TIABC's Voice of Tourism

In this episode of TIABC's Voice of Tourism, Walt Judas welcomes Starr McMichael, owner and president of Starrboard Enterprises, for a conversation spanning decades of tourism innovation on southern Vancouver Island. Starr shares her journey from cleaning the heads on the historic Princess Marguerite turboelectric vessel to building the Truffles Group and becoming a governance leader with her Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Rotman School of Business. She reflects on co-founding the IMPACT Conference, now entering its ninth year, which brings together cleantech innovators, Indigenous leaders, and tourism professionals to advance regenerative business practices. Starr discusses the power tourism professionals have to drive change, the importance of including local communities in business decisions, and why she believes the conversation around regenerative tourism is still evolving. Her philosophy of leading with gratitude shapes both her board work across multiple organizations and her approach to building a more sustainable tourism industry.

In this episode, Walt Judas welcomes Mike Retasket, who currently serves as a Director for the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, New Pathways to Gold Society, and TIABC, for a powerful conversation about Indigenous leadership, cultural preservation, and the journey from activism to reconciliation through tourism. Mike shares his remarkable path from crossing the US-Canada border to becoming Chief of the Bonaparte Indian Band, his transformation from Olympic protestor to one of the Games' most photographed Indigenous ambassadors, and his current work as a cultural interpreter and storyteller at Barkerville Historic Town and Park. This episode explores the complexities of Aboriginal title, the Heritage Conservation Act, and what meaningful reconciliation looks like in BC's tourism landscape, offering invaluable insights for anyone committed to building authentic Indigenous partnerships.Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction01:01 – From Oliver to Oroville: Growing Up Between Borders03:35 – Finding Home: Returning to Canada and Bonaparte06:51 – Becoming an Indian: Learning Language, Culture, and Medicine11:10 – Leadership Years: Chief of Bonaparte Indian Band15:54 – From Protest to Partnership: The Tourism Journey Begins18:34 – Barkerville: Cultural Interpretation and Storytelling22:46 – Aboriginal Title: What It Really Means26:09 – The Cowichan Decision: Addressing Public Concerns31:15 – Heritage Conservation Act: Protecting Sacred Sites35:48 – Steps Toward Reconciliation: What Businesses Can Do36:45 – Honorary Doctorate: Recognition and Legacy

In this episode of TIABC’s Voice of Tourism, Brett Soberg, co-owner and lead captain of Eagle Wing Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours, shares his journey from art school to marine ecotourism and his passion for protecting the Salish Sea.He discusses how Eagle Wing became North America’s first carbon-neutral whale watching company, the creation of their award-winning Floating Classroom program, and the balance between sustainability, regulation, and guest experience. Brett also reflects on life off-grid and the importance of collaboration in safeguarding marine ecosystems and the Southern Resident killer whales.

In this episode of TIABC's Voice of Tourism, Ben Liegey, founder and CEO of Better Table, shares his journey from Alsace, France, to Canada, where he focuses on food sustainability and reducing food waste in the tourism industry. He discusses the importance of understanding food waste, the impact of sustainability practices, and the role of culinary tourism and agritourism in British Columbia. Ben also highlights his documentary, Food Synergy, which aims to inspire change in food waste solutions across the food supply chain.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Heather MacDonald, Chief Integrative Officer of Gibbons Whistler, for an engaging conversation on leadership, workforce challenges, and the resort community’s future. Heather shares her journey from Perth, Australia to Whistler, starting as a server at Black’s Pub and working her way through finance and operations to help lead one of Whistler’s most dynamic tourism companies. She reflects on her experiences during the 2010 Winter Olympics, the growth of Gibbons into food and beverage, accommodation, recreation, and events, and the company’s mission to create joy for guests, staff, and the community. Heather also discusses pressing issues like housing, workforce recruitment, immigration policy, and sustainability, while offering her perspective on Whistler’s growth and potential to once again host the Olympics.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort Ltd., for a dynamic conversation on hospitality, ski tourism, and the future of winter recreation in BC. Michael shares his journey from Winnipeg to Jasper Park Lodge and eventually to the Okanagan, where he helped shape Big White into a world-class destination. He reflects on lessons learned in hospitality, his time working abroad in Australia, and the unique attributes that make Big White stand out—including its legendary champagne powder and close proximity to Kelowna’s international airport. Michael also discusses the challenges of red tape, the need to attract new generations of skiers, and the importance of infrastructure and air access in keeping BC’s ski industry globally competitive.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Deneen Allen, founder and CEO of Firecircle and Pure North Canada, for an inspiring conversation on entrepreneurship, innovation, and tourism development. Deneen shares her journey from boutique hospitality ventures in Ontario to building Canada’s first online tourism and hospitality development hub. She reflects on the challenges and opportunities she’s encountered working with rural operators, Indigenous communities, and entrepreneurs across the country, highlighting the importance of brand, operations, design, and financial management in building sustainable businesses. Deneen also discusses the regulatory barriers facing agritourism, the need for greater investment in tourism infrastructure, and how Fire Circle is helping to close knowledge gaps for the next generation of operators.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Barrett Fisher, President and CEO of Tourism Whistler, for an engaging conversation on destination management, major events, and community sustainability. Barrett shares her journey from journalism on Vancouver’s North Shore to leading one of Canada’s premier resort destinations for over three decades. She reflects on Whistler’s transformation before and after hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the community’s progress on housing and transportation, and the importance of balancing growth with responsible tourism. Barrett also discusses her organization’s unique funding model, efforts to extend the tourism season, and the policy priorities needed to keep Whistler competitive and vibrant year-round.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Serge Corbeil, Director of Government and Community Relations for Air Canada, for a compelling conversation on aviation, tourism, and public policy. Serge shares his journey from Montreal to BC, moving from journalism and politics to the airline industry. He reflects on Air Canada’s impact on regional connectivity, the challenges of navigating government regulations, and his advocacy work with TIABC. As he approaches retirement, Serge offers insights on leadership, the value of collaboration in tourism, and his plans to focus on travel and marathon running.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Sandra Oldfield, founder of Elysian Projects and former CEO of Tinhorn Creek Winery, for a compelling conversation on entrepreneurship, wine tourism, and leadership. Sandra shares her journey from California to BC’s South Okanagan, reflecting on her role in building a destination winery and the lessons she’s carried into her work mentoring small businesses. She also discusses her contributions to tourism policy through her involvement with TOTA and TIABC, and how rural tourism operators can balance growth with personal well-being.

Frank Antoine, Chief of the Bonaparte First Nation and co-founder of Moccasin Trails, joins TIABC’s Voice of Tourism podcast to share his journey from ranching and golf to global Indigenous tourism leadership. He reflects on regenerative tourism, cultural sustainability, community building, and his vision for Indigenous-led tourism in BC and beyond.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Kathy Cooper, CEO of Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, for an engaging discussion on the evolution of tourism in the region. Kathy shares her journey from the hospitality industry to tourism leadership, highlighting how Kootenay Rockies Tourism has navigated challenges like transportation gaps, sustainability, and shifting community values. She also discusses the importance of strategic investments and thoughtful destination development in shaping the future of tourism in British Columbia.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas welcomes Brenda Baptiste, Chair of Indigenous Tourism BC, for an engaging discussion on the transformative power of Indigenous tourism. Brenda shares her journey from community health nursing to tourism leadership, highlighting how cultural revitalization, economic development, and identity are deeply connected.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Peter Pilarski, Founder of Tourism AI Network, to discuss his inspiring journey, the role of AI in overcoming industry challenges, and how tourism businesses can adopt new technologies to stay competitive and deliver world-class experiences.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO at Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association discuss her career path, her work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators are facing in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Amy Thacker , CEO at Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association discuss her career path, her work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators are facing in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Krista Bax, CEO at go2HR discuss her career path, her work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators are facing in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Anthony Everett, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer, 4VI Social Enterprise Group discuss his career path, his work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators are facing in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Craig Murray, Owner of Nimmo Bay Resort, discusses his career path, his work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators face in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas and Dave Butler, Vice-President, Sustainability, at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, discuss his career path, his work in sustainable tourism, and what challenges business owners & operators are facing in the province today.--Follow TIABC on LinkedInSubscribe to the TIABC mailing list for regular updates on BC's tourism sector.Learn more about the CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures here.