GTHA and Tourism Toronto

David Whitaker and David Ogilvy.

TORONTO—Retiring board members Nick Vesely, Renaud Payette and Sohail Saeed were honoured at the Greater Toronto Hotel Association AGM held June 5 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Vesely, former GM of the Sutton Place Hotel, has been on the board since 1983.  “Board meetings will not be as colourful, and might actually be a little shorter,” noted outgoing chair Andy Loges, adding that Vesley’s departure will leave a “large gap.”

Robert Housez, GM of the Delta Meadowvale in Mississauga, takes over as GTHA chair. He recognized Loges for his valued contribution over the past two years.

Terry Mundell

GTHA president Terry Mundell made a passionate case for a destination marketing fund of 3 per cent, to start September 1 for a five-year term ending in 2017.

“Remember the days when we went to the City of Toronto begging for [tourism] dollars? Do we really think we can survive on $7.5 million in this destination, this global economic market? $7.5 million doesn’t make us competitive; it makes us irrelevant!”

At the Tourism Toronto AGM that followed, president David Whitaker echoed his sentiments.

David Ogilvy, who is stepping down as Tourism Toronto chair after three years, was honoured with a slide show showing his involvement over the years. Johanne Bélanger, president, AVW TELAV, takes over as chair.