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Winners announced at TIAC's 2022 Canadian Tourism Awards

•   11-24-2022  8:31 am
•   Pax Global Media

Pax Global Media

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has announced the winners of its annual Canadian Tourism Awards – the standard of excellence for businesses and organizations in tourism that recognizes success, leadership, and innovation in the industry.

“We are thrilled to be announcing the esteemed winners of this year’s Awards,” said Beth Potter , President and CEO of TIAC. “Each of these winners have proven to have gone above and beyond in offering travellers superior experiences in Canada, and have done so under incredibly trying circumstances,” she said.

“They embody the true spirit of our Awards – the values of courage, hard work, and dedication to a truly great Canadian tourism product.” 

Now in its 22nd year, the Canadian Tourism Awards features nine categories of distinction; in addition to the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, which this year was won by industry luminary Bill Knowlton . It was open to all businesses operating in any of the full suite of sectors that comprise the tourism industry; accommodations, transportation, recreation, travel services, and food and beverage.

The gala ceremony announcing the winners took place last night at The Westin Ottawa , after an educational and inspirational two days spent at TIAC’s annual Tourism Congress. Congratulations to all 2022 Canadian Tourism Award winners:

Floor13 Business Event Award

Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada 2022 Conference – Toronto ON

The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2022 Convention is the world’s premier annual exploration and mining event. This year PDAC welcomed more than 17,000 investors, analysts, Indigenous leaders, mining executives, geologists, government officials and students to Toronto for its first in-person convention since March 2020. 

Air Canada Business of the Year Award : Great Wolf Lodge – Niagara Falls, ON. 

Great Wolf Lodge is a waterpark resort with over 100,000 square feet of wild rides, slides and water activities that hosts over half a million lodging guests each year. 

ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award: Heritage Path Tour – Elisipogtog Mi’kmaq Cultural Centre

The Mi’kmaq Heritage Path Tour is a guided walk through the traditional lands of the Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick. Lasting over two hours, the tour features historical, cultural, and spiritual teachings, and is designed for both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people. 

VIA Rail Canada Innovator of the Year Award : AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village 

What started as a simple parking lot on an industrial waterfront has been transformed into a top tourist attraction in Saint John, New Brunswick. AREA 506 has rebranded Saint John for visitors and residents alike, becoming a cool and attractive place with energy, excitement, and a bit of everything New Brunswick has to offer.

Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award : ERTCU Travel Group 

ERTCU Travel Group is a receptive tour operator and offers unforgettable self-guided, pre-booked RV itineraries for both independent travelers and guided travel groups. They specialize in all-inclusive travel packages for the on-the-go traveller wanting to explore all that Canada and Western USA have to offer.

Air Transat Sustainable Tourism Award : Eagle Wing Tours 

Eagle Wing Tours is an ecotourism and conservation company based in Victoria, British Columbia, that offers year-round whale and wildlife tours. As Canada’s first 3rd party verified carbon neutral whale-watching company, Eagle Wing Tours aims to protect marine wildlife and the ocean environment by building awareness through tours, education and outreach.

Tourism HR Canada Employee of the Year Award : Kaleigh Potts Kaleigh has been a valued member of Adventure Canada since 2016. 

A high impact team player, she exhibits an intelligent, thoughtful and professional approach to her work. Kaleigh played a key role in supporting clients during the pandemic, never failing to go above and beyond what was asked of her.

Tourism HR Canada Employer of the Year Award : Tourism Kingston 

Tourism Kingston is the Destination Marketing Organization for Kingston, Ontario. Its vision is to champion Kingston as a destination for local, regional, national, and international tourism. Tourism Kingston strives to provide a supportive environment for staff to innovate, collaborate and grow.

TMAC Travel Media Award : Must Do Canada, Karla and Matthew Bailey 

Must Do Canada’s Matthew and Karla Bailey have created an exceptional social media following that genuinely showcases Canada’s nature, rural and urban life experiences to Canadians and the world. In a short period of time, they have achieved recognition as a travel media company focused on ‘real’ travel in their discovery of Canada as a ‘must do’ destination.

 To learn more about the awards, winners, or sponsors; visit here .

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Finalists announced in the tourism industry association’s canadian tourism awards.

Photo of gala reception for Canadian Tourism Awards 2021.

OTTAWA, Nov. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is announcing the finalists of its annual Canadian Tourism Awards – the standard of excellence for businesses and organizations in tourism that recognizes success, leadership, and innovation in the industry.

“We are thrilled to be announcing the finalists of these Awards, which mean more to us this year than ever as the industry first hit and hardest hit by the pandemic,” says Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAC.

“Each of these finalists have proven to have gone above and beyond in offering travellers superior experiences in Canada, and have done so under incredibly trying circumstances; amid a global recession, rampant inflation, supply chain issues, and so on,” she says. “These esteemed finalists embody the true spirit of our Awards – the values of courage, hard work, and dedication.”

Now in its 22 nd year, the Canadian Tourism Awards features nine categories of distinction; in addition to the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. It was open to all businesses operating in any of the full suite of sectors that comprise the tourism industry; accommodations, transportation, recreation, travel services, and food and beverage.

The final winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Nov. 23 that takes place this month during TIAC’s annual Tourism Congress, which will be held at The Westin Ottawa (Nov. 22-23, 2022).

A full list of categories and finalists now follows.

Floor13 Business Event Award :

Amii AI Week – Edmonton, AB

YASTA (Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association) TMAC 2022 Conference and AGM – Yarmouth, NS

Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada2022 Convention – Toronto, ON

Air Canada Business of the Year Award:

The Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB

Great Wolf Lodge – Niagara Falls, ON

Harbour Air Group – Vancouver, BC

ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award:

Heritage Path Tour – Elsipogtog First Nation, NB

Corporation Nibiischii – Mistissini, QC

Wanuskewin Heritage Park – Saskatoon, SK

VIA Rail Canada Innovator of the Year Award:

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship – Toronto, ON

AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village – Saint John, NB

Malahat SkyWalk – Malahat, BC

Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award:

ERCTU Travel Group – Penticton, BC

Euston Park – Moncton, NB

Be Rad Adventure Co. – Saint John, NB

Air Transat Sustainable Tourism Award :

FOUR Nature Resort – Chelmsford, NB

Au Diable Vert – Sutton, QC

Eagle Wing Tours – Victoria, BC

Tourism HR Canada Employee of the Year Award :

Kaleigh Potts, Adventure Canada – Mississauga, ON

Spurgeon Robbins, Summerside Visitor Information Centre – Summerside, PEI

Susan Tomihiro, Fresh Tracks Canada – Vancouver, BC

Tourism HR Canada Employer of the Year Award :

Kingsbrae Garden – Saint Andrews, NB

Tourism Kingston – Kingston, ON

TMAC Travel Media Award:

Matthew and Karla Bailey, Must Do Canada – Okotoks, AB

Leah Adams-Chute, Dune Creative – Sechelt, BC

Heather Greenwood Davis, Freelance Journalist – Markham, ON

The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced separately in advance of Tourism Congress and the Canadian Tourism Awards gala reception.

For more information about the Canadian Tourism Awards, visit here ; and for the Tourism Congress, visit here .

Registration to Tourism Congress is now open to accredited media. To inquire, please send an email to Mary Wimmer, Director of Communications & Media Relations, at: [email protected] .

Founded in 1930 to encourage the development of tourism in Canada, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada serves today as the national private-sector advocate for the pre-pandemic $105 billion travel sector. Based in Ottawa, TIAC takes action on behalf of Canadian tourism businesses and promotes positive measures that help the industry grow and prosper. TIAC is responsible for representing tourism interests at the national level, and its advocacy work involves promoting and supporting policies, programs and activities that will benefit the sector's growth and development. TIAC's membership reflects partnerships among all sectors of the industry, and provincial, territorial and regional tourism associations, enabling the association to address the full range of issues facing Canadian tourism.

For more information, visit: tiac-aitc.ca .

Media Contact: Mary Wimmer Director, Communications & Media Relations Tourism Industry Association of Canada t: 613-238-7887 ext. 8765 e: [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89dd49d5-c927-4371-b41c-6dcd5b609f38

Press Release

TIAC Announces Winners of Its 2023 Canadian Tourism Awards

November 23, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, NB – November 23, 2023:  The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) announced the winners of its annual Canadian Tourism Awards last night at a gala event hosted at the Westin Ottawa. Nancy Pedersen, a long-serving employee (51 years to be exact!) of the  Crowne Plaza Fredericton Lord Beaverbrook , was among them.  Pedersen won the Tourism Employee of the Year award.    

The Tourism Employee of the Year Award is presented to a front-line employee whose professionalism, dedication, attitude, and quality of service best exemplify excellence in the tourism industry.

At 16 years old, Nancy started working at the Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, and 51 years later, she is now the Executive Housekeeper of the Crowne Plaza Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook. 

Having boarded a plane for the first time in her life, Pedersen made her way to Ottawa yesterday afternoon accompanied by the General Manager of the hotel, Trevor Morgan.

“As our Executive Housekeeper, Nancy has a tremendous way with everyone she interacts with at the Crowne Plaza. It’s her genuine wish to make people happy,” says Morgan.  “At 67 years old, she can still clean a room like a 20-year-old.”

Fredericton Capital Region Tourism is proud to have nominated Pedersen.  She was among the judges’ selection of three finalists for the Tourism Employee of the Year Award.

“To have been selected among nominees across the country and named a finalist in a national competition, especially in that competitive category, is a huge accomplishment. To win is the highest honour”, said Stacey Russell, Manager, Fredericton Capital Region Tourism.  

Pedersen was also presented the Ambassador of the Year Award at the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick’s awards gala in Moncton last week.

TIAC hosted its national awards ceremony at the Westin Ottawa Hotel on November 22.    

About the Canadian Tourism Awards The Canadian Tourism Awards, presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), recognizes the best and brightest in Canada’s tourism industry. From outstanding teams and organizations to individual luminaries who surpass all expectations, exemplifying a commitment to provide nothing short of exceptional tourism experiences from coast to coast to coast.

About Fredericton Capital Region Tourism Fredericton Capital Region Tourism, a professional Regional Destination Marketing Organization (RDMO), generates and increases tourism revenues through quality, effective marketing and promotion of the region. The RDMO facilitates the growth of the tourism sector, establishing the Fredericton Capital Region as a top Atlantic Canadian tourism destination, by encouraging the development of new authentic experiences, growing top-quality events and supporting market-readiness .

Media Contact:   Stacey Russell  Fredericton Tourism & Events  [email protected]   (506) 260-6958

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Canadian Tourism Awards Celebrate Winners

The  Tourism Industry Association of Canada   (TIAC) has announced the winners of its annual Canadian Tourism Awards – the standard of excellence for businesses and organizations in tourism that recognizes success, leadership, and innovation in the industry.

“We are thrilled to be announcing the esteemed winners of this year’s awards,” said Beth Potter, president and CEO of TIAC. “Each of these winners have proven to have gone above and beyond in offering travellers superior experiences in Canada, and have done so under incredibly trying circumstances. They embody the true spirit of our Awards – the values of courage, hard work, and dedication to a truly great Canadian tourism product.”

Now in its 22nd year, the Canadian Tourism Awards features nine categories of distinction; in addition to the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, which this year was won by industry luminary  Bill Knowlton . It was open to all businesses operating in any of the full suite of sectors that comprise the tourism industry; accommodations, transportation, recreation, travel services, and food and beverage.

The Canadian Tourism Awards winners are:

Floor13 Business Event Award:  Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada 2022 Conference – Toronto ON.

Air Canada Business of the Year Award : Great Wolf Lodge – Niagara Falls, ON.

ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award: Heritage Path Tour – Elisipogtog Mi’kmaq Cultural Centre.

VIA Rail Canada Innovator of the Year Award : AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village.

Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award : ERTCU Travel Group.

Air Transat Sustainable Tourism Award : Eagle Wing Tours.

Tourism HR Canada Employee of the Year Award : Kaleigh Potts Kaleigh has been a valued member of Adventure Canada since 2016.

Tourism HR Canada Employer of the Year Award : Tourism Kingston.

TMAC Travel Media Award : Must Do Canada, Karla and Matthew Bailey.

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Canadian tourism award winners 2023.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has announced its Canadian Tourism Awards winners for 2023. The honours recognize outstanding achievements in the tourism sector and aim to showcase the dedication, innovation, and excellence of individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to the growth and success of the Canadian tourism industry. Sponsors included WestJet, Air Canada, Air Transat, VIA, and Hilton.

This year’s awards ceremony, held on Nov.  22 at The Westin Ottawa, brought together industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders to celebrate “the remarkable achievements that have elevated Canada as a world-class travel destination.”

This year’s winners include:

Air Canada Tourism Business of the Year Award : Oak Bay Beach Hotel

ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award : Wanuskewin Heritage Park

Air Transat Sustainable Tourism Award : 4VI

Tourism HR Canada Employee of the Year Award : Nancy Pedersen, Lord Beaverbrook Hotel

Tourism HR Canada Employer of the Year Award : Rig Hand Craft Distillery

Floor13 Business Event of the Year Award : Destination Markham

Hilton Small or Medium-sized Business of the Year Award : The Twisted Lemon Restaurant & Boutique Inn

VIA RAIL Innovator of the Year Award : Firecircle

Culinary Tourism Alliance Culinary Tourism Experience Award : Tourism Lethbridge

TIAC Lifetime Achievement Award : Hugh Mackenzie

TIAC says the Canadian Tourism Awards continue to play a crucial role in recognizing and encouraging excellence in the tourism sector with the winners representing “the diverse and dynamic landscape of the Canadian tourism industry, showcasing the nation’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences for visitors from around the globe.”

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2023 Canadian Tourism Awards Now Accepting Nominations

Do you know a destination, tourism-related business or event, or person working in the Canadian tourism industry that has gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences to travellers? Are you proud of the work your team does within the industry? 

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is now accepting nominations for the  2023 Canadian Tourism Awards  in the following categories:

• Air Canada Business of the Year Award
• ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award
• Sustainable Tourism Award
• Employee of the Year Award
• Business Event Award
• Employer of the Year Award
• Small or Medium-sized Business of the Year Award
• The VIA Rail Canada Innovator of the Year Award
• Travel Media Association of Canada Travel Media Professional of the Year Award
• Culinary Tourism Experience Award
• Future Leaders Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award

All nominations must be submitted by August 15, 2023, except for the Future Leaders Award nominations, which close August 31, 2023, and the Lifetime Achievement Award nominations, which close October 1, 2023. The full criteria for each award can be viewed on the TIAC website .

This year's awards will be handed out on November 22 at the Westin in Ottawa. TIAC notes that "Any Canadian tourism-related product, business, association, initiative, or service that occurred from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, is eligible" to be nominated. 

Nominations can be submitted online . Several award categories have a nomination fee of $100 plus taxes; however, this fee will be waived if the nominee is a TIAC member in good standing. 

For more information, visit the TIAC website . 

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“Travel as a Force for Good”: Canadian Tourism Awards Employee of the Year Winner

Tourism HR Canada congratulates Kaleigh Potts, Client Services Team Lead at Adventure Canada, who was this year’s recipient of the Tourism HR Canada Employee of the Year Award.

Kaleigh accepted the award at the Canadian Tourism Awards gala, part of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s annual Tourism Congress.

Kaleigh has been a valued member of Adventure Canada, a Canadian tour operator that offers unique small-ship expeditions, since 2016. A high impact team player, she exhibits an intelligent, thoughtful, and professional approach to her work. Kaleigh played a key role in supporting clients during the pandemic, never failing to go above and beyond what was asked of her.  

“It’s such an honour and a surprise to receive Tourism HR Canada’s Employee of the Year award among such a dedicated and vibrant industry,” stated Kaleigh. “To receive it for doing something that I love to do is an indescribable privilege.”

The Employee of the Year Award is given to a frontline employee whose professionalism, dedication, attitude, and quality of service best exemplify excellence in the tourism industry.

Philip Mondor, president and CEO of Tourism HR Canada, presented the award, and stated, “It’s a delight to be able to recognize such an inspiring tourism professional. Kaleigh shows a passion for tourism, a full understanding of its ability to shape change, and a commitment to ensuring travellers can truly experience and understand the destinations they are visiting. Her dedication to sustainability, teamwork, and guest services are of key importance to our sector, and we are excited to see where her career takes her.”

Kaleigh shares, “As with many of us in this line of work, I’ve loved to travel for as long as I can remember. Childhood family trips and sports tournaments evolved into camping, backpacking, and living abroad as I grew older. It was only when I started working for Adventure Canada that I realized that tourism was the answer to the semi-formed idea in the back of my mind – travel as a force for good.”

“Through Adventure Canada, I’m grateful that I get to marry these two interests. By bringing travellers to some of the most beautiful and remote destinations in the world, we are working to preserve the cultural and environmental integrity of those same places. The past few years put a temporary pause in all of our travels, but I’m looking forward to continuing to collaborate with our team to create educational and meaningful experiences for our guests, both on and off the ship.”

Tourism HR Canada would also like to acknowledge the two other finalists for the Employee of the Year Award, who each show an incredible commitment to providing memorable visitor experiences and making Canada a top destination for travellers worldwide.

• Spurgeon Robbins, Summerside Visitor Information Centre – Summerside, PEI
• Susan Tomihiro, Fresh Tracks Canada – Vancouver, BC

View the full list of Canadian Tourism Award winners here.

Finalists Announced in the Tourism Industry Association's Canadian Tourism Awards

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OTTAWA, Nov. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is announcing the finalists of its annual Canadian Tourism Awards – the standard of excellence for businesses and organizations in tourism that recognizes success, leadership, and innovation in the industry.

Finalists Announced in the Tourism Industry Association's Canadian Tourism Awards Back to video

“We are thrilled to be announcing the finalists of these Awards, which mean more to us this year than ever as the industry first hit and hardest hit by the pandemic,” says Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAC.

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“Each of these finalists have proven to have gone above and beyond in offering travellers superior experiences in Canada, and have done so under incredibly trying circumstances; amid a global recession, rampant inflation, supply chain issues, and so on,” she says. “These esteemed finalists embody the true spirit of our Awards – the values of courage, hard work, and dedication.”

Now in its 22 nd year, the Canadian Tourism Awards features nine categories of distinction; in addition to the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. It was open to all businesses operating in any of the full suite of sectors that comprise the tourism industry; accommodations, transportation, recreation, travel services, and food and beverage.

The final winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Nov. 23 that takes place this month during TIAC’s annual Tourism Congress, which will be held at The Westin Ottawa (Nov. 22-23, 2022).

A full list of categories and finalists now follows.

Floor13 Business Event Award :

• Amii AI Week – Edmonton, AB
• YASTA (Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association) TMAC 2022 Conference and AGM – Yarmouth, NS
• Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada2022 Convention – Toronto, ON

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Air Canada Business of the Year Award:

• The Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB
• Great Wolf Lodge – Niagara Falls, ON
• Harbour Air Group – Vancouver, BC

ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award:

• Heritage Path Tour – Elsipogtog First Nation, NB
• Corporation Nibiischii – Mistissini, QC
• Wanuskewin Heritage Park – Saskatoon, SK

VIA Rail Canada Innovator of the Year Award:

• The Institute for Canadian Citizenship – Toronto, ON
• AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village – Saint John, NB
• Malahat SkyWalk – Malahat, BC

Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award:

• ERCTU Travel Group – Penticton, BC
• Euston Park – Moncton, NB
• Be Rad Adventure Co. – Saint John, NB

Air Transat Sustainable Tourism Award :

• FOUR Nature Resort – Chelmsford, NB
• Au Diable Vert – Sutton, QC
• Eagle Wing Tours – Victoria, BC

Tourism HR Canada Employee of the Year Award :

• Kaleigh Potts, Adventure Canada – Mississauga, ON
• Spurgeon Robbins, Summerside Visitor Information Centre – Summerside, PEI
• Susan Tomihiro, Fresh Tracks Canada – Vancouver, BC

Tourism HR Canada Employer of the Year Award :

• Kingsbrae Garden – Saint Andrews, NB
• Tourism Kingston – Kingston, ON

TMAC Travel Media Award:

• Matthew and Karla Bailey, Must Do Canada – Okotoks, AB
• Leah Adams-Chute, Dune Creative – Sechelt, BC
• Heather Greenwood Davis, Freelance Journalist – Markham, ON

The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced separately in advance of Tourism Congress and the Canadian Tourism Awards gala reception.

For more information about the Canadian Tourism Awards, visit here ; and for the Tourism Congress, visit here .

Registration to Tourism Congress is now open to accredited media. To inquire, please send an email to Mary Wimmer, Director of Communications & Media Relations, at: [email protected] .

Founded in 1930 to encourage the development of tourism in Canada, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada serves today as the national private-sector advocate for the pre-pandemic $105 billion travel sector. Based in Ottawa, TIAC takes action on behalf of Canadian tourism businesses and promotes positive measures that help the industry grow and prosper. TIAC is responsible for representing tourism interests at the national level, and its advocacy work involves promoting and supporting policies, programs and activities that will benefit the sector’s growth and development. TIAC’s membership reflects partnerships among all sectors of the industry, and provincial, territorial and regional tourism associations, enabling the association to address the full range of issues facing Canadian tourism.

For more information, visit: tiac-aitc.ca .

Media Contact: Mary Wimmer Director, Communications & Media Relations Tourism Industry Association of Canada t: 613-238-7887 ext. 8765 e: [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89dd49d5-c927-4371-b41c-6dcd5b609f38

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Winners announced at TIAC's 2022 Canadian Tourism Awards

•   11-24-2022  8:31 am
•   Pax Global Media

Pax Global Media

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has announced the winners of its annual Canadian Tourism Awards – the standard of excellence for businesses and organizations in tourism that recognizes success, leadership, and innovation in the industry.

“We are thrilled to be announcing the esteemed winners of this year’s Awards,” said Beth Potter , President and CEO of TIAC. “Each of these winners have proven to have gone above and beyond in offering travellers superior experiences in Canada, and have done so under incredibly trying circumstances,” she said.

“They embody the true spirit of our Awards – the values of courage, hard work, and dedication to a truly great Canadian tourism product.” 

Now in its 22nd year, the Canadian Tourism Awards features nine categories of distinction; in addition to the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, which this year was won by industry luminary Bill Knowlton . It was open to all businesses operating in any of the full suite of sectors that comprise the tourism industry; accommodations, transportation, recreation, travel services, and food and beverage.

The gala ceremony announcing the winners took place last night at The Westin Ottawa , after an educational and inspirational two days spent at TIAC’s annual Tourism Congress. Congratulations to all 2022 Canadian Tourism Award winners:

Floor13 Business Event Award

Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada 2022 Conference – Toronto ON

The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2022 Convention is the world’s premier annual exploration and mining event. This year PDAC welcomed more than 17,000 investors, analysts, Indigenous leaders, mining executives, geologists, government officials and students to Toronto for its first in-person convention since March 2020. 

Air Canada Business of the Year Award : Great Wolf Lodge – Niagara Falls, ON. 

Great Wolf Lodge is a waterpark resort with over 100,000 square feet of wild rides, slides and water activities that hosts over half a million lodging guests each year. 

ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award: Heritage Path Tour – Elisipogtog Mi’kmaq Cultural Centre

The Mi’kmaq Heritage Path Tour is a guided walk through the traditional lands of the Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick. Lasting over two hours, the tour features historical, cultural, and spiritual teachings, and is designed for both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people. 

VIA Rail Canada Innovator of the Year Award : AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village 

What started as a simple parking lot on an industrial waterfront has been transformed into a top tourist attraction in Saint John, New Brunswick. AREA 506 has rebranded Saint John for visitors and residents alike, becoming a cool and attractive place with energy, excitement, and a bit of everything New Brunswick has to offer.

Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award : ERTCU Travel Group 

ERTCU Travel Group is a receptive tour operator and offers unforgettable self-guided, pre-booked RV itineraries for both independent travelers and guided travel groups. They specialize in all-inclusive travel packages for the on-the-go traveller wanting to explore all that Canada and Western USA have to offer.

Air Transat Sustainable Tourism Award : Eagle Wing Tours 

Eagle Wing Tours is an ecotourism and conservation company based in Victoria, British Columbia, that offers year-round whale and wildlife tours. As Canada’s first 3rd party verified carbon neutral whale-watching company, Eagle Wing Tours aims to protect marine wildlife and the ocean environment by building awareness through tours, education and outreach.

Tourism HR Canada Employee of the Year Award : Kaleigh Potts Kaleigh has been a valued member of Adventure Canada since 2016. 

A high impact team player, she exhibits an intelligent, thoughtful and professional approach to her work. Kaleigh played a key role in supporting clients during the pandemic, never failing to go above and beyond what was asked of her.

Tourism HR Canada Employer of the Year Award : Tourism Kingston 

Tourism Kingston is the Destination Marketing Organization for Kingston, Ontario. Its vision is to champion Kingston as a destination for local, regional, national, and international tourism. Tourism Kingston strives to provide a supportive environment for staff to innovate, collaborate and grow.

TMAC Travel Media Award : Must Do Canada, Karla and Matthew Bailey 

Must Do Canada’s Matthew and Karla Bailey have created an exceptional social media following that genuinely showcases Canada’s nature, rural and urban life experiences to Canadians and the world. In a short period of time, they have achieved recognition as a travel media company focused on ‘real’ travel in their discovery of Canada as a ‘must do’ destination.

 To learn more about the awards, winners, or sponsors; visit here .

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4VI Wins 2023 Canadian Tourism Award for Sustainable Tourism

Celebrations are in order as we secure the prestigious 2023 canadian tourism award for sustainable tourism from the tourism industry association of canada (tiac).

This accolade acknowledges our commitment to stewardship through the development of a groundbreaking climate action plan and carbon audit for the Vancouver Island Region.

The Canadian Tourism Awards, presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), recognizes the best and brightest in Canada’s tourism industry. This year’s awards were presented in 12 categories and winners were announced following the TIAC Tourism Congress in Ottawa. 

4VI’s carbon audit for the Vancouver Island Region, the first major carbon audit executed by a regional destination management organization of this scale, played a pivotal role in securing the award. As part of the climate action plan, 4VI partnered with Synergy Enterprises to determine carbon emission baselines for the tourism industry in the region. The results allow for the organization to set evidence based goals for emission reduction and create targeted sustainable action plans. 

“This is proof that what we’re doing to make this industry better, despite any challenges, is worth it,” said Brian Cant, VP, Business Impact & Engagement, 4VI. “Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond rhetoric—it’s deeply ingrained in the values of our whole organization and our team. This is a testament to our unwavering dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the Vancouver Island Region while contributing positively to the economy.”

The Canadian Tourism Award for Sustainable Tourism serves as a commendation of our innovative approach to tourism management, setting the stage for continued leadership in sustainable tourism practices. The recognition by TIAC affirms our pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism, emphasizing the importance of responsible and regenerative practices within the industry.

To learn more about 4VI’s climate action plan and carbon audit, visit forvi.ca/sustainability/ .

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TIAC Announces Canadian Tourism Awards’ Finalists

November 2, 2022

TIAC has announced the finalists for its annual Canadian Tourism Awards, which recognizes success, leadership, and innovation in the industry.

Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAC, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing the finalists of these Awards, which mean more to us this year than ever as the industry first hit and hardest hit by the pandemic.”

Potter continued: “Each of these finalists have proven to have gone above and beyond in offering travellers superior experiences in Canada, and have done so under incredibly trying circumstances; amid a global recession, rampant inflation, supply chain issues, and so on. These esteemed finalists embody the true spirit of our Awards – the values of courage, hard work, and dedication.”

Now in its 22nd year, the Canadian Tourism Awards features nine categories of distinction; in addition to the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. It was open to all businesses operating in any of the full suite of sectors that comprise the tourism industry; accommodations, transportation, recreation, travel services, and food and beverage.

The final winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Nov. 23 that takes place this month during TIAC’s annual Tourism Congress, which will be held at The Westin Ottawa (Nov. 22 to Nov. 23, 2022).

A full list of categories and finalists now follows.

Floor13 Business Event Award:

• Amii AI Week – Edmonton, AB
• YASTA (Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association) TMAC 2022 Conference and AGM – Yarmouth, NS
• Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada2022 Convention – Toronto, ON

Air Canada Business of the Year Award:

• The Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB
• Great Wolf Lodge – Niagara Falls, ON
• Harbour Air Group – Vancouver, BC

ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award:

• Heritage Path Tour – Elsipogtog First Nation, NB
• Corporation Nibiischii – Mistissini, QC
• Wanuskewin Heritage Park – Saskatoon, SK

VIA Rail Canada Innovator of the Year Award:

• The Institute for Canadian Citizenship – Toronto, ON
• AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village – Saint John, NB
• Malahat SkyWalk – Malahat, BC

Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award:

• ERTCU Travel Group – Penticton, BC
• Euston Park – Moncton, NB
• Be Rad Adventure Co. – Saint John, NB

Air Transat Sustainable Tourism Award:

• FOUR Nature Resort – Chelmsford, NB
• Au Diable Vert – Sutton, QC
• Eagle Wing Tours – Victoria, BC

Tourism HR Canada Employee of the Year Award:

• Kaleigh Potts, Adventure Canada – Mississauga, ON
• Spurgeon Robbins, Summerside Visitor Information Centre – Summerside, PEI
• Susan Tomihiro, Fresh Tracks Canada – Vancouver, BC

Tourism HR Canada Employer of the Year Award:

• Kingsbrae Garden – Saint Andrews, NB
• Tourism Kingston – Kingston, ON

TMAC Travel Media Award:

• Matthew and Karla Bailey, Must Do Canada – Okotoks, AB
• Leah Adams-Chute, Dune Creative – Sechelt, BC
• Heather Greenwood Davis, Freelance Journalist – Markham, ON

The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced separately in advance of Tourism Congress and the Canadian Tourism Awards gala reception.

Go to www.tiac-aitc.ca for more.

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Government of Canada hosts 10th Canada’s Volunteer Awards ceremony and launches call for nominations

From: Employment and Social Development Canada

News release

Every year volunteers across the country dedicate their time and resources to positively impact their communities. Canada’s Volunteer Awards highlight community leadership and aim to encourage people from across Canada to make a difference in their communities through volunteering, while developing innovative solutions to tackle social challenges.

April 15, 2024                Gatineau, Quebec                Employment and Social Development Canada Every year volunteers across the country dedicate their time and resources to positively impact their communities. Canada’s Volunteer Awards highlight community leadership and aim to encourage people from across Canada to make a difference in their communities through volunteering, while developing innovative solutions to tackle social challenges. Today, as we celebrate National Volunteer Week, Jenna Sudds, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, honoured the recipients of the Awards at a hybrid ceremony at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. This occasion marks the 10th anniversary of Canada’s Volunteer Awards. The Minister also launched the call for nominations for the next awards. Submitting a nomination is a great way to recognize volunteers and organizations and to thank them for their contributions to their communities. Starting today, nominations are being accepted for an individual or group of volunteers, a not-for-profit organization, a social enterprise or a business. Details can be found by visiting Canada.ca/volunteer-awards . We are pleased to announce this year’s not-for-profit organizations, selected by the award recipients to receive the grants that they were awarded: National Awards Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Rahul Singh selected The David McAntony Gibson Foundation (GlobalMedic) to receive a grant of $10,000. Special Mentions Loren Slye selected The London Heritage Farm Society to receive a grant of $5,000. Mary Walters selected St. John Council for Saskatchewan to receive a grant of $5,000. Regional Awards Emerging Leader Atlantic: Stacie Smith selected The Sandbox Project to receive a grant of $5,000. Quebec: Jason Rivest selected Simulation du Parlement européen Canada-Québec-Europe to receive a grant of $5,000. Ontario: Lucia Marchionda selected Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation to receive a grant of $5,000. Prairies: Justin Langan selected O’KANATA to receive a grant of $5,000. British Columbia and the North: Robin Changizi selected Colibri Learning Foundation to receive a grant of $5,000. Business Leader Ontario: Humble Beginning Stories selected African Canadian Association of Ottawa to receive a grant of $5,000. Prairies: Automated Aquatics Canada selected Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area Society to receive a grant of $5,000. Community Leader Atlantic: Angela Woodford selected Harbour Main, Chapel’s Cove & Lakeview Recreation Committee to receive a grant of $5,000. Quebec: Dr. Daphnée Veilleux-Lemieux selected Chiots Nordiques to receive a grant of $5,000. Ontario: Jill Kearney selected The International Dyslexia Association, Ontario Branch, to receive a grant of $5,000. Prairies: Marc Hazlewood selected McCreary Recreation Commission to receive a grant of $5,000. British Columbia and the North: Norman D. Crerar selected Okanagan Military Tattoo Society to receive a grant of $5,000. Social Innovator Atlantic: Survivors of Abuse Recovering Society directed a grant of $5,000 toward their own organization. Quebec: Bénévoles d’expertise directed a grant of $5,000 toward their own organization. Ontario: The Hub directed a grant of $5,000 toward their own organization. Prairies: Norfolk Housing Association directed a grant of $5,000 toward their own organization. British Columbia and the North: The Ashcroft HUB Society directed a grant of $5,000 toward their own organization. Today’s announcement supports Canada’s commitment to achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by way of encouraging volunteering across communities in Canada. Volunteering is the key to improving social, economic and environmental conditions locally and nationwide. Volunteers help extend the reach of social services and support education for low-income and marginalized groups, and improve food security among communities.

“Volunteers are a vital part of our communities and play a key role in maintaining the social fabric of our society. As we celebrate National Volunteer Week and recognize those who work tirelessly to better our communities, I am honoured to announce the launch of the Call for Nominations for Canada’s Volunteer Awards. I encourage everyone in Canada to nominate those who provide these critical services so we can recognize and appreciate those who work incredibly hard to better our communities and in turn, better our country.” – Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“I extend a heartfelt invitation for you to nominate outstanding individuals for the Emerging Leader Award through Canada's Volunteer Awards. If you know a compassionate young person aged 18 to 30 in your community who exemplifies leadership through volunteerism and enriches their community, I encourage you to put forward their nomination. This award celebrates their ongoing dedication to fostering positive change and inspiring fellow youth.” The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

Quick facts

Canada’s Volunteer Awards consist of 21 awards: 20 awards at the regional level and one award at the national level. 

Award recipients are honoured during a ceremony held each year.

Regional award recipients can identify a not-for-profit organization to receive a $5,000 grant, and the national award recipient can identify a not-for-profit organization to receive a $10,000 grant. 

The call for nominations is open from April 15 to June 12, 2024. 

Recipients can be individual volunteers or groups of volunteers, socially responsible businesses, social enterprises or not-for-profit organizations.

According to Statistics Canada’s 2018 General Social Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating, in 2018, 79% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported volunteering, dedicating approximately 5 billion hours to their volunteer activities. 

Associated links

• Nominate a Volunteer
• Canada’s Volunteer Awards
• Government of Canada announces recipients of Canada’s Volunteer Awards

For media enquiries, please contact:  Soraya Lemur Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds [email protected] Media Relations Office Employment and Social Development Canada 819-994-5559 [email protected] Follow us on X (Twitter) Follow us on Facebook

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