Principals’ biographies

Arie Raif, Chairman

A former career diplomat with a distinguished government service record, a tourism and hospitality expert for more than three decades and a respected advisor on tourism infrastructure to world leaders in government and business. President and CEO of the Westminster Group in Canada and the United Kingdom, which assists governments and the private sector to develop tourism and hospitality infrastructures world-wide; President and CEO of Discover Your World International TV, which broadcasts on major Canadian networks for more than 20 years; Chairman of Comsphere Investments Inc. (International developers of a leading franchise operation). In 1998 Mr. Raif was appointed Consul General (Hon.) to Canada for the Republic of Botswana.

Egon Von Foidl, President

A seasoned multilingual hotelier with significant international experience in the development and management of deluxe hotels, resorts, golf and spa operations. His practical skills, hands-on management style, combined with a strong sales, marketing and PR/promotions knowledge, as well as fiscal responsibility, have earned him high recognition within the hospitality industry and earned him the prestigious Canadian Hotelier of the Year award in 2003. His interpersonal, highly motivating leadership style has provided loyalty, high productivity, low staff turnover and a strong referral within the industry. He is recognized as a fair, honorable, highly motivated, detail and goal orientated individual. What makes his experience unique is he not only brings many years of operational experience, but also re-positioning, development, design, and opening experience of hotels, resorts, condo/resort, golf courses and spas operation .

Tin Thomas, Executive Vice President Media Relations

A former newspaper journalist in the United Kingdom and Africa, he has been heavily involved in the Canadian travel industry for more than 30 years as Editor of several key trade and consumer magazines, editor-in-chief of a leading travel television show, and public relations consultant for several National Tourist Boards and hotel chains. Has traveled to some 125 countries and attended major travel conferences and shows all over the world.