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Joseph Clohessy is Tourism Kelowna's post-pandemic recovery guy.
The manager of the Delta Grand hotel was re-elected chair of Tourism Kelowna this week.
By the end of his 2021-22 term, Clohessy will have served Tourism Kelowna through two of its most surreal years.
2020-21 will forever be known as the time COVID robbed us of not just travel, but a normal way of life.
And the next year will be all about reclaiming everything we've been missing.
"Through the uncertainty of 2020, Tourism Kelowna remained focused on helping local businesses persevere," said Clohessy.
"This year as we reopen the tourism economy, we're looking forward to a return to sustainable business levels. After all there's pent up demand and the Okanagan is here to welcome the people that love to vacation and spend time here."
Before the pandemic, tourism was a thriving industry that attracted two million visitors to the city every year and pumped $2.1 billion into the economy annually.
COVID devastated hotel stays, vacation duration and holiday spending.
In fact, the average occupancy rate at hotels and resorts in the Central Okanagan plunged to 41% in 2020 from 65% in 2019.
As we put COVID behind us and travel restrictions ease a tourism boom is expected.
Tourism is somewhat limping along right now as only travel within our health region is allowed.
On June 15 the province is expected to open up, permitting people from the Lower Mainland, Kelowna's biggest tourist market, to return again.
By Canada Day, the country could open up to travel allowing those from Alberta and Ontario to again find their way to Kelowna to beach, golf and wine tour.
Clohessy is encouraged that for the summer airlines plan non-stop flights between Kelowna and Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.
The 2021-22 Tourism Kelowna board:
- Chair: Joseph Clohessy, Delta Grand hotel
- Vice-chair: Kelly Watt, Sandman Hotel
- Past-chair: Thom Killingsworth, Kelowna Yacht Club
- Treasurer: Edan Fay, The Royal
- Secretary: Annika Betts, Sandhill Winery
- Audrey Surrao, RauDZ Creative Concepts
- Carla Carlson, Comfort Suites
- Cedric Younge, Hyatt Place
- Dale Sivucha, Coast Capri Hotel
- Gail Given, City of Kelowna councillor
- Jon De Bruyne, Kelowna Concierge
- Kristi Caldwell, Wiseacre Farm Distillery
- Michael Ballingall, Big White Ski Resort
- Nataley Nagy, Kelowna Art Gallery
- Penny Gambell, Lake Country councillor
- Natalie Corbett, Accent Inns, Hotel Zed and president of the Kelowna Hotel Motel Association
- Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport
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