VANCOUVER — The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) has appointed Paul Hawes as its new president and CEO, effective Feb. 3, 2025. Bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience across travel and hospitality sectors in Canada and the U.K., Hawe is poised to guide the BCHA into its next phase of growth.
Hawe’s journey in the industry began in the U.K. where he studied tourism and hospitality. In 1995, he moved to Canada and joined Banff Caribou Properties. He has since held leadership roles with Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, Travel Alberta, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Destination Canada and Destination Greater Victoria. During a period back in the U.K., Hawe also played a role in establishing the overseas offices in the U.K., Germany and France for Destination New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
Since 2021, Hawe has served as vice-president of Destination Development and Marketing at Explore Edmonton Corporation. In this role, he led the teams of global marketing, media relations, sales and business development, event attraction and destination stewardship, including the destination’s tourism master plan evolution. Under Hawe’s leadership, the city of Edmonton earned recognition among Lonely Planet’s top places to visit in 2025.
“We are honoured to welcome Paul to the BCHA,” says Tanya Stroinig, Chair of the BCHA. “Hawe’s diverse career portfolio and skillset will serve him well in his role as president and CEO of our organization. For the past four years with Explore Edmonton Corporation, Hawe has dedicated his time to driving business and establishing and managing relationships with the hotel community.”
“I’m confident that Hawe will lead the BCHA forward to achieve continued success,” says Ingrid Jarrett, current president and CEO of the BCHA. “Hawe will work with government at the provincial and federal level as I have, ensuring the best interest of the accommodation sector and advocating for our members.”
“I’m delighted to be joining the incredible team at the BC Hotel Association. This opportunity feels like a homecoming to my roots, with hotels playing a pivotal role in shaping my early career,” says Hawes. “I’m eager to build on the remarkable work achieved under Jarrett’s leadership and look forward to continuing BCHA’s legacy of success.”
