Vancouver, BC — The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) has announced its 2025/26 Board of Directors, welcoming several new leaders who bring strong regional insight and a deep commitment to the accommodation sector. The new board was confirmed at the BCHA Annual General Meeting held earlier this week in Vancouver.

The Board continues to be led by Chair Tanya Stroinig, Chief Operating Officer at Prestige Hotels & Resorts, with governance supported by a diverse group of industry professionals representing communities across British Columbia.

2025 BCHA Board of Directors (New Board Members in Italics)

Executive Directors

• Tanya Stroinig, Prestige Hotels & Resorts, Kelowna (Chair)
• David McQuinn, Coast Bastion Hotel, Nanaimo (Past Chair and Governance)
• Heather Hamilton, Pomeroy Lodging, Calgary (Treasurer)
• Erin Cassels, Huntingdon Hotel and Suites, Victoria (Executive Director)
• Gary Yu, DoubleTree by Hilton, Kamloops (Executive Director)
• Laura-Lee Lofgren, The Sundial Hotel, Whistler (Executive Director)

Directors

• Jessica Dolan, Balcomo, a Ramada by Wyndham, Penticton
• Cedric Younge, Mundi Hotel Enterprises, Kelowna
• Edan Fay, The Royal Kelowna by Bellstar Hotels, Kelowna
• Graeme Benn, JW Marriott Parq and the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection, Vancouver
• Karim Mohammadi, Evergreen Hospitality Group, Vancouver Island
• Michelle Le Sage, Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour, Victoria
• Randall Williams, Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver
• David McBean, Watermark Beach Resort, Osoyoos
• Jan Brylowski, Blackcomb Springs Suites by Clique Hotels and Resorts, Whistler
• Brandy Beliveau, Bellstar Hotels and Resorts, Rocky Mountain Properties, Golden
• Susan Strome, The Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver
• Sandra Gregory, Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Centre, Sun Peaks

As Board Chair, Tanya Stroinig reflected on the year ahead, noting the strength of the board and the importance of representation from every region.

VANCOUVER, BC (November 20, 2025): The 2025 World Luxury Awards concluded with two distinguished gala ceremonies celebrating the world’s leading hospitality, spa, restaurant, and travel brands. Recognizing excellence across four international programs, the awards honour properties that exemplify innovation, service, and guest satisfaction worldwide.

This year’s celebrations took place on two continents, with events held on October 25 at the InterContinental Barcelona and October 31 at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering in Singapore. Beyond public voting, winners were evaluated on guest feedback, service excellence, and first-hand assessments by a judging panel.

The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver: A Triple Win for a Waterfront Icon
The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver earned three 2025 World Luxury Awards, reaffirming its position as one of Canada’s most distinguished hospitality destinations:

• Best Luxury Business Hotel in North America
• Best Luxury Waterfront Hotel in North America
• Best Luxury Hotel in Canada

These honours underscore the hotel’s dedication to creating experiences that inspire balance and well-being, combining thoughtful design, elevated amenities, and genuine service within one of Vancouver’s most scenic waterfront settings.

H Tasting Lounge: Innovation and Excellence in Dining Recognized Across the Americas
The hotel’s signature restaurant, H Tasting Lounge, also earned international acclaim with three prestigious awards:

• Best Luxury Innovative Restaurant in North America
• Best Luxury Hotel Restaurant in Canada
• Best Cocktail Menu in North and Central America

These awards celebrate H Tasting Lounge’s commitment to innovation and artistry in both its culinary and beverage programs. The restaurant continues to push boundaries through its imaginative cocktail creations, seasonal tasting menus, and immersive guest experiences that highlight craftsmanship and creativity.

"We are honoured to be recognized alongside so many inspiring leaders in global hospitality," says Sarah Woodgate, Hotel Manager at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver. "These awards are a reflection of our team's unwavering passion and dedication to excellence. From the associates who bring our brand's promise of well-being to life each day to the talented culinary and bar teams at H Tasting Lounge who continue to redefine Vancouver's dining and cocktail scene, we are incredibly proud to see both the hotel and the lounge celebrated on the world stage."

ARLINGTON, Va. – 20 November 2025 – Canada’s hotel industry reported its highest 2025 monthly growth rates in average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR), according to October 2025 data from , a leading global provider of commercial real estate information, analytics, and online property marketplaces.

October 2025 (percentage change from 2024):

• Occupancy: 69.8% (+2.1%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): CAD214.09 (+7.0%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD149.49 (+9.2%) 

Among the provinces and territories, Newfoundland and Labrador reported the largest gains in occupancy (+11.9% to 70.0%) and RevPAR (+19.0% to CAD121.03).

Nova Scotia registered the highest increase in ADR (+10.7% to CAD207.78).

Among the major markets, Toronto saw the largest jumps in ADR (+14.8% to CAD294.90) and RevPAR (+17.3% to CAD239.81), due to the impact of the 2025 World Series.

For more information about the company and its products and services, pleasevisit.

MCLEAN, Va. - Committed to rewarding loyalty at every stage of the travel journey, today Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced exciting changes to its award-winning Hilton Honors loyalty program. Debuting this January, Hilton will introduce its most elite tier yet – Diamond Reserve – with new elevated benefits, including a Confirmable Upgrade Reward that can be instantly redeemed at the time of booking, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, and exclusive customer service support.

What’s more, Hilton Honors Gold status will become the most valuable mid-tier status, with members still enjoying all the current benefits of Gold status, including space-available room upgrades and on-property Food & Beverage credits, while achieving this status even faster. Diamond status will also become more quickly attainable while keeping benefits that members appreciate the most.

“Members have told us they are looking for more personal recognition and meaningful rewards throughout their travel journey. Today we are proud to usher in the next chapter for Hilton Honors by delivering on what matters most to our members: making loyalty both more accessible and more rewarding, in more places around the world,” said Chris Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton. “At a time when many loyalty programs feel increasingly interchangeable, we’re strengthening Hilton Honors for every member – from our superior upgrade benefits for our elite members to more ways to dream, stay, earn and redeem Points across our growing portfolio of more than 9,000 hotels.”

In 2026, earning elite status with Hilton will be even more achievable, opening the door for more travelers to enjoy the recognition, perks and flexibility that make Hilton Honors and the Hilton Honors app a preferred travel companion. Among the highlights:

• Members will earn Gold status with only 25 nights per year – 15 nights less than the current 40-night requirement.
• With Gold status, members will continue to enjoy the same benefits, like early confirmation of space-available room upgrades, a Daily Food & Beverage Credit or continental breakfast (varies by brand and region) and 80 percent more Points.
• Members will earn Diamond status faster as well, needing only 50 nights instead of the current 60 nights. Diamond members will continue to enjoy the same benefits, including early confirmation of space-available room upgrades, a Daily Food & Beverage Credit or continental breakfast (varies by brand and region), executive lounge access, 48-hour room guarantee and 100 percent more Points.
• With these changes, Hilton has reduced the requirements whether through nights, stays or eligible spend to reach Gold and Diamond tiers, beginning next year.

Unlocking The Best of Hilton Honors

As the new pinnacle of Hilton Honors tiers, Diamond Reserve is an entirely new level of recognition designed for Hilton’s most loyal travelers. Achieved by those who qualify with 80 nights AND $18,000 in USD annual Eligible Spend, this all-new premium tier represents Hilton’s most exclusive expression of loyalty yet.

“Loyalty is not something we take lightly. We’ve spent years listening to our members. Diamond Reserve was created to recognize and reward those who entrust their travel to Hilton,” said Mark Weinstein, chief marketing officer and head of luxury brands, Hilton. “We know that enhancing the stay experience is the foundational building block to driving loyalty, which is why we have thoughtfully designed a suite of ultra-premium benefits intended to make staying with Hilton even better.”

Among the Diamond Reserve tier’s defining benefits is the Confirmable Upgrade Reward:

• The Confirmable Upgrade Reward allows eligible members to lock in premium room upgrades, including up to a one-bedroom suite for stays of up to seven nights, at the time of booking – including through the Hilton Honors app.
• Members will receive their first Confirmable Upgrade Reward when they achieve Diamond Reserve status and the option to earn a second reward at the 120-night milestone or 30,000 Points.
• Confirmable Upgrade Rewards can be used on both eligible paid and reward stays at select global Hilton properties offering complimentary pre-arrival upgrades. This includes hotels across the company’s growing luxury portfolio, featuring brands like Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Signia by Hilton.

Additional bespoke benefits reflect the seamless flexibility and personalization that Hilton’s most engaged travelers desire:

• Diamond Reserve status guarantees 4 p.m. late checkout on every eligible stay, giving members more time to relax or prepare for their onward journey.
• Diamond Reserve members will receive unparalleled service through 24/7 exclusive customer service support with specially trained team members dedicated to delivering personalized assistance and priority care.
• In addition to executive lounges, Diamond Reserve members will enjoy complimentary access to Hilton’s Premium Clubs, a growing collection of exclusive, on-property clubs, most commonly found at Hilton’s luxury, lifestyle or full-service hotels, that include elevated food and beverage offerings, quiet workspaces and other coveted features.
• Diamond Reserve members will receive the highest priority for space-available upgrades, confirmed as early as three days before check-in.
• Members who achieve Diamond Reserve will also see their loyalty rewarded faster and more generously than ever before with a 120% Points bonus on every stay.

Favored, Flexible Benefits, Remain

At its core, Hilton Honors remains committed to giving travelers more choice in how and when they redeem their Points. Members will continue to benefit from no blackout dates and no resort fees on reward stays booked with all Points. They can also combine Hilton Honors Points and money to get them closer to their next stay, adding even more flexibility to travel planning. One of the program’s most valued benefits, the Fifth Night Free perk, continues to reward members who book standard room rewards entirely with Points, providing meaningful savings and longer-lasting experiences.

More Ways to Dream, Earn and Redeem at Expanding Luxury & Lifestyle Portfolio

Members who travel with Hilton Honors now have more ways to dream and redeem with their Points, with access to Hilton’s growing world-class portfolio of brands, including . This includes the , a property that represents both Hilton’s heritage and its continued evolution, as well as .

Learn more about Hilton Honors at  or visit  to enroll in the program today.