Tourism
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism’s Tyler Cole Named one of 30 Future Leaders of Tourism Industry
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT) is thrilled to announce that Tyler Cole has been named one of Destinations International’s 2022 30 Under 30 recipients. Honourees are from destinations around the world and are the future leaders of the tourism industry.
“Congratulations Tyler on this well-deserved recognition,” says David Goldstein, CEO of Travel Alberta. “Thank you for your leadership and inspiring others to choose tourism as a fulfilling, lifelong career in Alberta.”
From the moment Tyler arrived in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Alberta, he knew he was in the right place to further his tourism career. After obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia focused on culture and history, he continued with a specialization in Sport Business Management from Ontario’s Algonquin College. Today, in his role as the region’s Sports & Events Economic Development Officer for FMWBEDT, his focus is on working with tourism stakeholders, rights holders, and entrepreneurs to help them drive new opportunities that generate economic impact for the region. From promoting the region as an incredible place to host sports and cultural events to bidding on events in partnership with community sports organizations and facility operators, his work plays an important role in our visitor economy. Tyler’s passion for making a difference in the region is his trademark—through volunteering, supporting community events, and advocating on behalf of the region in the sport tourism sector, he works to make Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo a better place for residents and visitors.
“The team and I are proud of Tyler for receiving this prestigious honour from Destinations International, and that his tourism industry contributions and leadership are being recognized on an international stage,” says Kevin Weidlich, President & CEO of FMWBEDT. “Alberta, and in particular Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, is known as a place of incredible opportunity to start or accelerate your career. Globally, attracting and retaining talent is at the forefront for cities and regions, as great talent attracts more great talent—and we can’t wait to welcome you here!”
A diverse and inclusive workplace is central to the tourism industry’s ability to attract, develop, and retain the talent it needs to remain competitive, drive innovation and maintain relevance. Destinations International is committed to investing and preparing the leaders of tomorrow and developing future industry leaders that represent a diverse set of backgrounds and perspectives.
“As our industry moves toward recovery, we are especially excited to announce these young professionals as they are the future of the travel and tourism industry,” said Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International.
“The Destinations International Foundation believes in building up the leaders of tomorrow,” said John Percy, President & CEO of Destination Niagara USA and Destinations International Foundation Chair.
“We are thrilled to honour this year’s class of emerging young leaders,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global. “As we continue to rebuild and re-energize our industry, our commitment to the 30 Under 30 Program and the professional development of our future leaders will remain essential.”
Learn more about each honouree recipient of the Destinations International’s 2022 30 Under 30 here.