The 2025 HAC Conference Addressed Fundamental Issues for Hoteliers

By Frank Yeo

The Hotel Association of Canada’s (HAC) national conference attracted more than 350 delegates in Ottawa this last June 16 and 17 at The Westin Ottawa with the theme “Thriving in Uncertainty”. And with the political turmoil south of the border, it was indeed a very timely theme.

Hosted by Catherine Clark, President & Founder of Catherine Clark Communications, the event opened with welcoming remarks from Elder Claudette Commanda, Chancellor of the University of Ottawa and an introduction from Beth McMahon, the new President & CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada.

With tourism projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.42 per cent through 2030, and the increased propensity of Canadians to vacation at home, there was a very optimistic mood among the delegates.

The opening “Speed Stats” session pointed to strong demand: Canada’s hotel industry generated $30 billion in revenue in 2023, with $27.7 billion in value-added economic output. The sector supported 320,100 jobs with $13.4 billion in total wages. Ontario led the country with $8.4 billion in total hotel revenues, followed by Alberta at $6.6 billion and Quebec at $5.7 billion. The total hotel room inventory stood at 476,364 across 8,385 establishments nationwide.

To match the theme, the next session was entitled “Thriving in Uncertainty: Navigating Political and Economic Impacts on the Hospitality Industry”, featuring Ihsain Chahim, Senior Vice President, Corporate and Syndicated Financing at BDC, Tony Cohen, Partner & President, Crescent Hotels & Resorts Canada, and Christine McMillan, Partner, Crestview Strategy. Together, they provided insights into the recent developments, economic trends, and global dynamics, offering strategies for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.

After a few breakout sessions, one focused on looking deeper into the industry data and the other on sustainability as a financial and environmental strategy, the program continued with the “CEO Quickfire – the strategy edition” panel. Ben Cadwell, Chief Operating Officer, North & Central America at Fairmont, Mandy Farmer, CEO Accent Inns/Hotel Zed, and Brian Leon, Chief Executive Officer, Choice Hotels Canada Inc. discussed the challenges of forward planning given economic uncertainty, fluctuating travel patterns and regulatory shifts. Panelists explored capital allocation, brand differentiation and the role of technology in driving efficiency and guest satisfaction.

There were an additional two breakout sessions in the afternoon: “Bridging Borders: US Market Insights and Strategy” and “Winning the Talent War”. The discussion in “Bridging Borders” focused on how border friction, air connectivity and consumer trends are shaping the pace of recovery. Despite travel increasing from the U.S., panelists emphasized the need for coordinated marketing and policy support to maintain momentum.

“Winning the Talent War” focused on labour shortages and human capital retention with the industry still finding it difficult filling both frontline and leadership roles. Speakers emphasized that flexible work models, stronger onboarding practices and tailored benefits are becoming essential to compete for talent in a constrained labour market.

The conference concluded with a keynote address by author and risk strategist Dan Gardner, who spoke on leadership and decision-making in uncertain conditions. Closing remarks were delivered by Tony Cohen, who has been newly appointed Chair of the HAC Board of Directors.

Engaging MPs and ministers in the new federal government was emphasized as a key priority for the Association and members who can access its updated advocacy toolkit as a resource going forward.

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ARLINGTON, Va. – 26 June 2025 – Canada’s hotel industry reported its highest 2025 monthly growth rates in occupancy and revenue per available room (RevPAR), according to May data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets.

May 2025 (percentage change from 2024):

• Occupancy: 70.2% (+1.9%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): CAD213.57 (+3.3%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD149.96 (+5.3%)

ADR growth was higher in February (+4.3%).

Among the provinces and territories, Saskatchewan posted the highest increases in ADR (+6.9% to CAD151.97) and RevPAR (+16.2% to CAD102.80). The province’s occupancy also rose 8.7% to 67.6%. That occupancy growth rate matched Manitoba (+8.7% to 74.0%) for highest during the month.

British Columbia recorded the highest absolute levels in occupancy (74.7%) and ADR (CAD255.82), which represented gains of 0.7% and 0.1%, respectively.

Among the major markets, Calgary posted the highest growth in occupancy (+8.2% to 72.3%) and RevPAR (+14.7% to CAD129.13). Montreal led in ADR growth (+6.9% to CAD248.00).

Vancouver recorded the highest absolute levels in occupancy (83.3%) and ADR (CAD306.06), down 0.9% and 2.6%, respectively.

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

Toronto, ON (June 24, 2025) – Choice Hotels Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Declan Murphy as Director, Franchise Development. In his new role, Murphy will oversee the expansion and support of Choice Hotels Canada’s eight hotel brands across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

“We are so happy to have Declan join our team. His vast experience in commercial real estate, banking and hotel management will greatly benefit our franchise network and the strength of our system,” said Graham Marsh, National Director, Franchise Development, Choice Hotels Canada. “He has a proven track record of success and will play a key role in supporting our growth in the western markets.”

Based in Calgary, Murphy has worked in the commercial real estate industry, banking and hotel management. He is skilled in sales, sales training, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), team building and account management.

Prior to joining Choice Hotels Canada, he spent nine years with IWG plc, a workplace solutions company. There, he served as an Area Manager, eventually becoming Director of Partnership Growth for Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. He has also worked with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation and the Royal Bank of Canada in Account Management.

Calgary, AB – June 26, 2025 – Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Calgary Downtown, located at 239 12^thAvenue SW, today announced that it has completed an extensive renovation of its guest rooms and public spaces. The general contractor was  while was responsible for the new concept and context of the makeover.

The new look includes an updated breakfast lounge and fitness centre, as well as new furniture, lighting, wall vinyl and carpet in the lobby. Every guest room has been updated with new bedding, mattresses, carpet, artwork, televisions and window treatments.  

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Calgary Downtown is located in the vibrant Victoria Park neighborhood, just steps away from Central Memorial Park and many of Calgary’s top restaurants. The 124-room hotel offers guests walkable access to the newly-expanded BMO Convention Centre, Stampede Park, Calgary Tower, Scotiabank Saddledome and Calgary’s newest event centre – Scotia Place which is expected to open in the Fall of 2027. 

“We are thrilled to showcase our new design and décor that elevates the look and feel of the hotel,” said Tiffany Richards, General Manager, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Calgary Downtown. “The investment into the property was anchored in enhancing the guest experience. The renovations have brought a fresh, modern vibe while keeping true to the comfort and warm hospitality that our guests love.”

The hotel offers a daily complimentary hot and healthy breakfast, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a 24/7 market for snacks and toiletries, a well-equipped fitness centre and a business centre. While food and beverage options are plentiful in the area, guests don’t have to go far being connected with two favourite local restaurants, The Beltliner and Native Tongues Taqueria & Mezcaleria.

For more information or to contact the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Calgary Downtown please call directly at 403-351-6500, or visit .