Ottawa, Canada – October 30, 2024 – The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is thrilled to announce the recipients of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards. In a year that saw an exceptional number of nominations, TIAC has made the unprecedented decision to recognize not one, but four exemplary leaders whose contributions reflect the diversity, strength, and innovation of Canada’s tourism sector. This prestigious award will be given during the Canadian Tourism Awards ceremony on Thursday, December 5, at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia. 

2024 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients:

• Cindy Ady – Former CEO of Tourism Calgary  

• Cathy Duke – Former CEO of Destination St. John’s 

• Josef Ebner – Regional Vice-President and Managing Director of the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto  

• Mike and Jeanne Reimer – Founders of Churchill Wild 

The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the highest honours within Canada’s tourism industry, celebrating individuals whose dedication has made a lasting impact on Canadian tourism from coast to coast to coast. 

A Lasting Legacy of Excellence in Canadian Tourism 

TIAC, in partnership with Destination Toronto, is proud to honour these leaders whose lifetime contributions have left an indelible mark on Canadian tourism. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to current and future generations of tourism professionals, reinforcing Canada’s standing as a world-class destination and a beacon of hospitality, sustainability, and innovation. 

Honouree Profiles: 

Cindy Ady 

Cindy Ady’s impact as CEO of Tourism Calgary has been transformative for Alberta’s tourism industry. Through strategic partnerships and innovative marketing, she has positioned Calgary as a top travel destination, boosting the local economy and setting new standards for tourism growth. Her influence extends province-wide, having served as Alberta’s Minister of Tourism, Parks, and Recreation, where she focused on sustainability and responsible development. Cindy’s legacy resonates across Alberta, strengthening the tourism industry and building resilience for future growth. 

Cathy Duke 

As the former CEO of Destination St. John’s, Cathy Duke has been instrumental in elevating Newfoundland and Labrador as a must-visit destination. Her visionary approach promoted Atlantic Canada on both national and international stages, establishing St. John’s as a premier tourism hub. Her commitment to inclusive tourism has set a new standard across Canada, with her Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategy becoming a model for other DMOs. Her influence was recently celebrated with the 2024 Event Atlantic Chair’s Award, highlighting her significant contributions to the tourism and event landscape of Atlantic Canada. 

Josef Ebner 

Celebrating nearly 60 years in hospitality, Josef Ebner has transformed the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, into a landmark known for both luxury and community service. His leadership in creating programs like “Chelsea CARES” has raised over $1.5 million for the SickKids Foundation and provided essential services to families in need. Known for his commitment to sustainable practices, Josef’s initiatives earned the Chelsea Hotel prestigious environmental certifications, setting a high bar for Canadian hospitality. In 2024, he was inducted into the Greater Toronto Hotel Association Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy of excellence and community impact. 

Mike and Jeanne Reimer 

Mike and Jeanne Reimer have redefined wildlife tourism with the creation of Churchill Wild, which pioneered polar bear walking safaris on the Hudson Bay coast. Since 1993, their dedication to conservation and authentic wildlife encounters has drawn global attention, establishing Churchill Wild’s eco-lodges as a premier destination for Arctic exploration. By prioritizing sustainability and supporting Indigenous culture, Mike and Jeanne have created a tourism legacy that showcases Canada’s northern beauty while protecting it for future generations. Their efforts have fostered local job growth and global awareness of Canada’s northern ecosystem, setting a new standard in eco-tourism.