Shows
TIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 44 - Mike RetasketTIABC's Voice of Tourism is a podcast that gives a voice to British Columbia's vibrant tourism industry. As a not-for-profit tourism industry association, Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) advocates for the interests of British Columbia's multi-billion dollar visitor economy. TIABC works collaboratively with its members to ensure the best working environment for a competitive tourism industry.In this episode, Walt Judas welcomes Mike Retasket, who currently serves as a Director for the Caribou Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, New Pathways to Gold Society, and TIABC, for a powerful conversation about Indigenous leadership, cultural preservation, and the...
2025-11-1340 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 43 - Brett SobergIn this episode of TIABC’s Voice of Tourism, Brett Soberg, co-owner and lead captain of Eagle Wing Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours, shares his journey from art school to marine ecotourism and his passion for protecting the Salish Sea.He discusses how Eagle Wing became North America’s first carbon-neutral whale watching company, the creation of their award-winning Floating Classroom program, and the balance between sustainability, regulation, and guest experience. Brett also reflects on life off-grid and the importance of collaboration in safeguarding marine ecosystems and the Southern Resident killer whales.
2025-11-0450 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 42 - Ben LiegeyIn this episode of TIABC's Voice of Tourism, Ben Liegey, founder and CEO of Better Table, shares his journey from Alsace, France, to Canada, where he focuses on food sustainability and reducing food waste in the tourism industry. He discusses the importance of understanding food waste, the impact of sustainability practices, and the role of culinary tourism and agritourism in British Columbia. Ben also highlights his documentary, Food Synergy, which aims to inspire change in food waste solutions across the food supply chain.
2025-10-1542 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 41 - Heather MacDonaldTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Heather MacDonald, Chief Integrative Officer of Gibbons Whistler, for an engaging conversation on leadership, workforce challenges, and the resort community’s future. Heather shares her journey from Perth, Australia to Whistler, starting as a server at Black’s Pub and working her way through finance and operations to help lead one of Whistler’s most dynamic tourism companies. She reflects on her experiences during the 2010 Winter Olympics, the growth of Gibbons into food and beverage, accommodation, recreation, and events, and the company’s mission to create joy for guests, staff, and the communit...
2025-09-1735 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 40 - Michael J. BallingallTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort Ltd., for a dynamic conversation on hospitality, ski tourism, and the future of winter recreation in BC. Michael shares his journey from Winnipeg to Jasper Park Lodge and eventually to the Okanagan, where he helped shape Big White into a world-class destination. He reflects on lessons learned in hospitality, his time working abroad in Australia, and the unique attributes that make Big White stand out—including its legendary champagne powder and close proximity to Kelowna’s international airport. Michael also discusses the...
2025-09-1144 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 39 - Deneen AllenTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Deneen Allen, founder and CEO of Firecircle and Pure North Canada, for an inspiring conversation on entrepreneurship, innovation, and tourism development. Deneen shares her journey from boutique hospitality ventures in Ontario to building Canada’s first online tourism and hospitality development hub. She reflects on the challenges and opportunities she’s encountered working with rural operators, Indigenous communities, and entrepreneurs across the country, highlighting the importance of brand, operations, design, and financial management in building sustainable businesses. Deneen also discusses the regulatory barriers facing agritourism, the need for greater investment in tourism infr...
2025-08-2540 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 38 - Barrett FisherTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Barrett Fisher, President and CEO of Tourism Whistler, for an engaging conversation on destination management, major events, and community sustainability. Barrett shares her journey from journalism on Vancouver’s North Shore to leading one of Canada’s premier resort destinations for over three decades. She reflects on Whistler’s transformation before and after hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the community’s progress on housing and transportation, and the importance of balancing growth with responsible tourism. Barrett also discusses her organization’s unique funding model, efforts to extend the tourism season, and the po...
2025-08-1242 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 37 - Serge CorbeilTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Serge Corbeil, Director of Government and Community Relations for Air Canada, for a compelling conversation on aviation, tourism, and public policy. Serge shares his journey from Montreal to BC, moving from journalism and politics to the airline industry. He reflects on Air Canada’s impact on regional connectivity, the challenges of navigating government regulations, and his advocacy work with TIABC. As he approaches retirement, Serge offers insights on leadership, the value of collaboration in tourism, and his plans to focus on travel and marathon running.
2025-07-3042 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 36 - Sandra OldfieldTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Sandra Oldfield, founder of Elysian Projects and former CEO of Tinhorn Creek Winery, for a compelling conversation on entrepreneurship, wine tourism, and leadership. Sandra shares her journey from California to BC’s South Okanagan, reflecting on her role in building a destination winery and the lessons she’s carried into her work mentoring small businesses. She also discusses her contributions to tourism policy through her involvement with TOTA and TIABC, and how rural tourism operators can balance growth with personal well-being.
2025-07-1653 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 35 - Frank AntoineFrank Antoine, Chief of the Bonaparte First Nation and co-founder of Moccasin Trails, joins TIABC’s Voice of Tourism podcast to share his journey from ranching and golf to global Indigenous tourism leadership. He reflects on regenerative tourism, cultural sustainability, community building, and his vision for Indigenous-led tourism in BC and beyond.
2025-05-1438 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 34 - Kathy CooperTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Kathy Cooper, CEO of Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, for an engaging discussion on the evolution of tourism in the region. Kathy shares her journey from the hospitality industry to tourism leadership, highlighting how Kootenay Rockies Tourism has navigated challenges like transportation gaps, sustainability, and shifting community values. She also discusses the importance of strategic investments and thoughtful destination development in shaping the future of tourism in British Columbia.
2025-03-1834 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 33 - Brenda BaptisteTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Brenda Baptiste, Chair of Indigenous Tourism BC, for an engaging discussion on the transformative power of Indigenous tourism. Brenda shares her journey from community health nursing to tourism leadership, highlighting how cultural revitalization, economic development, and identity are deeply connected.
2025-03-0446 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 32 - Peter PilarskiTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Peter Pilarski, Founder of Tourism AI Network, to discuss his inspiring journey, the role of AI in overcoming industry challenges, and how tourism businesses can adopt new technologies to stay competitive and deliver world-class experiences.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.
2024-12-1939 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 31 - Ellen Walker-MatthewsTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO at Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association discuss her career path, her work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators are facing in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.
2024-11-2843 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 31 - Ellen Walker-MatthewsTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO at Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association discuss her career path, her work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators are facing in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.
2024-11-2043 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 30 - Amy ThackerTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Amy Thacker , CEO at Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association discuss her career path, her work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators are facing in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.
2024-09-2742 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 29 - Krista BaxTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Krista Bax, CEO at go2HR discuss her career path, her work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators are facing in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.
2024-09-1243 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 28 - Anthony EverettTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Anthony Everett, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer, 4VI Social Enterprise Group discuss his career path, his work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators are facing in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.
2024-08-2742 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 27 - Craig MurrayTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Craig Murray, Owner of Nimmo Bay Resort, discusses his career path, his work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators face in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.
2024-07-3133 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 26 - Dave ButlerTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Dave Butler, Vice-President, Sustainability, at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, discuss his career path, his work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators are facing in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about the CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures here.
2024-07-0943 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 25 - Nancy StibbardTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Nancy Stibbard, Owner and CEO of the Capilano Group of Companies, discuss her career path, her work in tourism through the Capilano Group's different businesses, and what challenges business owners & operators are facing in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about the Capilano Group here.
2024-06-2134 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 24 - Charlayne Thornton-JoeTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Visitor Experience and Facilities Coordinator at the Chinese Canadian Museum Society of British Columbia, discuss her career path, her work with tourism as a former Victoria City Councillor, and what BC's cities need to grow and prosper as tourism destinations.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about the Chinese Canadian Museum Society of British Columbia here.
2024-06-1343 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 23 - Sandra RichesTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Sandra Riches, Executive Director of BC AdventureSmart, discuss her career path, the importance of outdoor education, and the importance of tourism to BC's outdoor adventure sector.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about AdventureSmart here.
2024-05-2441 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 22 - Rachela PollockTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Rachela Pollock, host of the She Dares to Travel podcast, discuss her career path, the value of travel agents, and her travel experiences.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about the She Dares to Travel podcast here.
2024-04-1535 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 21 - Ingrid JarrettTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Ingrid Jarrett, President and CEO of the BC Hotel Association, discuss her career path, the interconnectedness of BC's tourism industry, and the state of BC's hotel sector.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about the BC Hotel Association here.
2024-03-2754 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 20 - Gladys AtrillTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Gladys Atrill, Executive Director of Tourism Smithers, discuss her career path, the need to foster domestic tourism, and the importance of a strong tourism industry in Britich Columbia.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about Tourism Smithers here.
2024-03-0143 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 19 - Cheryl MacKinnonTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Cheryl MacKinnon, Principal of Wellness Travel BC, discuss the growth of wellness travel following the pandemic, her work with the Association, and some of the policy issues affecting the industry that require government attention.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about Wellness Travel BC here.
2024-01-2640 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 18 - Brad HarrisonTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Brad Harrison, Executive Director of the Backcountry Lodges of British Columbia Association, discuss growing up in BC's backcountry, his work with the Association, and some of the policy issues affecting the industry that require government attention.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about the Backcountry Lodges of British Columbia Association here.
2023-12-2935 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 17 - Joanna JaggerTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Joanna Jagger, Founder and President of the WORTH (Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality) Association, discuss the importance of supporting women in BC's tourism industry, her vision for the organization in the future, and some of the policy issues affecting the industry that require government attention.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about the WORTH Association here.
2023-12-2240 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 16 - Dave CowenTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Dave Cowen, CEO of the Butchart Gardens. Together, they discuss the importance of BC's tourism sector, the impact of climate change and environmental impacts on the garden, and some of the policy issues currently affecting the industry that require government attention.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about the Butchart Gardens here.
2023-11-2138 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 15 - Paul Nursey & Lisanne BallantyneTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Paul Nursey, President and CEO of Destination Greater Victoria, and Lisanne Ballantyne, President and CEO of Tourism Kelowna. Together, they discuss the importance of BC's tourism sector, recovery following the impact of this summer's wildfires, and some of the policy issues currently affecting the industry that require government attention.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about Destination Greater Victoria here.Learn more about Tourism Kelowna here.
2023-10-2454 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 14 - Christopher NicolsonTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Christopher Nicholson, CEO of Canada West Ski Areas Association, discuss the ski tourism sector and some of the policy issues affecting the industry that require government attention.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about the Canada West Ski Areas Association here.
2023-10-1347 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 13 - Dave FrankTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Dave Frank, Executive Director of the British Columbia Aviation Council about the work they're doing for members around the province, the policy and advocacy challenges facing the aviation and tourism sectors, and how we can move towards a more sustainable aviation industry.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about the British Columbia Aviation Council here
2023-09-2946 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 12 - Martin LittlejohnTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Martin Littlejohn, Executive Director of the Western Canadian Mountain Bike Tourism Association (MBTA), about the work they're doing for members around the province, the importance of the industry as part of BC's tourism economy, and the supports needed for local bike clubs.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about the Western Canadian Mountain Bike Tourism Association here
2023-09-1543 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 11 - Scott EllisTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Scott Ellis, CEO and Executive Director of the Guide Outfitters Association of BC, about the work they're doing for members around the province, his thoughts on the grizzly bear hunt in BC, and better controlling wildlife activities.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Follow the Guide Outfitters Association of BC on Facebook and Instagram
2023-09-0845 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 10 - Scott BentonTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Scott Benton, President of the BC River Outfitters Association, about the role they play in BC’s tourism section, the advocacy role they play for their members, and the impacts of the pandemic on the river rafting sector.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Follow the BC River Outfitters Association on Facebook and Instagram
2023-09-0135 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 9 - John WilsonTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with John Wilson, President and CEO of the Wilson’s Group of Companies, about the work they’re doing in BC’s transportation section, his journey into leading a diverse portfolio of businesses, and the issues currently facing tourism operators including labour shortages and debt repayment. --Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sectorFollow Wilson’s Group of Companies on LinkedIn
2023-08-1038 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 8 - Erin GlessTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Erin Gless, Executive Director of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, about the work they're doing on behalf of members and the impact of their research on ecotourism in British Columbia.
2023-06-0237 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 7 - Angela NagyTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Angela Nagy, President and CEO of GreenStep Solutions, about the work GreenStep Solutions does to help organizations measure their sustainability importance, the importance of certification training, and where the tourism & hospitality industry needs to go.
2023-05-0137 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 6 - Jeff GuignardTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Jeff Guignard, Executive Director ofthe Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC), about the work ABLE BC does on behalf of private liquor and cannabis operators, some of the issues they face currently, and how government can assist this sector in its economic recovery following the pandemic.
2023-04-2442 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 5 - Philip MondorTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Philip Mondor, President and CEO of Tourism HR Canada, about the tourism workforce shortage in Canada and the issues associated with it, government policy, and other initatives in the tourism labour market.
2023-03-2028 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 4 - Owen BirdTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Owen Bird, Executive Director of the Sport Fishing Institute of BC, about the sport fishing sector, sustainable fishing, and fishery management.
2023-03-1331 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 3 - Ross CloutierTIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Ross Cloutier, Executive Director of Helicat Canada, discuss the adventure tourism sector as well as tenure security, wildlife management, and other policies that require government attention.
2022-12-0130 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 2- Kathy MacRaeTourist Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) CEO and Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Kathy MacRae, Executive Director of the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of British Columbia, about the association and the Adventure Tourism Coalition's proposed Adventure Tourism Policy.
2022-12-0124 minTIABC's Voice of TourismEpisode 1 - Joss PennyIn TIABC's Voice of Tourism inaugural episode, host Walt Judas, CEO of Tourist Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC), speaks with Joss Penny, Executive Director of the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association, about the camping sector including what's new, taxation, more.
2022-11-3030 min
Mountain Escapes | A Backcountry PodcastMountain Escapes | Episode 10 - Walt Judas, TIABCYour host and backcountry veteran Brad Harrison is privileged to have an opportunity to chat with Walt Judas, Executive Director of the Tourism Industry Association of BC. Walt is one of the most influential people on the industry side of tourism in our province. We strongly recommend listening to this episode if you are involved in tourism in any fashion, be it a frontline employee, sector representative, club member, government staff, educator, owner/operator, marketer or just enjoy the many opportunities that tourism in BC presents. Make sure you catch Walt's insightful answers to some challenging questions.
2022-07-2828 min
Anime UnveiledThe Greatest CanadianIn this episode of Anime Unveiled, we follow the life of Martha Walden a influential Canadian politician. We discuss some of the game changing decisions she has made, and her affect on both the tourism agency and the advertisement industry. I also interview both Holly Robinson and Yuri Jin Talbot, who provide a unique perspective on tourism and living in Canada.
Works cited:
“Destination British Columbia”, Accessed October 24 2020
https://www.destinationbc.ca/who-we-are/the-power-of-tourism-bc/
“Destination Canada”, Accessed October 22 2020
https://www.destinationcanada.com/en/about-us
Korstrom Glen. “Martha Walden to become CEO at Destination Canada”, August 18 2020, Acceded October 25 2020
https://biv.com/article/2020...
2020-12-1111 min
BIV TodayB.C. tourism sector asking for $680 million in provincial reliefThe tourism and hospitality sector employs roughly 300,000 British Columbians and is seeking $680 million in initial relief and stimulus from the provincial government to address a significant decline in business. Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), discusses the proposal with Kirk LaPointe, BIV's publisher and editor-in-chief.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2020-07-2324 min