TIABC’s Voice of Tourism Podcast – Episode 41 – Heather MacDonald

Meet Heather MacDonald, Chief Integrative Officer of Gibbons Whistler as she joins TIABC’s Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas for an engaging conversation on leadership, workforce challenges, and the resort community’s future.

Heather shares her journey from Perth, Australia to Whistler, starting as a server at Black’s Pub and working her way through finance and operations to help lead one of Whistler’s most dynamic tourism companies. She reflects on her experiences during the 2010 Winter Olympics, the growth of Gibbons into food and beverage, accommodation, recreation, and events, and the company’s mission to create joy for guests, staff, and the community.

Heather also discusses pressing issues like housing, workforce recruitment, immigration policy, and sustainability, while offering her perspective on Whistler’s growth and potential to once again host the Olympics.