VICTORIA, BC (October 6, 2026) – Fairmont Empress has been named one of the top three hotels in Western Canada in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition places the iconic property amongst Canada’s most celebrated hotels.

Fairmont Empress continues to impress travelers worldwide with its storied history, renowned Tea at the Empress, elevated Fairmont Gold offering, and ongoing investment in the guest experience. Recent enhancements in the past year include the newly reimagined Q at the Empress and the reopening of The Bengal.

The City of Victoria has also been named the world’s best small city, a distinction that celebrates the destination and complements the hotel’s recognition. For the full list of winners, click here.

“We’re proud to be recognized among the top three hotels in Western Canada,” said General Manager Dan McGowan. “Fairmont Empress and the City of Victoria are inseparable parts of the guest experience. The city’s recognition as the world’s best small city speaks to the remarkable destination around us, and our team is proud to help bring that experience to life. When Victoria’s character and beauty converge with the hospitality of Fairmont Empress, something truly special happens.”

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are among the travel industry’s longest-running reader-voted recognitions. Readers rate hotels on service, design, location, food and beverage, and overall experience. This year, more than 798,867 reader survey responses about global travel experiences informed the awards program.

This recognition adds to Fairmont Empress’s growing list of accolades. The hotel was named #1 City Hotel in Canada in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for two consecutive years and recently received a MICHELIN Key for the third consecutive year.

A pivotal chapter in the hotel’s modern legacy began in 2014, when Nat Bosa purchased the property. Under his vision, the hotel underwent the $60-million-plus “Return of the Queen” renovation, completed in 2017, revitalizing the property while preserving its heritage and introducing contemporary design and amenities. Continuous improvements included the Fairmont Gold experience, with 88 guest rooms and suites, an exclusive lounge overlooking the harbour, and elevated amenities, as well as the Harbour View Terrace, introduced in 2024.

The hotel’s Humboldt Wing is currently under renovation to further enhance guest rooms and the overall guest experience. These ongoing improvements demonstrate Mr. Boas’s commitment to maintaining Fairmont Empress as a leading luxury hotel and a source of pride for the local community.

To learn more about Fairmont Empress or stay up to date on the latest developments, visit: https://www.fairmont-empress.com/

VANCOUVER, BC (October 6, 2026) – Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, naming The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver the #6 Best Hotel in Western Canada.

More than 798,867 readers participated in this year’s survey, sharing their experiences and rating hotels, destinations and travel experiences around the world. Now in its 39th year, the Readers’ Choice Awards are among the travel industry’s longest-running reader-voted awards. The full list of 2026 winners is available at cntraveler.com/rca.

“We are incredibly honoured to once again be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers among the top hotels in Western Canada,” said Tanya Matthews, General Manager, The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from the guests who have experienced the Bayshore firsthand and made it part of their travels, celebrations and memories. As we marked 65 years on Vancouver’s waterfront this year, we are deeply grateful to the generations of guests who have shared meaningful moments with us. This recognition is also a testament to our dedicated associates, whose care and creativity help bring those moments to life every day.”

Set along the edge of Coal Harbour beside Stanley Park, The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver offers waterfront views with easy access to the city and its natural surroundings. Guests can start the day along the Seawall, spend an afternoon by the pool or unwind in the cedar barrel saunas before enjoying an evening overlooking the water. The hotel’s year-round calendar of cultural, culinary, wellness and family-friendly programming offers guests new ways to experience Vancouver throughout the seasons.

Wellness is woven throughout the stay, from the year-round heated indoor and outdoor pools and Vida Spa to the Peloton® + WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, complimentary bike rentals and signature experiences such as Liquid Yoga. H Tasting Lounge and H2 Kitchen + Bar offer distinct settings for dining, drinks and gathering along the waterfront.

For business and social gatherings, the hotel offers more than 71,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, including the Bayshore Grand Ballroom, home to the Infinity Wall, an expansive 101-foot LED installation that transforms the room with immersive digital content, branded visuals and dynamic event environments. The hotel’s collection of meeting and event spaces provides versatile settings for conferences, galas, weddings and celebrations.

The 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards are available at cntraveler.com/rca.

VICTORIA, BC, Oct. 6, 2026 /CNW/ -- For the fourth year in a row, Victoria, B.C. has been named the Best Small City in the World in Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards. The accolade, for small cities in the world with a population under 350,000, is a stunning achievement for the waterfront capital of British Columbia. Equally impressive is Victoria having secured first place ahead of global tourism hotspots such as Puerto Vallarta, Venice, Florence, Lucerne, Amalfi, and San Sebastian. Destination Greater Victoria (DGV) members were also recognized in the Best Hotels in the World and Best Resorts in the World categories.

Condé Nast Traveler received close to 800,000 survey responses from readers across the United States rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers' Choice Awards, with its unparalleled legacy as the travel industry's longest-running and most prestigious accolades from its readers, remains the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The full list of winners can be found here.

"To be recognized by travellers from around the world for a fourth consecutive year is both humbling and inspiring," says Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria (DGV). "This honour speaks to the strength of Greater Victoria's global reputation, and the collective efforts of our tourism industry, businesses, community partners, and residents who help make this destination so memorable. Destination Greater Victoria's marketing and communications strategy has been to lead with outsized investments in media and public relations in key markets. It is gratifying to see this approach translating into continued recognition from travellers themselves. Ultimately, when paired with powerful sales efforts, the combined effect is to drive business for our members with record year after record year on the books, and is now attracting new investment in tourism infrastructure. I'd like to thank our member businesses, our team at DGV, and MMGY Global for their partnership in helping showcase Victoria to the world."

In the Best Hotels in the World category, Condé Nast Traveler readers declared three Greater Victoria hotels to be among the top 10 in Western Canada. The Magnolia Hotel & Spa was ranked number two, Fairmont Empress was ranked third, and Oak Bay Beach Hotel was ranked seventh. In the Best Resorts in the World category, Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa was ranked an impressive 15th.

"The wide range of accommodations that our region offers visitors plays an important role in their overall experience and how they remember Victoria when they return home," adds Nursey. "When you consider there are hundreds of thousands of hotels and resorts worldwide, it's absolutely incredible and a great source of pride that Greater Victoria was able to have four properties recognized for their excellence and the memorable experiences they deliver to visitors every day."

The 2026 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler's website at cntraveler.com/rca

Brandon, MB – October 1, 2026 – Genesis Hospitality Management is pleased to announce the purchase of a dual-branded property in Calgary, Alberta: the Courtyard by Marriott - Calgary Airport and the Residence Inn by Marriott - Calgary Airport.

Located at 2500 and 2530 48th Ave.NE., this six-story, dual-branded complex was built in 2012 and offers 329 guest rooms and extended-stay suites to the Genesis portfolio, directly serving the Calgary International Airport hub.

The Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Airport features 171 modern, thoughtfully designed guest rooms tailored for business and leisure travellers. The Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Airport adds 158 spacious extended-stay suites, offering fully equipped kitchens and functional work areas designed for long-term comfort and productivity.

The dual property boasts 7,900 square feet of flexible, combined conference and event space, anchored by the Stampede Ballroom, which seats up to 300 guests. Guests at both properties share access to premium amenities, including an indoor pool, sauna, fully equipped fitness center, and complimentary airport shuttle service.

"Expanding our presence in Alberta with these exceptional Marriott properties represents a significant step forward in our growth strategy by connecting our properties in Edmonton and Red Deer," said Kevin Swark, Executive President. "With comprehensive banquet facilities, quality guest accommodations, and a prime location near Calgary International Airport, these hotels position us to deliver high standards of hospitality and service to travellers in Alberta."

For more information, visit the property websites:

● Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Airport: marriott.com/yycap
● Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Airport: marriott.com/yycri