Destination BC--B.C.’s provincial tourism development and marketing organization--has just announced that, after an extensive global search, it has appointed Richard Porges as president and CEO, effective immediately.

Porges previously served as Destination BC's acting president and CEO, and vice-president of corporate development prior to that. Before joining the corporation's research department in 1999, he taught in the economics, MBA, and MPA programs at the University of Victoria, and was a consultant for several government and non-profit organizations.

“Richard has provided unwavering leadership as interim CEO throughout the many challenges the sector has endured during the COVID-19 pandemic," says Melanie Mark, minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport, in a news release. "His expertise and collaborative approach within the tourism industry will be essential as we work together to strengthen British Columbia’s thriving tourism sector.”

“We have a highly skilled and experienced team at Destination BC," says Porges in the news release, "and I am excited for the opportunity to continue to work with them and collaborate with our industry and government partners to support B.C.’s valuable tourism sector.

"We will take the opportunities that lie ahead of us and build back stronger than ever," he adds. "Working together, we will, once again, deliver sustainable social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits for all British Columbians, safely and responsibly.”