Real Talk with Krista Alcazar
Krista Alcazar is Director of Market Development at Destination Vancouver, bringing over 15 years of expertise to the tourism industry. In this exclusive interview, Krista shares her passion for showcasing Vancouver globally and reflects on career milestones in the exciting destination marketing sector. She shares valuable advice on career loyalty and navigating the intricate web of networking in the travel sector. Read on to learn more about Krista's journey and her insights into Vancouver's evolving status as a top tourism destination.
YOU HAVE NEARLY 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN VARIOUS ROLES IN DESTINATION MARKETING, INCLUDING 13 YEARS AT DESTINATION VANCOUVER. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE SECTOR?
What I love the most about this sector is the opportunity to share our part of the world with travellers from different countries as well as collaborate with so many different people along the way. There are always new opportunities and challenges to tackle that help with learning and gaining new experience.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST PROUD AND MEMORABLE CAREER MEMORIES TO DATE?
One of many memorable experiences I have had working in the industry includes working at the visitor information centres at the Vancouver International Airport during the 2010 Winter Olympics. It was such a fun time in the city, and you could really feel the energy and excitement as everyone started to arrive. Another rewarding experience was coordinating and leading my first sales mission in the market. There is so much work that goes into planning and organizing all the details, when you see it come to life and happen successfully, it’s really rewarding.
CAREER LOYALTY CAN BE HARD TO FIND IN AN INDUSTRY RICH WITH OPPORTUNITIES. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS LOOKING TO MAXIMIZE NEW OPPORTUNITIES INTERNALLY?
I think if you want to grow in an organization you need to show up with an attitude that demonstrates you are engaged in the work the organization is doing, collaborate with your colleagues and put your hand up for special projects that might be outside of your day-to-day work. This will open up opportunities to learn and gain broader experience but also help to bring attention to the great work you’re capable of.
CAN YOU NAME ANOTHER WOMAN WHO HAS HELPED INSPIRE YOUR OWN JOURNEY?
I have been really fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for and with many great women throughout my career and I have learned so much from each of them. A common trait that I have admired (and appreciate) is their interest in mentoring and lifting other women in the industry. I think this is so important and something we can all do, no matter what stage of our careers we are in.
NAVIGATING NETWORKING CAN SEEM DAUNTING, BUT GIVEN YOUR EXPERIENCE IN SUCCESSFULLY NETWORKING ON AN INTERNATIONAL SCALE, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THOSE EAGER TO OVERCOME THE INITIAL UNEASE?
Networking can seem daunting but in our industry, I think we’re lucky that there is a common interest, which is travel. Most people working in the tourism and travel industry have an interest in travelling, meeting different people and having new experiences. Keep this in mind and use this common interest to get to know others. Also, be curious about getting to know other people and their stories. In an industry that is tightly connected, it’s important to build up good relationships.
WHEN YOU ARE NOT BUSY PROMOTING VANCOUVER ON A GLOBAL SCALE, WHAT MIGHT WE FIND YOU GETTING UP TO?
Outside of work, I enjoy getting outside for a run or going for a bike ride with my husband. We love to try different restaurants in Vancouver since there are so many options to choose from! Granville Island and Stanley Park are a couple of my favourite places to go in my free time.
WHAT SHIFTS HAVE YOU SEEN IN VANCOUVER AS A DESTINATION DURING YOUR TIME WITH DESTINATION VANCOUVER?
Since I’ve been with Destination Vancouver I’ve seen how the city has become more well-known and recognized internationally. There is a lot of interest to visit Vancouver right now, to have events in the city as well as recognition for our restaurants from the Michelin Guide. I think it is a really exciting time for the city and for everyone that is part of creating the Vancouver experience.
ABOUT KRISTA
Krista Alcazar is a marketing professional with over 15 years of experience working in the tourism industry. As Director of Market Development at Destination Vancouver, she oversees the Travel Trade and Travel Media teams, as well as airline partnerships. Krista is experienced in developing creative market plans in collaboration with industry clients and partners that support sustainable growth for Vancouver’s tourism economy. Krista also excels at organizing client events that showcase Vancouver as a top travel destination.
Krista is a Royal Roads University graduate where she completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management and a Masters of Global Management, in addition to an Executive MBA from MCI Management Centre in Austria.
Krista was born and raised in Vancouver, and enjoys trying new food, cycling the Seawall in Stanley Park and travelling.