With the Partners in Tourism Invitational Golf Tournament fast approaching on August 28, we’re reflecting on what this event truly embodies: a moment for our industry to gather, reconnect and invest in the people who will shape its future.

Hosted at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, this annual tournament raises pivotal funds that empower emerging tourism and hospitality professionals to find their footing in our dynamic, ever-evolving industry. It’s a day defined by connection, where leaders unite not only to play, but to give back, mentor and cultivate the next generation, ensuring the future of our industry continues to thrive.

The Fairmont brand is proud to champion this initiative alongside Partners in Tourism (PIT), working together to develop emerging leaders and showcase the best of our industry across the Pacific Northwest.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what first inspired you to pursue a career in tourism and hospitality?

I actually started out in a completely different field. I have a degree in criminology and a certificate in policing. I graduated right in the middle of COVID, when most training had to be done in groups or wasn’t happening at all, so job opportunities in that path were scarce. Not wanting to lose momentum after graduating, I decided to use the time to study for the LSAT, which I took a few times.

Between study sessions, I gravitated toward creative projects, such as teaching myself to crochet, knit, make jewelry and candles. I’ve always been drawn to aesthetics, from fashion to interior design, and the more I explored these interests, the more I realized I wanted a career that allowed me to bring that creativity into my everyday work.

This is what led me back to school for a Marketing Management diploma at BCIT. In the second year of the program, you choose a specialization and at first, tourism wasn’t on my radar; I was nervous about pigeonholing myself. But after talking with my professors, I realized just how diverse and cross-functional the industry is. Tourism can take you in so many directions, and that versatility is what made me excited to pursue it.

How Did You First Get connected with partners in tourism?

It began with my professor, David Tikkanen, who is the head of the Tourism Marketing & Sales option at BCIT and also sits on the Partners in Tourism board. He introduced our class to the organization, invited us to attend their events, and encouraged us to connect with people in the industry. Those first events gave me a sense of how open and welcoming the tourism community can be. People were generous with their time, happy to share advice, and genuinely interested in where we wanted to take our careers.

Your PIT placement brought you to Fairmont Pacific Rim. What stands out most from that experience?

The PIT placements are incredible because they can take you into so many corners of the tourism industry. Hotel internships are especially sought-after for the exposure they provide to every department, offering a holistic view of operations and helping you discover where your strengths and interests align. I was able to tailor my internship toward Event Sales and Marketing, something I valued because my past work experience had already shown me the areas I wanted to focus on.

During my internship, I explored both departments in depth and saw how they connect. From the start, I was trusted with meaningful projects that challenged me to adapt quickly, build new skills and collaborate with people in different roles. I’ve been fortunate to work with such a talented, supportive team and even luckier to have the opportunity to stay on long after my internship ended.

Beyond your day-to-day work, what other PIT opportunities have been meaningful to you?

The internship was only part of the value Partners in Tourism offers. PIT has created multiple other touchpoints within the industry, like the FTR LNK series, which has two parts: an information session in the fall to explore different areas of the industry, followed by a spring career fair with booths from various companies and HR teams. These events, along with other networking opportunities, gave me opportunities to have meaningful conversations with people hiring across different sectors.

The Rising Star Award was another highlight, not just because I received a bursary that helped offset the cost of going back to school, but because the prompt, “Hotel of the Future,” encouraged me to think creatively and share my vision. More than anything, it reminded me how many people in this industry want to see the next generation succeed. PIT has a way of making you feel supported from the very beginning, which makes all the difference when you’re just starting out.

What would you say to someone considering a career in tourism and hospitality?

Don’t get too caught up in having the perfect plan from the start. My path has been anything but linear, and I think that’s worked in my favour. The industry is broad enough that you can try things, change directions and still find your place.

Also, it’s never too late to start fresh. I switched careers completely and the support I’ve received from this community has been incredible. Get involved, meet people and say yes to opportunities, even if they’re not exactly what you pictured. Every experience adds a layer to your skill set – and programs like PIT make sure those experiences count.

Join Us in Celebrating the Future of Tourism

As the tournament approaches, we’re reminded that its true impact goes far beyond the course. It’s about creating pathways for emerging talent, building connections that last and investing in the people who will shape the future of tourism. Through Partners in Tourism, those opportunities become real and at Fairmont Pacific Rim, we’re proud to play a role in opening those doors.

Join us at the Partners in Tourism Invitational Golf Tournament and be part of a community dedicated to developing the next generation of hospitality leaders. Discover how you can support emerging talent and help shape the future of our industry.