The head of Tourism Langley has resigned.
The board of directors of the agency issued a written statement Tuesday morning that executive director Deborah Kulchiski is departing “in order that she may pursue other opportunities.”
“We wish Deborah every success in her future endeavors” Board Chair Teri James said.
Kulchiski has been head of the destination marketing organization that serves the City and Township of Langley since it launched in 2007.
Her last day of employment will be Dec. 23.
Kulchiski issued her own statement that said she has made “a difficult decision to close the final chapter of my time with Tourism Langley and prepare for new and exciting opportunities in the new year.”
The outgoing director praised the Tourism Langley board, saying “that through their guidance and leadership, the communities and tourism related businesses within the City and Township of Langley have garnered increased credibility and visibility.”
The announcement comes as the Township of Langley considers departing Tourism Langley to set up its own “Township-centric” promotional venture.
“The future direction and leadership of Tourism Langley depends on a decision yet to be made by the Township of Langley council,” James said.
“The Tourism Langley Board of Directors is hopeful that Langley Township Council will be making a decision in the near future”.
The Township of Langley estimates it spends an average of $366,000 a year on Tourism Langley plus a $51,000 fee-for-service payment, while the City estimates it costs $140,000 plus a fee-for-service of $15,000.
In 2015, Tourism Langley closed a drop-in centre for tourists at the Langley Events Centre in the Township after a survey showed it was drawing mostly local people looking to leave town, not out-of-towners wanting to visit.
The agency shifted its emphasis to the Tourism Langley website and social media like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and an outreach program that targets high-traffic locations and events.
