The Board of Directors of the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Amber Papou as the organization’s new CEO, effective February 1, 2026.
Amber takes over the role from Walt Judas who has led TIABC since 2015. During his tenure, Walt was one of the tourism industry’s leading voices, bringing together TIABC members and stakeholders to help empower British Columbia’s visitor economy to reach its full potential economically, socially, culturally and through the lens of sustainability. He will retire from full-time work after a long career that included senior management roles with Tourism Vancouver, BC Pavco and Port Metro Vancouver.
When Walt announced his intention to step down in fall 2025, the Board commenced a nation-wide search for TIABC’s next CEO, working with Chemistry Consulting and Two Willows Consulting to find suitable candidates. The process resulted in interest from qualified candidates from across Canada.
As the new CEO of TIABC, Amber brings extensive experience leading organizations across the education and tourism sectors. Throughout her career, she has helped lead transformative initiatives, including playing a key leadership role in building Merritt’s Country Music Capital of Canada brand and helping establish the Merritt Walk of Stars. Most recently, she served as president and CEO of the SelfDesign Learning Foundation.
In her new role, Amber will be responsible for leading the business and strategic priorities of TIABC, with a focus on representing tourism interests across the province and advocating on behalf of the organization’s members, stakeholders, partners, as well as Indigenous communities through collaboration and with the guidance of TIABC’s Board of Directors.
“On behalf of the entire TIABC board, I am delighted to welcome Amber as our new Chief Executive Officer. We believe her skills, experience, leadership, and innovative ideas will serve TIABC and our sector well for years to come,” said TIABC Chair Sandra Oldfield. “We look forward to working with her as she leads the association and our tourism industry into its next chapter.”
“I am incredibly honoured to step into the role of CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia. I do so with deep gratitude and respect for Walt Judas, whose leadership and care for this sector shaped the organization in meaningful and lasting ways. Tourism sits at the heart of BC’s economy and identity, and stepping into this role is both humbling and energizing. I am looking forward to working closely with our Board, members, government, partners, and communities across the province to listen, to learn, and to help ensure our tourism sector remains strong, resilient, and ready for what comes next. This feels like an important moment, and I am excited to continue the momentum that Walt created.”