The 2026 winners have been announced. See below for the finalists and winners.
Read all about the finalists in the Spring edition of InnFocus magazine.
Award Categories and Finalists
From service to leadership, these awards recognize the people and properties elevating our industry.
Leader of the Future
This award recognizes an emerging hospitality professional demonstrating leadership potential, innovation, and passion for the industry.
Finalists
Savannah Cannatella, Director of Rooms Magnolia Hotel & Spa (WINNER)
Kayla Pedscalny, Assistant General Manager Prestige Lakeside Resort Nelson
Quinn Luong, Assistant Housekeeping Manager Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
Sponsored by:
Housekeeping Excellence
This award celebrates a housekeeping team demonstrating exceptional attention to detail, service excellence, and commitment to high standards of cleanliness and comfort.
Finalists
Summerland Waterfront Resort Hotel Summerland, BC (WINNER)
Balcomo, a Ramada by Wyndham Penticton, BC
Wickaninnish Inn Tofino, BC
Sponsored by:
Sustainability Champion
This award honours a property or organization that demonstrates leadership in sustainability across energy, food, and environmental practices within hospitality.
Finalists
The Parkside Hotel & Spa Victoria, BC (WINNER)
Inn at Laurel Point Victoria, BC
Nita Lake Lodge Whistler, BC
Sponsored by:
Guest Service Excellence
This award recognizes a department or team that consistently delivers truly exceptional, memorable, and personalized guest experiences.
Finalists
Guest Experience Team Nimmo Bay Resort (WINNER)
Club Lounge Team Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel
Front Desk Team Balcomo, a Ramada by Wyndham
Hotelier of the Year
This award recognizes a General Manager demonstrating exceptional leadership, operational expertise, and contribution to the BC hotel industry.
Finalists
David MacKenzie, Owner & Managing Director Pemberton Valley Lodge (WINNER)
Ken Hall, General Manager Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Sarah Webb, General Manager Oswego Hotel
Sponsored by:
Accommodation of the Year
This award honours a property that showcases outstanding achievements, leadership, and innovation, while setting a high standard of excellence in BC's accommodation sector.
Finalists
The Parkside Hotel & Spa Victoria, BC (WINNER)
Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa Royston, BC
Old House Hotel Courtenay, BC
Sponsored by:
Culinary Excellence
This award honours a culinary professional or team that demonstrates creativity, quality, and a commitment to BC’s local flavours and ingredients.
Finalists
Danai Hongwanishkul, Executive Chef Kingfisher Pacific Resort and Spa (WINNER)
Elmark Andres, Executive Chef Lola, Bodega Ridge
Sponsored by:
Eligibility Criteria
Applicable to all categories in addition to category-specific eligibility noted in the nomination forms.
Nominees can be self-nominated or nominated by other organizations/individuals.
Nominees must have been operating/working in the hospitality industry in BC in 2025.
Individual nominations are open to all members of the accommodation sector in BC.
Properties must be current members of the BCHA.
Board members may be nominated but not self-nominated.
Meet the Adjudication Committee
ERIN CASSELS
Director/General Manager, Huntingdon Hotel and Suites
Combines passion for people with a commitment to inclusive, sustainable hospitality that empowers teams and strengthens BC’s tourism landscape.
BILL LEWIS
General Manager Magnolia Hotel & Spa
An award-winning hospitality leader recognized for service excellence, mentorship, and setting enduring standards within Canada’s boutique hotel community.
GARY YU
Regional Manager, RZH Hotel Group
A collaborative hospitality leader valued for financial discipline, operational insight, and steady leadership within complex hotel environments.
DAVID MCBEAN
General Manager, Watermark Beach Resort
A hospitality executive known for people-first leadership, operational excellence, and long-term stewardship across BC’s accommodation industry.
MICHELLE LE SAGE
General Manager Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
Brings extensive leadership experience, fostering strong teams and exceptional guest experiences across BC’s hospitality and tourism community.
KARIM MOHAMMADI
Operating Partner Evergreen Hospitality Group
A hospitality executive focused on portfolio growth, community engagement, and guiding sustainable outcomes across diverse hospitality markets.
Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
CULINARY EXCELLENCE
Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
LEADER OF THE FUTURE
Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
HOTELIER OF THE YEAR
Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
HOUSEKEEPING EXCELLENCE
Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR
Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.
