Capilano University has been fortunate, for over a decade, to have worked on a number of other community projects. To see the project team from the past two-year project funded by the PATA Foundation click here.

Project Director / Dean of Tourism at Capilano University:

Dr. Chris Bottrill

Dr. Chris Bottrill is the Dean of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation at Capilano University, Chris is a Kiwi Canadian, loves working with communities, traveling, and being in the hills – anywhere. Chris has over 20 years of experience in over 40 tourism management and development projects in Canada, the USA, Belize, Paraguay, Vietnam, Barbados and Tanzania. Chris also works with Sustainable Cities International for building sustainable tourism and climate change networks in Dar es Salaam, Dakar, and Durban, Africa and has recently facilitated stakeholder engagement processes for a major waterfront development in Dar es Salaam. In 2008 he facilitated a statement of commitment amongst tourism educators in BC to take action on climate change and he’s presented on tourism management issues recently at conferences in Finland, Canada, and Russia. Chris studied ecotourism for his masters and organizational networks and destination development for his PhD. Chris is honored to be working with the PATA Foundation, the people of Taphin and of the Sapa region, plus the incredible Vietnam and Canadian team working on this project.

Project Managers:

Chris Carnovale

A grad from Capilano University’s Tourism Management Degree Program, and most recently one of Capilano University’s newest tourism instructors, Chris isn’t letting up his ambitious pace and continues to find new ways to challenge himself. From being involved in a variety of community-based volunteer efforts in Vietnam and Paraguay, to working with sea turtles in Central America, to taking on various roles in Whistler and Vancouver, he is continually discovering new venues to increase his skills and knowledge in the field of tourism. His last contract, working for a Canadian NGO (Sustainable Cities) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, saw him in a facilitator’s role working with private and public sector to drive the creation of the city’s Destination Management Organization. The opportunity opened a new realm of tourism and has developed Chris’ interests into the area of urban planning and public engagement. He is intrigued in the power of tourism and strives to find the formula to harness its potential to do good. He is also completing a Master of Arts in Community Development at the University of Victoria.

Chris is honored to join a diverse team of volunteers and organizations for the new PATA / Capilano University Community Based Tourism Project that will work collectively with small communities in Sa Pa to build capacity and better manage the opportunities that tourism can bring.

Jen Reilly

Jen has spent the last 15 years immersed in the tourism industry. Her experiences in the tourism industry include a combination of tourism research and planning, and work in the adventure tourism sector. After completing an Adventure Travel Guide Diploma and Bachelor of Tourism Management from Thompson Rivers University, Jen owned and operated a successful adventure tourism company in Squamish, BC. Jen then continued her education with a Master of Resource Management (Planning) from Simon Fraser University. Currently, Jen teaches in the Faculty of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation and Applied Business Technology at Capilano University, and also works as a consultant doing a variety of tourism research and planning.

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Taryn Bodrug

Taryn is in the third year of a Bachelors Degree in Tourism Management building on her Diploma in Outdoor Recreation Management. Taryn is a world traveler and has traveled in the Middle East, Australia, Central America, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia. She has deeply enjoyed studying at Capilano U and developing her passion in subject areas such as: sea-kayaking, international ecotourism and cross-cultural tourism. Taryn has worked internationally as a sea-kayak guide and hopes to one day own and operate her own guiding company. A highly creative individual Taryn enjoys art, music and camping. She is content in challenging situations where she can express her personal energy and flexibility. Taryn is excited to participate in the CBT project in Viet Nam feeling that she brings great enthusiasm and strong communication skills to the team.

Kyla Derkach

Kyla’s interest in tourism is a result of extensive solo travels throughout the South Pacific, which propelled her into the Destination Resort Management Diploma with Capilano University. Classes such as Cross-Cultural Tourism, Human Resources, Sales and Promotions and Entrepreneurship have given context to Kyla’s work and travel history. Kyla has significant experiences as a Visitor Information Counselor in Squamish BC, an Ambassador for Tourism BC in San Francisco and an Administrative Assistant at the Penticton Economic Development Office. In these positions she has helped to measure regional economic impacts of tourism, worked in events and initiated social media marketing campaigns. Kyla has a solid understanding of the many layers and intricacies of this field. Her keen enthusiasm and determination makes Kyla a valuable asset to any team and she looks forward to continuing her studies at Capilano University and attaining a Bachelors Degree in Tourism Management.

Jase Wilson

Jase is a hands-on jack of all trades with over eight years experience in various positions including: food and beverage, commercial tourism, sales, event management, leadership, public speaking and outdoor recreation. Jase has just finished Capilano University’s Destination Resort Management Diploma and feels that the diploma has added structure his personal experiences. In September 2011 he will pursue Capilano University’s Bachelor of Tourism Management Degree.

Having successfully navigated an overland expedition from South Africa to Ethiopia and from India to Singapore, Jase is capable of taking on big tasks and overcoming barriers to see a project come to fruition. With a love of problem solving, travel and a passion for cultural exchange Jase looks forward to applying new skills in challenging environments. A list of his favorite classes thus far: Geography for Destination Resorts, Cross Cultural Tourism, Accounting and Environmental Stewardship. Topics he looks forward to studying: Advanced Topics in Cross Cultural Tourism, Human Geography and a second language. Jase is excited for all of the upcoming opportunities that are available to Capilano University students. Jase encourages all readers to check out his online portfolio.

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