Vision

To become Ultimate Hosts. Ultimate Host City.

As ultimate hosts, we aim to exemplify Calgary’s indelible community spirit by fostering a destination that is welcoming, innovative and offers experiences that showcase our diverse culture and celebrate Calgary’s unique heritage.

Visitors find it easy to be here and are unencumbered in their pursuit of shareable experiences.

We will have world class venues, infrastructure and products that will enable us to host more conferences, high-level sporting events, and cultural experiences.

We’ll enable visitors to unlock the best version of Calgary by tailoring their experiences through itineraries that meet – and exceed – their needs and expectations.

We’ll collaborate with partners and support Calgarians who are hosting visitors, enabling local businesses and citizens to be the best possible ambassadors for our city and region, ultimately leading to repeat visitation and economic activity for our destination.

Mission

Inspire more people to visit Calgary for memorable experiences that celebrate our community, culture, and people.

2023-2026 Business Plan

Tourism Calgary has developed four focus areas that form the basis of our three-year plan:

1. Strengthen Calgary’s Reputation through Brand
2. Become a Year-Round Eventful City
3. Elevate Calgary to a Top Convention City
4. Build Community and Collaboration

Mandate

As the official destination management organization for Calgary, the purpose of Tourism Calgary is to work closely with industry and community partners to drive demand to local member businesses, increasing the economic impact of the visitor economy in Calgary.

We:

• Promote Calgary as a destination of choice, marketing the city locally, nationally, and internationally
• Steward Calgary’s destination brand
• Attract and host sport, cultural and major events and meetings and conventions
• Advocate and support the ongoing development of Calgary as a destination, including its products and experiences
• Connect with current and future visitors, providing the information they need to have a great experience in Calgary

Board of Directors

Mark Wilson (Chair)
General Manager & Vice President - Hotel Arts Hospitality Group

Ross Middleton (Past Chair)
Partner and Managing Director - The Boston Consulting Group

Dave Dunlop (Chair, Audit & Finance Committee)
Senior Manager, Controller Transmission Business Unit - Pembina Pipelines Corporation

Gordon Johnson (Chair, Governance & Human Resources Committee)
Vice President, Operations - Atlific Hotels

Laurie Stretch (Chair, Marketing & Stakeholder Relations Committee)
Owner & Principal - Stretch Communication

Rod McKay (Chair, Meetings & Conventions Advisory Committee)
Ex Officio

Brad Robertson (Chair, Calgary Sports & Major Events Committee)
Ex Officio

Dan DeSantis 
Dual General Manager - Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel and Delta Hotels Calgary Airport In-Terminal

Jennifer Koo
Vice President, Research & Experience Design - ATB Financial

Richard Bartrem (Vice-Chair)
President, 13 stories marketing communications

Cheryl Bernard
President & CEO - Canada's Sports Hall of Fame

Muhammad Ashraf
Director, Risk Advisory & Management - ATB Financial

Timothy Mitchell
Senior Partner - McLennan Ross LLP

Executive Team

Cindy Ady
Chief Executive Officer

Carson Ackroyd
Senior Vice President, Sales

Marilyn Bell
Vice President, Travel Trade, Market & Product Development

Kelly Bowman
Vice President, Strategy, Research & Communications

Jeff Hessel
Senior Vice President, Marketing

Chad Kuechle
Chief Financial Officer

David Woodward
Executive Director, Meetings & Conventions Calgary

Shelley Zucht-Shorter
Vice President, Destination Experience & Services

Tracy Larsson
Manager, Communications