Canadian Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Tourism Toronto
This award, handed out annually at the Canadian Tourism Awards gala, recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution of energy, service and talent towards the growth of the Canadian tourism industry, through volunteer work, service or business accomplishments. Focusing on tourism building, the recipient demonstrates leadership, vision and innovation built on a solid foundation of strong values and sound business strategies.
Nominees for the Lifetime Achievement Award should be individuals who have:
- Dedicated the majority of their professional career to the tourism sector;
- Made an outstanding personal contribution to the tourism sector;
- Helped to create growth in Canada’s tourism sector through innovation, astute business practices and the development of new opportunities;
- Demonstrated leadership in the industry through their engagement with tourism partners at the local, provincial and/or national levels;
- Left a positive and lasting legacy with the people with whom they have worked.
Nominees are generally retired or in the twilight of their tourism careers.
TIAC welcomes all submissions - if you would like to submit a nomination, please start a nomination here.
2019 Tourism Toronto Canadian Tourism Lifetime Achievement Recipient
Bob Sparrow
The Sparrow family is the oldest operating hotel family in Western Canada celebrating its 82 year in the hospitality industry in the City of Winnipeg.
Bob joined the Norwood Hotel fifty years ago in 1969. The Norwood Hotel began as a neighbourhood gathering place and over time has seen a number of additions including new meeting and guest rooms.
Bob was involved with the expansion of the business that now includes Inn at the Forks, Mere Hotel, the ERA Restaurant and food services for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The company has been rebranded to Sparrow Hotels and is under the direction of Ben Sparrow (CEO), Bob and wife Diane’s son.
Past Recipients
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2018 Lifetime Achievement Award RecipientNancy Stibbard |
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2017 Lifetime Achievement Award RecipientWalter Oster |
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2016 Lifetime Achievement Award RecipientJack Robinson |
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2015 Lifetime Achievement Award RecipientDon Cudmore
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2014 Lifetime Achievement Award RecipientLynda & Merv Gunter |
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2013 Lifetime Achievement Award RecipientDavid G. Morrison |
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2012 Lifetime Achievement Award RecipientChris Cahill |
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2011 Lifetime Achievement Award RecipientAl Raine & Nancy Greene |
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2010 Lifetime Achievement Award RecipientCharles Lapointe |