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2025 Northern BC Tourism Summit

NORTHERN BC TOURISM SUMMIT

October 15-17, 2025
Courtyard by Marriott, Prince George, BC

What to Expect at the 2025 Northern BC Tourism Summit

Join Us at the Northern BC 2025 Tourism Summit!

Ready to connect, learn, and lead the future of tourism in Northern British Columbia? The Northern BC 2025 Tourism Summit is your opportunity to be part of the region’s most dynamic gathering of tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, and community changemakers.

This inspiring event will feature renowned keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions exploring the latest trends, tools, and strategies shaping the visitor economy in our region. Whether you're a tourism operator, destination marketer, community leader, or simply passionate about travel, you’ll leave with actionable insights, new partnerships, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this transformative event. Register today, pack your curiosity, and prepare to be inspired as we chart the course for a thriving tourism future in Northern BC.
REGISTER TODAY

Speakers

Yann Martel

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

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.

Peter Pilarski

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 Judas

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 Hawes

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

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

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

UNBC Pre-Summit Workshop

Northern BC Tourism Summit delegates and the UNBC community are invited to join a discussion about Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management classes and credentials, as well as internships connecting employers with students, and more.  Share your thoughts on how industry and UNBC can work together to address the research and education needs of this growing sector.

WORKSHOP AGENDA
Training Needs and Opportunities
1:00pm – 1:45pm
Conversation Cafe: Tourism Futures in Northern British Columbia
2:00pm – 2:45pm
David Douglas Botanical Garden Tour
2:55pm – 3:15pm

RSVP is required by Oct 8
Learn More & RSVP Today

Agenda & Schedule

The program will start with a welcoming reception on the evening of Wednesday, Oct 15th and conclude midday on Friday, October 17th.
Coming Soon

Travel & Accommodations

Central Mountain Air has offered a 25% discount for those travelling to Prince George from across the region for the Summit.
Central Mountain Air Website
A room block at the host facility, Courtyard by Marriott, in Prince George has been secured.  Book your room by September 15, 2025 to receive the preferred rate.
- King Room $149 + tax
Courtyard by Marriott Website
The Ramada Plaza Prince George Ramada Plaza is offering rooms starting at $109 + tax
Ramada Plaza Prince George Website

Sponsorship Opportunities

Events like this cannot happen without the generous support of our sponsors. If you are interested in profiling your organization to the tourism sector in Northern BC, check out the sponsorship opportunities.
Sponsorship Opportunities

Partners

The Northern BC Tourism Association works closely with a number of partners that are integral to the success of the regional goals and the implementation of the objectives and recommendations outlined in the Northern BC Tourism Strategy.

View Partners

Northern BC Tourism

1274 5th Avenue

Prince George, BC V2L 3L2

T: 250.561.0432

F: 250.561.0450

E: info@nbctourism.com

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