Kelowna, BC (May 3, 2023): The winners of the 2023 BC Hotel Association Awards of Excellence were announced on May 2, 2023, during the Summit Spring Fling—an event that marked the culmination of the 2023 BCHA Summit, held from May 1-2, 2023, at Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna. The awards ceremony celebrated exceptional accomplishments in British Columbia’s accommodation sector and highlighted the remarkable strength and talent of the industry.

The BCHA Summit Spring Fling was an eagerly awaited occasion that brought together more than 200 industry leaders and influencers for a memorable evening of celebration. The event was graced by the presence of the Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, who presented all seven awards to the deserving winners and gave a powerful speech on the resilience and strength of the hospitality sector. Also among the esteemed guests were Mayor Tom Dyas, Mayor of Kelowna, and Kelowna City Councillor, Maxine DeHart. The crowd was entertained by the outstanding comedy performance of MC CJ Wilkins, while Okanagan-inspired cuisine added flavor to the night. The talented Andrew Johns and the Yellow Brick Road Experience kept the energy high, and had guests dancing with their lively performance, making the evening truly unforgettable.

The winners and finalists for the 2023 BC Hotel Association Awards of Excellence are as follows:

• Hotelier of the Year | Sponsored by Encore Canada
  • WINNER: Trina White, General Manager, The Parkside Hotel & Spa
    • Estreya Gosalbez, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
    • Cyrus Merchant, Regional Director, Sandman Hotel Group
    • Sarah Vallely, General Manager, OPUS Vancouver
    • Sarah Webb, General Manager, Oswego Hotel
• Hotel of the Year | Sponsored by ADA Cosmetics
  • WINNER: Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa
    • Oswego Hotel
    • The Parkside Hotel & Spa
    • Robin Hood Inn & Suites
    • Versante Hotel
• Housekeeping Award | Sponsored by Integral Services Group
  • WINNER: Coast Prince George by APA
    • Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
    • Hotel Zed Kelowna
    • Sandman Suites Vancouver – Davie Street
    • The Parkside Hotel & Spa
    • The Versante Hotel
• Heart of Hospitality Award | Sponsored by Pomeroy Lodging
  • WINNER: Kunal Dighe, Executive Chef, JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
    • Richard Benson, Executive Chef, Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa
• Supplier of the Year Award | Sponsored by Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
  • WINNER: SONA
    • Bichin Laundry Equipment
    • Haddon Equipment & Supplies
• Leader of the Future | Sponsored by FortisBC
  • WINNER: Pink Yu, Director of Operations and Marketing, Robin Hood Inn & Suites
    • Anna McAlary, Treatment Manager, Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Pacific Rim
• Recruitment Award | Sponsored by WorkSafeBC
  • WINNER: Accent Inns Inc
    • Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

“We are thrilled to celebrate the winners of the 2023 BCHA Awards of Excellence,” said Ingrid Jarrett, President and CEO of the BC Hotel Association (BCHA). “Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and the overall advancement of our industry has elevated the standard for the provincial accommodation sector. We are delighted to recognize their outstanding contributions and thank both the winners and all nominees for their integral role in making hotels in British Columbia such phenomenal places to work, visit, and enjoy.”

Learn more about this annual event designed to celebrate and drive success in BC’s hospitality sector by visiting www.bchasummit.com.
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About the BC Hotel Association
The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) is a non-profit organization that has advocated for the best interests of the province’s accommodation sector since 1917. Working closely with over 750 members, partner organizations, and all levels of government, the BCHA champions solutions to issues that affect the successful operations of accommodation businesses including the workforce shortage, labour mobility, the impact of short-term vacation rentals, and more. Through advocacy, education, and communication the BCHA promotes responsible and safe hospitality practices and drives economic, social, and environmental sustainability. For more information, visit www.bcha.com.

Media Contact
Kelsey Millman
Communications Manager
BC Hotel Association
kelsey@bcha.com
778.994.2825