Macaloney Brewers & Distillers Ltd is pleased to announce John Hamilton has joined its executive team as VP of Tourism and Guest Experiences. John will oversee the growth of the tourism side of the Victoria Caledonian Brewery & Distillery as well as the marketing and branding aspects of the business.
“We are thrilled that John was able to join our team at this critical juncture. Now we have begun brewing and distilling we are looking forward to welcoming guests to the distillery and brewery and John will ensure their experience is second to none,” says Dr. Graeme Macaloney, Founder-President, Macaloney Brewers & Distillers Ltd. “John’s experience in branding as well as his expertise in tourism marketing will be a huge asset to the business. We are fortunate he chose to join us.”
Since December 2010 Hamilton has been running Hammer Travel & Tourism Consulting, providing marketing consulting with a focus on experiential storytelling and digital marketing strategies.
From 2006 to 2009 Hamilton was Vice President, WestJet Vacations and Specialty Sales. Hamilton established the WestJet Vacations division which quickly grew into a significant component of the WestJet brand. Within two years he built WestJet Vacations into a leadingtour operator in Canada by ensuring WestJet’s vacation experiences fit with specific target markets.
Prior to his time with WestJet, Hamilton was Director of Travel Services at Canadian Automobile Association British Columbia. Hired to boost the travel side of the business following the industry downturn prompted by 9/11, Hamilton designed a new travel model for CAA and in his four years nearly doubled the travel and tour sales.
“I am looking forward to working with Victoria Caledonian Brewery and Distillery as the company grows into a fully diversified business. It’s an exciting challenge and opportunity to be part of creating an organization from the ground up,” says John Hamilton, VP of Tourism and Guest Experiences. “They offer a unique experience along with quality products that will attract locals and tourists alike. There are very few breweries set up for tours and tutored tastings, and even fewer genuine single malt whisky distilleries. This is a great place to live and a fantastic place to visit. Drawing people to the region is definitely one of the smaller challenges.”
Hamilton is also concluding his Master of Arts in Tourism Management at Royal Roads University.
Macaloney Brewers & Distillers Ltd, operates the Victoria Caledonian Brewery & Distillery, a destination boutique distillery & craft brewery owned by Canadians for Canadians. The Founder-Owner group includes over 250 passionate craft beer and whisky enthusiasts. When open in August 2016, it will offer professionally guided tours, tutored tastings, a gift store for whisky, beer and related gifts, and a capability to host corporate, family or community events.
