Personal Profile

Name

Marsha Walden
Company

Destination BC
Title

President & CEO
Business Website

http://www.destinationbc.ca

Leadership Profile

Who We Are

Destination BC markets British Columbia to travelers around the world and works collaboratively with tourism stakeholders to develop our province as a premium destination.

OUR WINNING ASPIRATION

Share the transformative power of BC experiences with the world.

Grow sustainable social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits for all British Columbians.

 
Why We Are Involved

The tourism industry is keen to attract BC’s best talent.  Our industry needs a diverse workforce that includes people of all backgrounds and abilities, and research shows that a diverse and inclusive workplace enhances corporate performance.
Distinction and Awards
  • 2018 Marketer of the Year Award by the BC Chapter of the American Marketing Association (BCAMA)
  • 2018 Canadian Marketer of the Year Awarded to Maya Lange, Vice President, Global Marketing at Destination BC
  • 2016: Gold Winner in Adventure Destination category, Magellan Awards
  • 2015: winner of three Gold, five Silver, one Bronze Lotus Awards – honouring the creative excellence and innovation that goes into making BC generated communications the best in Canada
Number of employees

100
Accessibility Initiatives
  • 2017-2020 HR Strategy with diversity and inclusion focus
  • Participated in the 2018 and 2019 BC Public Service’s WorkAble internship program; 12 month internship program for individuals who self-identify as having a disability
  • Employee lunch and learn on mental health in the workplace
  • Mental health and wellness policies which allow employees to fulfill any personal, family or caregiver responsibilities they may have.
  • Employee training on unconscious bias and inclusive hiring, particularly as it related to talent recruitment.
  • Flexible work arrangements for our employees, including work-from-home options.
  • Employee-facilitated Lunch & Learn sessions on stress management, ,mindfulness and mental health in the workplace.
  • Internal newsletter features employees personal stories – one example included an employee’s experience coping with mental health challenges in her family.
  • Post our roles internally, externally and in communities of the differently abled to attract a diverse pool of candidates.
  • Job postings includes DBC commitment statement as an inclusive employer.
  • Actively working to meet Rick Hansen Foundation Accessible Workplace certification criteria in 2019/2020 office renovation
Highlights
  • Consumer-facing website is accessible by ADA and W3C standards and features  tourism experiences of people with disabilities.
  • In May 2019, launched a provincial Accessibility Strategy to enhance tourism experiences and employment for people with physical or cognitive challenges.
  • Visitor Services Innovation Fund supports community-based initiatives that improve accessibility at visitor centres throughout the province.
  • Destination BC advocates for employment inclusivity at tourism industry conferences and raises awareness through industry communications.
Download profile as PDF

Download file