Remembering Charlotte Bell

In a letter to all members of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), the association’s Board Chair, Dave McKenna informed members of the passing of TIAC’s president and CEO, Charlotte Bell.

McKenna writes:

“As Chair of TIAC, I am saddened to inform you that our President and CEO, Charlotte Bell, passed away peacefully this weekend surrounded by family. As previously announced, Charlotte fought a brave battle with an aggressive form of cancer. Words cannot express our collective grief, and I know the entire tourism community is saddened by this deeply personal and national loss.”

McKenna continues:

“Charlotte was a proud, strong and passionate leader for our collective cause. She was a role model for young female leaders on how to be tough, effective, and a visionary, while still leading with kindness. She leaves a proud legacy across Canada and numerous political leaders have expressed their respect, grief and common loss.”

And he advises that:

“In accordance with Charlotte’s and her family’s wishes, there will be no public memorial or service and they kindly asked that any donation be directed to the Canadian Cancer Society.”

McKenna concludes:

“The TIAC Board will continue to offer full support to our TIAC team as we continue Charlotte’s mission to support the tourism industry past the COVID crisis and through to recovery. We will be making future operational announcements in a separate communication in the coming days and weeks ahead.”

A Valued Colleague And Friend: TIABC

The Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia also offered its condolences. In a message to its members and the industry at large, it writes:

“The board and staff at TIABC are deeply saddened by the passing of valued colleague and friend Charlotte Bell, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).”

Its message continues:

“As our federal partner in tourism advocacy, we worked closely with Charlotte on policy directives, briefings for government, and many other important initiatives. Charlotte loved British Columbia and had many friends in our industry here and all over Canada. She was a tireless advocate, especially this year during the worst crisis in our industry’s memory.”

And it observes:

“Charlotte left a legacy of compassion, commitment and resolve that we as an industry can learn from and appreciate for years to come. She will be sincerely missed.”

“On behalf of the entire BC tourism and hospitality industry, TIABC offers its condolences to Charlotte’s family and friends, as well as her colleagues at TIAC.”

From all of us here at Baxter Media who have worked with Charlotte over the years, we’d like to extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Our thoughts are with you today … and, in the days ahead …

And, to all of you reading this, take a moment and remember Charlotte.