General Manager Trina White wins hotelier of the year

White is a veteran hotelier with over 20 years of experience — including 18 years in senior management positions.

“It is a humbling experience to receive this award,” shares White. ​“I love what I do and am thrilled to be part of an industry that can be a power in support of renewal. Many years ago, I made it my mission to help save the planet, marching in support of positive change. I’m so proud to continue my sustainability activism, working to educate and mentor other hotel leaders, our city, island, and province.” 

This designation recognizes the significant accomplishments and examples of professionalism, leadership, and excellence of hoteliers in B.C.

“Trina White’s management style proves that a triple bottom line framework can be hugely successful in the accommodation sector. She continues to raise the bar for all hotels in Victoria by putting people and the planet first and foremost in her company’s vision,” shares Erin Cassels, sustainability advisory committee co-chair, Destination Greater Victoria. ​“We are all so proud of her dedication to creating a circular visitor economy in Greater Victoria, and for her well-deserved recognition as Hotelier of the Year in British Columbia.”

White reportedly joined The Parkside Hotel & Spa as opening general manager in 2009. Her leadership style is all about collaboration and team building with a direct focus on sustainability in the workplace. White champions this both locally and provincially, having been instrumental in co-creating a green committee within the Hotel Association of Greater Victoria in 2018. She currently sits on the Destination Greater Victoria Sustainability Committee, leading sustainability efforts for the destination. Recognizing the positive environmental impact The Parkside Hotel & Spa has made through the leadership of White and her team, the hotel recently joined Beyond Green, a curated portfolio of planet Earth’s most sustainable hotels, resorts, and lodges, as the brand’s first urban hotel worldwide and first Canadian property.

With strong attention to community, in 2021, White began steps to reconciliation with the Songhees Nation on behalf of The Parkside Hotel & Spa, the first hotel in Greater Victoria to work towards signing a Memorandum of Reconciliation (MOR), becoming friends with the Songhees. White is also committed to fostering a work environment focused on intercultural competency, providing an inclusive and welcoming space.