Marketing Committee
Nimpo Lake | Michael BednarThe Marketing Committee of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Marketing Association provides strategic advice to the CCCTA Board, CEO, and CCCTMA senior marketing staff.
The Committee is comprised of MRDT-collecting members and representatives from our sub-brands Marketing Committees: Great Bear Rainforest, Chilcotin, Gold Rush Trail, and Land of Hidden Waters. A member of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association Board of Directors and the CEO will also sit on this Committee.
Marketing Committee Members
Irene Meili
Originally from Buelach, Switzerland, Irene Meili and her husband (and two kids) moved to Canada 10 years ago when they bought the Fawn Lake Resort. They did major renovations to all of the buildings, some of which were hand-hewn by folks who spent their summers at Fawn Lake in the 40s and 50s. They also added a pair of large cabins and a rec building in the unique wilderness setting just 4 km from the highway.
Irene got her start as a kids’ ski instructor in the Swiss Alps. She says B.C. is at a turning point as a classic tourism destination – and CCCT has a critical role in helping people get past concerns they have about high costs of travelling, challenges booking campgrounds, and the impact of wildfires.
Rebuilding the trust of travellers – and letting them know about the variety of landscapes and experiences the Cariboo Chilcotin offers – can help seize the opportunity of the region to be a substitute for the overly crowded Calgary-Vancouver tour.
- You should know:
- Originally a Grade 7-9 teacher, she earned her Business Admin degree and worked for IBM Switzerland before moving to Canada.
- Favourite thing to do in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast:
- There is no single best spot in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, she loves the variety of the landscape and seasonal changes.
- Dream Destination:
- Galapagos Islands.
Johannes Bodendorfer
Originally from Vienna, Austria, Johannes Bodendorfer is the Executive Director of the Lillooet Chamber of Commerce. Coming from the Squamish Chamber and business consulting in Vancouver, his career has been dedicated to supporting businesses and enabling economic growth.
In Lillooet, tourism is key to that kind of growth. The goal is to increase visitor traffic throughout Lillooet, and to improve the quality of experiences for travellers. With all the unique features in the community, sharing those with tourists, ultimately benefits the local economy and businesses.
Johannes’ passion is seeing people thrive and grow – and thinking about the possibilities and successes that can be achieved, as well as finding new and innovative ways to develop and grow.
- You should know:
- His first job in tourism was at a bakery on Granville Island in Vancouver.
- Favourite thing to do in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast:
- Visit Pick's Falls in Lillooet.
- Dream Destination:
- Tatla Lake - BC
Lisa Cuthbert
Lisa Willis-Cuthbert was born into the tourism industry. Her father represented Tourism BC in Los Angeles, the UK, and Europe. She started her own career in the UK with Wardair before moving to Vancouver during Expo 86 to take a role at the Hotel Vancouver.
More than 30 years of her four-decade career has been spent in sport fishing – a sector she connected with during her time in the hotel industry. Owner and operator of the King Pacific Lodge since 2013, along with her husband she was encouraged to start her own company by contacts in sport fishing who had witnessed them build and expand businesses on behalf of other owners.
Now she’s focused exploring and developing new markets to expand the three-month fishing season and focus on corporate and incentive travel groups as well as eco tourism.
- You should know:
- She believes that other operators are complementors and not competitors – since they are all united in a desire to strengthen their sector.
- Favourite thing to do in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast:
- The entire region each area has its own unique attributes and offers different experiences.
- Dream Destination:
- British Columbia
Stewart Cawood
Gold has shaped the history of B.C.’s Central Interior and the career of Stewart Cawood – all thanks to a working-class English prospector named William ‘Billy’ Barker who, in 1862, spearheaded a twenty-year, multi-billion-dollar industrial revolution that literally helped build a Province. The town named in Billy’s honour – Barkerville – is the largest living-history museum in western North America. After starting with the historic site in 2006, Cawood has worked in various roles until his most recent position coordinating the wide array of seasonal events and daily activities.
Cawood, whose hometown is Quesnel, takes joy in facing the day’s challenges and turning obstacles into opportunities. For him, each day starts with a good cup of coffee and brings new chances to collaborate with a wide variety of brilliant and talented people.
- You should know:
- Stewart got his start in tourism as an historical Interpreter at Barkerville.
- Favourite thing to do in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast:
- Barkerville Historic Town and Park, but I am biased…
- Dream Destination:
- Machu Pichu, Peru
Relevant Documents