VICTORIA – Tourism Victoria and SportHost Victoria (SportHost) have jointly created a sport-tourism organization to champion sporting events in the Greater Victoria region – The Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission.
Discussions have been in the works for several months with these like-minded partners exploring a strategic collaboration that would realize greater efficiencies and cumulative benefits from aligning goals, resources, skills, and responsibilities in one sport-focused entity.
The Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission builds upon the achievements of SportHost, integrates the expertise of sport leaders in Greater Victoria, and will be housed as an independent entity within the legal structure of Tourism Victoria, drawing upon the proven professionalism and success of the region’s largest destination marketing enterprise.
One hundred major regional, provincial, national and international sporting events take place in the Greater Victoria area every year contributing approximately $117-million to the regional economy on an annual basis. Building on the achievements of SportHost, the goal of The Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission is to strengthen the region’s competitive edge and grow this specialized economic sector.
Paul Nursey, CEO of Tourism Victoria, said the new organization makes sense and is a natural evolution from the success of SportHost. “The Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission will have its own membership, authorities and brand distinction. Tourism Victoria will provide key support in areas like strategy, destination marketing, member recruitment, research and administration. These synergies allow for a smart, nimble, efficient and collaborative entity that will have greater reach and impact in the market.”
The sporting community wishes to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of Hugh MacDonald who has provided the dedicated leadership at SportHost Victoria since 2001, nurturing and guiding the region’s reputation as a host destination for quality sporting events. Hugh will be supporting the creation of the new organization and ensuring a smooth transition until March 31, the date of his retirement.
Effective April 1, The Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission will operate out of Saanich Commonwealth Place, Suite 100 (the current offices of SportHost Victoria).
Tourism Victoria is currently seeking an Executive Director to lead this new organization.
