TORONTO — The Canadian travel industry has lost a friend from across the border, a man who worked tirelessly to promote U.S. tourism to the Canadian trade as part of the Brand USA team.
Casey Canevari, who served as Director, Global Trade Development (Canada) for Brand USA, passed away May 1.
Casey was here in Canada this week for Brand USA’s Canada Connect events. He suffered a medical seizure on April 28 in Toronto and lost consciousness, and was taken to Toronto Western Hospital.
The Brand USA team shared the sad news: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that, despite receiving the best possible care over the last four days in Toronto, Casey never regained consciousness and passed away peacefully yesterday, surrounded by his wife, Christine, his three sons, his brother, cousin and father-in-law. We are sharing this news with his family’s blessing, and they remain in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Brand USA team added: “Casey was a cherished member of our team and the industry – known for his boundless energy, optimism, and genuine warmth. His passion for travel and his unwavering commitment to welcoming Canadian visitors to the USA were evident in everything he did. He showed up time and again, even in recent months, never wavering in his dedication or spirit.
“We understand how difficult this news may be, especially for those of you who knew Casey well. Our community is built on compassion, and we are here for one another.
“Thank you for your continued strength, care, and support during this deeply difficult time.”
Susan Webb, who worked closely with Casey in her roles at VoX International and as President of the executive board of Discover America Canada, the leading organization dedicated to promoting travel and tourism to the U.S. from Canada, said Casey “was young, vibrant and passionate about his job and his family and he will be missed by so many.”
Webb added: “Casey was a champion for the USA and worked so closely with Canadian operators, airlines, agency groups and USA destinations. VoX worked so well with Casey for our U.S. clients, we will miss him personally and also professionally.”
