Natalie Thiesen
About Natalie Thiesen
Natalie Thiesen serves as the Director of Tourism at Tourism Winnipeg, where she has worked since 2011. She has a strong background in tourism management, holding a Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson University and a Master of Arts in Tourism Management from Royal Roads University.
Current Role at Economic Development Winnipeg
Natalie Thiesen serves as the Director of Tourism at Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. since 2011. In this role, she oversees tourism initiatives for Tourism Winnipeg, focusing on promoting the city as a travel destination. Her responsibilities include organizing familiarization tours for tour operators and travel agents, as well as conducting targeted sales missions to enhance Winnipeg's visibility in the tourism sector.
Previous Experience in Tourism Coordination
Prior to her current position, Thiesen worked as a Tourism Coordinator at CDEM from 2010 to 2011. In this capacity, she contributed to the development and implementation of tourism strategies aimed at attracting visitors to the region. Her experience in this role laid the foundation for her subsequent work in tourism promotion and development.
Educational Background in Hospitality and Tourism
Natalie Thiesen holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Ryerson University, which she completed from 2006 to 2010. She further advanced her education by obtaining a Master of Arts in Tourism Management from Royal Roads University between 2013 and 2016. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from The University of Winnipeg from 2002 to 2006.
Professional Experience in Research and Project Assistance
Thiesen has held various roles in academia and public service. She worked as a Project Assistant at Ryerson University for three months in 2009 and as a Research Assistant for seven months in 2008. Additionally, she served as a Senior Interpreter at Parks Canada for three months in 2007, where she engaged with the public to promote understanding of Canada's natural and cultural heritage.
Tourism Promotion Initiatives
In her role, Natalie Thiesen is actively involved in direct sales efforts to boost tourism in Winnipeg. She participates in marketplaces and conducts sales calls to promote the city as a premier travel destination. Her initiatives aim to engage various stakeholders in the tourism industry and enhance the overall visitor experience in Winnipeg.