2023 Canadian Tourism Awards Categories

Categories & Descriptions

Air Canada Business of the Year Award

The Business of the Year 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 (15%)
4. Contribution to or enhancement of the tourism industry (15%)
5. Commitment to human resources development (15%)
6. Foster a culture that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (15%)

ITAC 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 ITAC’s National Guidelines (15%)
2. Stimulation of tourism employment and economic activity in the host Indigenous community (20%)
3. Social/cultural impact in the community through the demonstrated promotion and advancement of Indigenous culture (20%)
4. Demonstrates innovation in the development and delivery of the experience (15%)
5. Commitment to cultural sustainability (15%)
6. Fosters a culture that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (15%)

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 (15%)
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 (15%)
5. Respects, involves, and engages other stakeholders and host communities (15%)
6. Fosters a culture that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (15%)

Employee of the Year Award

The Tourism Employee of the Year 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%)

Business Event Award 

The Business Event Award will recognize a corporate, association and/or incentive Canadian event that has enhanced the profile/awareness and appeal of the destination they are held in, as well as created economic impact, increased visitation, and community involvement. 

The judging criteria in this category are: 

1. Commitment to visitor/participant/spectator satisfaction (20%) 
2. Commitment to growth, innovation, and product development (20%)
3. Stimulates economic activity during the event (20%) 
4. Promotes tourism and economic activity year-round in the host community (20%)
5. Social/cultural impact on Canada or the host community (20%)

Employer of the Year Award 

The Tourism Employer of the Year Award will be presented to a business who has made a commitment to foster equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.  A visionary who embraces innovative ideas to move the company forward while supporting and encouraging workplace and personal life balance improving well-being and productivity.  The employer of the year communicates in a meaningful and respectful manner; delivers incentive programs that reward employees; promotes empowerment and personal growth, is fair, respectful and shows and encourages integrity.  The employer of the year provides a safe and secure workplace environment. 

The judging criteria in this category are: 

1. Demonstrates leadership and commitment to employee training, education and professional development (15%) 
2. Fosters a positive workplace culture (15%) 
3. Provides fair compensation and benefits (15%) 
4. Embraces workplace diversity (20%) 
5. Promotes work-life balance (20%) 
6. Commitment to fostering innovation, growth and development of new employee programming and services that meet the changing needs of all employees (15%)  

Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award 

The Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award will be 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. 

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 (15%) 
4. Contribution to or enhancement of the tourism industry (15%) 
5. Commitment to human resources development (15%) 
6. Fosters a culture that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (15%) 

The VIA Rail Canada Innovator of the Year Award

The Innovator of the Year Award will be 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. 

The judging criteria in this category are: 

1. Creativity/originality/uniqueness of the innovation (20%) 
2. Complements or enhances the range of tourism products (15%) 
3. Positively impacts visitor/participant/spectator satisfaction (20%) 
4. Exemplifies or stimulates the development of a broader growth, innovation, and product development strategy (15%) 
5. Promotes long-term growth in the tourism industry (15%) 
6. Fosters a culture that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (15%) 

Travel Media Association of Canada Travel Media Professional of the Year Award 

The Canadian Travel Media Professional of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding Canadian storyteller for their commitment to excellence in storytelling and a published body of travel media work that celebrates and showcases Canada’s tourism destinations, experiences and stories.  

The judging criteria in this category are: 

1. The nominee has published a scope of work that showcases and highlights Canadian destinations, experiences and stories in a unique, engaging manner through the use of a single or variety of communication channels in an innovative manner that includes but is not limited to print, digital, broadcast and emerging media that has been impactful and meaningful. (20%) 
2. The nominee works demonstrates a commitment to telling Canadian stories with integrity, elevating Canada’s values, cultures and diversity in tourism experiences. (20%) 
3. The nominee, through their body of work,  demonstrates originality, and a commitment to positively enhancing awareness, appreciation an understanding of Canada’s diverse and unique tourism experiences and destinations.  
   (20%)
4. The nominee’s work is considered to positively contribute to or enhance the tourism industry locally, regionally and/or nationally by inspiring travel, and when possible to measure, impacts desired visitor traffic, especially by championing underrepresented or emerging tourism experiences.  
   (20%) 
5. The nominee will be judged against the diversity and creativity of their overall work.  
   (20%)