The Canadian tourism industry is mourning the loss of Randy Williams, a visionary executive whose influence shaped hospitality and travel promotion across Canada for more than three decades.
Williams, 76, died in a motor vehicle collision on Highway 1 near Sicamous, British Columbia, on August 12 while travelling back to Calgary. The news was shared by family friend Mark Nichols in a social media post authorized by Williams' family.
"With the permission of Randy's family, I am sharing this so that those who knew and loved him are aware of this immense loss," Nichols wrote, describing the incident as "devastating."
During his storied career, Williams served as president and CEO of Tourism Calgary from 2009 to 2013, where he was credited with elevating the city's international profile. Prior to that, he led the Tourism Industry Association of Canada for eight years, representing and advocating for the national sector at the highest levels.
Later in his career, Williams held the position of president of the western region for Premiere Suites and served on the board of directors at Heritage Park, further cementing his legacy as a mentor and strategic thinker within Alberta's hospitality community.
Industry colleagues have described Williams as a trusted advisor, generous mentor, and one of the sector's most respected voices. Those who worked alongside him credited his decades of leadership with establishing important industry standards and championing the value of tourism to Canada's economy.
This article is based on reporting originally published in the Calgary Herald.