Sheron Empey , Concierge, Fairmont Pacific Rim, will be representing Canada as she runs for an International position General Secretary at the 67th UICH Congress held in Turkey this March 2023!

We are excited to share her story, her journey, and now her quest to enter the International section of Les Clefs d’Or.

“For the past eight years, as a Founding Member and Co-Chair of the Education and Training Committee, I have worked diligently to connect the membership through our education programs; an Educational Day at a congress and our on-line seminars. It has been extremely rewarding and enriching to meet and work with colleagues from across the globe to encourage them to participate, exchange ideas and showcase their talents.

For those who know me and have worked alongside me, my strengths are my organizational and communication skills. These skills were paramount when serving as the National Secretary on the Board of Directors of Les Clefs d’Or Canada for six years. Working closely with the other National Board Members we successfully introduced new guidelines and protocols to strengthen and grow our membership. Ready for a new opportunity, I ran for and was elected as the Director of the BC Region of Les Clefs d’Or Canada. During these four years I developed strong leadership skills and introduced educational initiatives to engage our membership.

I was proud to Co-Chair the Pan American Congress in Vancouver 2008 and to be on the Organizing Committees of our National Congress in Whistler 2010 and Banff 2019.

When I attended my first International Congress in Athens 2001, I recall being impressed meeting Section Presidents and members of the Executive Committee as I observed them administer the business of Les Clefs d’Or. It reinforced my belief in the concierge profession and drove my desire to participate and contribute to this association. Fifteen International congresses later, my commitment to serve has not wavered.

If elected, as General Secretary I will work closely with the President to manage the affairs of the Executive Committee and to ensure open lines of communication with the Board of Directors. As Les Clefs d’Or “Charts a new Course”, we must look to the future while honouring our traditions, enrich our relationships with partners and continue to involve and educate our hotels of the benefits of having a Les Clefs d’Or concierge in their lobby.

We have all recently learned that by being open to change, new opportunities await us. A member for 26 years, my time on the National Board of Canada and the numerous committees I have co-chaired have all given me the experience required to succeed in this role. I have proven to be a quiet achiever; the strength behind the team. It would be my privilege and honour to serve the membership with humility, respect and integrity as your General Secretary.” – Sheron Empey

2023 Les Clefs d’Or Award Nominee- CANADA

Established in 2008, the Les Clefs d’Or Award celebrates and recognizes the talents and accomplishments of young Concierges.

Meet Michael Lombardi, candidate for the 2023 Les Clefs d’Or Award. Michael served on the Regional Board for Alberta as Vice Director in 2015, and then transitioned back to his home in Alliston, Ontario later that year. He was instantly welcomed into the Ontario Region and soon became the Vice Director for one term and is now the Director of the Ontario Region , now serving his second term.

Michael endured and continues to guide his region through one of the toughest economic downfalls of the Great Lockdown, the worst recession since the Great Depression, and far worse than the Global Financial Crisis. As the recovery starts with a return of his members to their concierge roles , Michael strives to keep his region strong and united.

He fosters strong partnerships with hospitality and tourism sponsors, he is one of strongest regional fund raisers and one of the leading regions in best practices, sustainability, and in growth and development in memberships of Les Clefs d’Or Canada.

We are very proud to stand beside him on this International stage running against top contenders in the world at the 67th UICH International Congress in Turkey in March 2023.

All the participants of the competition wrote an article about their hometown for “The Key to The City” section on Les Clefs d’Or website under the travel section.

Here you will discover his story and The Key to his City of Alliston, Ontario, on the Les Clefs d’Or website under the travel section;

Michael Lombardi

Chef Concierge, Nottawasaga Inn Resort

Director Ontario Region, Les Clefs d’Or Canada

We are thrilled to share with you and episode of Tourism Jasper’s Venture Beyond Series featuring our very own Naji Khouri, Director of Guest Experiences and VIP Concierge, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Enjoy Naji’s story below!

“Jasper is like a feeling, when you are in the National Park, there is a certain feeling, its unique , its a reflective feeling, its hard to find in any other place, and once you felt it, you’ll know” -Naji Khouri

Tourism Jasper’s Venture Beyond series is about locals who are story tellers and outdoor enthusiasts. Jasper is an authentic Rocky Mountain destination where the greatest personal expeditions begin and explorers from around the world collect to enjoy the activities, accommodations, restaurants of the town of Jasper.

Meet a Jasper local: Naji Khouri | Tourism Jasper

Experience Jasper on a two day outdoor adventure with Naji!

https://www.jasper.travel/blog/category/venture-beyond/

 Catherine Leblanc becomes the seventh Les Clefs d’Or Concierge at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, propelling the hotel to the status of establishment with the most Clefs d’Or in Canada! HRI Magazine shares her journey as a Concierge. See below link to read her story!!

Staying in a hotel  that employs Les Clefs d’Or concierges provides you with the benefits of our experience and local knowledge. They are your destination experts.

Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay with Les Clefs d’Or. 

#lesclefsdor #yourkeytoeverything #yourkeytothecity #inservicethroughfriendship #localexperts #quebec #tourismequebec #fairmontlechateaufrontenac #accor #hrimagazine

https://www.hrimag.com/Une-nouvelle-concierge-Clefs-d-Or-au-Chateau-Frontenac

Membres dans l’actualité ; Catherine Leblanc devient la septième Concierge Les Clefs d’Or au Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, propulsant l’hôtel au rang d’établissement ayant le plus de Clefs d’Or au Canada!

Séjourner dans un hôtel qui emploie les concierges Les Clefs d’Or, c’est bénéficier de notre expérience et de notre connaissance du terrain. Ils sont vos experts en matière de destination.

Être prudent. Rester informé. Séjournez aux Clefs d’Or.

#lesclefsdor #votreclédetout #vivelesclefsdor #votreclédeville #enserviceparl’amitié #expertslocaux #quebec #tourismequebec

#lesclefsdor #votreclédetout #vivelesclefsdor #votreclédeville #enserviceparl’amitié #expertslocaux #quebec #tourismequebec

“How a Hotel Concierge can help you during your stay”

Imagine you can travel again. So where do you start planning your travel? You start with reaching out to a Les Clefs d’Or Concierge of the hotel

CAA Magazine and Travel Writer Tracy Tong spend some time with our very own Michael Lombardi, Ontario Regional Director, Chef Concierge at the Notttawasaga Inn Resort and Conference Centre in Alliston, Ontario. Michael shares travel tips and how reaching out to the Hotel Concierge can assist you with your travels plans and anticipating all your travel needs so that you don’t have to and with safety measures and protocols in place to ensure you are safe.

Staying in a Hotel that employs Les Clefs d’Or Concierge provides you with the benefits of our experience and local expertise. They are your destination experts.

Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay with Les Clefs d’Or

https://www.caasco.com/CAA-Magazine/Travel-Tips/12-ways-hotel-concierge-can-make-your-trip-better

“Take a trip in your own city”…..our very own Xavier Guidis, Chef Concierge at the St. Regis Toronto was recently featured in the Toronto Star where he shared insider information on how to see the best of his City of Toronto.

Staying in a hotel that employs Les Clefs d’Or Concierges provides you with the benefits of our experience and local knowledge. They are your destination experts.

Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay with Les Clefs d’Or.

Message from our President Don Mooney

The Covid-19 Pandemic has been a struggle for all nations and all people. We are all grateful for those in our hospitals who have worked tirelessly through multiple waves of hospitalizations of people suffering from the effects of Covid-19. For those living in India where the surge of cases has been unforgiving and relentless, our thoughts and prayers are with you. While many may not have been positive with Covid-19, I can confidently say we have all witnessed the negative affects on mental health first hand with our personal wellness along with those around us. This third wave has been hardest for many as we are now over a year of lockdowns, home-schooling, loss of jobs and extra pressure of trying to support family members and simply pay their bills. Recently I talked with a friend whose partner was suffering through depression and a cry for help was given loudly as their partner quietly talked about suicide. My friend of almost 20 years felt helpless. I searched for help online and provided a 1-800 number for a suicide prevention hotline. They called the number and were given advice on how to help their partner. I believe my friend knew that danger was not imminent however with no social contact and working from home their partner needed tools. With that one phone call tools were provided and help given on how to work through the struggle of depression.