Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina 
• Steveston Merchants Association 

Collaboration Award for Successful Partnership 
• Little Mexico Cantina 
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Riverport
• Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport 

We look forward to celebrating these outstanding partners and announcing the recipients at our Year End Celebration on November 27. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and collaboration. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together this season, and I look forward to building on this momentum as we move into the new year. 

All the best,

Nancy Small

Tourism Richmond Team Member

Chief Executive Officer