This year’s ORHMA VIP Hotel Leadership Dinner following the CHIC conference hit new heights with a fantastic dinner event at one the top 10 restaurants in Toronto; Black + Blue Steakhouse.

With outstanding food and company, the event hosted by Jason Cheskes of Above the Line Solutions, was the perfect setting for 55 invited industry leaders to gather is a purely social event. As remarked by Kevin Swark of Genesis Hospitality “I remember the first time this dinner took place, when there were 11 of us, and it’s amazing to see what the event has become.”

This year’s guests included companies such as Marriott, Wyndham, IHG, Oxford Properties, Eastons Group, Sandman, Choice, Atlific, Best Western, Vrancor, Superior Lodging, Accor, Realstar, LHM, Genesis, MasterBUILT, Activar, the Greater Toronto Hotel Association.

Sponsors of the event this year were Foodbuy, RHB Enterprises, Rogers Business, Imperial Dade, Serta Simmons, Eden Textile, LOC International, and Self Electronics & Lighting.

Tony Elenis, President and CEO of ORHMA shared “we are thrilled to have ORHMA involved with this fantastic evening that has become such a wonderful annual industry tradition over the past 15 years and have the opportunity to gather such a great group of industry leaders together for a fantastic meal”.

ORHMA’s 2025 Ontario Hospitality Conference takes place this year October 20-21st and information can be found at https://www.ontariohospitalityconference.com/

Toronto, ON (May 27, 2025) — The Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) proudly announces the newly proposed 2025-2026 Board of Directors, marking a milestone year as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary. Comprising 22 leaders from across the region’s hotel industry, the new Board reflects both continuity and fresh perspectives, including four newly appointed members and an Executive Committee of six experienced industry professionals.

“As we celebrate 100 years of championing Toronto’s hotel sector, we are just as focused on the future,” says Sara Anghel, President & CEO of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association. “We’re pleased to welcome four new members to our 2025–2026 Board, who bring a wealth of experience and fresh insight to an already strong and committed team. Their perspectives will be invaluable as we work together to continue shaping the future of our industry with vision, resilience and purpose.” 

The 2025-2026 GTHA Board of Directors includes:
Downtown:

1. Patrick Cappa, Omni King Edward Hotel (Chair - Executive Committee) 
2. Ellen Hryhor, Residence Inn by Toronto Downtown (Vice Chair - Executive Committee)
3. Edwin Frizzell, The Fairmont Royal York (Past Chair - Executive Committee)
4. Robert Housez, Chelsea Hotel, Toronto (Treasury Secretary - Executive Committee)
5. Ryan Soderberg, Toronto Marriott City Centre (Director - Executive Committee)
6. Andy Loges, Hilton Toronto (Returning Director)
7. Ashok Baghel, Hyatt Regency Toronto (Returning Director)
8. Bai Bunpanya, Sutton Place Hotel Toronto (New Director)
9. Bonnie Strome, TBD (Returning Director)
10. David Kelley, SoHo Hotel Toronto (Returning Director)
11. Jeff Kennedy, Marriott CF Toronto (New Director)
12. Peter Gillis, Sheraton Centre Toronto (Returning Director)
13. Saurabh Mehta, One King West Toronto (New Director)
14. Scott Turyk, Westin Harbour Castle (New Director)
15. Umesh Srivastava, Doubletree by Hilton Toronto Downtown (Returning Director)
16. Hiren Prabhakar, St. Regis Toronto (Returning Director)
17. Zorica Drapic, Revery Toronto Downtown Curio by Hilton (Returning Director)

West:

18. Andrea Young, Alt Hotel Toronto Airport (New Director)
19. Peter Kingsbury, Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Airport (Returning Director)
20. Toni Frankfurter, The Waterside Inn (Returning Director)
21. Yari Khan, Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Mississauga (Returning Director)

North:

22. Jennifer Worden, Toronto Marriott Markham (Returning Director)
23. Vince Pimentel, Delta by Marriott Toronto Markham (Returning Director)

Sara Anghel, President and CEO of GTHA, continues in her role as a non-voting member of the 2025-2026 GTHA Board of Directors Executive Committee. 

As GTHA builds on a century of success, the new Board of Directors is poised to champion the industry’s future with renewed energy and vision. It will continue to lead GTHA as the voice of hotels across the Greater Toronto Area, working collaboratively with government, stakeholders and community partners to support tourism, workforce development and economic growth for the region.

ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE, QC, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Just across the provincial border from Northern Ontario lies a region both familiar and wildly different. Abitibi-Témiscamingue is proud to unveil its newest tourism campaign: "" — a playful look at the quirks, contrasts, and curiosities that set two neighbours apart, even if they're only divided by a line on the map.

Aimed at Ontario travellers who might hesitate to cross the provincial divide, the campaign presents Abitibi-Témiscamingue as a close, yet uniquely distinct destination. At its centre is a groundbreaking (and completely serious) field study led by the region's most questionably credentialed researcher: Dr. David DeValdorien.

A self-proclaimed anthropologist, explorer, and part-time sports administrator, Dr. DeValdorien has devoted his life to investigating humanity's oddest cultural contrasts—from the Andes to the chip stands of Northern Québec. His latest research confirms what few have dared to suggest: while Northern Québec and Northern Ontario may look similar on a map, they are, in fact, profoundly, unscientifically, undeniably different.

At , curious travellers can explore his findings: insights into bilingual lakes, unusually expressive turtles, and human migration patterns tied to music festivals and rizz.

"This campaign isn't just about landscapes, drone shots, and dramatic voiceovers—though yes, we've got those too," says Martin Poitras, Director of Marketing at Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue. "It's about curiosity. It's about crossing borders that feel bigger than they really are. We wanted to make people smile, spark their interest, and invite them into the personality of our region—where even the lakes are fluent in both official languages."

Borderline Bizarre Discoveries

According to Dr. DeValdorien's highly questionable research:

• Lake Témiscamingue speaks French
• French fries contain 60% more French
• Turtles roll their R's
• Festival's je-ne-sais-quoi trigger migratory behaviour
• And campsites, unlike in Ontario, are surprisingly easy to book

All field notes, videos, and "peer-reviewed" insights are available at closebutdifferent.ca. Dive into the data. Question everything. Then maybe plan your trip.

Closer than you think. Just far enough.

Abitibi-Témiscamingue is just a few hours from Ottawa, Sudbury, North Bay, and closer to the GTA than most expect. Close enough for a weekend escape, yet far enough to feel like a real adventure. Every kilometre brings you closer to something wilder, freer, and unmistakably Québécois.

And while the findings on might raise eyebrows, the region offers the real deal:

• Go underground and explore the region's mining legacy
• Hike, bike, or paddle through Québec's most pristine wilderness.
• Camp under the stars in Opémican, Aiguebelle, or La Vérendrye
• Escape to a remote outfitter for comfort and quiet
• Or join thousands this summer for Our Lady Peace, Smash Mouth, and Bran Van 3000 at Osisko en lumière in Rouyn-Noranda

No need to speak French to explore the vast, majestic, yet strangely familiar land next door. Start packing. We'll see you on the other side.

Toronto, ON, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- proudly extends its meaningful partnership with for a third consecutive year, supporting the program with a significant donation aimed at tackling childhood food insecurity during the summer months.

Food Banks Canada's After the Bell program provides nutritious food packs to children who rely on critical school food programs during the academic year. This initiative aligns with Days Inns - Canada's commitment to supporting the communities where they operate.

"One in three of those visiting food banks are children," said Irwin Prince, President and COO of Days Inn Canada. "Together with our Canadian Days Inn owners and their teams, we're proud to support Food Banks Canada's After the Bell program to help make healthy food available to children during the summer months."

The After the Bell program was created specifically to address the summer hunger gap, delivering food packs to children across Canada through a network of food banks and community agencies. Days Inns - Canada team members participated in the program's volunteer packing day on May 14, 2025, helping prepare food packs for distribution.

"We are grateful for the support of Days Inns - Canada as we work to address childhood hunger in communities across the country," said Kirstin Beardsley, Chief Executive Officer of Food Banks Canada. "The After the Bell program makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children facing food insecurity during summer months. Partnerships like this one enable us to reach more children with nutritious food when they need it most."

Food insecurity remains a critical issue in Canada, with many families struggling to provide consistent, nutritious meals for their children. Days Inns - Canada invites guests, franchisees and team members to learn more about Food Banks Canada's initiatives and how they can support efforts to address hunger in their communities.

Visit the "" page on the Food Banks Canada website for more information on how to contribute to this important cause.