Campbell River’s longest- standing whale-watching companies —Discovery Marine Safaris and Campbell River Whale Watching — have merged.
Heike and Wayne Garton, who have owned Discovery Marine Safaris for 16 years, are handing over the helm to Stephen Gabrysh and Tyler Bruce, the owners of Campbell River Whale Watching. The companies combined have provided wildlife viewing on the North Island for three decades.
The owners said they have have had a long-standing relationship and collaborated with “mutual respect,” sharing similar ethical and environmental values, and working together to arrive at a code of conduct that goes beyond the current government marine regulations.
Gabrysh said a number of the Discovery Marine Safaris team members will be staying on under the new ownership. “Their experience and industry knowledge will help ensure a smooth transition” he said.
The Gartons said they are retiring and wanted to extend thanks to the community and industry partners for support over the past 16 years.
“It has been an incredible and rewarding journey for us – we sincerely thank you for being a part of it,” they said.
New face at Niche Travel
Shari Lukens has joined Victoria-based Niche Travel Inc. as director of inbound tours.
Lukens brings a range of professional expertise to her new portfolio — broadcast journalism, professional figure-skating coach, civic politics and client relations with Telus.
Niche Travel Inc., run by Cathy Scott, is a destination-management company that caters to small-group travellers and people looking for luxury cruise-ship trips offering upscale experiences.
