Peter Gregus to Head Up New Calgary Destination Sales & Marketing Department

CALGARY , Sept. 15 /CNW/ - Peter Gregus has been appointed as Director of the new Calgary Destination Sales & Marketing Department. Branded as "Yes, it's Calgary!" the objective of the new business unit is to foster economic vitality within Calgary by promoting the city and area as a prime business travel destination. This will be achieved through marketing and sales initiatives specifically targeted at the Meetings Conventions & Incentive Travel (MC&IT) markets.

A well-known tourism veteran, Mr. Gregus has over 20 years of destination sales and marketing experience. His work tenure included a number of years with Travel Alberta in varying positions including: Portfolio Manager, Alberta and Tourism Destination Regions; Portfolio Manager, International; and Director, The Americas. Most recently he formed his own independent tourism marketing consulting company.

"Peter is a strategic thinker and a true leader," says Marcia Lyons , General Manager Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. "We are confident in his ability to develop a strong program which will enhance Calgary's success in the MC&IT sector."

An agreement was signed between the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC) and the Calgary Hotel Association (CHA) on August 19, 2009 to market and promote business sales to Calgary from the MC&IT sector. Funding will be provided through the Calgary Hotel Association, Destination Marketing Fund. This new department will be housed at the CTCC.

Also joining the "Yes it's Calgary!" division are Marc-André Varin and Michelle Malby.

The services of Mr. Varin have been retained to assist in the development of a broad based strategic plan as well as a detailed sales and marketing program. He is currently the Principal Consultant with V & A Consulting International. He previously worked in various positions in the tourism industry, including terms at Air Canada and the Palais des congrès de Montréal, the city's convention centre. He also worked for a professional association of 16,000 members, the Ordre des compatables agréés du Québec as their Director of Marketing and Communications where he was responsible for organizing numerous meetings and events. Mr. Varin will support Peter Gregus by leading a series of projects in consultation with the industry.

Michelle Malby comes to the "Yes it's Calgary!" unit in the position of Convention Services Manager. She completed her Bachelor of Hotel and Resort Management with the University of Calgary , Haskayne School of Business. Most recently she worked with the Calgary & Area Tourism Destination Region.

For further information: Heather Lundy, Director of Marketing, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Ph: [phone], E: [email protected]