Kerri King has been named the new executive director of Resorts of Ontario, replacing Grace Sammut, who is retiring after 37 years on June 30.
Resorts of Ontario is headquartered in Orillia.
"It is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to Grace as she steps into her retirement. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping Resorts of Ontario into the respected organization it is today," Resorts of Ontario president Jo-anne Snyder stated in a news release. “We are immensely grateful for her invaluable contributions and wish her the very best.”
Under Sammut's guidance, which spans nearly half of the association’s 80-year history, Resorts of Ontario has thrived, fostering partnerships, promoting tourism, and elevating the standards of hospitality throughout the province, the release continued. Her strategic vision and unwavering commitment have propelled the association to new heights, creating countless opportunities for its members and enhancing the experiences of travellers visiting Ontario.
Sammut has spearheaded numerous key initiatives to market the Ontario resort experience overseas through missions and trade shows in Europe, Asia, and beyond.
In addition, she has sat on numerous boards and committees for the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation, including the organization's International and European Committees. Grace was also the recipient of the lifetime achievement award from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario in 2017.
King brings with her a wealth of experience in economic development, hospitality, tourism, arts and culture industries, the release said. She joins Resorts of Ontario as a multiple award-winner, with national and international designations in economic development and tourism, as well as an impressive track record of successes, having held key roles on boards, and within organizations in the tourism sector in the Greater Toronto Area.
"I am honoured and excited to take on the role of executive director at Resorts of Ontario," said King. "I look forward to building upon the exceptional foundation laid by Grace and working closely with the board, and our industry partners to further enhance the global profile, and perception of Ontario tourism, and the unique attributes of our member resorts. Together, we will continue to raise awareness of the province’s world-class hospitality industry.”
