PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
It is an honour to serve the Association of Edmonton Convention Hotels as President for fiscal 2009 – 2010.
My role and that of the entire Executive Committee is to aid our members and industry partners in promoting Edmonton as a destination; to keep ourselves informed of any activities or conditions which impact our industry and to create an environment that allows us all to manage our business in a more productive manner.
Our main industry partners are Edmonton Tourism and the Shaw Conference Centre, but we also ensure representation with the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association and the Edmonton Hotel Association.
Education is also a big component for AECH and we partner with Employ-Abilities, the NAIT Culinary Centre, Centre High and ATEC.
Given the positive economic outlook for Greater Edmonton and Alberta, one of our goals is to ensure we capitalize on the vast opportunities ahead.
Building on our successes with the implementation of the Destination Market Fee, we will strengthen our partnerships with Tourism Alberta and the Tourism Partnership Council; we will maximize every effort to promote the Greater Edmonton region as a destination.
Other opportunities include the revitalization of the Downtown Edmonton, the expansion of University of Alberta and the Shaw Conference Centre. The anticipated opening of the new Art Gallery of Alberta in 2010 will bring excitement and charm to the city for many years to come.
In addition, we will work collaboratively with Edmonton Airports advocating the need for improved air service, both domestic and international.
Building business through partnerships!
Robert Blackwell
General Manager
Delta Edmonton South Hotel