TRAVEL Alberta Secretariat has appointed its first managing director.
Patrick Gedge is to take up the Calgary-based position at the new private and public sector tourism organisation set up to implement an industry marketing framework for the province.
He has a background in the travel and financial services industries.
Roger Jackson, co-chairman of Alberta’s Strategic Tourism Marketing Council, said: “His first priorities are to establish and staff the secretariat and to work with us in finalising details of the £2.54m national and international marketing services proposals.”
Amanda Newby, UK representative for Travel Alberta, said no decision had yet been made on a new promotional budget for the British market.
Meanwhile, Alberta’s suppliers were out in force at Rendezvous Canada, with a lot of new product on show, particularly new and improved accommodation.
Charlton Resorts is demolishing its 53-room Evergreen Court resort in the ski and summer resort area of Banff to make way for its new Royal Canadian Lodge.
It will feature 99 deluxe guest rooms and suites, with grotto-style spa with whirlpool and mineral bath, and open in May 2000.
Owner Linda Charlton said: “There has been concern over the amount of redevelopment in Banff National Park, so we decided to take this step to provide a full-service resort facility.
“The lodge will feature traditional Canadian artwork and fixtures, an open-kitchen restaurant, large meeting rooms and a lounge with wood-burning fireplace. There will be three floors of rooms, plus corner suites with scenic views, and an alpine garden in the centre of the second floor. Room rates will start at £66 single or double occupancy.”
Charlton also operates the Cedar Court hotel in Banff and the Chateau Jasper.
Inns of Banff and the Banff Ptarmigan Inn have also been upgraded, with new-look rooms and additional resort facilities.
In Calgary, expansion of the Telus Convention Centre set for completion in June 2000 will see a 2,000sq ft ballroom, 82,000sq ft of exhibit space and 24 break-out rooms. It is part of a £63m downtown development that includes a 352-room Hyatt property.