How can we support Indigenous organizations and communities on their path to economic reconciliation?
Our Story
Our Story.
Background
Founded in 2006 to help clients evaluate opportunities and bring ambitious projects to market.
BlueOcean Consulting began in hospitality, tourism and mixed-use development, helping clients evaluate opportunities and bring ambitious projects to market.
As our work evolved, so did our purpose. Today our practice is focused primarily on Indigenous economic development, strategic advisory, tourism, social enterprise and community revitalization.
While our sectors have expanded, our approach has remained unchanged: building trusted relationships, creating practical strategies and helping clients bring meaningful ideas to life.
Questions that guide our work.
How can we help identify and assess strategic business opportunities on behalf of our clients?
How can we assist in creating unique tourism projects to unlock the rich history and capture the immense beauty of British Columbia?
How can we help Indigenous-led businesses to become market-ready?
How can economic development align with environmental stewardship to become economic engine for good and a place of hope and prosperity?
How can we help our clients to build public support and preserve their social license?
About Us
Markus Griesser,
Principal.
Growing up in the Austrian Alps taught me that every landscape has its own story and that communities are deeply connected to the places they call home. After more than three decades in British Columbia, I continue to be inspired by the people, places and opportunities that shape this province.
My career began in hospitality and tourism, where I had the opportunity to contribute to boutique hotels, resorts — existing or new — in Canada, Europe and Central America. Early in my career and over a period of 14 years, I helped transform a family-owned property into an internationally recognized five-star resort and played a key role in developing a waterfront boutique hotel on Vancouver Island that brought together hospitality, wellness and community.
Over the past eight years, my work has increasingly focused on Indigenous economic development. Working alongside Coastal First Nations to advance strategic planning, tourism, stewardship initiatives, social enterprises and community development has become the most meaningful chapter of my professional journey. Every project has reinforced my belief that sustainable economic development succeeds when it builds on a community's unique strengths, culture and aspirations.
I believe the role of a consultant extends beyond delivering reports. The most rewarding work comes from building trusted relationships, staying engaged through implementation and helping clients navigate new opportunities as they emerge. Many of our engagements begin with a single project and evolve into long-term partnerships that span years.
I have also been fortunate to contribute to the communities where I live and work through board appointments including Vice Chair of Tourism Victoria, Chair of its Finance Committee, and inaugural board member of the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea.