Director of tourism arrives ‘with the eyes of a tourist’

White Rock’s new executive director of tourism says she is excited to be working in such a scenic community.

Donna Bernard, who was hired part-time to head Tourism White Rock – a partnership between the White Rock Chamber of Commerce, the White Rock Business Improvement Association, and the city – was introduced at Monday night’s council meeting, but earlier told the Peace Arch News how much she’s enjoying her job.

“I started July 2, but I’m brand new here, so there’s lots to do,” Bernard said.

“I think White Rock has amazing assets and I’m very excited to work with everyone.”

Bernard, who originally hails from Saskatchewan, has called B.C. home for years. She lives in Abbotsford, where she launched the still-successful Abbotsford Farm and Country Market in 2004, served on two chamber committees and worked as manager of sales and marketing for Tourism Abbotsford.

Bernard also served for the BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat, before starting her own consulting business, Flair, which specializes in marketing and public relations.

“A contract for White Rock Tourism came up, and I thought it would be a great opportunity,” Bernard said.

“Starting up an organization is big. The most important thing I’m working on right now is developing relationships with people in town.”

Because she is not from White Rock, Bernard said she comes to the city without any preconceived ideas.

“I believe it’s an asset I’m not from here. I come with the eyes of a tourist,” Bernard said.

“I want people to know I’m open to ideas. I’m very inclusive and I want to work with people,” she said, adding partnerships are important for tourism to thrive in any community.

Bernard said she’ll likely look at ways to make the city more attractive during the off and shoulder seasons.

“Of course, when the sun is shining, everything’s great. But when it isn’t, the numbers drop,” Bernard said. “I think everyone can work together to make White Rock a premiere destination, year-round.”

Bernard said she wants to hear the public’s ideas on what White Rock and tourism means to them.

Visit her website at www.doitwithflair.ca or call her at 778-908-5110. (The White Rock Tourism website and contact info is “under construction.”)