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OTTAWA, ON, September 28, 2026 — Today at its national Labour Market Forum, Tourism HR Canada launched Daisy, an AI-powered platform designed to help the sector better understand the skills needed in tourism, manage talent development, and support a strong workforce.

The announcement follows World Tourism Day 2026, dovetailing its theme of Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism. Daisy is a prime example of how AI can enhance the tourism sector by strengthening skills and elevating workforce management practices.

Funded by Economic and Social Development Canada, Daisy brings over 450 industry-vetted competencies together with practical workforce tools in one easy-to-navigate digital environment. The platform helps users understand the competencies required for different tourism roles, compare occupations, identify skills gaps, pinpoint training, and map career progression.

“Daisy represents an important step forward in how we understand and develop Canada's workforce,” said Philip Mondor, President and CEO of Tourism HR Canada. “By bringing a robust collection of competencies and artificial intelligence together, we can make workforce information more accessible and actionable for the people and organizations that need it. We’re excited to build on this foundation and explore how Daisy can further support workforce development.”

Daisy houses the tourism competency framework and related National Occupational Standards, and offers a range of tools: Customized Occupational Profiles, Job Description Generator, Job Comparison, and Skills Checklist. Together, they provide a shared competency language that can be used by employers, HR professionals, educators, career counsellors, job seekers, and policy makers.

For employers and HR professionals, Daisy can support job design, competency mapping, workforce planning, recruitment, and employee development. Educators can use competency and occupational information to help align learning with industry expectations, while career professionals and job seekers can explore occupations, assess competencies, and identify areas for development.

“Workforce development is strongest when industry, education, employment services, and individuals can work from a common understanding of what people need to succeed,” noted Jon Kiely, Tourism HR Canada Vice-President, Products and Programs. “Daisy creates a foundation for that shared understanding and opens new possibilities for connecting people with meaningful career pathways and helping organizations develop the workforce they need.”

The launch of Daisy also marks the beginning of a broader vision for a connected workforce intelligence ecosystem. Future development is expected to expand Daisy’s capabilities in areas such as workforce intelligence, verified skills, career mobility, education alignment, recruitment, talent development and international competency recognition. Partnerships will be an important part of supporting product development, system integration, sector adaptation, research and scale.

“Daisy is built on the idea that workforce information should not exist in disconnected systems,” added Philip Mondor. “When we connect competencies, learning, talent management, and workforce needs, we create new opportunities to make better-informed decisions—from an individual planning their next career step to a policy maker developing workforce strategies.”

Daisy’s initial foundation draws on Tourism HR Canada’s significant experience developing national occupational standards, competency frameworks, and labour market intelligence for Canada’s tourism workforce, as well as other industries and regions. The platform provides an opportunity to apply that expertise in new ways while exploring its potential for broader sectoral and further international applications.
To learn more about Daisy, visit DaisySkills.ca.

 
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JASPER, Alta., October 27, 2026 — Jasper's retro alpine spirit is making a comeback as Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. (NYSE: PRSU) today announced plans to transform the long-time Lobstick Lodge into Lobstick, bringing new energy to the mountain hotel with refreshed guestrooms, inviting gathering spaces and a lively new take on après inspired by Jasper's alpine culture of the 1960s and '70s.

The transformation will bring new life to the hotel’s guestrooms, lobby, café and lounge, with a design inspired by Jasper’s mountain heritage. Think warm textures, bold graphics, modern comforts and welcoming spaces where guests can settle in after a day hiking, sightseeing or exploring the national park.

The project marks another significant reinvestment by Pursuit in Jasper, following the transformation of Forest Park Hotel, and reflects the company's confidence in the destination's future.

“Jasper is an important part of our business, and this transformation reflects our continued commitment to investing in Canada,” said Stuart Back, chief operating officer, Pursuit, Canada Operations. “Lobstick has welcomed generations of visitors, and we want to make sure it continues to do so for decades to come. We're taking a property people know well and creating an even better experience for guests, while keeping the character that makes it distinctly Jasper. Whether visitors are here to explore the national park, enjoy time with family or simply take in the mountain scenery, we want Lobstick to be a welcoming part of their Jasper experience.”

The reimagined lounge will bring a fresh take on après, with afternoon drinks, light bites and a welcoming place to gather after a day exploring Jasper. The lobby café will continue to offer convenient grab-and-go options for guests heading out on their adventures. The transformation will also include a refreshed pool.

Construction will begin in fall 2026, with a phased reopening planned for summer 2027. The majority of guestrooms are expected to be available for the peak summer season, with the remaining guestrooms and pool anticipated to open by summer 2028. Once complete, Lobstick will offer 147 guestrooms, eight more than before.

Pursuit's other Jasper hotels will remain open throughout the transformation. Learn more https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/hotels/lobstick-lodge/

 
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ARLINGTON, Va. – 23 October 2026 – Canada’s hotel industry reported its largest year-over-year gain in revenue per available room (RevPAR) since June 2023, according to data from CoStar, a leading global provider of commercial real estate information, analytics, and online property marketplaces.

September 2026 (percentage change from 2025):
• Occupancy: 77.9% (+5.0%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): CAD257.76 (+8.5%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD200.79 (+14.0%)
The 5.0% lift in occupancy was the highest for the country since May 2023.

Among the provinces and territories, Quebec recorded the largest increases across each of the three key performance metrics: occupancy (+10.4% to 80.9%), ADR (+10.2% to CAD267.15) and RevPAR (+21.6% to CAD216.20).

Among the major markets, Montreal saw the highest gains in occupancy (+13.0% to 84.3%) and RevPAR (+25.5% to CAD232.65). The market’s performance was helped by several events and concerts, including the FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Rush reunion tour, and POP Montreal.

Vancouver registered the largest ADR lift (+11.5% to CAAD373.42).

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

 
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JASPER, AB, October 22, 2026 — Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge announces the return of Christmas in November, its signature holiday celebration in the Canadian Rockies. From November 6–15, 2026, guests are invited to savour exceptional dining, discover new culinary inspiration and enjoy a fresh take on alpine holiday traditions. Whether returning with loved ones or visiting for the first time, Christmas in November offers time to embrace the season before December’s rush.

“Christmas in November holds a special place in the hearts of our guests and our team,” said Garrett Turta, General Manager at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. “As we welcome it back, we wanted to thoughtfully evolve the experience and include elevated moments of surprise and delight, while preserving the spirit that has made this a treasured holiday ritual.”

Fresh Faces and Festive Flavours

Culinary demonstrations, tastings and seasonal workshops bring guests together with acclaimed chefs and creative presenters. This year’s lineup includes chefs Devan Rajkumar, Anna and Michael Olsen, Joseph Shawana and Emily Richards; pastry chef Said M’Dahoma; and Muhannad Al Ateem, Executive Chef at The Plaza Hotel. Joining them are registered dietitian and cookbook author Tori Wesszer, mixologist Christina Veira and arts and crafts expert Chris Standring, with Nik Manojlovich as event host.

Chefs will be preparing dishes in partnership with Alberta Beef, Alberta Pork, Suntory Global Spirits, Centennial, Charbonnel and Walker, and Charton Hobbs to further enrich the culinary experiences and celebrations throughout the stay.

Festive Nights

Evenings unfold through three signature celebrations, beginning with the Evergreen Chalet welcome reception, an elevated take on après that sets the celebratory tone for the days ahead. On the second evening, the Alpine Glow Dinner pairs festive dining with the evocative melodies of The Aurora Ensemble for an intimate gathering filled with warmth and elegance. The festivities culminate in the enchanting world of the Northern Lights Ball, where guests don their finest festive attire for a dazzling finale featuring the captivating voice of Canadian singer Nicolina Bozzo.

Time to Restore

Between celebrations, the mountain landscape invites guests to slow down and reconnect. Guided glacial plunges and wellness classes offer opportunities to restore body and mind, while unhurried time allows guests to embrace the art of doing nothing. Each day leaves room to rest, take in the surrounding natural beauty and explore the newly designed spaces throughout the reimagined resort.

Packages and Booking

Guests can choose from three dates for the three-night program, with the option to enhance their stay through the new Fireside Reserve experience.

• Three-Night Package | November 6-9, November 9-12 or November 12-15: Each stay includes a welcome reception and dinner, daily meals, culinary demonstrations, tastings, seasonal workshops and signature evening celebrations, concluding with a farewell breakfast and brunch. Packages start at $2,151 CAD per person, based on double occupancy in a Fairmont Room, plus applicable taxes and fees. Gratuities are included.

• Fireside Reserve: This exclusive enhancement to the three-night package includes a private Signature Cabin arrival experience, intimate culinary classes with celebrated chefs, a private Kitchen Party ahead of Alpine Afterglow, an exclusive book signing with Tori Wesszer, nightly scotch and port tastings, and special gifts. Available for an additional $700 CAD per person, per package, plus applicable taxes and fees.

Early reservations are encouraged, as availability is limited. Christmas in November is exclusively for guests aged 18 and older. To explore the program and book, visit https://www.jasper-park-lodge.com/offers/christmas-in-november-ebb/ or call 780-852-3301.

 
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From October 5-6, the Westin Calgary Airport Hotel was buzzing with conversation as Alberta hoteliers from more than 250 hotel properties gathered together for Ascend 2026.

Over two days, hoteliers explored the economic forces, tourism trends, workforce realities, and policy issues influencing Alberta's hospitality industry. More than a conference, Ascend was a forum for collaboration, bringing the industry together to share ideas, strengthen connections, and help shape the future of Alberta hospitality.

Celebrating Our Approved Employers

Ascend 2026 began with an evening dedicated to recognizing hotels that are raising the bar for workplace excellence. AHLA celebrated members who have demonstrated a commitment to strong human resources practices, health and safety, risk management, and legal compliance through the Elevate Hotel HR & Safety Program.

With 31 hotels and 5,868 rooms now recognized as Approved Employers, more properties are using the program to strengthen their workplace culture and demonstrate their commitment to excellence.

Interested in becoming an Approved Employer? Learn more about the Elevate program and how your property can earn recognition for its commitment to workplace excellence.

Keynote Highlights: Pamela Barnum on Trust, Credibility, and Influence

The day opened with an engaging keynote from communication expert Pamela Barnum, who explored how trust is built through the signals we send every day. She challenged attendees to look beyond words and consider how body language, behaviour, timing, and follow-through shape credibility and influence. Through practical examples, Pamela demonstrated how hotel leaders can strengthen workplace relationships, navigate difficult conversations, and turn everyday interactions into opportunities to build trust and influence. As she reminded attendees, "We might not be able to control the situations we encounter, but we can control how we show up."

Alberta Market, Economy & Business Intelligence

Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the forces shaping Alberta's economic outlook, evolving tourism demand, findings from the Alberta Accommodation Outlook, and the energy market factors influencing operating costs. Together, these sessions helped attendees better understand the economic, market, and operational forces shaping Alberta hospitality, equipping them to make more informed decisions in the year ahead.

Insight Into Action

The conversation moved beyond trends and into practical action. Attendees gained a current snapshot of Alberta's labour market and compensation landscape, explored what success looks like in Alberta’s new destination marketing environment, and heard industry perspectives on risk, resilience, and operational readiness. Together, these sessions helped attendees turn industry insights into practical action, providing solutions they could take back to their properties.

Members Help To Shape the Future of AHLA

AHLA's Three-Year Strategy Session gave members the opportunity to help shape the association's direction through 2030. Through live polling and small-group discussions, hoteliers shared feedback on key priorities, industry challenges, and where AHLA can deliver the greatest value.

The conference closed with Advocacy Activator, a session led by Laurie Chandler, Vice President, Public Affairs, where she provided attendees with practical strategies to engage with their local elected officials. As she stated “political risk is business risk” and hoteliers need to build relationships with the people making decisions that impact their business, before they need a favour.

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Ascend 2026 would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and vendors. Their contributions helped create valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration throughout the conference. We also extend our sincere thanks to the team at the Westin Calgary Airport Hotel for their exceptional hospitality and attention to detail. Their dedication helped create a welcoming and seamless experience for attendees.

Final Thoughts

Ascend 2026 brought Alberta's hotel industry together to explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the road ahead. Ascend wasn’t just a conference. It's where Alberta's hotel leaders came together to better understand the forces shaping their businesses, strengthen industry connections, and help shape the future of hospitality.

The conversations don't end at Ascend. Keep the momentum going by staying connected with AHLA and the issues shaping our industry.

 

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