Meet the Board: Meghan James, Somewhere Inn Calabogie
After nearly a decade spent working in tourism, including nine years at the Pembroke Best Western, Meghan James has taken on virtually every job on the books. From restaurant manager to sales, marketing, events, community outreach, and public relations, Meghan has literally learned the industry from the ground up.
After making the move from the Best Western to Somewhere Inn Calabogie as their General Manager earlier this year, Meghan is also taking on her next new role in the industry, as an OHTO Board Member. The move to board member was the logical next step for Meghan, who seems to have found her calling in tourism.
“My goal has been to promote not just our property, but the Ottawa Valley area, and Ontario’s Highlands,” Meghan explained. “I feel like if we get the word out about how much there is to see and do here, we can get people coming back to experience everything we have to offer.”
It was after finishing college and taking some time to travel that Meghan began to see that tourism is key in other countries and a big part of the reason why she enjoyed her experiences while travelling. Combining a love for the outdoors with a love for community, Meghan was set for success in the Ontario’s Highlands’ tourism scene.
Meghan sees collaboration as pivotal to tourism success and has been walking the walk in her own professional endeavours.
“At Somewhere Inn Calabogie, we’ve been collaborating with so many people in Calabogie, but I love the idea of doing it farther afield, too,” Meghan said. “Hospitality has been hit really hard but in 2022 we will see growth in the industry which is exciting.”
It’s an auspicious time to join the OHTO board, as the industry struggles with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Meghan is looking forward to working with the other board members to help guide the industry out of the pandemic and be a part of the recovery.
“I love OHTO’s sustainable tourism initiatives, which aligns perfectly with our brand…when I heard there was an opening I jumped at it. It’s a great opportunity to learn and contribute to Ontario’s Highlands and be part of something bigger.”
Joining the OHTO Board
OHTO is currently seeking new board members to join the team and make changes in the tourism world in Ontario’s Highlands. Anyone who is passionate about tourism and can dedicate a few hours each month, please consider submitting an application. For more information about how to apply and to read more about current board members’ thoughts on what being a board member means to them, please click here.