Saturday 3 December 2016

Announcing Winners of the 2016 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence

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.

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'sChoice 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.

The winners for 2016 are:

Ontario's Choice Award by Attractions Ontario

Top Attraction
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre
Toronto

Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence

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

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)

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 attached backgrounder.

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.

Quotes

"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."
Beth Potter, President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)

"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."
Rebecca Mackenzie, Executive Director, Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA)

"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."
The Hon. Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

"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 Ontarioas a preferred global destination."
Ronald Holgerson, President & CEO, OTMPC

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