Vancouver, BC (April 23, 2026) — The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver is pleased to announce the appointment of Tanya Matthews as General Manager. Tanya stepped into her role in late March, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience across luxury hotel operations, business strategy, and team leadership in Canada and the United States.

A Vancouver native and graduate of the University of British Columbia, Tanya brings a deep connection to the local community alongside a broad North American perspective shaped by leadership roles in premier destinations including Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Newport Beach, Hawai‘i, and San Diego. With more than 25 years of tenure at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, she progressed through senior leadership roles, most recently serving as Hotel Manager and Regional Director of Sales & Marketing in the Pacific Northwest, where she led regional commercial operations for a portfolio of five luxury hotels and oversaw operations at one of the brand’s flagship five star luxury properties.

Tanya is widely respected as a people centred, results driven leader who consistently delivers strong business performance while elevating guest experiences through thoughtful innovation and service excellence. Throughout her career, she has driven sustained revenue growth, record setting results, and high levels of guest satisfaction.

Central to her leadership philosophy is the belief that empowered, engaged associates are essential to creating meaningful and personalized guest experiences—an approach that closely aligns with Westin’s commitment to well being and purposeful hospitality. She is known for her holistic view of the guest journey, from arrival to departure, and for fostering cultures grounded in care, collaboration, and excellence.

“What excites me most is the passion surrounding this property’s story and history, and the opportunity to thoughtfully weave that narrative throughout the entire guest journey,” said Tanya, General Manager, The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver. “Whether guests are returning or visiting for the first time, our goal is to create a welcoming, restorative experience that reflects both the spirit of Westin and the unique beauty of Vancouver.”

In her role, Tanya will oversee all operations at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, one of Western Canada’s largest conference hotels, featuring nearly 500 guest rooms and suites, multiple dining venues, and more than 71,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Located on the waterfront between Coal Harbour and Stanley Park, the hotel is renowned for its strong connection to nature, commitment to well being, and role as a gathering place for both guests and the local community.

As the hotel celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, Tanya’s leadership will support the continued evolution of The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, with a focus on thoughtful innovation, exceptional service, and the creation of meaningful moments for guests, associates, and partners alike.

Outside of work, Tanya is passionate about cooking and entertaining, and enjoys travelling to discover new cultures and perspectives that continually inspire her approach to leadership and hospitality.

ARLINGTON, Va. – 22 April 2026 – Canada’s hotel industry reported a third consecutive month of year-over-year performance increases, according to March 2026 data from CoStar, a leading global provider of commercial real estate information, analytics, and online property marketplaces.

March 2026 (percentage change from 2025):

• Occupancy: 60.6% (+1.9%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): CAD198.37 (+5.8%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD120.12 (+7.9%)

Among the provinces and territories, Newfoundland and Labrador registered the largest increases across each of the three key performance metrics: occupancy (+21.1% to 58.2%), ADR (+9.4% to CAD154.84) and RevPAR (+32.5% to CAD90.18). The province’s performance was helped by the Labrador Winter Games.

Among the major markets, Vancouver saw the largest performance increases: occupancy (+7.5% to 77.1%), ADR (+7.4% to CAD231.91) and RevPAR (+15.5% to CAD178.84).

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.costargroup.com.

WILMINGTON, Del., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the report, the global travel retail market was valued at $52.7 billion in 2021, and is estimated to reach $187.1 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2022-2031.Travel Retail Market Report (PDF) | Upcoming Travel Retail Information By &Sales Channel: West U.S Africa in 2018 | Allied Market Research has Published a Report We Sourced Global Opportunity "Travel Retail Market by Product Type and Sales Channel: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030″ delivers an in-depth analysis of the global travel retail market size, share, key segments regional dynamics competitive landscape growth projections through To Infographic Date range.

Market Size & Growth

If you want to see a global market in detail, the global travel retail market was at $52.7 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to reach around $187.1 billion by 2031 registering CAGR of (9.6) % over the forecast period. It is expected to continue growing on account of the acceleration in international travel post-pandemic, long-term consumer demand for duty-free and luxury goods as well as rapid expansion of airport retail infrastructure in various developed and developing economies. Travel retail includes sales at airports, seaports, railway stations, cruise liners and border shops - each operating in a duty-free or duty-paid operational environment to international travelers.

Key Market Insights

International passenger volumes are surging, exclusive travel-retail-only product SKUs are on the rise and luxury is being democratized by virtue of duty-free duties - all reshaping the industry. With digital pre-ordering, personalization powered by AI, and seamless in-store digital integration - omnichannel strategies are reshaping the consumer shopping experience. The duty-free sector holds the market reigns, but the battle is becoming more prolific with operators pushing hard into high-footfall domestic travel corridors in duty-paid sales.

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

In 2021, Perfume & cosmetics led the way, accounting for just under a third of average global travel retail revenue and this category will maintain virtual ownership through to 2031 - propelled by sustainability trends, growing brand recognition and fireworks around gifting due to duty-free fragrance. The luxury goods segment, is projected to grow at the fastest rate in terms of CAGR (11.8% growth) owing to changing aspirations of consumers accompanied by brand building efforts on behalf of key automotive players. In drinks, wine & spirits continues to do well, with premium houses seeing airport retail as an avenue to introduce exclusive or limited-edition releases.

By Sales Channel

In 2021, airports accounted for the majority share and is expected to continue to lead the market through 2031 backed up by high captive footfall, a wide range of brand portfolios owned by airport operators segment, and growing trend towards digital & omnichannel retail formats. Government-powered passenger expansion programs make railway station channel lead by the fastest-growing. The latter channel is augmented by cruise liner shops and border/hotel stores as the global travel volumes experience greater diversification across borders.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific - Dominant & Fastest-Growing

In 2021, Asia-Pacific accounted for leading global travel retail revenue share with nearly two-fifths of total market share, and is anticipated to grow fastest (CAGR of 10.4%) over the period from 2022 to 2031. Main business growth markets are China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and only some have Thailand, Malaysia or Indonesia in the picture. In terms of travel retail sales, South Korea led by the Jeju and Incheon duty-free complexes contributes around $12 billion annually. The Hainan Free Trade Port of China has become a world-class duty-free center while international air traffic in India grew at the rate of 22.5% YoY during the period 2023-24, which directly benefited retail footfall for outlets located within airports.

Europe - Premium-Focused Mature Market

Heathrow and Gatwick transit volumes as well as the presence of significant luxury cosmetics and fashion houses help ensure that the UK retains the biggest share in Europe. German CAGR growth in Europe forecasted to lead with the Frankfurt Airport retail push And Europe is where the global luxury headquarters of public companies such as LVMH and H&M are located, and treat travel retail as a strategic battleground-a "showroom" of local stores representing a slice of that mass influencer market worldwide.

North America - Significant Growth Potential

North America is set up for rapid CAGR growth best reflection of increases in holiday destination expenditure from U.S. and Canadian nationals, the forecast continued expansion of airport retail as a channel, and the inclination towards experiential shopping that millennial/travellers show increasingly embracing their preference for experiencing more immersive experiences, with businesses aligning products accordingly gen Z are adopting shops focused on digital-first interactions. U.S. passenger enplanements for February 2024 (alone) came to 82.4 million - a year-on-year increase of 8.6%.

LAMEA - Emerging Opportunity

LAMEA region - driven by Dubai, Riyadh, and São Paulo - remains a new growth market. Dubai Duty Free is one of the world's largest single-airport duty-free operations. Oman: Development of three new airports to key tourist destinations within Oman is a positive signal for Oman's long-term commitment to the travel retail industry & investment in ever-increasing infrastructure for UAE positioned developments over the next decade.

Key Players

Some of the key players operating in global travel retail market include:
• Dufry AG
• Lagardère Travel Retail
• DFS Group (LVMH)
• Lotte Duty Free
• The Shilla Duty Free
• China Duty Free Group (CDFG)
• King Power International Group
• Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG
• Aer Rianta International (ARI)
• The Nuance Group & LS Travel Retail

Such players have undertaken expansions of store footprints, digital transformations, joint ventures and new product launches to fortify their positions in fast-growing global travel corridors.

Victoria, BC: Huntingdon Hotel and Suites & Pendray Inn and Tea House are proud to announce the official purchase of the harbour property from 321 Belleville to 330 Quebec street, marking a significant milestone after more than a decade as leaseholders in one of Victoria’s most prominent and historic waterfront locations.

For over 75 years, the properties have operated under a long-standing land lease model that has defined the area. Since their lease tenor began in 2013, the ownership group has made substantial investments to revitalize and preserve the heritage character of the site, carefully balancing modernization with the integrity of its historic inns and gardens.

Together, the properties employ over 100 local team members and play a meaningful role in Victoria’s visitor economy.

Huntingdon and Pendray have become known for signature initiatives such as the annual Community Canada Day Pancake Breakfast, with all proceeds supporting the Victoria Women’s Transition House, as well as their on-site community garden and ongoing charitable partnerships. Over the years, the organizations have supported numerous local initiatives, including Soap for Hope, The Mustard Seed, Our Place Society, Habitat for Humanity, the Victoria Native Friendship Center, and the Women’s Transition House. They are currently refurbishing the former Judges House Inn (1883), and former Santiagos restaurant on the site; both outlets are scheduled to reopen in 2026 with refreshed branding.

In 2025, the Huntingdon Hotel and Suites was also proud to serve as title sponsor for the Victoria Symphony Splash, further reinforcing their commitment to community engagement and cultural support.

The organizations have received multiple awards and accolades recognizing their leadership in sustainability and social responsibility, and hold multiple certifications including Biosphere Certification, BC Green Business designation, Surfrider Ocean Friendly Business recognition, Friends of Indigenous Tourism B.C., and a 4 Green Key rating. In 2024, the company was also awarded the Vicotria Chamber of Commerce award for Sustainable Business practices.

General Manager and Victoria Native, Erin Cassels, who has been with the property for 12 years, also serves as an Executive Director with the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and sits on the boards of the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and the Hotel Association of Greater Victoria, helping shape the broader tourism and hospitality landscape in the province. “This is an incredibly meaningful moment for us,” said Cassels. “We are looking forward to a long future of continuing to contribute meaningfully to the local visitor economy in Victoria, to providing meaningful employment opportunities, and to our continued mission to operate as an environmentally and socially responsible company.”

The purchase represents not only an investment in the property, but also a long-term commitment to heritage preservation, community impact, and sustainable tourism leadership in Victoria.