Michael Pihach Appointed as VP & Editor-in-Chief of Travel Market Report Canada
by Travel Market Report Canada Staff
Photo: Benjamin Edward Birch/@benjamin_edward
A familiar face in travel trade media is joining the Travel Market Report Canada team.
Journalist Michael Pihach has joined the company as vice president and editor-in-chief, effective October 1, announced John Kirk, chief editorial officer and executive vice president of Travel Market Report Canada.
The news marks the next stage in Travel Market Report’s ambitious Canadian investment, driven by more than a decade of success with the Travel Market Place educational conferences, the nation’s leading travel trade gatherings.
A new chapter for TMR Canada
TMR Canada and TMR Quebec were launched as standalone brands in early 2025, and since then, the company has seen its readership and influence quickly develop into a market leader, thanks in part to the publication’s laser focus on being “The Voice of the Travel Advisor.”
That process will be accelerated by the hiring of Pihach, whose tireless efforts have made him a highly-visible and respected player in the Canadian travel trade scene.
“I’ve worked with Michael in the past and I’m very excited to do so again. This is an exciting development for our team,” said Kirk, who will continue to lead the ongoing development and day-to-day operations of the Canadian business.
In his new role, Pihach will lead TMR Canada’s editorial strategy and content direction, overseeing news coverage, features, interviews, video and other digital storytelling across the brand’s platforms.
He will work closely with TMR’s editorial and business teams to grow the publication’s Canadian presence, expand its industry relationships and develop content that speaks directly to the needs of travel advisors.
He will also represent the brand at major industry events and help develop editorial initiatives and opportunities as Travel Market Report continues to expand in Canada.
“Michael produces incredible content and has an unparalleled network throughout all aspects of the industry, both in Canada and internationally,” Kirk added. “The combination of his proven expertise and TMR’s culture of innovation and collaboration sets the stage for some truly exciting results, positioning TMR as the premier trade media outlet in the country.”
Putting advisors at the centre
As a respected journalist and digital storyteller, Pihach brings more than 20 years of experience spanning print, digital and television, with a career that includes roles at CBC and CTV.
His background in content creation and audience engagement will complement TMR’s innovative approach and help drive new opportunities for the brand.
For several years, Pihach has focused his talents on telling the stories of Canada’s travel advisors and suppliers across written, video and digital platforms.
“For more than a decade, I’ve made it my mission to bring the voices of Canadian travel professionals to the forefront of my reporting, so joining Travel Market Report, the ‘Voice of the Travel Advisor,’ feels like a natural next step,” said Pihach.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with travel advisors across Canada to learn more about their businesses, the challenges they’re navigating and, most importantly, their success stories. I’m especially excited to do that face-to-face at Travel Market Place conferences across the country.”
Bruce Parkinson, Senior Editorial Director for TMR Canada, welcomed the addition to the team.
“I have travelled extensively with Michael over the years and have great respect for his abilities and energy. His appointment will take TMR Canada to another level and reflects Travel Market Report’s commitment to offering the best editorial product in the Canadian travel trade media scene,” Parkinson said.
“There’s a lot of exceptional talent on this team,” Pihach added. “I’m excited to get started and see the great things we can achieve together.”
Pihach will co-host the Canadian Travel Awards with Kirk on November 17 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
“Me sharing the stage with John? What could go wrong?” said Pihach. “It’s going to be a fabulous night. We can’t wait to see everyone there!”
Michael Pihach can now be reached at mpihach@travelmarketreport.ca.
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