It is with a blend of gratitude and nostalgia that we share the news of Stewart Johnston's retirement from practicing law. Stewart's integral role as a trusted advisor to Destination Greater Victoria (formerly Tourism Victoria) spans many years, leaving an indelible mark on our organization and our community.
Stewart's journey with us began during Edd Moyes' presidency, where he joined the Tourism Victoria board. Little did he know that this initial step would lead to his co-chairing of the PNWER working group and his role as founding chair of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. These achievements have been instrumental in shaping our community and its growth.
Over the years, Stewart has been instrumental supporting our organization with many complex matters including being the first DMO in B.C. to become “un-grandparented” under the provincial sales tax act, paving the way to becoming an eligible entity for MRDT in 2017 with a rejuvenated funding model along with the creation of the DMF.
Stewart's recognition with the Miracle Award in 2004 further attests to his impactful career.
With a background in psychology and urban planning from Queen’s University, Stewart made British Columbia his home in 1978. Graduating from the University of Victoria Law School in 1982, he ventured into business and corporate law, real property law, and estate planning.
Stewart's influence extended beyond his legal career. He played key roles as Commander of the Victoria Commandery of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem and on several not-for-profit boards, including the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. He also served as past Chair of Skwin’ang’eth Se’las Development Company – a not-for-profit corporation aimed at incubating entrepreneurship among members of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
Stewart has been a vital force within our organization and the greater community. While Stewart will no longer be a practicing lawyer, he will remain available as a consultant to advise DGV and new counsel with his considerable history and expertise. We sincerely thank Stewart for all he has done for DGV over the years. All the best in your retirement, Stewart!
Paul Nursey
CEO - Destination Greater Victoria
Enjoy drinks and snacks from a variety of Destination Greater Victoria members, mix and mingle, and celebrate successes with colleagues and fellow members at DGV’s corporate office.
Destination Greater Victoria would like to thankfully acknowledge our members who are hosting a sampling station at the upcoming Open House.
Sampling tables are still available! If you would like to partner with us, please reach out to the membership team atmemberservices@tourismvictoria.com
Please help spread the word to your guests
We want to make sure that visitors to Greater Victoria are aware of the Your VICation Contest and have the opportunity to enter. In addition to the digital asset package, we can now provide you with a starter supply or booster supply of business cards perfect for placement inside hotel key card holders, or perched counter-top at your establishment. To receive your starter pack or request a second pack, please email gareth.speight@tourismvictoria.com.
L-R: Lindsay Gaunt (Director of Cruise Development, GVHA); Robert Lewis-Manning (CEO, GVHA); passengers Ryan and Rebecca Fairchild; Darlene Hollstein (GM, Bay Centre & Destination Greater Victoria Board Chair); passengers Emma, Liam and Ava Lonergan; Marianne Alto (Victoria Mayor); Kevin Boag (Hotel General Manager, Queen Elizabeth, Cunard).
Victoria Welcomes 10 millionth Cruise Ship Passenger
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) welcomed the 10 millionth cruise passengers to the Breakwater District at Ogden Point on Wednesday. The passengers arrived on the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship.
The two couples were presented with a gift courtesy of the Bay Centre, presented by Darlene Hollstein, General Manager of the Bay Centre & Destination Greater Victoria Board Chair. Industry partners and stakeholders were also gathered at the port of Victoria to welcome these guests.
Cruise ships have been visiting Victoria for 54 years. Since the first cruise ship arrived in 1969, the industry has grown to become a vital part of the region's visitor economy. Each year, cruise visitors and crew contribute $56 million to the local economy, purchasing tours and local transportation, retail goods and food and beverages. Cruise lines spend $84 million on warehousing, ship agents, repairs and maintenance, port fees and docking services.
Congratulations to the GVHA on reaching this milestone!
IMPACT 2024: January 21 - 24, 2024
Do you:
Design policies that affect tourism?
Teach a tourism and hospitality course?
Care about tourism’s positive or negative impacts on communities?
Believe the positive, sustainable growth of tourism in Canada is a key economic driver?
Destination Greater Victoria maintains a dashboard that compiles key statistics for Greater Victoria’s tourism industry, such as accommodation metrics, booking pace, and visitor volume. The dashboard brings together data from a number of sources and is updated weekly.
Beyond Van Gogh is a new truly immersive experience. While other shows use virtual reality or still images, our show breaks barriers by incorporating both still and moving art.
Masterpieces, now freed from frames, come alive, appear, and disappear, flow across multi-surfaces, the minutia of details titillating our heightened senses. The show is projected on every surface around you, this makes you feel as though you have stepped directly into a Van Gogh painting. We accompany the show with a beautiful score and include many other surprises!
Enjoy 15% percent off spa services* valued $100+ Monday-Thursday until December 31, 2023.
Experience relaxing treatments with natural products in a peaceful and tranquil setting. It’s just that simple. From stress-relief and self-care to special occasions and spa days, our qualified team provides a wide-range of thoughtfully curated experiences. Offering organic and sustainable products from Eminence Organic Skin Care, guests can relish in the pure bliss of massage, facial, pedicure, or body treatments provided by a team of highly skilled therapists.
Exclusive Advertising Opportunities for Members
Advertise with DGV at the highly visible Visitor Centre at Victoria's Inner Harbour! With an average of 340,000 visitors to the Visitor Centre annually, this is a great opportunity to showcase your business.
There are currently openings for static screen ad displays and video on the big screen. For information and pricing, email Kathleen or Heather.
Member-to-member promotions
Post a member-to-member deal or offering through Destination Greater Victoria’s extranet portal! This exclusive space allows DGV members to share offerings and promotions with other members.
Nestled between forest and sea, come enjoy a bit of original BC history. Relax in a heritage orchard, join a farm tour, and breathe in the calming aroma of lavender as flowers are harvested and distilled in a Portuguese copper still.
Settled in 1851, historic Bilston Creek Farm is an experience not to be missed. Explore, shop, and relax on our beautiful lavender, apple and honey farm.
Take a Walk
Victoria has an array of walkable routes – some surrounded by shops, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants, while others will take your breath away with stunning views and lush forests. Whatever outdoor adventure you're looking for, Victoria has it! Read on
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