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Events and Awards > Canadian Tourism Awards > Past Recipients > 2011 Finalists

Finalists for the 2011 Canadian Tourism Awards

The 2011 Canadian Tourism Awards, presented by The Toronto Star, will be awarded on November 24, 2011 as part of The Tourism Congress, TIAC’s annual conference.

The 2011 finalists are:

The Air Canada Business of the Year Award

 

The Hilton Worldwide Small or Medium-sized Business of the Year Award

Honourable Mention: Croisières Sheddiac Bay Cruises (Pointe-du-Chêne, NB)


The Delta Hotels and Resorts New Business of the Year Award

 

The Deloitte Innovator of the Year Award

Honourable Mention: Discover Ottawa Smartphone App - Ottawa Tourism (Ottawa, ON)

 

The Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Marketing Campaign of the Year Award

 

The Corporate Partner of the Year Award

Honourable Mention: T4G Limited (Halifax, NS; Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John, NB)

 

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre Event of the Year Award

 

The WestJet Social Media Initiative of the Year Award

Honourable Mention: 'Stoked for Snow' Bus - Travel Alberta (AB)

 

The Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award

Honourable Mention: Au Diable Vert - station de montagne (Glen Sutton, QC)

 

The National Cultural Tourism Award

Honourable Mention: Village Historique Acadien (Rivière-du-Nord, NB)

 

The CTHRC Award for Excellence in Human Resources Development

 

The Traveller Experience Award

Honourable Mention: Roads-To-Sea Guided Tours (Moncton, NB)

 

The Via Rail Canada Community Service Award

 

The InterContinental Hotels Group Employee of the Year Award

 

The Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented by Tourism Toronto

  • TBA / à suivre

 

 

About the 2011 finalists / A propos des finalistes de 2011

The Air Canada Business of the Year Award

Presented to a tourism business that exemplifies industry best practices in all aspects of its operations, and is thus an example of all-round business excellence in the tourism industry.

Bota Bota (Montreal, QC)

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau est une jeune entreprise familiale vouée à la détente et au bien-être.  Cet ancien traversier, acquis en 2008 et transformé en spa flottant, a ouvert ses portes en décembre 2010, aux Quais du Vieux-Port de Montréal. L'établissement a déjà acquis une reconnaissance au sein de la communauté touristique, tant localement qu'internationalement.  Bota Bota est rapidement devenu une attraction incontournable tant pour le touriste local que pour les millions de passants qui déferlent sur les Quais du Vieux-Port à chaque année.

Calypso Theme Waterpark (Limoges, ON)

Situé à Limoges en Ontario, à 20 minutes d'Ottawa et à 75 minutes de Montréal, Calypso est le plus grand parc aquatique thématique au Canada. Ouvert en 2010, ce magnifique parc aquatique comble un besoin dans la grande région de la capitale nationale et est le rendez-vous incontournable des familles en quête de plaisir et d'émerveillement. Le parc aquatique se différencie par la grandeur de son site, par la qualité des attractions à la fine pointe de la technologie et par les nombreuses thématiques qui entraînent les clients dans un univers digne des plus grands parcs d'attractions.

CN Tower (Toronto, ON)

Canada’s National Tower has achieved a remarkable legacy as icon, landmark, engineering marvel, world-class tourist destination and one of Canada’s most celebrated and visited attractions. In 2011 the CN Tower turned 35 and launched EdgeWalk, the most extreme experience in its history. As an enduring symbol of Canada’s awe-inspiring experiences, the Tower’s continued investment in upgrades and enhancements ensure a leading edge facility with innovative experiences that continue to attract visitors, placing Toronto and Canada on the world stage and reinforcing CN Tower as a must see.

 

The Hilton Worldwide Small or Medium-sized Business of the Year Award

Presented to a tourism business (with fewer than 20 employees) that exemplifies industry best practices in all aspects of its operations, and is thus an example of all-round business excellence in the tourism industry.

Experience PEI (Bedeque, PEI)

Experience PEI is an experiential tourism business that provides visitors to Prince Edward Island with an opportunity to participate in unique hands-on learning activities that allow them to connect with Islanders and share in their lives.  It was established to create unique, personal experiences designed to provide lifelong memories.  Started in 2006 by Innkeepers Mary and Bill Kendric, it was envisioned to serve the family and independent traveller market, and has since evolved to provide shore excursions for the cruise ship market and corporate outings.  It is now recognized as a Canadian leader in the field of experiential tourism product development.

Meridian Reservation Systems (Niagara Falls, ON)

Meridian Reservation Systems provides technological, management, and marketing solutions for the global hospitality, tourism, and leisure industries.  Owner John Pinter founded Niagara Central Reservations in 1999, developing over the next decade one of the most sophisticated on-line reservation systems for the tourism industry.  Meridian has since expanded to a client base of 21 DMOs across Canada and the US, including Tourism Toronto, Quebec City, Ottawa Tourism, Banff Lake Louise, Calgary, Dawson City and more.

Tours Voir Québec

Depuis son lancement en 2004, Tours Voir Québec s'est donné comme mandat  d'être un leader dans le domaine des visites guidées de Québec.  L’entreprise démontre continuellement un esprit d’innovation, autant au niveau de la mise en marché de ses services, avec en tête l’amélioration constante de son site web, qu’au niveau du traitement privilégié qu’elle réserve à ses employés. Toujours dans cet esprit d’innovation, l’entreprise travaille à diversifier davantage ses services et à les offrir à longueur d'année.

Honourable Mention : Croisières Sheddiac Bay Cruises (Pointe-du-Chêne, NB)

Shediac Bay Cruises is a family-owned business operated by Ron and Denise Cormier along with their two daughters, Renée and Chantal and an experienced staff.   Ron and Denise and their team eagerly take visitors aboard the Ambassador for their signature Lobster Tales Cruise, proudly showing off Shediac Bay and the delicacies of the sea, while teaching the old fishing techniques that helped shape a way of life in their region.  All cruises feature a delicious lobster meal and Acadian music.  With as many as four daily departures, more than 10,000 visitors have enjoyed an excursion on board the Ambassador.

 

The Delta Hotels and Resorts New Business of the Year Award

Presented to an entity that has demonstrated innovation, ingenuity, hard work and perseverance to establish a strong, viable and successful new business in the tourism sector.

Bota Bota (Montreal, QC)

Amarré aux Quais du Vieux-Port de Montréal, Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau offre à ses passagers les bienfaits salutaires d’un spa, alliés au mouvement naturel berçant du fleuve St-Laurent.  Dans un décor enchanteur, avec le Vieux-Montréal en trame de fond, ce spa flottant, création novatrice et mystérieuse, propose à sa clientèle un accès privilégié au fleuve tout en lui permettant de profiter des vertus à la fois relaxantes et vivifiantes du circuit d’eaux. Le Bota Bota comprend cinq ponts, sur lesquels sont réparties toutes les installations du spa : deux saunas avec vues imprenables sur le Fleuve et sur le Vieux-Montréal, bain vapeur à l’eucalyptus, bains à remous extérieurs, douches et bains froids, espaces de détente, comptoir gourmand, terrasses et jardin.

Ottawa Convention Centre (Ottawa, ON)

The Ottawa Convention Centre, an iconic addition to Ottawa’s tourism infrastructure, opened on time and on budget on April 12, 2011 to launch a new and unprecedented era in the meetings and conventions sector in Canada’s Capital, with triple the space of the former Ottawa Congress Centre. The economic impact generated from events taking place at the new OCC will touch a broad range of sectors, and will support a vibrant “Visitor Economy” - the likes of which Ottawa has never enjoyed before. Not only do convention delegates meet at the new OCC; history, functionality, beauty and environmental responsibility meet there as well.

Sparkling Hill Resort (Vernon, BC)

Vernon’s Sparkling Hill Resort is a 152 room wellness resort, opened May, 2010 it’s situated on the apex of a granite ridge near Vernon in the Okanagan Valley of B.C .The $122 million resort is designed as a European wellness center offering guests the opportunity to achieve better health through whole body wellness. The 40 thousand sq ft KurSpa has 48 treatment rooms, seven steam and sauna rooms, aqua mediation, Serenity lounge, Kneipp Water Therapy, outdoor infinity pool and indoor pools. It is the largest spa resort in Canada and is on the leading edge of the new wellness tourism industry.

 

The Deloitte Innovator of the Year Award

Presented to the tourism business or organization that develops the most innovative new tourism product, service or process, or the most innovative new approach to an existing tourism product, service or process that positively impacts the tourism business or the tourism industry as a whole.

Cliffwalk at Capilano Suspension Bridge (North Vancouver, BC)

As part of its vision to 'create experiences that people are amazed by', Cliffwalk at Capilano Suspension Bridge is the culmination of four years of innovative design and cutting edge technology.  Cliffwalk follows a granite precipice along Capilano River on a labyrinth-like series of narrow cantilevered bridges, stairs and platforms through rainforest vegetation. Interactive exhibits demonstrate the interaction between the river, its water, the granite, salmon and flora and fauna in a 213-metre journey that reaches 91 metres above Capilano River.  Since its opening, revenues have increased by 37% and the average time of stay has lengthened to nearly three hours.

EdgeWalk at CN Tower (Toronto, ON)

The CN Tower is an internationally-renowned, leading-edge attraction that thrills 1.5+M visitors each year from around the world. In 2011, the CN Tower introduced the most extreme experience in its history and Toronto’s newest attraction in almost two decades – EdgeWalk, the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk on a 5-foot  (1.5 m) wide ledge encircling the top of the CN Tower’s main pod, 356 metres, (1168 ft. , 116 stories) above ground. The first of its kind in North America, this adrenaline-fueled experience allows thrill seekers to walk the edge of one of the world’s greatest man-made wonders.

Stonehammer Geopark (Saint John, NB)

Stonehammer Geopark is North America’s first UNESCO-recognized Geopark. Centered in Saint John, the park includes 60 significant geological and fossil locales, spread out over 2500 square kilometers in southern New Brunswick, 12 of which are accessible to the public. It connects people to the earth in a meaningful way through walking, kayaking, hiking, interpretive walks, and other experiences. The project is a unique example of the community leading an effort to support the visitor economy and the long-term sustainability of the City of Saint John and its surrounding communities with the help of partner organizations, corporate donors, and local and provincial governments.

Honourable Mention: Discover Ottawa Smartphone App – Ottawa Tourism (Ottawa, ON)

Ottawa Tourism provides destination marketing, strategic direction and leadership in cooperation with members and partners to service the travel media and attract visitors, tours and conventions to Ottawa and Canada’s Capital Region.  This past year, Ottawa Tourism was the only DMO in the country to create a fully-featured travel-focused smartphone app that also doubles as the official municipal app. The app aims to bridge the gap between local and visitor functionality, providing a simple way for people to share great content about Ottawa, and a way to create and share experiences with friends on social media.  The app had over 10,000 downloads in only a few short months, with a 4/5 star user rating.

 

The Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Marketing Campaign of the Year Award

Presented to the organization that has devised and implemented the year’s most outstanding tourism marketing campaign or initiative.

Find Yourself – Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism (NL)

In Newfoundland and Labrador, there’s no such thing as an accidental tourist. Confronted by real and perceptual barriers of travel distance, time, and cost, it takes deliberate planning and effort to visit the most easterly point in North America.  Still, the Find Yourself campaign has been hugely successful in positioning the province as unique and exotic. Though it launched with relatively modest goals, the campaign generated a 10% increase in interest in NL as a travel destination, an 11.2% increase in web traffic, a 7.3% increase in non-resident visitation, and an increase in tourism spending by a whopping 9.3% or $36 million.

Manitoba Homecoming 2010 – Various Partners including Travel Manitoba, Tourism Winnipeg, and the Province of Manitoba (MB)

Manitoba Homecoming was a year-long experience in 2010 bringing former and current Manitobans, visitors, family and friends together for events to celebrate the province and its diverse culture, heritage, tourism and remarkable people. The campaign was conducted throughout year and its primary goal was to increase tourism visitation by marketing to ex-pat Manitobans with an invitation to return home in 2010. The campaign was conducted through television, radio and print ads which encouraged current Manitobans to invite home friends and family and also encouraged ex-pats to come home and visit. More than 200,000 people attended the 400-plus events, generating over $30 million in economic activity.

Trails of 1885 – Various Partners in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba (SK, AB & MB)

Trails of 1885 brought together dozens of organizations, historic sites and events related to the North West Resistance from three provinces, (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta). The project focused primarily on product development and marketing to ensure the long term viability of the sites. With limited resources, Trails of 1885 was able to overcome cultural differences, biases, and historic grievances to successfully brand a product that was not only controversial, but extremely sensitive.  Trails of 1885 succeeded in bringing together over 125 coalition members and develop eight battle sites and six related sites into an enticing product theme for resident, short- and long-haul markets.

 

The Corporate Partner of the Year Award / Le Prix de l’entreprise partenaire de l’année

Presented to a business or corporation that is not traditionally recognized as part of the tourism industry, but that has shown exceptional support of tourism businesses, tourism initiatives, or the tourism industry as a whole.

Aéroports de Montréal (Montréal, QC)

Aéroports de Montréal est, depuis 1992, responsable de la gestion, de l’exploitation et du développement des aéroports internationaux Montréal-Trudeau et Montréal-Mirabel. ADM se veut la pierre angulaire de l’industrie touristique en étant l’instigateur pour la création et le maintien de partenariats avec des joueurs clés dont Tourisme Montréal, Tourisme Québec, la Ville de Montréal et la Commission Canadienne du Tourisme (CCT). Ceci a eu pour effet de voir le trafic international et américain rebondir de façon spectaculaire.

Fritz Mueller Photography (Whitehorse, YK)

Fritz Mueller Photography (FMP) is the passion of Fritz Mueller and Teresa Earle, two extraordinary Yukoners whose invaluable photographic and literary contributions to the tourism industry have captivated locals and visitors alike for over 10 years.  FMP makes an indispensable contribution to the Yukon tourism industry with their passion and dedication to producing extraordinary images and stories showcasing Yukon.  This creative team of two is known for their professional product and contagious enthusiasm for our territory, and as a result, literally millions of viewers and readers across the globe have experienced Yukon for the first time through Mueller’s lens and Earle’s words.

Waterfront Development Corporation (Halifax, NS)

The Waterfront Development Corporation is a provincial crown corporation responsible for developing industrial lands surrounding the waterfronts in Halifax and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. The Corporation has fostered the creation of waterfronts that drive economic opportunity, enhance tourism, provide experiences, and protect marine heritage.  To date, more than $30M has been invested in support of development and maintenance of public infrastructure and amenities towards the provision of public space at the water's edge.  As stewards of the most visited destinations in Nova Scotia, the WDCL stimulates tourism and provides the backdrop to attract economic activity to Nova Scotia.

Honourable Mention: T4G Limited (Halifax, NS; Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John, NB)

T4G is a Canadian-owned, project-based technology services company that has been serving the Travel and Tourism industry since 2002. Leveraging in-depth knowledge of their clients' businesses, T4G to provides solutions such as planning tools, e-commerce booking solutions and mobile apps that position their clients at the leading edge of the tourism industry, enabling them to build tourism brands and generate business.  Their Canadian-based clients, past and present, include Thomas Cook Canada, Rocky Mountain Vacations, Parks Canada, Fairmont Hotels, Choice Hotels, Skyservice Airlines, Tourism British Columbia, New Brunswick Tourism and Parks and Intrawest.

 

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre Event of the Year Award

Presented to an event or festival that exemplifies industry best practices in all aspects of its operations, and thus serves as an example of excellence to other events and festivals and the greater tourism industry.

Carnaval de Québec (Québec, QC)

Le Carnaval de Québec est le plus grand carnaval d'hiver au monde, organisé annuellement dans le but de générer à Québec une activité économique, touristique, culturelle et sociale de première qualité dont les gens de la région seront fiers. Le Carnaval est donc un grand rassemblement accessible à toute la population québécoise, canadienne et internationale.  L’événement s’anime pendant 17 jours et attire chaque année plus de 750 000 participants venus des quatre coins du globe.

Parks Canada 100th Anniversary Launch Event – The Parks Canada Experience (Toronto, ON)

In 2011, the Parks Canada Agency, the world’s first park service, turned 100 years old. Parks Canada executed a signature centennial launch event on May 21st by bringing the “Parks Canada Experience,” to downtown Toronto. The event showcased the agency’s many unique offerings, bringing to life its places and stories in a truly urban setting with real estate between the Fairmont Royal York, Union Station, CN Tower, Metro Convention Centre, and Rogers Centre activated simultaneously.

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo (Halifax, NS)

Featuring over 2,000 world-class performers, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is an internationally-renowned cultural and entertainment event, celebrating Canada’s role as a leader in international relations. The world’s largest annual indoor show offers something for everyone, showcasing music, historic re-enactments, dancers, gymnasts, military competitions, drama and comedy from around the globe. Since 1979, the ‘Tattoo’ has continued to grow and reaffirm its commitment to educating youth, honouring the brave men and women of our Canadian Forces and RCMP, paying tribute to our country’s history, and attracting visitors to Nova Scotia. It is truly a unique and inspiring event.

 

The WestJet Social Media Initiative of the Year Award / Le Prix de l’initiative en médias sociaux de l'année, présenté par WestJet

Presented to the tourism business or organization that has devised and implemented the year’s most outstanding social media marketing campaign or initiative.

48 Half Hours Contest – Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism (NL)

Newfoundland is the only destination on the continent with a unique half-hour time zone, a quirky, compelling part of this place and a metaphor for who they are as a people. On 22 June 2011, NL Tourism launched one of the biggest travel contests in the province’s history – the 48 Half Hours Contest – designed to get the whole country on Newfoundland time for one day.  With a free trip to Newfoundland given away every half hour for a full day, the contest received 900,000 entries (620 per minute), NL Facebook ‘likes’ doubled (+13,000), and Twitter followers increased 14% (+350).  Additionally, there were 84,000 webpage visits - 30% of which came from their primary market (Ontario).

Toronto Looks Good On You – Tourism Toronto (Toronto, ON)

The “Toronto Looks Good On You” campaign leveraged smart market and category insights that dictated that Toronto needed to start thinking outside of the traditional advertising space if it wanted to really engage its brand ambassadors.  Knowing that most good visitor experiences end in silence, Tourism Toronto created video pods to enable customers to share their experiences while still at Toronto festivals and attractions.  Videos could be uploaded immediately to a microsite, the consumer’s Facebook or Twitter page, or sent by e-mail.  The campaign generated a substantial number of page visits (with more than 250,000, 116% of its stated goal) and generated 8,400 referrals to Tourism Toronto’s main booking engine.

Victoria Viewfinder Campaign – Tourism Victoria (Victoria, BC)

Tourism Victoria created an innovative, multi-media campaign aimed at inspiring consumers to see Victoria through new eyes. At the centre of the campaign is the interactive Victoria Viewfinder, a never-before-seen creation which marries a traditional viewfinder you might find at a lookout point and a retro View-Master® toy. With the Viewfinder, they were able to bring consumers in Vancouver and Seattle a pictorial tour of Victoria in a fun and interactive way, highlighting scenes that were full of life. Messaging on the Viewfinder led to a social media contest that spread our message through Facebook, and supporting ads with QR codes also took consumers directly to the contest site.  The initiative generated 7,357 contest entries, or 267% of their goal, and 4,308 new Facebook Likes, a 76% increase in Likes and 215% of their goal.

Honourable Mention: Stoked for Snow Bus - Travel Alberta (AB)

Travel Alberta executed a social media themed event in southern California on January 29th to amplify its 2011 “Stoked for Snow” winter campaign through social media channels. Travel Alberta sought out spontaneous, free-spirited travellers who were willing to get on the Stoked for Snow bus without knowing where it was going or what they would be doing.  In a party bus atmosphere, riders heard about the amazing ski conditions in Alberta, and in a random draw, three winners on each bus won a free trip to Alberta.  Everyone on board was encouraged to let their friends know about Alberta and where the bus would stop next.  The campaign exceeded expectations, generating nearly 35,000 leads for Travel Alberta partners.

 

The Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award

Presented to an organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the practice and promotion of sustainable tourism in Canada.

Entre Cîmes et Racines (Eastman, QC)

Entre Cîmes et Racines (ECR) est une entreprise familiale qui offre de l'hébergement et des activités sur son domaine forestier de 175 acres. Située dans les Cantons-de-l'Est au Québec, cette entreprise est ouverte à l'année depuis 2002 et offre aujourd'hui 11 chalets (écogîtes) en location. À une heure de Montréal, ces écogîtes en forêt favorisent la détente, l'évasion et un contact unique avec la nature. Pour développer leur entreprise, les cofondateurs d'ECR se sont inscrits dans une démarche de développement durable dès le début. On retrouve donc les principes du développement durable aussi bien au niveau de la construction que de la location des écogîtes : politique d'achat local et éco-responsable, exploitation responsable du bois, invitation des clients à respecter la nature, à réutiliser et recycler.

Nahanni River Adventures and Canadian River Expeditions (Whitehorse, YK)

Nahanni River Adventures (NRA) and Canadian River Expeditions (CRE) bring together the best guides and the best rivers to create experiences of a lifetime in Canada’s North and Alaska.  Recognized by National Geographic as one of the Best Adventure Companies on Earth, NRA and CRE are also leaders in responsible tourism practices – including Leave No Trace business practices, cultural and environmental education and local community development. As well, for more than 25 years, owner/operator Neil Hartling has been an active advocate for environmental protection, including park establishment, expansion and responsible, sustainable resource use.

Northern Edge Algonquin (South River, ON)

Northern Edge Algonquin is a solar powered nature retreat at Ontario's Algonquin Park. Committed to excellence since it opened in1996, the site was built and designed with sustainability in mind, long before it became a hot topic and government focus. Guests at the Edge learn from inspiring adventure guides, yoga teachers and retreat facilitators. They nourish themselves on organic, locally raised food, are inspired by handcrafted surroundings designed in harmony with their forest home and stay in accommodations that blend in with nature. Their business model is one of minimum staff, maximum community partnerships; growing their business by helping others grow theirs.

Honourable Mention: Au Diable Vert - station de montagne (Glen Sutton, QC)

Au Diable Vert is an exceptional outdoor centre on a 320 acre historic farm nestled between the peaks of Jay Peak, Vt, and Mont Sutton, Qc.  Perched at over 1000 feet of altitude with one of the most breathtaking views in the Eastern Townships - 300 degrees of unspoiled, protected terrain in the Green Mountains, offering local and international guests a combination of eco-lodging and people-powered activities.  Propelled by increasing popularity and recognition, Au Diable Vert made over $1 million in green infrastructure improvements, ecologically sensitive land acquisition and expansion of activities in 2011, the most significant investments since its opening 14 years ago.


The InterContinental Hotels Group Employee of the Year Award

Presented to the front-line employee whose professionalism, dedication, attitude, and quality of service best exemplify excellence in the tourism industry.

Wilma Anderson, Guest Services Manager and Purchaser, Elmhirst’s Resort (Keene, ON)

Wilma Anderson joined Elmhirst's Resort in 1985 as a dishwasher, later moving on to Housekeeping, eventually managing the department. In 1990 Wilma was promoted to Guest Service Manager - responsible for reservations, check-in and check-out, office management and budgeting. As a single parent she struggled to balance home and work - she was able to take over a rogue department and without any formal training excel at supervision, staff motivation, budgeting and time management.  Her caring attitude and willingness to provide a hug when needed has proven to be very effective.  Although Wilma is not a family member she acts like one - earning respect from guests and fellow employees alike. Guest comments reaffirm this and reinforce her status as the face of the business.

Dave Cochrane, Manager of CMH Bugaboo Lodge, Canadian Mountain Holidays (Bugaboo Provincial Park, BC)

After more than 30 years with Canadian Mountain Holidays, Dave Cochrane continues to amaze his employers with his excitement for connecting with guests and staff in a genuine personal manner, his commitment to continually improve standards for their team, his passion for delivering extraordinary hiking and skiing experience working full-time as a mountain guide, and his ability to inspire all his co-workers across the company.  Dave understands the importance of the small things – taking new staff on a mountain bike ride, using his mountain skills to lead a rescue when snowmobilers find themselves in trouble, remembering a guest's name, taking extra time with someone who is worried about their first ski run, and happily sharing his knowledge, experience and story with his colleagues in the tourism industry.

Patricia Graham, Site Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator, Kings Landing Historical Settlement (Fredericton, NB)

Patricia Graham is Site Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator at the award-winning Kings Landing Historical Settlement, a 19th century living history museum near Fredericton, New Brunswick. Mrs. Graham has not only become the highly respected grandmother of our 150 staff members and 54 volunteers – she has won the heart of hundreds of thousands of visitors. Her genuine, authentic and accurate approach to interpretation, her curiosity to learn about our guests and her passion for history combine to make her an unrivalled employee in the history of the site.  After 31 years of dedicated and passionate service, she is herself representative of all the elegance and the “savoir-vivre” of a true Victorian Lady.

 

The National Cultural Tourism Award

Recognizes a cultural organization that has demonstrated a commitment to the development and promotion of authentic, innovative and enriched cultural tourism visitor experiences, or a tourism organization that has demonstrated a commitment to culture as a key aspect of encouraging and promoting tourism growth in their region.

Celtic Colours International Festival (Cape Breton Island, NS)

The internationally acclaimed, award-winning Celtic Colours International Festival takes place in culturally diverse communities all over Cape Breton Island.  Celtic Colours partners with over 120 not-for-profit organizations and 1700 volunteers to present 45 concerts and nearly 250 community events, extending Cape Breton’s tourism season into late October. Learning opportunities consisting of workshops, presentations, demonstrations, lectures, and storytelling events help to share the story of our Celtic cultural history, artistry and community heritage. Visitors spend $6 million dollars annually amongst the Island’s accommodations, restaurants, attractions, artisans and shops, contributing to the sustainability of our economy and traditions.

Festival de la chanson de Tadoussac (Tadoussac, QC)

Le Festival de la chanson de Tadoussac est un événement touristique et culturel qui célèbre la chanson francophone contemporaine, mettant en vedette des artistes émergents de tendances musicales variés.  Reconnu comme un événement exceptionnel, il attire chaque année de plus en plus de festivaliers (37 747 entrées en 2010) dont les trois quarts sont des visiteurs, pour des retombées économiques totales qui dépassent 1 700 000 $.  Présenté chaque année au début de juin, le Festival démarre la saison estivale en accueillant environ 40 artistes et 70 représentations réparties dans ce village de 850 habitants qui se transforme, pour l’occasion, en un grand site de fête musicale où règne une atmosphère des plus chaleureuses, grâce à de nombreux festivaliers venus de partout.

Royal Tyrrell Museum (Drumheller, AB)

Located in the small town of Drumheller, Alberta, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to palaeontology. This award-winning Museum has been attracting approximately 400,000 visitors annually since opening its doors in 1985. It is a Canadian success story, with a broad-reaching international profile. Its remote location in rural Alberta puts it in a unique leadership position from which it actively guides the regional tourism and cultural community. The Museum is a true authentic experience, set in the breathtaking Canadian Badlands, providing an exceptional tourism experience while protecting Alberta’s rich fossil heritage.

Honourable Mention: Village Historique Acadien (Rivière-du-Nord, NB)

Reconnu pour l'authenticité de sa reconstitution historique et son accueil chaleureux, le  Village Historique Acadien rappelle la vie des ancêtres acadiens de 1770 à 1949. Plus de 40 bâtiments historiques, habités et animés par des interprètes en costume d'époque, donnent une impression de retour dans le temps, de voyage dans l'histoire. Chacun des habitants a une histoire à raconter, un métier ou une coutume à faire revivre. Depuis sa fondation, le VHA a accueilli quelque trois millions de visiteurs venus se familiariser avec l'histoire de ces irréductibles Acadiens.

 

The CTHRC Award for Excellence in Human Resources Development

Presented to a business that has clearly demonstrated a commitment to professionalism in the tourism workforce, a commitment shown through professional recognition, training and excellence in human resource management.

Gold Eagle Lodge (North Battleford, SK)

The Gold Eagle Lodge in North Battleford, Saskatchewan offers 112 delightfully appointed guest rooms close to restaurants, shopping, museums, golf and skiing, as well as the Gold Eagle Casino.  Proudly owned by the Battlefords Tribal Council, their human resources strategy recognizes the challenges faced by employees from the First Nations community, by providing things like training, tuition assistance, student work placements, and benefits packages designed to open the doors to successful long-term careers in the hospitality industry.  In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to decrease employee turnover by increasing customer service training and resources.  In so doing, the Lodge aims to achieve and surpass the high level of standards that guests have come accustomed to in this kind of accommodation property, while continuing to provide development opportunities for their First Nations employees. 

The Westin Ottawa (Ottawa, ON)

Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, The Westin Ottawa offers direct access to all the allures of Canada’s capital city, from the Parliamentary precinct to its thriving businesses and its many cultural diversions.  Along with its parent company, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, the Westin Ottawa has established itself as one of the industry’s top employers, with a full-fledged HR program encompassing all elements of the employee experience from recruitment, to training and development, to retention and more.  A variety of programs exemplify the Westin’s continued support of local tourism industry initiatives and their pursuit of excellence in professional development.

White Point Beach Resort (White Point, NS)

Located on Nova Scotia's South Shore just 90 minutes from Halifax, White Point is Nova Scotia’s favourite year-round, oceanfront beach vacation destination.  With more than 75% of employees being emerit-certified, White Point Beach Resort is dedicated to professional development and training at various levels.  They have achieved global recognition through their ISO9001:2008 Certification, which is awarded to service industries that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to training and responsible Human Resource Management.  White Point provides an extensive HR program that includes student scholarships and placements, professional development, staff recognition, and support of local tourism industry initiatives.

 

The Via Rail Canada Community Service Award

Presented to the tourism business or organization that makes the year’s most outstanding contribution to develop, build and enhance social conditions in their community.

Le Buffet des Continents (Gatineau, Québec)

Québec’s Le Buffet des Continents works very hard to support several agencies and foundations. The Buffet donates leftovers to the Soupière de l’amitité, a local soup kitchen, feeding more than 100 people at lunch every day, and works with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and the Red Cross to provide meals to those in need of short-term assistance.  Collaboration with Operation Red Nose provides meal certificates to volunteer drivers working to eliminate drinking and driving.  Le Buffet’s support extends to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), local sports teams, La Moisson Outaouais (a local food bank), the Relance Outaouais and Emploi Québec job program.  They contribute to more than 50 other fundraising activities for various charitable causes including Centre Jellinek, the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada, the Fondation québécoise du cancer, the Children’s Wish Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Quebec Cystic Fibrosis Association and the Société Alzheimer de l’Outaouais.

Heather McCrory, Fairmont Royal York (Toronto, ON)

Heather McCrory’s drive and dedication has impacted the tourism industry by way of her service to industry boards, her innovative approach to driving colleague engagement and development, and her demonstrative leadership skills.  Under her leadership, nearly 1,000 volunteer hours and nearly $10,000 were donated to the United Way and over $13,600 in guest rooms were designated to other charitable causes.  Over 150 colleagues from The Fairmont Royal York participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure in 2010, raising $58,000 for cancer research, and bringing their two-year total of more than $90,000.  The hotel has also adopted the Interval House shelter for women and children, providing them with hands-on support and material goods such as bed linens, towels, and furniture.

Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. (Multiple locations throughout Canada)

Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. has a continuous record of giving back to the community, through their involvement in with programs in education, health and sports.  They have provided support to more than 375 military families since 1997 through their CANEX Discount Program.  The Pacrim Invitational golf tournament has raised over $300,000 for students and programs at Mount Saint Vincent University.  Pacrim’s employees participate in numerous walks and fund-raisers, benefiting such worthwhile causes such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Breast Cancer Research.  Pacrim is also an active supporter of Give the Kids the World, a Florida getaway for children with special needs. Additionally, Pacrim is a proud supporter of Olympian and World Champion Sprint Kayaker Karen Furneaux and the curling rink led by Georgina Wheatcroft, BC representatives in the 2007 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Tourism Toronto (Toronto, ON)

Sometimes the best way to help children with severe and complex special needs is to give mom and dad a break so they can return to their parenting duties with renewed enthusiasm. As part of its comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility program, Tourism Toronto has developed the Relax, Recharge, Renew program that provides weekend breaks to parents of these inspiring children. With the generous assistance of more than 200 member and partner tourism businesses, Tourism Toronto provides weekend getaways that include a limousine pick up, a two-night hotel stay, tickets to museums and other attractions, and meals at local restaurants. Through a partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services and several local respite centres, the child with special needs is cared for in one of several high-quality, provincially-funded respite care centres. Two families have benefited from these weekend breaks every week, for a total of over 250 families so far.

 

The Traveller Experience Award

Presented to the tourism business or organization creates the year’s most exceptional tourism product, service or experience centred on the fundamental principles of hospitality and customer service.

Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge (Atikaki Wilderness Provincial Park, MB)

Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge is one of the premier fly-in lodges not only in Manitoba, but in all of Canada. It operates 120 days a year and has a four person year-round staff plus 25+ seasonal employees providing world class services in Food and Beverage, Accommodations and Guiding. In business for 64 years, major renovations in the last 10 years have turned this aging lodge into a fully-modern luxury lodge. This, combined with the world-class service and great fishing, make the "Aikens Experience" a unique and sought after experience in Canadian tourism.

Angel Destinations (West Vancouver, BC)

Federico and Cristina Angel immigrated from Colombia more than a decade ago, leaving behind family and a wealthy life style, to create an inbound tour company that exudes Canadian hospitality and markets Western Canada to the wealthy Latin American travelers. They have dedicated their lives to researching British Columbia and Alberta in order to provide unique & intimate experiences that will create lasting memories for leisure and corporate clients. They have not only embraced Canada as their home, but have learned a new industry, created jobs and contributed significantly to the tourism economy and have become excellent ambassadors for Canada.

Village historique de Val-Jalbert (Chambord, QC)

Le Village historique de Val-Jalbert est un authentique village de compagnie qui compte une quarantaine de bâtiments d’origine. Les visiteurs peuvent découvrir comment les gens vivaient dans ce village ultra-moderne où, vingt-cinq ans cinq avant le reste du Québec, ses habitants profitaient de l’électricité et de l’eau courante.  Profitez des nombreux circuits de visite, des plus classiques aux plus technos, et des activités culturelles, sportives et récréatives qui vous y attendent.

Honourable Mention: Roads-To-Sea Guided Tours (Moncton, NB)

Roads To Sea Guided Tours offer a one-of-a-kind, personalized, experiential tour. Owner Anna-Marie Weir’s signature “Hopewell Rocks & Bay of Fundy Coastal Tour” allows guests to witness and experience both extreme high and low tides in the Bay of Fundy in the same day – as well as the beautiful things to see between tides. Guests learn about the history, culture and natural ecology of the area and, of course, the world’s highest tides.  The tour is one of the inaugural members of Canada’s Top 48 Signature Experiences Collection, a “Recommended Bay of Fundy Experience” and is currently rated the #1 Thing To Do in New Brunswick as well as the #1 Tour in New Brunswick on Trip Advisor.

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