PORTSMOUTH, NH — The latest Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report for Canada from Lodging Econometrics (LE) reveals, at Q1 2024, there are 314 projects/39,628 rooms in the total pipeline. This new record-high in project counts represents an 11-per-cent increase in project counts and a five per cent increase in room numbers year-over-year (YOY). In Canada, there was a surge of projects that moved into the under-construction stage in 2023. Currently, there are 70 projects/9,151 rooms under construction in Canada, up 49 per cent and 58 per cent YOY, respectively. Additionally, at the close of ..read more

TORONTO — Immigration Minister Marc Miller recently announced that international students in Canada will be able to work for up to 24 hours per week starting in September. The 20-hour cap on work hours for international students during the pandemic has been waived in an attempt to ease labour shortages. The new work limit comes as the federal government clamps down on a surge in international student enrollments across the country. In the last decade, international enrollment in Canada has tripled to more than 900,000 students last year, reports the Toronto Star. Canadian employers in the food ..read more

OTTAWA — The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has appointed Claude Paul Boivin as its interim president and CEO. Boivin is a seasoned executive with more than 27 years of experience leading national associations, including the International Development Research Centre, the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies, the Canadian Veterinarian Association and the Canadian Dental Association. He has also served as a Honorary Colonel in the Canadian army and, most recently, as an executive leadership coach. Boivin will begin onboarding next week in order to capitalize on the overlap period b ..read more

VANCOUVER — Botanist Bar, located inside of the Fairmont Pacific Rim, has ranked No.24 on North America’s 50 Best Bars List for 2024. This is second-consecutive year the bar has been recognized by the global authority. “To be recognized on this list for a second year in a row speaks volumes about Botanist Bar’s constant pursuit of creativity,” says Grant Sceney, Creative Beverage director at Fairmont Pacific Rim. “It’s a reflection of all the people that have been a part of its seven-year journey.” Botanist is celebrating its recognition by hosting The Clumsies, ranked No.47 on the World’s Bes ..read more

TORONTO — Days Inns – Canada was named a recipient of the Franchisees’ Choice Designation at the 2024 Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) National Convention. This marks the fourth successive year of acknowledgment for Days Inns – Canada. “Being honoured with the Franchisees’ Choice Designation from the CFA highlights our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and support to our franchisees,” says Irwin Prince, president and COO of Days Inns – Canada. “It speaks volumes about our hospitality team’s relentless dedication and commitment.” The Franchisees’ Choice Designees ..read more

CALGARY — CHARCUT, the brand’s second location in Calgary’s University District, has opened. Located adjacent to the new Alt Hotel, CHARCUT University District’s 2,800-sq.-ft. space features an open kitchen with custom equipment, including a rotisserie grill and a smoker. Director views through 12-foot picture-glass windows reveals the chef’s salumeria, where co-chefs Connie DeSousa and John Jackson display their dry-aged beef, whole pigs and house-made salumi. Jack Coetzee is appointed the location’s executive chef and Ty Swihard is general manager. “We’re delighted to welcome Connie and John ..read more

TORONTO — Fusioncorp Developments Inc. has been awarded a construction management contract valued at $8 million to convert and expand a five-storey residential site at 45 Mutual St. in Toronto from a residence/commercial building to a hotel. Called Hotel Beebop, the expansion will add four new levels (48 units with a gross floor area of 18,582 sq. ft.) atop the existing structure with a similar floorplate. As the construction manager, Fusioncorp will work with the developer Castl Inc. and onespace unlimited inc. to create the modern exterior and spacious interiors. “We’re intrigued by this pro ..read more

TORONTO — Inns – Canada recently announced the recipients of its coveted Awards of Recognition for 2023, which acknowledges the exceptional accomplishments of top-performing Days Inn hotels and hotel teams across Canada. This formal recognition honours the outstanding performance and unwavering dedication displayed by the recipients. “Leading a successful business is no easy task, making it all the more rewarding to celebrate our owners, general managers, and their hardworking teams for their ongoing dedication to representing the very best of the Days Inn brand,” says Irwin Prince, presi ..read more

TORONTO — Andrew Weir is the new president & CEO of Destination Toronto, effective May 1. Weir has been an integral member of the leadership team at Destination Toronto for the past 18 years, most recently as executive vice-president. A proven leader in Toronto’s tourism industry, Weir has served on numerous boards across the industry, including Destination International’s DMAP Board and as Chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) from 2021 to 2023. “Having conducted a thorough North-American search, we are thrilled to announce And ..read more

Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (MUSQUEAM), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (SQUAMISH) and səlilwətaɬ (TSLEIL-WAUTUTH), VANCOUVER — The 2024-2025 federal budget has dedicated $2.5 to Indigenous tourism, thanks in part to the advocacy work of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). “We’re pleased with the allocation of dedicated funds to ITAC in budget 2024, signaling government confidence in ITAC and backing of a national coordinated Indigenous tourism strategy,” says Keith Henry, president and CEO of ITAC. “This is a great first step, and we hope to see continued and long-term stability for the Indigenous-tourism sec ..read more