Former Thompson-Okanagan tourism president meets with King Charles

Glenn Mandziuk has spent much of his life promoting sustainable hospitality.

Now, he’s doing it on the world stage, meeting with the United Kingdom’s new king and prime-minister.

“What a privilege to join and meet, on behalf of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, with His Majesty King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Buckingham Palace late last week,” Mandziuk posted on his LinkedIn page earlier this week.

Photos of the meeting were posted in a Thompson-Okanagan Tourism Association news release, Nov. 10.

Mandziuk was president and CEO of that organization before taking on the lead role with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

The Alliance represents hotel companies that hold 35% of the world’s hotel rooms, totalling 6.3 million rooms spread over 45,000 properties. It’s committed to driving “continued action on human rights, youth employment, climate action and water stewardship.”

It was founded in 1992 as the International Hotels Environment Initiative as part of Price’s Charles’ charities group. That’s now called The Prince’s Responsible Business Network that describes itself as “the largest and longest-established membership organization dedicated to responsible business.”

Mandziuk’s posting said they discussed “opportunities to position the hospitality industry as a key part of the global acceleration towards a sustainable and regenerative future. His Majesty is a true visionary, leader, and great convener who gives us all hope that we can do this. Exciting announcements to come!”

To contact a reporter for this story, email Rob Munro or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor. You can also submitphotos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.