FAIRMONT Hot Springs Resort CEO Vivek Sharma thought he was being humorous when at the opening of the B.C. Tourism and Hospitality Conference in Richmond on March 9, he first asked the women attendees to stand and receive applause for International Women’s Day, and then told them to ‘go clean some rooms and do some dishes,’ according to media reports based on what people in the audience told them.

Trina Notman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications of Accent Inns/Hotel Zed, noted on LinkedIn: “His attempt to make light of it later was even worse, making us the butt of his joke again and not an apology. He claimed it was to show politicians in the room the staffing crisis. So he insulted and disrespected us all because he wants a policy change? His comments were harmful to all women.”

Sharma has been placed on leave as an independent review is being conducted by a third-party consultant.

The incident coming on the heels of a South Asian radio host being accused of inappropriate comments regarding South Asian mothers at Surrey Memorial Hospital giving up their babies for adoption, only contributes to stereotyping of the community and is, indeed, regrettable.

The tourism industry leaders scrambled to do damage control.

Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) CEO, Walt Judas; and British Columbia Hotel Association President and CEO, Ingrid Jarrett, said in a statement on social media: “During a tribute to the incredible women of our industry at the opening of the 2022 B.C. Tourism and Hospitality Conference, an insensitive and hurtful comment was made that was completely inappropriate and deeply upsetting to all women, and indeed, all delegates of the event.

“What was originally intended as a salute and acknowledgement of the tremendous contribution, talent, skill and professionalism of our female tourism and hospitality colleagues, instead, resulted in a stark reminder of how far we have to go to achieve equality, respect, and empowerment for the women of our sector.

“We sincerely apologize for the harm this disparaging remark caused. Both TIABC and BCHA stand behind all the women of our industry and remain committed to championing females of every age, ethnicity, skill level, and ability to achieve their full potential and realize every opportunity to contribute and succeed as equal partners both in society and in our sector.”

Sharma has resigned from both the TIABC and BCHA boards. According to a media report, he also resigned from the board of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce and the advisory council for Thompson Rivers University’s school of business and economics.

Sharma issued a written apology on March 15:

“I am very sorry and deeply regret the insensitive and inappropriate comments I made at the start of last week’s BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference. Not only did my words cause distress for several women in the audience but I also offended many other delegates.

“My unacceptable remarks did not set the intended tone for the conference and consequently placed TIABC and BCHA’s board and staff in a very difficult position. I am also mindful that what I said does not reflect the views of either TIABC or BCHA, both of whom have worked hard to advocate for the tenets of equality, inclusion, and diversity in our sector. I’ve spent many years working alongside these reputable organizations to help our industry grow and flourish. As a result of my recent conduct, I have let down valued colleagues who love and care about me.

“Since last Wednesday I have had multiple conversations with delegates, industry leaders and associates, as well as a time for sobering reflection on what transpired at the conference. As such, I have chosen to step down from the boards of both TIABC and BCHA effective immediately.

“This decision is not to hide from my major mistake or leave the industry that I truly love, but rather to see how, through my remorse, I can use this opportunity to learn and to contribute to making the tourism and hospitality sector a safer place and one that advances the values of equality and opportunity for women, youth, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups in our society.

“As much as my actions caused harm, industry leaders like me have the opportunity to make amends if given the chance.

“Again, I offer my sincerest and heartfelt apology for my serious indiscretion.”