National Awards for Tourism Excellence

Forty-two finalists were named by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada for the 2009 National Awards for Tourism Excellence, presented by The Globe and Mail. Among the finalists are individuals and organizations from all ten provinces, as well as Canada’s north.

The awards allow Canada’s tourism industry to recognize those people, places, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer a superior tourism experience to travelers in Canada. Three finalists were named in each of the 14 award categories. The recipient of a 15th award, the Canadian Travel Press Lifetime Achievement Award, will be selected by TIAC’s Board of Directors.

“These finalists exemplify the spirit of excellence in the tourism industry,” said Randy Williams, TIAC’s President and CEO. “They have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and a commitment to the highest levels of service and TIAC and the entire tourism industry celebrates their outstanding achievement.”

The National Awards for Tourism Excellence, presented by The Globe and Mail were developed in 2003 by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada to recognize and foster Canadian tourism excellence.

The awards will be presented at a gala dinner November 3, 2009 during Canada's Tourism Leadership Summit in Saint John, New Brunswick.

AIR CANADA BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD – SINGLE-UNIT

HILTON FAMILY OF HOTELS CANADA BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD – MULTIPLE-UNIT

DELTA HOTELS & RESORTS NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

DELOITTE INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE INC. CORPORATE PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARD

TOURISM TORONTO TRAVEL MEDIA AWARD

VIA RAIL CANADA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR AWARD

METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE EVENT OF THE YEAR AWARD

WESTJET ONLINE MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR AWARD

CTHRC AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD

PARKS CANADA SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD

PACRIM HOSPITALITY SERVICES INC. ONLINE INNOVATION AWARD

The recipient will be selected by TIAC’s Board of Directors and will be announced at the National Awards for Tourism Excellence Gala Dinner.

Winnipeg’s Folklorama is the largest and longest-running multi-cultural festival in the world. Over 40 nations are exhibited in pavilions located throughout Winnipeg, Manitoba over a two-week period each August. Pavilions represent their featured country through traditional song and dance, interactive displays, ethnic cuisine and souvenir stands. Folklorama introduces visitors to many different cultures and nationalities. It attracts thousands of tourists to Winnipeg with more than 425,000 pavilion visits each year.

“Community volunteers manage all aspects from crowd management to cooking, to performing dance, music and song. This unique model gives communities ownership of their showcase to the world, instilling a sense of pride in who they are and how they fit into the larger community”

Shaw’s Hotel and Cottages has been a mainstay on P.E.I. for almost 150 years. Tastefully blending historical charm with modern technology, the Shaw family have preserved their family history and created a warm and welcoming retreat. Love of the land, attention to detail and a combination of modern research and warm Island hospitality have helped to make Shaw’s Hotel and Cottages a leader in the tourism industry. As the oldest continually family-run business in Canada, the Shaw family have continued to provide quality, satisfaction and memories.

“Hayrides, sing-songs and art programs, beaches, biking and hiking in summer and cozy fires, skiing, skating and snowmobiling in winter, along with plenty of picturesque acres to explore on the property bring visitors back year after year.”

Aboriginal-owned and operated, Churchill, Manitoba’s Wat’Chee Lodge provides a true northern experience, immersing visitors in Aboriginal culture and providing non-intrusive polar bear viewing opportunities. Days are spent tracking wildlife and learning about life on the tundra; nights are spent gazing at the northern lights, feasting on traditional fare and hearing the stories that have been told for generations. Visitors have opportunities to purchase local goods and services and to visit other businesses in the host community of Churchill.

“They provide experiences that are as satisfying to the visitor as they are inconspicuous to the animals. They recognize the importance of valuing and respecting the resource on which the experience relies, as integral to the lodge’s ongoing viability.”

Based in Victoria, Accent Inns is a family-owned and operated hotel chain with six locations throughout British Columbia. Accent Inns have developed a reputation for quality, reasonable rates and excellent service. The father-and-daughter team of Terry and Mandy Farmer is an advocate for human resources development in British Columbia’s tourism industry. They manage visitor expectations by not pretending to be something they are not, but rather, by clearly stating what they are: a moderately priced hotel with a big emphasis on cleanliness, quality and friendliness.

“Probably the most important job I do is writing hand-written personal notes on every single employee’s pay cheque. It takes me hours to do, but it is so appreciated by our team. Some people have told me that they’ve kept them because they are so meaningful.”

Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. is one of Canada’s largest, privately owned hotel management companies hotels throughout Canada and the United States. Its credibility and reputation for effective management, strong partnerships and brand relationships and strategic and measured growth is recognized internationally. Their enterprise-wide commitment to quality and service excellence is focused on guest and employee satisfaction, quality assurance, market share and community involvement. Effective and cohesive efforts in all areas ensure customer satisfaction and success.

“The key to successfully satisfying visitor expectations is first and foremost to understand those expectations.”

Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation is a Crown Investment Corporation that operates Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw. Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw have become integral parts of the tourism industry in their respective communities. Guests have come to expect outstanding service, a reputation SGC upholds by exceeding guests’ needs and by constantly seeking new ways to impress and entertain. Through surveys, focus groups, conferences and discussions with other industry experts, Sask Gaming is always striving to rise above the competition and remain a first choice entertainment destination.

“Responsible gaming awareness and education, and Saskatchewan and Aboriginal – based procurement practices demonstrate the continued commitment to being a socially responsible Crown corporation.”

The Beach Club Resort in Parksville, British Columbia gives travelling families an exceptional accommodation experience. Situated directly on Parksville Beach with stunning views of the Strait of Georgia and Coastal Mountains, The Beach Club Resort offers guests a luxurious choice that includes all the amenities that savvy travellers have come to expect. By offering an exceptional experience, the resort helped to present Vancouver Island as a premium travel destination, attracting guests to the Oceanside area and bringing increased tourism revenue to British Columbia year-round.

“Getting married on a picturesque beach without needing a passport and plane ticket is the dream of many brides.”

Éco-Odyssée est un vaste labyrinthe aquatique de 64 intersections étalées sur plus de 6,4 km. Les visiteurs partent à la découverte d’un marais en pédalo afin d’apprendre et d’interpréter un milieu où la faune et la flore sont richement diversifiées. Elle est une entreprise durable créée à partir d’une terre agricole pratiquement inutilisable. Le marais d’Éco-Odyssée est un environnement durable pour une centaine d’animaux, de plantes et d’insectes. Elle complémente l’offre touristique existante en Outaouais en offrant un produit unique au monde sur le marché.

« Le produit offert est non seulement pédagogique et amusant, mais aussi interactif. Il permet aux clients de visiter le marais et de participer à leur propre apprentissage de façon pro-active. »

Yukon’s Great River Journey is a unique world-class geotour on the Yukon River that begins in Whitehorse and travels 600 kilometers of wilderness to Dawson City. The journey retraces the route of the Klondike Gold Rush, links National Historic Sites and passes through the traditional lands of its four First Nation partners, who are among those hosting, guiding and caring for guests. The Great River Journey partnership is the first new, large scale tourism development in the Yukon in a generation.

“Through its focus on personal, authentic experiences, it showcases local history, and customs, and provides tangible examples of the tourism industry’s value and potential for fostering appreciation and stewardship of social values and traditions.”

edVentures Fredericton is Atlantic Canada’s largest and most diverse vacation learning program in craft and culture. The program aims to provide an exceptional, small group, hands-on learning experience from top-quality, experienced instructors in a refreshing, easy-going atmosphere. The program creates an iconic cultural narrative for the destination, which in turn highlights the City’s craft producers, art galleries and heritage sites. By creating a long-stay vacation learning program edVentures delivers high-income cultural explorers and authenticity-seekers into the city’s accommodations, restaurants, retail boutiques and craft shops.

“edVentures Fredericton is innovative because it uniquely partners the tourism industry with the cultural sector. By developing a trust relationship between the two sectors, each group has seen the benefits.”

Ontario’s Bike Train Initiative introduces bike racks onto passenger trains to destinations across the province. A collaborative project with over 30 partners, it works with stakeholders to raise awareness of cycle tourism through marketing, social networking, and community relations. It drives infrastructure and product animation improvements, and has enlisted the support of local volunteers to help passengers with route planning upon arrival. Having unearthed a large untapped market for cycle tourism, the initiative is attracting a new demographic to the Ontario’s tourism businesses.

“The Bike Train is an initiative that encourages low impact tourism and healthy lifestyles. It combines the sustainability of train travel with the self-propelled bicycle. By choosing the Bike Train, passengers are lowering their carbon footprint and partaking in active lifestyle choices.”

CapeRace Cultural Adventures allows tourists to experience everything Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer, enabling them to complete their journey at their own pace. Visitors are provided with a key to unlock three newly restored historic homes situated in spectacular coastal locations, a car, and a self-published traveller’s guidebook. By staying at the authentic homes and using the guidebook to explore unique, out-of-the-way nature sites, pubs, musical venues, heritage attractions and storytellers, CapeRace gives visitors a taste of everything that defines the province.

“By giving visitors total control over how fast they move through the attractions and how long they spend at each place, visitors can see everything they came to see but at a pace that allows relaxation.”

APM is a construction, real estate and property management company based on P.E.I. For the 13 consecutive years, APM has partnered with the Confederation Centre of the Arts and The Charlottetown Festival, having become the festival’s title sponsor in 2002. APM is committed to the spirit of community in Prince Edward Island and Atlantic Canada and to the pursuit of excellence and achievement by young people. Through sponsorships, donations, employee activities and other programs, APM supports and promotes a number of initiatives, events and charities.

“Giving a boost to young people, whether through financial support or through encouraging personal growth, is an idea very close to the heart of our company's ideals and beliefs. We are proud to be involved in our community.”

The Saint John Port Authority has led tourism development in New Brunswick, having introduced the Bay of Fundy to major cruise lines from around the world. The economic impact of the Port Authority’s efforts is felt by the small businesses in rural communities throughout New Brunswick. Through its many strategic partnerships with both public and private organizations, and through its commitment to improving the harbour’s infrastructure and terminal facilities, the SJPA has made Saint John the fourth largest cruise port in Canada.

“When passengers walk down the gangway, a meet-and-greet committee made up of local volunteer retirees greet them and a band plays. This makes a huge impact on our cruise guests. Hundreds of people write us yearly to tell us what a friendly city Saint John is.”

The Organic Farm has worked with restaurants and chefs in Newfoundland and Labrador to cater to the ever increasing demand of tourists wanting fresh, locally grown, organic products. As the only local organic farm in the area, they welcome hundreds of visitors every year, providing the opportunity to experience herbs and vegetables they have often never seen or tasted. The farm’s landscape is made up of vegetables, herbs and flowers that are not only wonderful to eat, but also breathtakingly beautiful to experience.

“Several customers have said that the farm’s willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure their product is delivered and that customers are happy goes far beyond any other supplier they have ever worked with. It is this type of service and dedication that allows the farm’s following to grow.”

Saltscapes Magazine celebrates Atlantic Canada’s attributes six times per year in a warm and positive presentation that draws readers to the region. The annual travel issues are a fixture of the publishing schedule, providing an “insiders” guide to the region. Saltscapes’ annual travel products are strategically focused on year-round consumers and vacationers looking for exciting adventures, culinary delights, romance, rejuvenation and tons of family fun. Saltscapes constantly promotes the unique experiences, people and culture found only in Atlantic Canada.

“The growth and success of the show and the magazine has coincided with the reality of staycation. Marketing local tourism attractions to local year round consumers is recognized as being significant.”

Sandra Phinney writes for regional and national magazines and travel guides. She is an ambassador for the Atlantic region and looks for every opportunity to promote Eastern Canada to other writers, organizations and industry. She also gives workshops on travel writing and photography throughout Atlantic Canada. Sandra is currently writing a series that sheds new light on old communities. She is a founding member of the Tusket River Environmental Organization and is a volunteer plant monitor with the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.

“Phinney doesn't write because she can; she writes to provide illumination on an area beyond the typical iconic images, drawing people to the region. She gets out of the way of the story and lets places speak for themselves, promoting genuine pride of place.”

Sasha Chapman is a freelance writer who specializes in the field of food, food culture and Ontario culinary tourism. One of Canada's preeminent writers in this area, her work can be found in the most respected publications in the country, including the Globe and Mail, Toronto Life and Macleans. Her research involves significant interaction with individuals within Canada's culinary tourism sector. Sasha has focussed in recent years on the food and culinary tourism, as well as the slow-food movement in Ontario.

“More than just first-person critiques of local food, Sasha provides readers with the context in which this new and uniquely Canadian cuisine is being developed.”

Depuis plus de 20 ans, Joanne Bérubé-Gagné investit sans compter temps et énergie pour créer un environnement dynamique pour la population d’Edmundston et des environs. Son leadership, son dévouement et son intérêt pour l’organisation d’événements représentent une véritable force motrice et contribuent à l’essor économique et touristique de la région d’Edmundston-Madawaska. Elle a participé activement à l’organisation d’événements d’envergure comme le Festival de Jazz et Blues d’Edmundston, la Foire Brayonne et le Salon du livre d’Edmundston. Au fil des ans, elle s’est aussi engagée au sein d’organisations vouées au développement socio-économique dans la région.

« Elle fait preuve de créativité et de ténacité afin de régler des problèmes ou des enjeux majeurs qui affectent, ou pourraient affecter l’industrie touristique. Elle fait en sorte de se positionner au sein de l’industrie touristique afin de pouvoir être directement dans le feu de l’action et participer à son développement. »

Brian Clark has been General Manager of the Fundy Trail Parkway since its opening in September 1998. Brian is committed to creating, promoting and publicizing new eco-tourism experiences at the Fundy Trail. Brian is constantly nurturing and growing the offerings of the Fundy Trail, while always being respectful of the area’s environmental, historical and cultural sensitivity. His devotion to tourism promotion extends well beyond the Fundy Trail, with much time and effort devoted to leadership positions in tourism-related organizations throughout the surrounding region.

“Under Mr. Clark’s leadership, the Fundy Trail is playing an important role in sustainable eco-tourism. He has initiated and overseen many new projects that enhance the visitor experience, and has been instrumental in arranging historical, cultural and nature-oriented activity programs.”

Since 2000, Joseph Hollick has located, discovered, documented and photographed all of Hamilton's waterfalls and cascades. He discovered about 30 of these waterfalls and actually named about 35. Joseph has produced and circulated three posters which depict the waterfalls and promote Hamilton as the City of Waterfalls. He also lectures, writes, conducts tours and provides information on Hamilton's waterfalls to various groups and for numerous websites and books, all to change Hamilton's image and to bring awareness of these unique natural gems.

“Joe has been instrumental in having several government agencies open and improve more trails to these waterfalls while conducting tours and hikes. He has changed the image of Hamilton from an industrial steel town to The City of Waterfalls.”

Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism’s Find Yourself Here campaign has successfully created a ‘buzz’ among potential travellers. A beautifully rugged destination that appeals to a unique target, its advertising has to speak to those looking for an antidote to the conventional, predictable, and plastic. Using evocative storytelling, the campaign unfolded in TV, newspaper, and online media and connected emotionally with its target audience, showing a visit to NL is a chance to interact with the dramatic landscape, and experience the creativity of its culture.

“The reality is that it takes deliberate planning and effort to visit here. For Newfoundland & Labrador, there’s no such thing as an accidental tourist.”

Through the L’eau Chaude – C’est juste le début campaign, Tourism and Parks New Brunswick & lg2 emphasized N.B.’s unique selling point: the warmth of its saltwater beaches. The partners developed creative, on-target and innovative campaigns which paid off through the year, increasing visitation numbers, destination awareness and appreciation level in the Québec market. Beyond the “warm water” messaging, the campaign had to convey a sense of well-being similar to the one beach-goers experience. The resulting multimedia campaign was a departure from the frantic advertising environment consumers were used to.

“Promising experiences is essential. But delivering on promises is equally, if not more important. The people of New Brunswick really do have this contagious joie de vivre, so visitors always go home happy.”

Tourism Victoria’s Sunshine Guarantee helped change consumer perspectives about a key tourist deterrent – rain. Travellers were required to book a minimum of two nights’ accommodation. If it rained more than 1.25 centimetres of rain in one day, the party would receive $500. Visitors who took advantage of the promotion were happily disappointed – because there were only three payouts! The main objective of the promotion proved successful: a myth was dispelled, and tourists from all over left with a better appreciation for all Victoria has to offer.

“It is a common and false belief amongst our key markets that Victoria is consistently shrouded by a blanket of grey and rain. By guaranteeing no such event would occur, and awarding a handsome payout if it did, we successfully dispelled that idea.”

Le Festival Western de Saint-Quentin contributes greatly to the promotion and development of the tourism industry in its host community, and is now the premier tourism event in the area, welcoming over 50,000 participants over the course of the festival. It features variety performances, concerts, plays, competitions, tournaments and races as part of its exciting program. It is the only festival in Atlantic Canada that includes a Canada Cup professional rodeo competition.

“It is a small town, situated away from the larger cities. But since tourists must pass through the town anyway as they make their way to other areas of the province, we are doing our utmost to get their attention and to convince them to drop by and stay with us for a few days.”

Folklorama is the largest and longest-running multi-cultural festival in the world. Over 40 nations exhibit in pavilions located throughout Winnipeg, Manitoba over a two-week period each August. Pavilions represent their featured country through traditional song and dance, interactive displays, ethnic cuisine and souvenir stands. Folklorama introduces visitors to many different cultures and nationalities. It attracts thousands of tourists to Winnipeg with more than 425,000 pavilion visits each year.

The Yukon Quest International Dog Sled Race is an epic race between Fairbanks, Alaska and Whitehorse, Yukon, that has been held every February. It is a volunteer-run event that crosses international borders, rugged geography and harsh climate. The 1000-mile (1,609km) long trail follows historic Gold Rush, trapping and mail dog sledding routes from the turn of the 20th century. It attracts participants, volunteers and spectators from around the world, and effectively promotes the Yukon as a winter tourism destination.

“Five Yukon communities and six First Nations partners make an important contribution to the race’s success. Through cross-border cooperation in its host communities, the race has a Northern spirit, characterized by geography and history rather than political boundaries.”

Tourism Toronto’s 2008 Holiday campaign positioned Toronto as the best place to rekindle warm and enticing memories and experiences of holidays past. Each neighbourhood was depicted as its own winter wonderland, displaying a fantastical world that combined holiday product with Toronto landmarks and seasonal events and activities. Creative materials illustrated the magic of the season, communicating that Toronto offers travellers a unique holiday experience. The campaign packaged accommodations with tickets to holiday-themed meals, events and attractions, generating significant revenue for Toronto Tourism’s partners and members.

“Working with online agencies to create a website with high functionality and esthetic appeal that is on par with current technology and trends reflects the destination’s level of professionalism and allows all members of the industry to be creatively presented in a well organized medium.”

Tourisme Montréal’s promotional video Dave Does Montréal was designed to entice gay and lesbian travellers. Tourisme Montréal set out to avoid the use of clichés to speak to its target market and convey that Montréal has more to offer beyond the “gay village.” They used new media to distribute the video in order to address a demographic that is known to be technologically-savvy. The campaign proposed fewer “typically gay” activities and encouraged visitors to take advantage of the city’s openness and security to fully discover all that the city has to offer.

“This particular campaign sought to move beyond the concept of “gay-friendly”, which is a somewhat outdated concept in an open city like Montréal.”

Banff Lake Louise Tourism & Radar DDB’s The Real Banff National Park social program employed social media as an integral part of the destination’s overall marketing plans. A serialised video program established ongoing participation from travellers, encouraging contribution and dialogue through photo sharing forums and active engagement in social media communities. The campaign implied a sense of urgency and timeliness of travel by focusing on news, events, and traveller testimonials versus overall experiences. The video program was run weekly with daily monitoring and engagement in social forums and communities.

“Done right, social media creates opportunities for people to feel ownership of a travel brand and communicate in this peer-to-peer environment on our behalf. It provides a natural organic platform that can create awareness, appreciation, and responsible travel to Banff National Park.”

Cambridge Suites Hotel in Sydney, Nova Scotia is known for its quality in service and spacious accommodations. It is also recognized as an excellent employer, providing its employees with advancement opportunities, training programs, professional development opportunities, and a complete benefits package. A champion of workplace health & safety initiative, Cambridge Suites also works with local colleges and high schools to provide students with co-op placements and job-shadowing opportunities, and works closely with the local YMCA to provide employment opportunities.

“We are very open to student work placements, as these individuals are our future employees who chose to work in the tourism industry. When we are approached by schools or post-secondary institutions, we do all we can to accommodate the placement.”

D.P. Murphy Inc. a hospitality and food service organization based in Charlottetown. D. P. Murphy goes to great efforts to attract employees who are enthusiastic, have excellent customer service skills, and have a positive attitude. The company has committed itself to reducing turnover rates well below industry norms by providing advancement opportunities, and by providing employees with a voice in the company. They are also committed to providing both employees and management alike with extensive training programs and benefits.

“Regular feedback from the employees has allowed the company to develop and implement programs that have enhanced their working experience in the operation and better prepare them for careers within the company and beyond.”

Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, Ontario has a vision and passion for the guest service experience that begins with their belief in having a great place to work. Its management and employee training programs are geared to ensuring their 650-person team is motivated and equipped to handle even the most challenging guest service situations. The Lodge makes the team the primary focus for all meetings, projects and programs. The Lodge works with local charities, colleges and high schools to provide employment opportunities to people from many different backgrounds.

“We encourage our pack members to get better every day. Recruiting and retaining our employees is only one part of our Human Resources Program. Continuing to see them grow and develop is another.”

With a quick mind, a solid work ethic and a sunny disposition, Wilma Anderson eventually became a key member of the management team at Keene, Ontario’s Elmhirst’s Resort. Her successes have come from being genuinely interested in those around her. Her compassion, listening skills, genuine interest in her job and thirst for knowledge make her an ideal candidate for the front desk at a resort. Wilma has been the touchstone for many guests for over 22 years.

“Employees like Wilma leave a legacy of trained and experienced tourism professionals behind them. Guests will not remember the colour of the bedspread but they will remember Wilma and the service she provided to ensure their stay was memorable.”

Karl Doetsch, a Senior Banquet Houseman with the Delta Hotel in Fredericton is a friendly and conscientious employee who regularly goes above and beyond guests’ expectations. Not only does he thrive on accomplishing the ostensibly impossible, he takes pride in watching his co-workers succeed. His integrity and commitment is unrivalled, and his dedication to excellence is second only to his modesty. When recognized for his achievements, Karl will frequently defer the recognition to his teammates, citing that no one person is more valuable than another.

“Karl tries to find ways to connect with people, always asking questions, finding out where they are from, what they like to see and do while on vacation. He acts as an ambassador for not only our hotel, but also for the city of Fredericton and the province of New Brunswick.”

Crystal Egan, Casting (HR) Coordinator at the Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa creates the first impression for all potential hotel employees and welcomes new employees into the workplace. She goes the extra mile in all her interactions and serves as a fabulous ambassador for the hotel. Crystal’s performance is always reflective of her passion to excel at what she does. Her list of accomplishments is long but above all, she contributes to a positive work environment every single day through her attitude and behaviours.

“It is her integrity and trustworthiness that reflects her professionalism and shapes the image people see. She takes full responsibility for her actions, she follows through on her commitments to others and her decisions are guided by our values.”

Dedicated to environmental stewardship, the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre allows visitors to gain an appreciation of the region’s cultural and natural heritage through stunning interactive displays. The centre also maintains coastal and inland walking trails, and stages festivals that focus on wildlife and historical sites. In-school programs and partnerships with other organizations extend and enhance the Centre’s mandate and reach. The facility features a number of innovative green technologies that greatly reduce its ecological footprint and the environmental effect of its thousands of visitors.

“Cape Jourimain Nature Centre is about choices and the connection between those choices and the world we will live in. This unique New Brunswick attraction is as “green” as the ocean waters are blue.”

Manitoba’s Clear Lake Golf Course has established golfing as a sustainable tourism activity. The course operates with minimal environmental impact while remaining profitable and charitable. The course takes every opportunity to promote ecologically friendly practices, including composting, recycling, reduction of water use, use of bio-diesel, reduced energy requirements, reduced carbon emissions for course maintenance, local herb gardens for restaurant food, and use of composting teas on the turf. The course has shifted from a reliance on chemical fertilizers to a reliance on organic growing practices while still providing a premiere golf experience.

“The course has planted native species, implemented water conservation tactics, including the use of composting toilets and a digester to minimize wastewater and to create a resource for natural fertilization, and uses compost teas and natural and biological controls for weeds and fungi.”

Seascape Kayak Tours offers unique, small-group sea kayaking experiences from its base in the Bay of Fundy, one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, as well as the dramatic coastline of Newfoundland and the tropical waters of Costa Rica. Small group travel minimizes the environmental impact on marine habitats and allows guests to make an authentic connection to local people and ecosystems. Seascape emphasizes interpretation of the region’s natural and cultural history while raising public awareness about the impact of development this natural area.

“Seascape’s marketing efforts are continually directed at educating clients and the public about how responsible tourism practices can protect fragile coastal environments, sustain traditional cultures and improve the lives of local people.”

New Brunswick Tourism and Parks & T4G Limited’s My Trip Planner is an interactive trip planning tool and mapping service that offers tremendous value to prospective travellers. The tool allows users to develop trip plans that encompass all aspects of the trip, from accommodations and activities to museums and scenic drives, and to view the trip plan in a number of different formats. In just four months, close to 17,000 custom trip plans have been created for prospective visitors to New Brunswick.

“Destination management organizations and private companies have specific needs and objectives but at the root of the travel business is the need for a partner who can help them succeed online.”

VacationsCanada.TV (VCTV) is an innovative online video sales platform designed by Brewster Inc. in conjunction with 180 Marketing. The site is designed to match themed video episodes with relevant products, allowing the user to first view the experience, and then purchase the related products. New multi-language sites have been professionally translated and voice-dubbed by renowned producers to provide international customers with accurate and seamless content. Reporting and metrics are unprecedented, allowing the ability to attribute customer inquiries and sales to specific themed videos.

“Brewster Inc. recognized an opportunity to represent Canada's travel and tourism product using the fastest growing medium on the web; online video. The unique model allows partners to combine marketing dollars thus providing greater return on investment.”

Tourisme Montréal’s new website (www.tourisme-montreal.org) showcases the city's many charms. Technically sophisticated and visually appealing, the new website aims to bring Montreal to the world with a very slick user-friendly navigation system and plenty of multimedia content. The new website’s objective is to make the tourism experience more tangible and adapt the destination’s content to different target clienteles. Drawing on its user-friendly, interactive approach to influence buying decisions, the new website also allows visitors to contribute their own content and recommendations.

“At a time when tourists are more in control and have a wider range of destinations to choose from, we are making our case with authenticity, professionalism, creativity, and innovation.”