VICTORIA, BC, March 4, 2026 /CNW/ - The Parkside Hotel & Spa announces the release of The Parkside , a planning resource for purpose-led team experiences that positions restoration and renewal as essential to productive corporate gatherings. The guide reflects a shift in how organizations approach off-site meetings, creating opportunities for teams to restore energy, strengthen alignment and advance business priorities.

To mark the launch of the guide, The Parkside Hotel & Spa is offering a complimentary private DRIFT Floating Sound Meditation session for qualifying groups. This immersive wellness experience is available to new bookings of 20 or more guest rooms that include at least one reserved meeting space. Reservations must be confirmed by September 30, 2026, with events hosted by February 28, 2027.

The guide was developed in response to the growing understanding that employee wellbeing directly influences organizational performance, helping planners design retreats that balance focus with restoration. Naturally lit meeting and event spaces support productivity. At the same time, distinctive environments such as The Parkside's private theatre, indoor atrium and rooftop garden terrace with firepits offer memorable settings for presentations, shared experiences and informal gatherings.

Purpose-led retreat elements are integrated throughout the experience. Groups can incorporate exclusive spa access, the DRIFT Floating Sound Meditation sessions and mindful stretching classes, supporting restoration while strengthening team cohesion. These offerings position wellness as a foundational part of the retreat, not an added feature.

"We're seeing a clear shift in how organizations approach retreats. The most impactful gatherings are those that support both the wellness of people and the clarity of their work," shares Tauna Eden, Director of Sales and Business Development at The Parkside Hotel & Spa. "We've designed experiences where teams can step away from daily demands, restore their energy and return with greater focus and alignment."

The guide also introduces off-agenda opportunities that encourage reflection and connection. Complimentary bikes and curated walking routes invite groups to explore downtown Victoria and nearby natural landscapes, while Eagle Wing Whale Tours and Songhees Canoe Tours provide opportunities for ocean adventures and experiential interaction. These elements help planners design programs that feel purposeful, unique and energizing.

This approach is further supported by The Parkside's commitment to sustainability, including waste diversion programs and environmentally responsible meeting practices. Together, these elements reflect a holistic retreat experience aligned with today's organizational priorities.

Groups interested in designing a purpose-led retreat at The Parkside Hotel & Spa, including the opportunity to experience a complimentary private DRIFT session, are invited to connect with the hotel's sales team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to begin the planning process. The Parkside Retreat & Wellness Guide is available upon request, or planners can explore additional details on the hotel's page.

Vancouver, BC (March 2, 2026) – This spring, welcomes the return of cherry blossom season with its limited-time – an elegant celebration of renewal, beauty, and refined indulgence. Inspired by the soft hues and delicate flavours of sakura, this seasonal experience blends classic afternoon tea tradition with subtle Japanese influences.

The menu captures the essence of spring through a collection of sweet and savoury creations. Among the highlights: Cherry Panna Cotta Tart layered with morello jelly and amarena cherry; Pistachio Raspberry Delice with delicate sponge and mousse; Strawberry Verrine with Chantilly and vanilla genoise; Castella Cake filled with bright yuzu cream; and a Lavender Shortbread Cookie finished with a pink lemonade glaze.

Savoury selections are equally enticing, featuring Cherry Salmon Aburi on milk bread with yuzu aioli, Tamago Sando with furikake, Vegetable Korokke with tonkatsu sauce, Mushroom Dengaku Tart, and a comforting Curry Pan filled with beef. Freshly baked Buttermilk and Chia Vanilla Scones are served warm with mascarpone tea cream and strawberry jam to complete the experience.

Set within the hotel’s Notch8 Restaurant, Sakura Afternoon Tea invites guests to gather and celebrate in a season of elegance and renewal. A curated selection of specialty floral teas and spring-inspired cocktails further enhances the experience.

This year’s tea service is complemented by a custom designed menu artwork by , a Vancouver oil painter known for her vibrant, textured paintings of food. Her work reflects the nostalgia and sense of community found around the table, where stories are shared and memories are made. Inspired by the beauty and ritual of gathering, this tablescape of Fairmont Vancouver’s Sakura Tea invites conversation - echoing the connections formed over tea. Limited edition of this piece will be available throughout the Sakura Tea season.

Sakura Afternoon Tea is available now through May 18. This limited-time experience is offered on Thursdays at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, and Friday through Sunday at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. are highly recommended.

In addition to the tea, the hotel’s beloved scones will also be available for purchase at the Cherry Blossom Festival’s Big Picnic on March 28 and 29 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

What best practices does the Hotel Association of Canada recommend to help properties identify and prevent human trafficking, and how are frontline staff being trained to recognize and safely report red flags?

Through our national No Room for Trafficking initiative, the Hotel Association of Canada is helping establish consistent standards across the country - grounded in training, clear reporting protocols, and property-wide accountability. We encourage hotels to provide role-specific training for guest-facing teams so staff can recognize potential indicators, document concerns appropriately, and escalate safely through established procedures.

This work is rooted in awareness, consistency, and close coordination with local law enforcement and community partners. Today, more than 1,400 HAC member hotels are participating in No Room for Trafficking, committed to training all team members, alongside hundreds more properties across the broader industry. Together, we are strengthening prevention efforts nationwide.

Resources are available at hotelassociation.ca/no-room-for-trafficking, including many free training resources available in a wide range of languages. 

What metrics or benchmarks should hotels be tracking to evaluate whether their anti-trafficking and security policies are actually effective, and how can operators share best practices across the industry?

Human trafficking prevention is not a one-day campaign - it is a 12-month-a-year responsibility. Hotels should measure implementation and accountability through training completion and refresher rates, staff understanding of reporting protocols, and consistent adherence to escalation and documentation procedures. These indicators reveal whether policies are not only in place, but actively practiced across the property. Regular policy reviews and operational safeguards - including identity verification practices and security coordination - are also key indicators of program strength.

Best‑practice sharing is also essential. Through No Room for Trafficking, and through collaboration across industry associations and brand networks, hotels are sharing tools, training resources, and lessons learned to continuously strengthen standards across the sector.

At the Hotel Association of Canada, we work closely with the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, which operates the national Human Trafficking Hotline. In 2025, the Hotline received more than 5,900 calls - the highest number on record. The link between awareness and reporting is clear: as understanding grows, more potential cases are identified. Through our industry’s collective efforts, we expect that even more trafficking activity will be detected and ultimately prevented.

 The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking is a national charity that works to advance systemic change to prevent human trafficking and support victims and survivors. The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (1-833-900-1010) is a confidential, multilingual service available 24/7/365 that connects victims, survivors, and concerned community members with local supports.

TORONTO, ON (February 26, 2026) — Choice Hotels Canada today announced two additions to its Franchise Development team: Kris Crundwell and Michael Durante.

Crundwell will serve as Regional Vice President, Development, leading the company’s franchise development efforts across British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. Durante will serve as Regional Vice President, Development, overseeing similar efforts in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador.

Reporting to Graham Marsh, National Vice President, Development, Crundwell and Durante will contribute to the company’s continued growth momentum following Choice Hotels International’s full acquisition of Choice Hotels Canada in July 2025. The acquisition enables Choice to directly franchise Radisson brands in Canada, including Country Inn & Suites, Park Inn, and Radisson Blu, in addition to the upscale Cambria brand and extended-stay offerings such as MainStay Suites and Everhome Suites.

“With Kris and Michael coming aboard Franchise Development, we’re adding considerable depth and expertise to our team across the country,” said Brian Leon, CEO, Choice Hotels Canada. “As we strive to take advantage of every opportunity for growth — both in expanding our Canadian presence and enhancing the value proposition we offer franchisees — I am confident they will be great additions, particularly as we work to increase our presence in Canada’s upscale space.”

Crundwell brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience and transitions to the Canadian team from Choice Hotels International. He previously served as Regional Vice President, Franchise Sales Development – Canada, where he led sales efforts for the Cambria and Radisson brands nationwide.

Durante joins the Franchise Development team after seven years with Choice Hotels Canada as Regional Director, Franchise Services, where he provided virtual and on-the-ground operational support to a portfolio of Ontario hotels. With more than 35 years in hospitality, he has held a variety of on-property and above-property leadership roles.