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NANAIMO, BC (April 17, 2026) — The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 BCHA Awards of Excellence. Recognized by peers and industry leaders at the Awards of Excellence Gala on April 15 during the BCHA Summit in Nanaimo, this year’s recipients represent the highest standard of hospitality across British Columbia.

Selected from a strong group of finalists, seven individuals, teams, and properties were honoured for their leadership, performance, and commitment to excellence in the industry. The full list of 2026 BCHA Awards of Excellence winners is as follows:

Accommodation of the Year

The Parkside Hotel & Spa (pictured)

Housekeeping Excellence

Summerland Waterfront Resort Hotel

Hotelier of the Year

David MacKenzie, Owner & Managing Director, Pemberton Valley Lodge

Sustainability Champion

The Parkside Hotel & Spa (pictured)

Leader of the Future

Savannah Cannatella, Director of Rooms, Magnolia Hotel & Spa

Guest Service Excellence

Guest Experience Team, Nimmo Bay Resort

Culinary Excellence

Danai Hongwanishkul, Executive Chef, Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa

For the full list of finalists and more details, visit the official BCHA Summit website: https://bcha.com/bchasummit/

 
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Vancouver, B.C. – April 15th, 2026 – Coast Hotels Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of APA Hotel Canada, Inc. and one of North America’s fastest-growing hotel brands and among Canada’s largest, today announced a series of leadership appointments and strategic updates within its Development team, strengthening its capacity to accelerate growth across Canada and the United States. As Coast Hotels expands its development pipeline across key North American markets, these appointments reflect a deliberate investment in experienced leadership, expanded market coverage, and regional execution.

Robert Tseng has been promoted to Director, Technology. With nearly two decades of progressive experience at Coast Hotels, Robert brings deep expertise in systems architecture, infrastructure optimization, and technology modernization, ensuring the organization’s technology framework continues to support scalable growth.

David Ferguson has been promoted to Senior Director, Development. Based in Vancouver, David brings extensive experience in hotel development, feasibility analysis, and valuation, along with a strong network across the Canadian accommodation sector, positioning him to accelerate Coast Hotels expansion strategy across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.

Gagandeep (Gagan) Singh has been appointed Director, Development. With more than 15 years of senior hospitality leadership experience across global brands, Gagan’s proven track record in asset optimization, capital planning, and revenue growth aligns with Coast Hotels focus on strengthening its presence in Alberta.

Sheryl Cedana has been appointed Director, Development, for Coast Hotels USA, Inc. Based in Washington State, Sheryl brings over a decade of U.S. hospitality leadership experience, including operational turnarounds, pre-opening expertise, and strong stakeholder management, supporting Coast Hotels continued growth and development efforts in the U.S. market.

“These appointments reflect our continued commitment to growth and our confidence in the strength of our leadership team,” said Takamasa Machiura, President & CEO, Coast Hotels Limited. “By investing in experienced talent across key markets and strengthening our internal capabilities, we are well positioned to expand our footprint, deepen partner relationships, and drive long-term value across North America.”

 
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VICTORIA, BC, April 9, 2026 | Inn at Laurel Point has been named a finalist for the Sustainability Award from the British Columbia Hotel Association as part of its annual Awards of Excellence program. The nomination recognizes the hotel’s long-standing leadership in environmental stewardship, responsible operations, and community engagement within British Columbia’s hotel industry.

Sustainability has been embedded in the hotel’s culture for more than 15 years. What began with a colleague-led Green Team in 2008 has grown into a cross-departmental Sustainability Committee representing ten departments. Guided by a comprehensive 2030 Sustainability Plan, the hotel integrates responsible operations, community partnerships, and colleague wellbeing into daily practice. Inn at Laurel Point became the first carbon-neutral hotel in British Columbia in 2009 and continues to reduce emissions through waste diversion, responsible purchasing, and operational efficiencies. The hotel holds four Green Keys and achieved Biosphere Certification in 2023, alongside three EcoStar Awards for environmental stewardship over the past decade.

“As a local and independent hotel, we feel a deep responsibility to care for the place we call home,” says Navid Sariolghalam, general manager at Inn at Laurel Point. “Being recognized as a finalist reflects our colleagues’ dedication to sustainability every day and our ongoing partnerships with the community. Earth Month is a chance to celebrate these efforts and invite both guests and colleagues to take part in initiatives that make a tangible impact.”

During Earth Month each April, the hotel highlights initiatives that engage both guests and colleagues, including support for kelp restoration through donations linked to reservations and F&B purchases, neighbourhood clean-ups, and programs encouraging low-impact choices throughout each stay. Guests can also participate through Duo Café & Bakery’s reusable mug loyalty program and mindful travel options, while colleagues take part in sustainability-focused events such as Power Hour clean-ups and internal idea-sharing programs.

As a social enterprise, Inn at Laurel Point pairs environmental initiatives with meaningful community impact. The hotel provides discounted room rates for patients traveling to Victoria for treatment at the BC Cancer Agency and offers complimentary respite stays each month for guests supported by The Cridge Centre for the Family. The hotel also supports Rainbow Kitchen through board leadership and colleague volunteerism and funds annual bursaries for hospitality students at Camosun College.
Inn at Laurel Point aligns its sustainability initiatives with seven priority goals from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and supports sector-wide collaboration through sponsorship of the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference.

For more information about Inn at Laurel Point, visit laurelpoint.com.

 
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Vancouver, B.C., April 9, 2026 — As the global bar community arrives in the city for North America’s 50 Best Bars this month, Botanist Bar and The Lobby Lounge & RawBar at Fairmont Pacific Rim is set to host a series of exclusive guest shifts. From April 21 to 23, 2026, creative beverage director Grant Sceney has invited award-winning bartenders from Seoul, New York, Toronto, Mexico and the Caribbean to step behind the bars and introduce their talents to Vancouver.

“It’s incredibly special to not only host North America’s 50 Best Bars in Vancouver for a second year running but also have the opportunity to host some of the world’s most exciting cocktail bars and bartenders at Fairmont Pacific Rim,” says Sceney. “These collaborations are about more than just drinks. Welcoming the international bar community to our city means we can further celebrate creativity and give our guests a chance to experience the energy of the global bar community right here in Vancouver.”

The programming begins on April 21 at The Lobby Lounge & RawBar, where the team will host Toronto standouts Library Bar and Mother for an evening highlighting Canada’s dynamic cocktail culture.

Later that evening, Sceney and the Botanist team will be joined by one of Asia’s most celebrated bars: Seoul’s Zest, currently ranked No. 2 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and No. 16 on World’s 50 Best Bars list — bringing their “sustainable fine drinking” ethos to Botanist Bar with three cocktails. Guests will also have a chance to enjoy some exclusive bar bites by executive chef Hector Laguna.

On April 22, one of New York City’s most talked-about cocktail destinations, Clemente Bar — created by renowned chef Daniel Humm in collaboration with artist Francesco Clemente, and currently No. 11 on the North America’s 50 Best Bars list — will make a special appearance ahead of the awards ceremony.Vancouver, B.C., April 9, 2026 — As the global bar community arrives in the city for North America’s 50 Best Bars this month, Botanist Bar and The Lobby Lounge & RawBar at Fairmont Pacific Rim is set to host a series of exclusive guest shifts. From April 21 to 23, 2026, creative beverage director Grant Sceney has invited award-winning bartenders from Seoul, New York, Toronto, Mexico and the Caribbean to step behind the bars and introduce their talents to Vancouver.

“It’s incredibly special to not only host North America’s 50 Best Bars in Vancouver for a second year running but also have the opportunity to host some of the world’s most exciting cocktail bars and bartenders at Fairmont Pacific Rim,” says Sceney. “These collaborations are about more than just drinks. Welcoming the international bar community to our city means we can further celebrate creativity and give our guests a chance to experience the energy of the global bar community right here in Vancouver.”

The programming begins on April 21 at The Lobby Lounge & RawBar, where the team will host Toronto standouts Library Bar and Mother for an evening highlighting Canada’s dynamic cocktail culture.

Later that evening, Sceney and the Botanist team will be joined by one of Asia’s most celebrated bars: Seoul’s Zest, currently ranked No. 2 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and No. 16 on World’s 50 Best Bars list — bringing their “sustainable fine drinking” ethos to Botanist Bar with three cocktails. Guests will also have a chance to enjoy some exclusive bar bites by executive chef Hector Laguna.

On April 22, one of New York City’s most talked-about cocktail destinations, Clemente Bar — created by renowned chef Daniel Humm in collaboration with artist Francesco Clemente, and currently No. 11 on the North America’s 50 Best Bars list — will make a special appearance ahead of the awards ceremony.
Meanwhile, The Lobby Lounge & RawBar will host the “The Carribean Cocktail Tour,” an immersive evening featuring three of the regions most iconic bars: Library by the Sea, Bon Vivants and La Factoria. Guests can expect vibrant, destination-inspired cocktails that capture the spirit and flavour of the Caribbean to compliment The Lobby Lounge’s internationally inspired menu.

To close out the celebrations, Botanist will welcome two acclaimed Mexico destinations for a special six-course tasting menu and cocktail pairing experience on April 23 — ARCA (No. 61 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list) and Mecenas of Guadalajara.
COLLABORATION SCHEDULE

April 21, 2026

The Lobby Lounge & RawBar
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Library Bar and Mother from Toronto
James Grant and Massimo Zitti

Botanist
7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Zest from Seoul, South Korea
(first appearance in Vancouver)
Do Hyung “Demie” Kim & Yongjin “Noah” Kwon

April 22, 2026

Botanist
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Clemente Bar from New York City
Jay Reingold and Wilmer Reyes

The Lobby Lounge & RawBar
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Library by the Sea, Bon Vivants and La Factoria from the Caribbean
“The Caribbean Cocktail Tour”

April 23, 2026

Botanist
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
ARCA from Tulum and Mecenas from Guadalajara
Six-course tasting menu by ARCA’s chef-owner José Luis Hinostroza and Botanist’s executive chef Hector Laguna; cocktail pairings by Mecenas and ARCA.
Reservations can be made online.

Each bar collaboration event is available on a first come, first serve basis. In addition to these collaborations, Fairmont Pacific Rim is also hosting industry events throughout the week.

“We are proud to welcome members of the international bar community to Fairmont Pacific Rim during this important moment for the industry,” says Jens Moesker, regional vice president and general manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim. “These special events truly reflect our ongoing commitment to exceptional hospitality and to creating memorable experiences that connect our guests with leading talent from around the world.”

Botanist Bar is currently No. 26 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. For more information, please visit botanistrestaurant.com. COLLABORATION SCHEDULE

April 21, 2026

The Lobby Lounge & RawBar
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Library Bar and Mother from Toronto
James Grant and Massimo Zitti

Botanist
7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Zest from Seoul, South Korea
(first appearance in Vancouver)
Do Hyung “Demie” Kim & Yongjin “Noah” Kwon

April 22, 2026

Botanist
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Clemente Bar from New York City
Jay Reingold and Wilmer Reyes

The Lobby Lounge & RawBar
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Library by the Sea, Bon Vivants and La Factoria from the Caribbean
“The Caribbean Cocktail Tour”

April 23, 2026

Botanist
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
ARCA from Tulum and Mecenas from Guadalajara
Six-course tasting menu by ARCA’s chef-owner José Luis Hinostroza and Botanist’s executive chef Hector Laguna; cocktail pairings by Mecenas and ARCA.
Reservations can be made online.

Each bar collaboration event is available on a first come, first serve basis. In addition to these collaborations, Fairmont Pacific Rim is also hosting industry events throughout the week.

“We are proud to welcome members of the international bar community to Fairmont Pacific Rim during this important moment for the industry,” says Jens Moesker, regional vice president and general manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim. “These special events truly reflect our ongoing commitment to exceptional hospitality and to creating memorable experiences that connect our guests with leading talent from around the world.”

Botanist Bar is currently No. 26 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. For more information, please visit botanistrestaurant.com.

 
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Lake Louise, AB (April 8, 2026) – Post Hotel & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Sebastian Brand as Chef De Cuisine, ushering in a new chapter for one of Canada’s most celebrated alpine culinary destinations.

Classically trained in Berlin, Germany, Chef Sebastian began his leadership journey at an early stage with a prominent role at the art’otel Berlin, followed by several successful years within the Park Plaza Hotel Group. His passion for excellence and innovation led him to spearhead the opening of the flagship NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt, establishing a reputation for elevating culinary standards in luxury hospitality.

Driven by a desire to expand his culinary perspective, he relocated to Canada, joining the Sawridge Inn in Jasper to immerse himself in regional Canadian cuisine and Indigenous culinary traditions. He continued refining his craft at the Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff before leading the opening of the prestigious Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, further solidifying his expertise in launching and positioning luxury properties for success.

After seven impactful years back at the Rimrock Resort Hotel leading the Culinary team to multiple 5 diamond awards and placement on La Liste, he now embarks on an exciting new chapter at the Post Hotel & Spa, where he is committed to honoring and advancing its distinguished culinary legacy with creativity, authenticity, and refined execution.

At Post Hotel & Spa, Chef Brand will lead the culinary vision with a focus on honouring the hotel’s distinguished legacy while continuing to evolve its dining experience with authenticity, refinement, and a deep respect for place.

“Chef Sebastian Brand brings exceptional depth of experience, an international perspective, and a genuine passion for culinary excellence,” said Andre Giannandrea, General Manager of Post Hotel & Spa. “His thoughtful approach aligns seamlessly with the values of Post Hotel & Spa, and we are delighted to welcome him as we continue to build on the hotel’s distinguished culinary reputation.”

“At Post Hotel & Spa, cooking is an act of respect—for the land, the seasons, and the producers,” said Chef Brand. “My role as the chef is not to transform, but to reveal the quiet perfection of each ingredient with clarity and intention. We don’t chase perfection, we reveal it.”

Set in the heart of Lake Louise, Post Hotel & Spa is renowned for its refined hospitality, celebrated wine program, and longstanding commitment to culinary excellence. Chef Sebastian Brand’s arrival marks an exciting moment for the hotel as it continues to honour its storied past while shaping the future of dining at the property.

 

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