Travel Penticton is kicking the New Year off with a major hire, installing the new tourism organization’s first executive director.
Thom Tischik, who has held key positions with the Revelstoke Accommodation Association and the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce, officially starts the new position as of Jan. 3, 2017.
Unofficially, Tischik has already spent time meeting board members and staff and providing input on Travel Penticton’s five-year destination marketing strategy. He was among 50 applicants for the position that was shortlisted down to nine.
“I am looking forward to this. I do come with a lot of experience from my tenure in Revelstoke,” said Tischik, who describes himself as a collaborative individual.
Jessica Dolan, Travel Penticton board member, said this is an important step in moving the new organization forward.
“I would say we are pretty close. We definitely want him to be part of the process in creating the plan, not just implementing the plan,” said Dolan.
After what they say was a meticulous interview process, the Travel Penticton board of directors was united in its decision to offer the executive director position to Tischik and are confident that he will be an asset to the new organization and contribute to the success of the tourism industry in Penticton.
“I am absolutely delighted to assume the role of executive director of the new Travel Penticton. As a native ‘Okanaganite’ I know the importance tourism plays in our valley economy and the balance between business growth and sustainability,” said Tischik. “Penticton has always been a favourite destination for me and I feel very fortunate to become part of the community.”
Travel Penticton was formed earlier this fall through the merger of the Penticton Hospitality Association and Tourism Penticton, after months of negotiations to create a unified tourism marketing association.
Read more: Travel Penticton working to secure funding