2021 CANADIAN TOURISM AWARDS 

Air Canada Business Excellence Award

The Business Excellence Award will be 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.

The judging criteria in this category are:

1. Overall strength & long-term viability of the business/business model/strategy (20%)
2. Commitment to visitor/participant/spectator satisfaction (20%)
3. Commitment to growth, innovation and product development (20%)
4. Contribution to or enhancement of the tourism industry (20%)
5. Commitment to human resources development (20%)

Indigenous Tourism Award

The Indigenous Tourism Award will recognize an Indigenous tourism business that has demonstrated a commitment to the development, promotion, and delivery of an authentic, innovative, and enriched Indigenous tourism visitor experience. The recipient will have demonstrated a commitment to authentic Indigenous cultural tourism as a key aspect of encouraging and promoting tourism growth in their region.

The judging criteria in this category are:

1. Commitment to visitor satisfaction through delivery of quality and authentic market ready experiences as outlined in ATAC’s National Guidelines (20%)
2. Stimulation of tourism employment and economic activity in the host Aboriginal community (20%)
3. Social/cultural impact in the community through the demonstrated promotion and advancement of Aboriginal culture (20%)
4. Demonstrates innovation in the development and delivery of the experience (20%)
5. Commitment to cultural sustainability (20%) 

Sustainable Tourism Award

The Sustainable Tourism Award will be presented to an organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the practice and promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism in Canada.

The judging criteria in this category are:

1. Protects and preserves natural and cultural heritage resources (20%)
2. Fosters appreciation and enjoyment of natural and cultural heritage resources (20%)
3. Raises awareness among visitors and influences them to enjoy resources sustainably (20%)
4. Mitigates negative impacts of tourism on the natural and cultural environment (20%)
5. Respects, involves, and engages other stakeholders and host communities (20%)

Tourism Employee Appreciation Award

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

Owner/operators and senior management personnel are generally not eligible for this award.

The judging criteria in this category are:

1. Attitude and dedication (20%)
2. Leadership, cooperation, and teamwork (20%)
3. Maintains exemplary work standards (20%)
4. Goes above and beyond to improve his/her organization (20%)
5. Commitment to visitor/participant/spectator satisfaction (20%)