martin gilbert.

general manager, courtyard & residence inn by marriott calgary airport

Martin Gilbert is a true hospitality industry leader. His passion for the led him to complete a certification in Hospitality Marketing, Strategic Business, and Asset Management from eCornell University. Today, he is a successful and accomplished industry professional with more than 25 years of experience in hospitality and tourism.

Equipped with a strong work ethic, Martin started his career in the hospitality industry in 1993 in Quebec City. From there, he moved on to Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Chateau Lake Louise in 1999, where he held a managerial position for 3 years. By 2004, he was Resort Activity Manager at The Fairmont Algonquin. During his 4-year stay, he quickly worked his way through the Hotel specializing in all aspects, from Food and Beverage and Recreation to Conference Services and Sales.

By 2007, he successfully attained the position of Sales Manager at The Fairmont Algonquin. In 2008, as Delta Fredericton’s Director of Sales and Marketing, he oversaw a dynamic Sales and Catering department at the hotel, focusing on National Sales and being an active participant in city wide strategic sales initiatives as well as sitting on the executive team for Tourism Fredericton.

Martin began his role of General Manager at the Delta Trois-Rivières in 2013. This experience has honed his high-level strategic thinking skills and during his time there, he initiated and was a key lead in the restructuration of the functionality of Tourism Trois-Rivières.

In late 2015, Martin moved to Saskatoon to take on the role of General Manager of the Delta Bessborough. He had a vision and desire to transform this iconic property in the Delta portfolio to better reflect the modern hospitality industry. Also, during his stay in Saskatoon, Martin was Chair of the Tourism Advisor Council and Vice Chair of the Saskatoon Tourism Board.

Fueled by his drive to continually challenge the status quo and anticipate customers’ changing needs with improved guest experiences, Martin moved to Calgary in 2019 to take on the position of Dual General Manager of the Courtyard and the Residence INN Calgary Airport. Taking pride in the details and being open to change in the 2020-2021 pandemic demonstrates how great of a leader he truly is.

In his 14 years at Marriott, Martin has emulated the Marriott core values - putting people first, pursuing excellence, embracing change, acting with integrity, and serving our world. Martin firmly believes and mirrors Marriott’s founder’s philosophy that when you take care of your associates, they will take better care of clients.

Martin leads a lively personal life where he enjoys golfing, boating, CrossFit, hiking and skiing. He loves spending time with his two sons, daughter, four grandkids, and his 2 golden retrievers. Martin has an appreciation for cooking and fine wine and has a level one certification in Sommelier.