The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) announced on 24NOV the winners of its annual Canadian Tourism Awards for businesses and organizations in tourism demonstrating success, leadership, and innovation in the industry.
“We are thrilled to be announcing the esteemed winners of this year’s Awards,” said Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAC. “Each of these winners have proven to have gone above and beyond in offering travellers superior experiences in Canada, and have done so under incredibly trying circumstances.
“They embody the true spirit of our Awards – the values of courage, hard work, and dedication to a truly great Canadian tourism product.”
Now in their 22nd year, the Canadian Tourism Awards feature nine categories in addition to a Lifetime Achievement Award, which this year was won by Bill Knowlton. Awards are open to all businesses operating in any sectors that comprise the tourism industry: accommodations, transportation, recreation, travel services, and food and beverage.
The gala ceremony announcing the winners took place at The Westin Ottawa, at TIAC’s annual Tourism Congress. The 2022 Canadian Tourism Award winners are:
Floor13 Business Event Award:
Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada 2022 Conference – Toronto ON
The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2022 Convention is the world’s premier annual exploration and mining event. This year PDAC welcomed more than 17,000 investors, analysts, Indigenous leaders, mining executives, geologists, government officials and students to Toronto for its first in-person convention since March 2020.
Air Canada Business of the Year Award:
Great Wolf Lodge – Niagara Falls, ON
Great Wolf Lodge is a waterpark resort with over 100,000 square feet of wild rides, slides and water activities that hosts over ½ million lodging guests each year.
ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award:
Heritage Path Tour – Elisipogtog Mi’kmaq Cultural Centre
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The Mi’kmaq Heritage Path Tour is a guided walk through the traditional lands of the Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick. Lasting over two hours, the tour features historical, cultural, and spiritual teachings, and is designed for both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people.
VIA Rail Canada Innovator of the Year Award:
AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village
What started as a simple parking lot on an industrial waterfront has been transformed into a top tourist attraction in Saint John, New Brunswick. AREA 506 has rebranded Saint John for visitors and residents alike, becoming a place with energy, excitement, and a bit of everything New Brunswick has to offer.
Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award:
ERTCU Travel Group
ERTCU Travel Group is a tour operator and offers self-guided, pre-booked RV itineraries for both independent travelers and guided travel groups. They specialize in all-inclusive travel packages for the on-the-go traveller wanting to explore Canada and Western USA.
Air Transat Sustainable Tourism Award:
Eagle Wing Tours
Eagle Wing Tours is an ecotourism and conservation company based in Victoria, British Columbia, that offers year-round whale and wildlife tours. As Canada’s first 3rd party verified carbon neutral whale-watching company, Eagle Wing Tours aims to protect marine wildlife and the ocean environment by building awareness through tours, education and outreach.
Tourism HR Canada Employee of the Year Award:
Kaleigh Potts
Kaleigh has been a valued member of Adventure Canada since 2016. A high impact team player, she exhibits an intelligent, thoughtful and professional approach to her work. Kaleigh played a key role in supporting clients during the pandemic, never failing to go above and beyond what was asked of her.
Tourism HR Canada Employer of the Year Award:
Tourism Kingston
Tourism Kingston is the Destination Marketing Organization for Kingston, Ontario. Its vision is to champion Kingston as a destination for local, regional, national, and international tourism. Tourism Kingston strives to provide a supportive environment for staff to innovate, collaborate and grow.
TMAC Travel Media Award:
Must Do Canada, Karla and Matthew Bailey
Must Do Canada’s Matthew and Karla Bailey have created an exceptional social media following that showcases Canada’s nature, rural and urban life experiences to Canadians and the world.
To learn more about the awards, winners, or sponsors; visit TIAC.
