Yann Martel is a writer, the author notaby of Life of Pi, for which he won the 2002 Booker Prize, besides other awards, and which was adapted to the silver screen by Ang Lee, garnering four Oscars, and to the stage in London and New York. He is also the author of a collection of short stories, The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios, and three other novels, Self, Beatrice and Virgil, and The High Mountains of Portugal, in addition to a collection of letters, 101 Letters to a Prime Minister, in which he encouraged former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to read. His next novel, Son of Nobody, inspired by Homer’s Iliad and the Trojan War, will appear in March, 2026. He lives in Saskatoon.
Louise Pedersen has led the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC since 2019, bringing a strong focus on impact, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability in the outdoor recreation sector. She holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management and a postgraduate diploma in Public Relations, and has spent over two decades working in communications and philanthropy for conservation organizations in Canada and the UK. Based in Revelstoke, Louise is an avid outdoor enthusiast with a love for kayaking, Nordic skiing, gravel biking, fishing, and camping.
With 20 years of experience in digital marketing, communications, and government relations, Peter excels as a versatile strategist dedicated to simplifying technology while embracing innovation. His mission is to demystify the AI landscape, enabling tourism professionals and businesses to navigate it with confidence.
Walt has been involved in the tourism industry for over 35 years, having worked at BC Pavco, Port Metro Vancouver, and Tourism Vancouver prior to joining the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) in May 2015.
As CEO, Walt leads multiple advocacy/policy files, sets the strategic course for TIABC, builds relationships with members and industry stakeholders, and communicates the value of B.C.’s visitor economy to various constituents.
Before TIABC, Walt spent 15+ years at Tourism Vancouver as Vice President of Marketing Communications, Membership and Sport.
Paul’s career in tourism and hospitality began in the UK, where he studied the field before moving to Canada in 1995 to join Banff Caribou Properties. He went on to hold senior roles with Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, Travel Alberta, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the Canadian Tourism Commission (Destination Canada), and Destination Greater Victoria. While based back in the UK, he helped establish overseas offices in the UK, Germany, and France for Destination New South Wales, Australia.
Prior to joining the BC Hotel Association (BCHA), Paul was vice president, destination development and marketing at Explore Edmonton Corporation, leading global marketing, sales, event attraction, and destination stewardship. A committed advocate for sustainability, he has championed regenerative tourism initiatives throughout his career. Since joining BCHA as President & CEO, Paul has worked closely with members and partners to advance BC’s accommodation sector.
Clint Fraser has been the CEO of the Northern BC Tourism Association for 9 years. In the CEO role, he leads and supports the team at NBCTA in their work to further enhance the tourism industry across the north. Clint has represented NBCTA on different committees/boards and is currently the Chair of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat and a member of Destination BC's Provincial Tourism Marketing Committee. In addition, he continues work to market the region to film producers and location managers with the intent of developing a viable film industry in northern BC. Clint served as the marketing director for 11 years before becoming the CEO
Simon Ratcliffe is a seasoned photographer with over 40 years of experience capturing the rugged beauty of British Columbia. Specializing in tourism, portrait and landscape photography, Simon has dedicated his career to showcasing both the region’s people and its pristine wilderness. His work, known for its vivid portrayal of natural light and vast, untamed spaces, has been featured in travel publications and promotional campaigns. Simon’s photography not only draws visitors to British Columbia, but draws together the communities that make up this majestic landscape. Simon lives in Steveston in Richmond with his wife of 40 years, with his daughters and their families close by and feels lucky every day
Our summit will bring together industry experts, travel enthusiasts, and local businesses to discuss the latest trends, strategies, and opportunities in Northern BC's tourism sector.
Expect engaging discussions, insightful keynote speakers, and interactive workshops that will equip you with valuable knowledge and insights. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge new partnerships, and gain inspiration to take the tourism sector to the next level in the region.