Toronto, ON, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Days Inns - Canada has partnered with Country Thunder Saskatchewan (July 10-13, 2025) and Country Thunder Alberta (August 15-17, 2025) as the festivals' Official Hotel Partner. This marks the hotel chain's first music festival sponsorship and strategic entry into Canada's vibrant country music festival scene.

The partnership connects Days Inns - Canada with thousands of country music fans during two of Western Canada's most anticipated events, with Country Thunder Alberta expecting over 65,000 attendees and Country Thunder Saskatchewan drawing approximately 75,000 fans.

“The Country Thunder audience is a natural fit for Days Inn. Country music fans appreciate great value, convenience and unforgettable travel experiences,” said Ally Wesson, Vice President of Marketing at Days Inns - Canada. “This partnership allows us to authentically connect with guests who reflect our core customer base, while reinforcing Days Inn’s position as a go-to choice for reliable, affordable accommodations across Canada.”

As the Official Hotel Partner, Days Inns - Canada will have prominent brand visibility throughout both Country Thunder venues, including featured placement on main stage video screens and strategic positioning in high-traffic areas of each festival.

Both festivals will feature dedicated on-site activation spaces where fans can interact directly with the Days Inns - Canada brand. Festival-goers can engage in immersive experiences and capture shareable festival memories at a specially designed activation area.

The partnership extends beyond the festival grounds through coordinated digital marketing campaigns, social media and promotional contests designed to maintain engagement throughout the season.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Days Inn as our official hotel partner,” said Gerry Krochak, Director of Corporate Partnerships at Country Thunder. “The inclusive and welcoming spirit of Country Thunder Music Festivals, paired with one of Canada’s top hotel brands, is a match made in country music heaven. Days Inn goes above and beyond to provide our fans with flexible and convenient travel options for our events in Saskatchewan and Alberta.”

Whether road-tripping to a festival or planning a weekend getaway, Days Inn offers the reliable, affordable comfort that makes every journey brighter. Locations in Canada offer free Wi-Fi, either an on-site restaurant or a free breakfast, and a pool at many locations. Plus, earn valuable Wyndham Rewards points while you travel, then redeem for stays at thousands of Wyndham hotels, vacation club resorts & vacation rentals worldwide. For more information, visit daysinn.ca.

The 2025 HAC Conference Addressed Fundamental Issues for Hoteliers

By Frank Yeo

The Hotel Association of Canada’s (HAC) national conference attracted more than 350 delegates in Ottawa this last June 16 and 17 at The Westin Ottawa with the theme “Thriving in Uncertainty”. And with the political turmoil south of the border, it was indeed a very timely theme.

Hosted by Catherine Clark, President & Founder of Catherine Clark Communications, the event opened with welcoming remarks from Elder Claudette Commanda, Chancellor of the University of Ottawa and an introduction from Beth McMahon, the new President & CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada.

With tourism projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.42 per cent through 2030, and the increased propensity of Canadians to vacation at home, there was a very optimistic mood among the delegates.

The opening “Speed Stats” session pointed to strong demand: Canada’s hotel industry generated $30 billion in revenue in 2023, with $27.7 billion in value-added economic output. The sector supported 320,100 jobs with $13.4 billion in total wages. Ontario led the country with $8.4 billion in total hotel revenues, followed by Alberta at $6.6 billion and Quebec at $5.7 billion. The total hotel room inventory stood at 476,364 across 8,385 establishments nationwide.

To match the theme, the next session was entitled “Thriving in Uncertainty: Navigating Political and Economic Impacts on the Hospitality Industry”, featuring Ihsain Chahim, Senior Vice President, Corporate and Syndicated Financing at BDC, Tony Cohen, Partner & President, Crescent Hotels & Resorts Canada, and Christine McMillan, Partner, Crestview Strategy. Together, they provided insights into the recent developments, economic trends, and global dynamics, offering strategies for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.

After a few breakout sessions, one focused on looking deeper into the industry data and the other on sustainability as a financial and environmental strategy, the program continued with the “CEO Quickfire – the strategy edition” panel. Ben Cadwell, Chief Operating Officer, North & Central America at Fairmont, Mandy Farmer, CEO Accent Inns/Hotel Zed, and Brian Leon, Chief Executive Officer, Choice Hotels Canada Inc. discussed the challenges of forward planning given economic uncertainty, fluctuating travel patterns and regulatory shifts. Panelists explored capital allocation, brand differentiation and the role of technology in driving efficiency and guest satisfaction.

There were an additional two breakout sessions in the afternoon: “Bridging Borders: US Market Insights and Strategy” and “Winning the Talent War”. The discussion in “Bridging Borders” focused on how border friction, air connectivity and consumer trends are shaping the pace of recovery. Despite travel increasing from the U.S., panelists emphasized the need for coordinated marketing and policy support to maintain momentum.

“Winning the Talent War” focused on labour shortages and human capital retention with the industry still finding it difficult filling both frontline and leadership roles. Speakers emphasized that flexible work models, stronger onboarding practices and tailored benefits are becoming essential to compete for talent in a constrained labour market.

The conference concluded with a keynote address by author and risk strategist Dan Gardner, who spoke on leadership and decision-making in uncertain conditions. Closing remarks were delivered by Tony Cohen, who has been newly appointed Chair of the HAC Board of Directors.

Engaging MPs and ministers in the new federal government was emphasized as a key priority for the Association and members who can access its updated advocacy toolkit as a resource going forward.

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ARLINGTON, Va. – 26 June 2025 – Canada’s hotel industry reported its highest 2025 monthly growth rates in occupancy and revenue per available room (RevPAR), according to May data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets.

May 2025 (percentage change from 2024):

• Occupancy: 70.2% (+1.9%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): CAD213.57 (+3.3%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD149.96 (+5.3%)

ADR growth was higher in February (+4.3%).

Among the provinces and territories, Saskatchewan posted the highest increases in ADR (+6.9% to CAD151.97) and RevPAR (+16.2% to CAD102.80). The province’s occupancy also rose 8.7% to 67.6%. That occupancy growth rate matched Manitoba (+8.7% to 74.0%) for highest during the month.

British Columbia recorded the highest absolute levels in occupancy (74.7%) and ADR (CAD255.82), which represented gains of 0.7% and 0.1%, respectively.

Among the major markets, Calgary posted the highest growth in occupancy (+8.2% to 72.3%) and RevPAR (+14.7% to CAD129.13). Montreal led in ADR growth (+6.9% to CAD248.00).

Vancouver recorded the highest absolute levels in occupancy (83.3%) and ADR (CAD306.06), down 0.9% and 2.6%, respectively.

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.costargroup.com

Toronto, ON (June 24, 2025) – Choice Hotels Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Declan Murphy as Director, Franchise Development. In his new role, Murphy will oversee the expansion and support of Choice Hotels Canada’s eight hotel brands across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

“We are so happy to have Declan join our team. His vast experience in commercial real estate, banking and hotel management will greatly benefit our franchise network and the strength of our system,” said Graham Marsh, National Director, Franchise Development, Choice Hotels Canada. “He has a proven track record of success and will play a key role in supporting our growth in the western markets.”

Based in Calgary, Murphy has worked in the commercial real estate industry, banking and hotel management. He is skilled in sales, sales training, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), team building and account management.

Prior to joining Choice Hotels Canada, he spent nine years with IWG plc, a workplace solutions company. There, he served as an Area Manager, eventually becoming Director of Partnership Growth for Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. He has also worked with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation and the Royal Bank of Canada in Account Management.