Gary Farstad

Vice Chair

Dakota Dunes Resort

Born and raised in Niagara Falls, tourism is a part of my DNA. I have been lucky enough to work in tourism mecca’s such as the Cayman Islands, Muskoka (ON), Fernie (BC), Lake Louise (AB) and a few other locations throughout my career. I bring a fresh perspective to Saskatoon with a world view that not many other people could bring to the table. I have corporate experience working for companies such as Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Hotels and Atlific Hotels. My experience has made me an expert in external stakeholder relations and corporate communications, and I have done a lot of work with traditional media.

CO-Founder/Director of HAAS (Hospitality and Accommodation Association of Sudbury) May 2018 – January 2020

I co-founded HAAS with one of the Marriott Hotels in Sudbury for the purpose of promoting tourism in Sudbury, and having a non-profit that would qualify for 50% the new accommodation tax implemented by the City of Sudbury. HAAS currently has 18-member hotels representing approximately 1,500 rooms and directly generating more than $48 million dollars in room revenue annually.

Vice President of the Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce (2014-2015)

After completing the renovation of the Kanata Blairmore, the local community was so impressed with our work I was elected as Vice President. I served for approximately one year. I was the liaison between the business community and the Mayor and Council working to get the whole community involved in promoting tourism and other industries in the Crowsnest Pass.

Director of the Crowsnest Pass Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Board (2013-2015)

I worked closely with the Economic Development Officer, Mayor and the Town Council of the Crowsenest Pass to generate programs and awareness related to Tourism and also other industries.