Year: 2026

Malia Asfour

Malia Asfour, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board in North America (JTBNA), began handling tourism for the Jordanian government in the U.S. as tourism attaché in Washington in 1995. She was a key participant in creating the country’s first tourism office in North America, which was launched in 1997…. Read more

Isabella Lai

Isabella Lai is a sustainability professional with a strong background in tourism and the cruise industry. She specializes in developing and implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives that align corporate sustainability strategies with operational practices. Beginning her career in tourism, Isabella gained valuable experience in customer experience, destination management,… Read more

Brianna Stewart

Brianna Stewart is the Managing Director of FED Urban Agriculture Society, a nonprofit transforming underutilized city spaces into productive farms and learning hubs on Vancouver Island. With a background in the sustainable hospitality sector and a BSc in Food & Environment from UBC, she brings systems thinking and people-centered leadership… Read more

Cody Chomiak

Cody Chomiak is an industry leader blending marketing innovation with emerging technologies. As Vice President of Marketing for Travel Manitoba, he develops strategies that position Manitoba as a premier destination on the global stage. Beyond his role in destination marketing, Cody serves on the board for Destinations International and is… Read more

Jessica Harcombe Fleming

Jessica brings over 20 years of expertise in integrated marketing and communications. Her career reflects a dedication to issues management and a passion for storytelling, exploring the convergence of digital communications, media relations, and content marketing. Jessica has held pivotal roles with prominent brands and destinations across Canada, the US,… Read more

Dr. Mikhail Klassen

Dr Mikhail Klassen is a scientist, engineer, and entrepreneur. In his current work as an AI Engineer at Planet Labs PBC, he develops technologies for understanding our changing world using artificial intelligence and geospatial data. Prior to this, he cofounded a venture-backed technology startup for commercial aviation that developed technologies… Read more

Dame Pania Tyson-Nathan

Pania Tyson-Nathan is the Chief Executive of New Zealand Māori Tourism (NZMT) and brings over 30 years of leadership in Māori business and economic development. A respected advocate for indigenous enterprise, she has been instrumental—alongside many peers—in elevating Māori tourism as a powerful and distinctive contributor to Aotearoa’s tourism economy…. Read more

Mat Woods

Mat is currently the Chief Executive at Destination Queenstown & Lake Wānaka Tourism (DQ). Before joining DQ, Mat was Head of Sales & Services at Cardrona Alpine Resort (CARL) and Treble Cone Ski Area. He was involved in the acquisition of Treble Cone, securing the rights to develop into the… Read more

Greg Takehara

Greg has been the CEO of Tourism Cares since 2019. He previously served on its Board, acting as its Chairman before becoming CEO. Prior to Tourism Cares, Greg was the President of Trip Mate, Inc., a travel insurance administrator. His career has spanned thirty-four years in the travel industry. Greg… Read more

Paul Nursey

Paul Nursey is a highly accomplished tourism marketing, strategy, and branding expert who is widely regarded as one of Canada’s top tourism policy minds. Since joining Destination Greater Victoria in 2014, Paul has led DGV to numerous significant accomplishments, including: -Co-founding the IMPACT Sustainability Travel and Tourism Conference. -Aligning DGV… Read more