Tourism Calgary welcomes Alisha Reynolds as its new CEO

Calgary, AB, May 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After an intensive search and competitive selection process, Tourism Calgary welcomes Alisha Reynolds as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer. Reynolds will officially join Tourism Calgary on June 3, 2024, initiating a leadership transition from current CEO Cindy Adi, who announced her retirement at the end of last year.

“We are excited to have one of the industry's rising stars join Tourism Calgary as our new CEO,” said Mark Wilson, Chair of Tourism Calgary's Board of Directors. “In addition to an impressive resume, Alisha brings with her an infectious spirit that has earned the unanimous support of the board. With a wealth of travel business and leadership experience, an appetite for innovation and a strong vision, Alisha is poised to lead us into a new era of growth and opportunity.”

The selection process for the new CEO was thorough and inclusive, guided by the leadership of the board and the feedback and insights of key stakeholders. The feature has generated significant interest in North America and beyond. Reynolds' unique experience, natural talent and blue-collar thinking stood out among a field of exceptional candidates.

“I am honored and humbled to lead Calgary's vibrant tourism industry through a monumental period of growth and opportunity,” said Alisha Reynolds, CEO of Tourism Calgary. “Calgary has endless opportunities — our world-class events, venues and attractions create unforgettable experiences for visitors. Tourism is not just an economic engine; it's a lifeline for countless businesses and a source of pride for every Calgarian. I am ready to lend my vision and energy to this dynamic landscape.”

This announcement comes at an important time for Tourism Calgary. Under Reynolds' leadership, the organization will develop and implement a 10-year visionary tourism strategy for Calgary's visitor economy, identifying and taking action to support Alberta's goal of achieving $25 billion in annual visitor spending by 2035. Exciting projects like the BMO Center expansion. , Calgary's new Events Center and Culture + Entertainment District, as well as the redevelopment of the Arts Commons and Glenbow Museum, are coming to fruition. As CEO of Tourism Calgary, Alisha is tasked with building this incredible runway to bring together industry partners, capitalize on the city's welcoming spirit, and take the visitor economy to new heights.

Reynolds joins Tourism Calgary from the role of Vice President of Development (North America) for Northland Restaurant Group. For the past seven years, he has worked for Northland Properties Corporation (Canada's largest, family-owned hospitality company) in various progressive leadership roles. At one point, as Vice President of Sandman Hotel Group, he was responsible for a portfolio of 23 hotels in Western Canada and a team of over 1,000 people. Most recently, he led the real estate and development team for brands such as Moxies, Denny's, Chop Steakhouse and Shark Club. Reynolds has also worked as a corporate lawyer at two international law firms in Calgary and held leadership roles in service industries including hospitality (resorts, golf clubs, restaurants and hotels), finance (banking) and professional services (law firms). .

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Juris Doctor from the University of Saskatchewan, a Certificate in Hospitality Real Estate Investment and Asset Management from Cornell University, and a Master of Business Administration from Queen's University. She lives in Calgary with her husband and three young children.

Reynolds will spend time with Cindy Adi until June, ensuring a smooth transition. Tourism Calgary is extremely grateful to Cindy for her outstanding leadership and contributions over the past decade and warmly welcomes Alisha to the family.

About Tourism Calgary
Tourism Calgary is the official designated governing body for Calgary's tourism industry. For more than 60 years, the organization's primary goal has been to promote Calgary and the region as a destination of choice. With the goal of making Calgary a host city, Tourism Calgary markets the city locally, nationally and internationally and advocates for its continued development as a destination. The organization hosts and attracts visitors, conventions and events and activates the city by promoting the growth of shared, memorable experiences. In 2023, Calgary saw an estimated 8.4 million visitors and as a result visitors spent $2.9 billion.

Visit us online at visitcalgary.com or follow @TourismCalgary on social media.