In response to the U.S. government's pricing threat, Activar Hotels Group, in collaboration with Rouge Marketing agency, is launching a social initiative aimed at promoting local tourism and increasing the visibility of Quebec and Canadian hotels.

Launched on February 6, this campaign, designed as a sharing chain on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, aims to unite the hotel industry in raising awareness among the general public. The message is simple: this year, travel locally and support accommodations from here!

As of February 20, 2025, nine establishments have already joined this large network, namely:
- Microtel Lac-Mégantic
- Microtel Lachute
- Microtel Casselman
- Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant
- Hôtel Relais Saint-Sulpice
- Auberge des Gallant
- Hôtel Château Laurier
- AX Hôtel Mont-Tremblant
- Auberge Godefroy

A call to Canadian hotel industry stakeholders
All Quebec and Canadian accommodation venues are invited to join this large network by creating a post to promote their region, and then mentioning a new establishment to join the initiative.

Let’s encourage Canadians to travel to local destinations and contribute to the local economy! So, which hotels should be added to the list?

“At Activar Hotels, we believe in the positive impact of local tourism on our national economy. Our country is full of incredible destinations, each more amazing than the last. Now is the time to discover them and support Canadian hotel establishments,” announces Xavier Icardo, Vice President of Hotel Operations.

“We are proud to be a 100% Canadian hotel management company, dedicated to the success of hotels owned by Canadian investors and owners,” adds Mathieu Mault, CEO of Activar Hotels Group.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises, today announced its 2025 Star Awards. Paradox Hotel Vancouver earned a new Forbes Travel Guide Four Star award and is showcased with other honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com. This recognition reflects the hotel’s exceptional commitment to service, luxury, and unparalleled guest experiences, solidifying its position as a leader in Vancouver’s hospitality scene.

“We are truly honored and proud to receive Forbes Travel Guide Four Star rating for 2025,” said Barnard Urquhart, Hotel Manager of Paradox Hotel Vancouver. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who go above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences for every guest. We’re thrilled to be recognized among the finest hotels in the world, and we look forward to continuing to exceed our guests' expectations with the luxurious accommodations, world-class service, and unique amenities that have become the hallmark of the Paradox experience.”

Earning this recognition from Forbes Travel Guide marks a significant milestone in Paradox Hotel Vancouver’s journey as it continues to redefine modern luxury hospitality in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Forbes Travel Guide is the world-renowned authority on excellence in hospitality, and Paradox Hotel Vancouver is the latest addition to its illustrious annual Star Rating list.

“Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality,” says Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “This year’s list continues to reflect the changing landscape of luxury with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognize their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today’s discerning guest.”

VANCOUVER, BC (February 19, 2025) — The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) is proud to announce the finalists for the esteemed 2025 BC Hotel Association Awards of Excellence. These awards recognize the outstanding achievements of British Columbia’s hospitality professionals and businesses, highlighting their dedication to excellence, innovation, and service. Winners will be celebrated at the highly anticipated Awards Gala on April 23, as part of the 2025 BCHA Summit, taking place at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver.

Bringing together the brightest minds in the industry, the two-day Summit serves as a premier gathering for BC’s accommodation sector. Attendees will gain invaluable insights from industry leaders, participate in networking opportunities, and celebrate the accomplishments of their peers.

“The 2025 BCHA Awards of Excellence finalists are an inspiration to us all,” said Paul Hawes, President and CEO of the BCHA. “The passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence demonstrated by these individuals and establishments highlight not only the strength and vibrancy of the BC hospitality industry, but also its role as a professional sector. This is an industry where people build rewarding, lifelong careers doing what they love. We’re excited to celebrate their achievements at the BCHA Summit.”

The finalists for the 2025 BC Hotel Association Awards of Excellence are:

Accommodation of the Year | Sponsored by Encore Canada
• The Parkside Hotel & Spa – Victoria, BC
• Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre - Sun Peaks, BC
• Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler – Whistler, BC

Housekeeping Excellence | Sponsored by Ecolab
• Paradox Hotel Vancouver – Vancouver, BC
• The Cove Lakeside Resort – Kelowna, BC
• Crystal Lodge – Whistler, BC

Community Contribution | Sponsored by BC Hospitality Foundation
• John Kearns, General Manager, Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel
• Ozzy Goksel, Director of Rooms, Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel

• Lisa Jaager, General Manager, Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa

Leader of the Future | Sponsored by Fortis BC
• Eddie Salehi, Director of Rooms, Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops
• Amandeep Kaur, Sales Manager, Sandman Hotel Group

Hotelier of the Year
• Jocelyn Bennett, General Manager, Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops
• Kimberly Hughes, General Manager, Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
• Chelan Goonetilleke, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

Culinary Excellence
• Renee Lauzon, Food & Beverage Manager, The Courtney Room, Magnolia Hotel
• Mitch Shafer, Executive Chef, Cordo Resto + Bar, Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops
• Lukas Exelby, Chef, Treetop Tapas & Grill at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort

Sustainability Champion
• Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites – Kelowna, BC
• Blackrock Oceanfront Resort – Ucluelet, BC
• Sandman Hotel Group – Kelowna, BC

For more information about the BCHA Awards of Excellence and the 2025 BCHA Summit, visit https://bcha.com/bchasummit.

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. – Excel Dryer, Inc., was recently recognized as a double winner in the prestigious 2024 Sustainability Awards, hosted by Business Intelligence Group, which honors organizations worldwide that make sustainability a core part of their business practices.

The D|VERSE Sink System featuring the XLERATORsync® Hand Dryer was recognized as a Sustainability Product of the Year, and Excel Dryer’s Healthy Office Oasis received the Sustainability Initiative of the Year award. Excel’s ThinAir® Hand Dryer with Electrostatic HEPA (eHEPA®) Filtration was also selected as a finalist in the Sustainability Product of the Year category.

“We are thrilled with these recognitions, which are a testament to Excel' s unwavering commitment to the environment,” said Joshua Griffing, director of marketing and international sales for Excel Dryer. “We are dedicated to advancing the industry while ensuring that everything from our workplace to our products reflect our values of sustainability and wellness.”

The D|VERSE Sink System featuring the XLERATORsync Hand Dryer with eHEPA is a collaboration between commercial product designer D|13 Group and Excel Dryer. Integrating the elements of proper hand washing and drying in a cohesive 30" unit, it introduces a new level of hygiene, sustainability and aesthetic appeal that instantly transforms any commercial restroom.

Excel Dryer’s energy-efficient, sustainable and comfortable office expansion at its LEED-certified headquarters was guided by the WELL Building Standard® and rooted in the company's mission to lead through innovation. It incorporates beauty, health, wellness and sustainability—from a reception desk that limits the introduction of air pollutants to carpet fibers made from recycled fishing nets.

"Forget greenwashing—Excel Dryer puts sustainability at the heart of everything it does," said Russ Fordyce, CEO, Business Intelligence Group. "We're inspired by their dedication and excited to showcase the incredible work they're accomplishing."