Destination BC Appoints Richard Porges as Permanent President and CEO

Richard Porges, Destination BC President & CEO

Destination BC announced the appointment of Richard Porges as the new CEO of BC’s provincial tourism development and marketing organization. This role becomes effective immediately.

Richard previously served as the corporation’s Acting President and CEO, and was Vice President of Corporate Development prior to that. He joined the corporation’s research department in 1999, and moved to progressively more senior roles within the BC Provincial Government and Destination BC. As Vice President of Corporate Development, Richard provided strategic leadership for Destination BC’s corporate communications, research and analytics, human resources, and corporate services departments.

The Board sought a candidate who had the leadership, strategic skills, and government and tourism sector relationships to undertake the President and CEO role; and drive Destination BC’s goals and support BC’s tourism industry through some of the biggest challenges the sector has ever faced. Hundreds of potential candidates, from all corners of the globe, were reviewed.

The Board is confident in Richard, the Executive team, and Destination BC’s dedicated staff in continuing to deliver programs and services to support industry through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. The team will continue to work closely with Minister Mark, Ministry staff and industry partners across the province to respond to the needs of BC’s vital tourism sector.

TOTA’s team congratulates Richard on this appointment. We look forward to continuing to work with you to support the tourism industry.