What’s the most important thing you learned in school?
Learning about sustainable tourism in school changed my whole course of action and opened my eyes to a side of tourism I wasn’t so familiar with. It inspired me to be more intentional with how I travel and to actively promote responsible tourism that aligns with sustainable goals. I’ve come to understand how important it is to protect the natural environment while also supporting local communities. This shift in perspective has allowed me to become much more aware of the impact my choices have, and I now strive to travel in ways that are ethical, respectful and beneficial to the places I visit.
Why did you choose to study travel, tourism or hospitality?
I chose to study the tourism industry after moving to Banff, Alberta for the summer of 2018. This transformational experience led me to want to further my knowledge of tourism after witnessing breathtaking destinations and new cultures.
What is your greatest professional strength?
My greatest professional strengths are my communication skills, my dedication to anything I start and my ability to adapt to situations. Working in the food and beverage industry for many years has allowed me to practice and continue to improve these skills, which are transferable to any industry, especially the tourism industry. I am dedicated to continual self-improvement and will pursue learning opportunities for personal and professional growth in every situation I encounter.
In your opinion, what’s the most exciting trend in travel, tourism or hospitality right now and why?
To me, the most exciting trend in the tourism industry right now is the growing interest in sustainable tourism for newer generations, like Millennials and Gen Z. This is pushing tourism suppliers, airlines and hotels to align with their values. Sustainable tourism advocacy to promote environmentally, culturally and economically responsible travel in the next generation of travellers is what we need in order to maintain destinations and the industry. I am excited to see sustainability as part of travel conversations.
What are your goals for the year ahead?
My goals for the year are to apply to the Technological University of the Shannon in Moylish, Limerick, Ireland for a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Studies with Travel & Tourism Management. However, I am very eager to start working in the industry and would be willing to put this endeavour off if given the right opportunity.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I see myself actively working in the travel industry with the goal of being an advocate and actively promoting sustainable tourism development. I would like to focus on preventing economic leakage in developing destinations in order to make tourism a positive industry that respects culture and the environment, with the goal of negating negative impacts on communities.
What are some of the top places you want to see in Canada and why?
Canada is full of must-see destinations. My top destination is Tofino, British Columbia because of its laid-back nature and beautiful views. There is actually no place in British Columbia that I wouldn’t absolutely love to visit. Second on my list is Tobermory, Ontario, as the natural beauty and hiking options are breathtaking. Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula would be a beautiful summer destination I hope to visit soon.
What do you do to engage in travel, tourism or hospitality mindfully/sustainably?
When travelling, I make it a priority to shop locally so that the revenue supports the destination’s economy rather than large, external businesses. This not only helps local communities but also ensures a more authentic and meaningful experience. I also place a strong emphasis on being mindful of cultural differences by learning about and respecting the local customs, traditions and social norms. Understanding the culture of the place I’m visiting allows me to engage more responsibly and respectfully.
Name your favourite travel or hospitality experience so far:
My favourite travel experience, hands down, was when I visited Prince Edward Island. We enjoyed fresh local lobster, shopped at charming local gift shops and met so many incredibly friendly people. One of the highlights was visiting a farm and seeing Cavendish potatoes growing—such a unique and memorable experience that gave me a deeper appreciation for the local culture and agriculture.
Name your greatest achievement so far:
My greatest achievement so far is graduating from Mohawk College for Tourism and being on the Dean’s Honour List for three semesters; I’ve yet to hear back about the fourth semester. My dedication and hard work throughout my studies have truly paid off. This recognition has shown me the value of persistence and passion in pursuing what I love. It’s something I’m really proud of myself for and a milestone that motivates me to keep pushing forward and to do even better.
What’s the best OR worst piece of travel advice you’ve received?
The best piece of advice I’ve received when travelling is to make friends and maintain those connections. Thanks to that advice, I now have friends in places such as New Zealand, Alberta, Australia, Thailand and Chile—people I can visit and who are always welcome to visit me. These connections have led to meaningful, lifelong friendships. They’ve also reminded me that distance doesn’t matter when a friendship is genuine.
What destination is next on your dream travel list and why?
My next dream destination is Iceland. I have always wanted to see a volcano and walk along the black sand beaches. The culture in Iceland also intrigues me; there is so much that I would love to learn about from the locals, like how they use geothermal energy to bake bread. There are also so many spa and wellness options that I would love to rejuvenate in.
