The Ontario tourism industry’s best and brightest were celebrated at the annual Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at The Westin Ottawa. The Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence recognize industry successes by acknowledging those who have made significant contributions to Ontario’s tourism industry.
“Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 Ontario Tourism Awards. Your work to advance culinary tourism, develop exciting experiences, and innovative marketing plans help to attract visitors from all over the world to Ontario. Your successes contribute to a dynamic tourism industry that stimulates our economy and has a positive impact on communities across the province” said The Hon. Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Jointly presented by the Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA), the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence are divided into three respective categories.
The Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence are about the passion and excellence of those dedicated to advancing food tourism in Ontario, and recognizing those who work hard to tell the stories of our growers, producers, chefs, winemakers and brewers. The Tourism Marketing and Travel Media Awards of Excellence celebrate those who contribute to Ontario’s tourism industry through impactful partnerships, marketing activities and media relations. The Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence are presented to organizations, businesses and individuals that represent the quality of outstanding offerings that make Ontario a world-class destination.
In addition to the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence, this year Attractions Ontario also presented its Ontario’s Choice Award for Top Attraction. New for 2016, Ontario’s Choice Awards called upon Ontario tourists and locals alike to let their voices be heard. From February until September of this year, fans placed their votes for their favourite attractions in eight different categories.
So, without further ado, meet the 2016 winners!
Ontario’s Choice Award by Attractions Ontario
Top Attraction
LEGOLANDA� Discovery Centre, Toronto
Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence
“This year’s winners are shining examples of what food tourism development can do to build economic growth and community in Ontario’s diverse regions. Congratulations to all involved�we look forward to another delicious year of discovery in Ontario” said Rebecca Mackenzie, Executive Director, Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA)
Culinary Tourism Leadership Award
Tourism Oxford
Culinary Tourism Experience Award
Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island & EPIC Wineries
Culinary Tourism Event of the Year Award
Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company: Beau’s Oktoberfest
Tourism Marketing & Travel Media Awards of Excellence
“On behalf of the OTMPC, it is with great pleasure that we offer sincere congratulations to the 2016 finalists and award winners! It is a privilege to work with tourism industry partners that demonstrate the level of commitment, vision and passion that propels Ontario to greater economic success and whose efforts help us position Ontario as a preferred global destination” said Ronald Holgerson, President & CEO, OTMPC
Tourism Marketing Campaign Award Under $25,000
Headwaters Tourism
Tourism Marketing Campaign Award Over $25,000
Owen Sound Transportation Company
Tourism Marketing Partnership Award
City of Greater Sudbury
Tourism Print Collateral Award
Headwaters Tourism
Tourism Digital Marketing Award
Grey County Tourism
Travel Media Story Award
Josephine Matyas
Travel Media Photography Award
Colin Field
Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence (TIAO)
“The Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence celebrate our industry’s top achievements. We’re proud to recognize these achievements�and the individuals who bring them to fruition�each year as part of the Ontario Tourism Summit” said Beth Potter, President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO).
Accessible Tourism Award
Chelsea Hotel
Sustainable Tourism Award
Chicopee Tube Park
Tourism Employer of the Year
Haunted Walks Inc.
Tourism Champion of the Year
Barrie Martin
Tourism Innovator of the Year
Headwaters Tourism
Tourism Event of the Year
Sound of Music Festival
Lifetime Achievement Award
Grace Sammut
For more information on each award category and the winners’ achievements, please see the backgrounder release.
Congratulations to all of the 2016 winners! Each one exemplifies Ontario’s diverse, vibrant tourism industry, and demonstrates clear a commitment to making Ontario one of the best destinations in the world.