|
The 2006 National Awards for Tourism Excellence presented by The Globe and Mail were announced at a gala dinner October 23, 2006 at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper, Alberta, during Canada’s Tourism Leadership Summit.
Recipient:
The Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre was established in 1993 to foster public awareness and knowledge of the inherent value of wetlands and associated ecosystems throughout North America, and to encourage public support for their conservation through innovative education and outreach programs. This 36-square-kilometre wildlife management area in the Interlake region of Manitoba is one of North America’s birding hotspots, and each year it welcomes some 200,000 visitors from around the world. Facilities include trails, boardwalks, observation mounds and blinds, rooftop decks, a café and theatre, and programs are delivered in three categories (curriculum-based, public education and tourism, and visitor experience) showcasing Manitoba’s natural and cultural heritage. OMHIC is very active in the tourism community, and has become one of the top tourism destinations in the province.
Finalists:
A geology and mining centre that uniquely combines science and technology with education and entertainment, Dynamic Earth is a successful tourism operator, educator and key partner in the development and growth of tourism in Sudbury and Northern Ontario. Science North successfully operated Sudbury’s Big Nickel Mine for 20 years before transforming it, in response to stakeholder input, into a new attraction that opened in April 2003. Dynamic Earth has already become one of the region’s most popular tourism attractions, welcoming over 170,000 visitors whose feedback is used to meet and exceed expectations. Construction of Phase II, now underway, will provide an opportunity to introduce a three-day passport, building on the strong two-day visitor package created by Science North and Dynamic Earth.
When the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire opened, its leadership team envisioned it becoming the best hotel in Calgary. Now, the hotel is striving to be among the best in the world. It is pursuing that goal by exceeding guest expectations every time. Already, the property is a distinguished market leader in guest satisfaction, employee satisfaction and financial return, and was recently awarded the Sheraton Hotel of the Year Worldwide. In 2000, it launched an annual Shoot for the Stars: Goals & Strategies process, in which all departments work together to determine how they can impact satisfaction scores; this process has become the key element that sets it apart from competitors and brand affiliates. The Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire is an excellent ambassador for the tourism industry as it continues to build a legacy of impeccable service standards and unparalleled guest experience.
Recipient:
As steward of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Niagara Parks Commission plays a major role in maintaining, protecting and showcasing the Falls’ grandeur, while contributing to the economic growth and success of Niagara. Responsible for the maintenance of over 1,700 hectares of parkland that includes golf and attractions to history and horticulture, supported by numerous amenities, and hosts over 1,100 events a year, NPC is virtually a city within a city. It has been a catalyst for economic growth and tourism development since 1885, and also seeks to reduce environmental impacts and improve tourism’s contribution to sustainable development. In addition to promoting the destination through its own initiatives, the Niagara Parks Commission has collaborated on marketing efforts with a variety of tourism partners.
Finalists:
Savonnerie Olivier Soapery is an example of how innovation combined with passion, perseverance and excellence can drive success. The New Brunswick-based manufacturer of olive oil skincare solutions has blended history, culture and tradition in successful production-based, sustainable and unique tourism offerings that include the Ste-Anne Soapery, corporate locations, boutiques, wholesale opportunities and international ventures. The company’s success stems from excellent human resources management, the development of truly local identities in its communities, a vision of sustainable, healthy and “natural” growth, and active involvement in the betterment of the tourism industry. Partnerships and alliances with other tourism businesses demonstrate founder Isabel P. Gagné’s philosophy that tourism is a combination of well developed, coherent products that create a destination.
The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation, which operates Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw, aims to be “Always Entertaining” and brings an outstanding entertainment experience to the people of Saskatchewan and beyond. The casinos’ success stems from their positioning as premier entertainment destinations, as well as semiannual customer service surveys, and factors such as an inclusive workforce and an emphasis on staff development. SGC is committed to creating and maintaining partnerships that strengthen Saskatchewan’s tourism industry, and works with a number of tourism organizations to attract casino visitors who spend an average of $16.3 million a year on accommodation, food, shopping and more. The economic impact of Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw has been equivalent to hosting six Grey Cup events in each of the past ten years.
Recipient:
Recently transformed from London-Wul Farm, a supplier of high-quality fibres for textile production, London-Wul Fibre Arts of Lakeburn, New Brunswick, is a tourism and cultural centre comprising the Économusée of Handspinning, a working studio, natural dye garden, boutique, public documentation centre, hands-on interpretive centre, and a gallery showcasing Atlantic Canadian fibre artists. Visitors can watch fibres being expertly prepared, dyed and spun to produce an outstanding collection of artistic yarns, hand-woven and felted works, take custom guided tours, and participate in workshops and study groups. Artisan Heidi Wulfraat’s creative approach to community-building has produced unique, home-grown tourism and cultural experiences presented with professionalism, artistry and authenticity.
Finalists:
British Columbia-based Adventure Engine.com is a cutting-edge technology company that applies research to tourism to meet the unique needs of the industry. Its online tourism marketplace for adventure travel products, which went live in May 2005, brings together everyone involved in the world of adventure travel, including tour operators, agents, tourism associations and end consumers. The system is available to businesses of all sizes and in all locations, and is affordable and user-friendly, ensuring accessibility and equal opportunity. The technology also provides solutions addressing community sustainability and tourism as an economic driver. Adventure Engine has gone from Canadian to international operations and significantly increased its technological capacity in the past year, and is already well on its way to changing the way tourism is purchased online.
Québec Sporting Inc. offers guided Atlantic Salmon fishing packages on various rivers in Québec’s Gaspé region. Founded in June 2004 by Ann Smith, an entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the area, it has booked over 1200 fishing days so far for its American, Canadian and European clientele. The company has achieved a high rate of repeat business—about 80% of the clients from its first two seasons returned in 2006—by recognizing that the customer is a direct link to its success. Members of the staff team, who are encouraged to consider themselves associates rather than employees, provide personalized service, tailoring each trip to the client’s needs and budget. Québec Sporting Inc. partners with local businesses and promotes them. Clients stay in local hotels, visit local attractions, buy local products and eat in local restaurants, spending an estimated $300,000 in the region each year.
Recipient:
Ottawa Tourism has developed a groundbreaking Web-based tool so its members can more effectively profile their products and services to meeting planners. Launched in April 2006 following a six-phase development process that included training, MeetingsEasy® enables planners to organize their entire meeting from agenda to space requirements, off-site venues and services from over 300 Ottawa suppliers. All Ottawa Tourism members are given space on the site to house a photo gallery of their facility or products, floor plans, capacity charts, menus and other offerings. Planners choose from preformatted forms or attach their own document, and the system rapidly returns proposals from Ottawa suppliers. Because MeetingsEasy® is Web-based, planners can access and collaborate on their meetings with colleagues anytime, anywhere.
Finalists:
The Canadian War Museum, Canada’s newest national museum, presents the country’s rich military history, and its traditions of honouring and remembrance, in an innovative and compelling way. Its May 2005 opening was the highest-profile opening ever for a public building in Canada, and it has exceeded initial projections of 400,000 visitors a year, welcoming more than 570,000 people by April 2006. But the groundwork for success was laid long before: studies were undertaken to ensure the architecture, interpretive approach, content and brand would appeal to a variety of audiences. The Canadian War Museum is committed to constant renewal, organizing special exhibitions and responding to visitor feedback. It works closely with Ottawa Tourism and Tourisme Outaouais, and when promoting the attraction, staff also sell the national capital region, Ontario and Canada.
Nestled on the Paskapoo slopes of southwest Calgary, Alberta, Ripley Ridge Retreat and Spa is no ordinary urban wellness centre, it is an innovation in the evolution of Canadian spa tourism. Thanks to the vision of partner Cara Ripley, it offers truly unique experiences based in nature. Guests can receive treatments—including natural spring water from the many aquifers on the property, and blended spa products created from the botanicals growing on the forested hillside—in secluded forest gazebos or on scenic sundecks. The Summer Soulstice Wellness Walk was created, based on extensive research, to connect mind, body and spirit with nature: using the entire acreage as a spa, guests are taken on a guided stroll along interpretive nature trails, where they learn about Aboriginal lore and Western pioneer history, as well as the surrounding flora and fauna.
Recipient:
An average of 250,000 Canadians wake up to Canada AM each day, making it the number-one network television morning show in the country. News is its primary mandate, but its other core commitment is to show Canada to Canadians. It is a key tourism partner, working with destinations across the country to showcase interesting places and people. Canada AM has organized a number of special programs that highlight Canadian treasures big and small. They include weather host Jeff Hutcheson’s cross-country tour, Jeff’s Adventures, the AM Morning Tour 1 & 2, and the Great Canadian Breakfast The most recent vehicle is the Community Challenge, in which communities are invited to show Canadians why their hometown is a winner. Jeff took viewers to the winning locations of Saint John, New Brunswick, Sarnia, Ontario, Shaunovan, Saskatchewan, and Lethbridge, Alberta.
Finalists:
The generous support provided by American Express for various activities and programs contributes to the overall cultural vibrancy and attractiveness of key Canadian destinations, and supports the overall experience of visitors. The company also played a key role in the establishment of the Canadian Academy of Travel and Tourism (CATT), a strategic alliance of companies and high schools that encourages young people to choose careers in tourism. Vice President Public Affairs and Communications David Barnes, who is president of CATT’s board of directors, wanted to introduce this intiative to Canada following his experience working with the Academy of Travel and Tourism in the United Kingdom. Its focus and objective align completely with those of the American Express Foundation, and AMEX Canada was proud to be CATT’s first corporate founding partner in 1995, and continues to support the tourism industry’s ability to attract quality candidates.
Dedicated to excellence and professionalism, Budget Car and Truck Rental Saskatoon strives not only to deliver exceptional customer service and satisfy visitor expectations, but to enhance the image of Saskatchewan’s tourism industry. It has demonstrated its commitment to the development and sustainability of the tourism industry in central and northern Saskatchewan through a 12-year relationship with Tourism Saskatoon and Tourism Saskatchewan, effective partnerships with operators and associations at the local, regional and provincial levels, and generous sponsorship of events, including more than 40 in 2005. Its support has included cash and in-kind contributions, and employee resources. Budget Car and Truck Rental Saskatoon has earned a reputation as a champion of the tourism industry and of the remarkable tourism products and services that Saskatchewan has to offer.
Recipient:
Travelscope is a California-based multi-media organization consisting of television, radio, print and Internet outlets. It has made an outstanding contribution to Canadian tourism since its creation, 21 years ago, by travel writer and radio and television broadcaster Joseph Rosendo. From July 2005 to June 2006 alone, it aired dozens of features, radio segments, hour audio-documentaries and half-hour TV shows on Canadian destinations, attractions, festivals and events, as well as tourism issues, created e-magazine and print editorial on Canada, provided Internet hotlinks to Canadian entities, and produced more than 60 five-minute Discovery Channel radio features. Travelscope conducts extensive research to understand what its listeners are interested in learning about to make their travel decisions. Each program includes working with the local tourism marketing organization to uncover unique stories, and research and fact-checking to ensure accuracy.
Finalists:
Cheryl MacKinnon works to engage over two million readers and viewers a week in seeking out travel in Canada. She produces and hosts a weekly travel and lifestyle segment featuring Canadian destinations for Canwest Mediaworks, in television, print and website formats. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience as a tourism marketing professional, she combines interviews, reviews, road trips and spectacular stories to capture and promote unique Canadian travel experiences. Her reports appear weekly in a full-colour, full-page format in the Vancouver Sun and Province, and air on Global TV in British Columbia. Destinations report an immediate increase in information requests and reservations when they are featured in a segment. Cheryl MacKinnon’s passion and talent have made Travel and Lifestyles, now in its second year, an effective vehicle for promoting Canadian tourism.
Digital Time Machine Incorporated of Jasper, Alberta, showcases the lesser known, but no less important, aspects of the Canadian identity through cultural promotion and community initiatives. Its Great Western Muse Cruise, the result of 15 years of experience in the cultural tourism sector, is a Web-based showcase of Canadian arts and culture created for self-guided touring. It enables visitors to create a tour based on information ranging from the best cup of coffee in the area to what restaurant is closest to the theatre or hotel, complete with weblinks for making reservations. Suggested themes, such as festivals, round out potential touring possibilities. The site can also be used as a tool by tourism operators to coordinate special events around those already happening in the area. Digital Time Machine is dedicated to providing culture-seeking travellers with access to the artists, musicians and painters who can provide the kind of connection to place that creates the most sustainable of tourism experiences.
Recipient:
Mary Majka is synonymous with natural, cultural and heritage preservation in New Brunswick, areas critical to the province’s tourism success. Her ongoing volunteer involvement in conservation and heritage protection started when she immigrated from Poland in 1951 and spans half a century. Among other projects, she wrote a book about Fundy National Park, founded the Albert Country Heritage Trust, co-founded several stewardship-related organizations, was instrumental in the creation of the Machias Seal Island Bird Sanctuary and the Mary’s Point Shorebird Reserve, and saved from demolition and restored several heritage sites that are now important tourism sites. Mary Majka has devoted her life to sharing her love and passion for Canada and the East Coast. Her countless projects have helped draw visitors to New Brunswick and made it a destination to return to again and again.
Finalists:
The Fundy Trail is a spectacular New Brunswick attraction that owes its success to the vision and efforts of Dr. Mitchell Franklin. Carved out of the Bay of Fundy escarpment, it opens up previously unreachable areas of one of the last coastal wilderness areas in North America, while protecting the region’s rugged beauty and ecological balance. Phase I opened in 1998 and has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. When Phase II is finished, there will be a complete Fundy Coastal Drive from the Maine-New Brunswick border to the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border. Sixty years ago, Dr. Franklin recognized that the unspoiled beauty of New Brunswick’s coast, combined with the legendary hospitality of its residents, created a perfect environment for tourism to flourish. His generous spirit and vibrant presence inspired everyone involved in developing the Fundy Trail, which will remain a testament to his vision, initiative, selflessness and extraordinary strength of will.
Dennison and Ann Tate have set and achieved a standard of excellence as high as the tides of the Bay of Fundy in their quest to transform a scheduled-for-demolition landmark site into one of New Brunswick’s top tourism attractions. Cape Enrage today boasts a restored lighthouse, interpretive centre, restaurant and adventure company that attract thousands of visitors. Since presenting their extraordinary vision to the Albert County Tourism Association in 1992, the couple has spent thousands of hours doing everything from lobbying governments to hammering nails at the site, and personally guaranteed the loans needed to keep the development moving forward. They have also made the development of youth a focus of the project, training students to run the Cape Enrage businesses. Dennison and Ann Tate embody the selfless spirit and dedication of true volunteers.
Recipient:
Exciting changes are underway at the Art Gallery of Ontario, which is undergoing a major expansion, expected to be completed in 2008. Committed to remaining open during construction, it continues to program and promote world-class exhibitions in order to maintain its high level of visitation. The gallery promoted its major 2005 exhibition, Catherine the Great, through a marketing strategy that communicated through a variety of cost-efficient yet targetted media within Toronto, Canada and the United States, with creative expectations tailored to different audiences, and multiple executions that were tied together by decorative elements from Catherine’s reign. In a departure from the traditional approach that art museums take to promote exhibitions, the campaign communicated to the public, through the use of intelligent humour and wit, that the exhibition was accessible and not too “high-brow”.
Finalists:
Anderson Vacations is a one-stop travel solution for completely customized Canadian vacations for Canadian consumers, using dynamic packaging, strategic marketing, innovative e-commerce technology and partnerships. The owner-managed company started out in motor coach touring for the local senior market in Sherwood Park, Alberta. During its first eight years, it focussed on complete customer experience, dynamic itineraries and exceptional staff. Those characteristics were retained when, in 2004, Anderson Vacations launched its FIT program and started working with suppliers throughout the country. Staff have extensive knowledge and experience, supported by product training and fam tours, that enables them to create the best possible Canadian travel experiences for their clients. They call themselves “dream vacation planners,” because Anderson Vacations always meets and exceeds customer expectations.
After just five months in operation, Cirque Niagara’s Avaia theatrical production already has a stellar brand, thanks not only to the quality of the innovative show, but to a juggernaut of a marketing campaign that began at the show's conception. The name “Avaia”, derived from the Sanskrit and Latin languages to signify a source of rejoicing, and inspired artwork were created in order to resonate with potential audiences. A public relations strategy developed and executed by dkpr public relations inc. resulted in local, provincial, national and international media coverage. Advertising targetted the customer, corporate/group, association/industry and retail media levels and all types of media and marketing avenues were used, including tradeshows and conferences, the distribution of millions of collaterals around the world, and a free preview week of performances for the city and industry. It is rare for a brand to become so recognizable in such a short time, but Cirque Niagara’s Avaia has already become a household name.
Recipient:
Attendance of 31,000 made Rock the Fort 2005, a three-day classic Canadian rock festival, the largest outdoor rock concert ever held in Northwestern Ontario. It was staged at the amphitheatre of Fort William Historical Park, a living history site that dramatizes the Canadian fur trade during the early 1800s. This multi-faceted anchor attraction operated by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism works in partnership with regional tourism associations to promote Northwestern Ontario. The goal in creating a recurring destination-oriented event was to support regional businesses by generating excitement about Thunder Bay throughout North America. The impetus was provided by Ontario’s Tourism Strategy, which utilizes regional festivals as a means of increasing tourism volumes. With the participation of over 70 local businesses as sponsors, Rock the Fort 2005 was a tremendous success, generating an economic impact of $1.7 million.
Finalists:
The Celtic Colours International Festival is celebrated in communities all over Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, for nine days each year, beginning on Thanksgiving weekend. Activities, entertainment and hands-on workshops highlight the only living Celtic culture in North America and the Gaelic language. The festival is organized by a non-profit volunteer society that was formed to promote and maintain the Celtic culture, and to heighten national and international awareness of Cape Breton Island. The group partners with over 50 volunteer groups Island-wide to deliver festival events. Celtic Colours, which in 2005 attracted over 5,000 visitors from around the world, has extended Cape Breton’s tourism season and generated more than $43 million for its economy during its first nine years.
Organized by a volunteer board of directors and co-chaired by Québec and Ontario culinary celebrities, La Foire gourmande de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue et du Nord-Est ontarien is a vibrant celebration of regional culture and culinary expertise that takes place over three days each August in Ville-Marie, Québec. Now in its fifth year, the event attracts more than 20,000 visitors who can check out the exhibits of more than 50 agrifood producers, attend recipe demonstrations and information workshops, participate in activities like geocaching, a new addition to the festival line-up, enjoy entertainment, and sample local delicacies. Thanks to La Foire, there has been in increase in the number of tourists visiting regional attractions, and a rise in sales reported by area merchants during what used to be a fairly slow time of year.
Recipient:
The Great George, a 53-room boutique hotel in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, recognizes that employee development and satisfaction are key to delivering exceptional personalized service. It has been using the emerit professional certification resources and recognition since 2003, and 100% of eligible employees are now emerit-certified. The hotel spends 10% of payroll on training, covering the costs of emerit and other certification programs, and rewards graduates with pay raises and promotions. Benefits include a card that entitles employees to discounts at Island businesses, employer contributions to their Canada Savings Bonds, and the pooling and distribution of gratuities according to hours worked. Two-way communications are maintained and encouraged through regular meetings and off-site “staff days” that strengthen the team-building that is so important to The Great George’s success.
Finalists:
Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park in North Vancouver, British Columbia, has thrilled visitors since 1889. Providing team members with the tools to deliver on its mission, “to create experiences that people are amazed by,” is a key part of the company’s success. All employees attend a four-hour training session to help them perform their best, as well as safety training seminars, and are encouraged to take courses and attend conferences related to their occupations, with Capilano covering the costs. The company also organizes social activities such as barbecues and its famous Oscars Night, where four seasonal team members are awarded scholarships of $750 each, to further build the Capilano culture. Generous health and dental plan are complemented by benefits that include matching RRSP contributions up to 2% of salary, and free admission to Capilano and other attractions. Employee satisfaction translates into energy and passion that, in turn, fuel customer satisfaction.
The Super 8 Motel Winnipeg South relies on its staff to provide the high levels of service that prompt its customers to return again and again. Management knows that proper training is critical to the hotel’s success, and is willing to make the necessary investments in this area. During its last fiscal year, 18% of payroll was spent on training. Employees are encouraged to obtain professional certification, designation or credentials from outside organizations, including the Manitoba Tourism Education Council, and a number of staff members have already completed their certification training or are enrolled in a program. Successful training also positions employees for internal promotions; 14% of positions were filled from within in the past year. Thanks to employee training and management approachability, Super 8’s professional, friendly and eager-to-help staff have contributed to overall customer satisfaction levels of 95%.
Recipient:
The Delta Barrington and Halifax believe the success of Canada’s tourism industry depends on investing in current employees and developing future employees. The hotels provide training through the Delta Leadership Certification Program, and educational assistance that includes tuition reimbursement for job-related courses. Generous and creative benefits include a Destinations Employee Travel Program, an employee assistance program, and an enhanced vacation policy. The hotels partner with Nova Scotia Community College and Mount Saint Vincent University, and sponsor high school co-op placements. They have also started tracking recruitment statistics, and recently underwent an employment equity process. Feedback is collected through annual employee and management opinion surveys. The Delta Barrington and Halifax are rewarded for their focus on human resources with high levels of employee and customer satisfaction.
Finalist:
Tourism British Columbia strives to provide a positive, high-energy and stimulating work environment, competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a range of training and development opportunities. It is also committed to supporting its 125 employees with family-responsive policies and programs to help them balance multiple commitments to work, family, education, personal goals and the community. It covers 100% of costs for training directly related to an employee’s current job, and 50% of costs for training relevant to career aspirations. Benefits include income top-ups for maternity and parental leaves, and a modified work week where employees work an extra 15 minutes per day (the employer provides 7 minutes) and get one day off per month. Tourism B.C. also contributes to the development of the province’s tourism workforce, for example by developing and conducting workshops through SuperHost Customers with Disabilities, and participating in and financially supporting Go2.
Recipient:
Andreas Haun was instrumental in the transformation of the 27-acre grounds of several grand old estates in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, into a horticultural masterpiece. A not-for-profit attraction funded by the Telcolote Foundation, Kingsbrae Garden opened in May 1998 and today boasts over 50,000 flowers, shrubs and trees, and includes a café, art gallery, gift shop and garden plant centre. As manager, he is a dedicated steward of the legacy created by Lucinda Flemer, who inherited the estates, and his innovative ideas and positive, encouraging and caring leadership of a large staff team have been key factors in its success. A tireless and focussed worker who is committed to excellence and teaches by example, Andreas Haun takes great care to ensure that Kingsbrae Garden reflects the high standards he has set for himself and others.
Finalists:
There’s a lot of excitement around Niagara Falls, Ontario, thanks to the newly formed Cirque Niagara and its revolutionary theatrical production, Avaia, which opened in May 2006. Justin Joseph, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, was the driving force behind this spectacular equestrian-based show created by Cirque Niagara in association with Russia's famed Kantemirov circus family. From developing an effective business plan to creating the name “Avaia”—derived from the Sanskrit and Latin languages to signify a source of rejoicing—and making it a household word, Justin has been instrumental in every aspect of the company’s success. He applied his dedication, enthusiasm and highly developed work ethic to tasks that included assisting the negotiations for an agreement with the Niagara Parks Commission, creating packages with all the major hotels, cross-marketing with competitors, and supporting the company's operations, from the box office to the 1500-capacity tent. Justin Joseph successfully merged a variety of media to boost tourism in Niagara Falls.
An energetic and passionate promoter of Calgary, Alberta, Dode Stiles personifies the city’s white hat hospitality. She dedicated 21 years of continuous service to Tourism Calgary and its many partners before retiring in July 2006. As Coordinator, Destination Marketing, she arranged familiarization tours and visits for 150-200 media, travel trade representatives and dignitaries a year, and participated in in-market sales activities, trade shows and attendance-building activities. Committed to ensuring the best possible experience for visitors, she invariably added her own personal touch and, if a client made a special request, would work tirelessly to satisfy it. She was considered a second mother to virtually everyone at Tourism Calgary, and regularly helped train and mentor new staff. Dode Stiles’ positive attitude, her determination to always exceed expectations, and her high degree of personal commitment influenced a great many visitors to enjoy Calgary themselves or encourage others to plan a trip.
Recipient:
The Bay of Fundy Tourism Partnership, formed by Tourism New Brunswick and the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, has raised the sustainable tourism bar in the interprovincial region of the Bay of Fundy by developing and delivering an innovative eco-efficiency assessment and assistance program to its industry members. Initiated and co-designed by the Partnership, and customized and delivered by Dalhousie University’s Eco-efficiency Centre, the program engages businesses in a process of continual environmental improvement that includes waste minimization and efficiency improvements in their daily operations. Through it, 60 tourism operators have participated in on-site environmental and energy reviews and customized business mentoring. The Eco-Business Program acknowledges that the world-renowned Bay of Fundy ecosystem is fully integrated into the visitor experience.
Finalists:
Coastal Connections Limited of Eastern Newfoundland offers high-quality marine “learning adventures” and workshops that enable clients to better understand coastal ecosystems while supporting, fostering and encouraging more caring relationships with the natural world. The company strives to embody the principles of sustainable tourism in every aspect of its operations. For example, it allows scientists to use its facilities at reduced rates, collects scientific data for donation to interested parties, and runs an interpretive program for environmental science students to promote and increase “ocean literacy”. Coastal Connections hires residents of Random Island, purchases supplies in the immediate area when possible, serves on the Petley Improvement Committee, and is helping rebuild the Petley Marina. Staff also attend conferences and workshops to increase their knowledge and skills in sustainable tourism.
Internationally recognized as a top wildlife viewing experience, Frontiers North's Tundra Buggy® Adventure has been providing safe, intimate and expertly interpreted polar bear tours near Churchill, Manitoba, since 1979. It is committed to the protection of Manitoba’s polar bears and their habitat, and to increasing public awareness and understanding of these magnificent creatures and their role in the ecosystem. The company works closely with the Town of Churchill, Manitoba Conservation, and Parks Canada to define, develop and implement policy for Manitoba’s polar bear tourism industry, and employs a Field Operations Manager to ensure compliance with all policies, guidelines, rules and conventions. It contributed to Polar Bears International’s human impact study, and hosts a Polar Bear Leadership Camp that helps students from all over world better understand polar bears.
“The father of heli-skiing”, Hans Gmoser founded Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH), the world’s first heli-skiing and heli-hiking company, instilling a set of values and practices that have continued to guide the company since his retirement in 1995: a relentless commitment to safety, excellent service, environmental stewardship and hiring passionate people.
After immigrating to Canada from Austria in 1951, the 19-year-old Hans Gmoser, already an accomplished alpinist and soon to become a legendary one, spent several years working as a mountain guide in Western Canada. Between 1957 and 1968, he led expeditions to the Yukon and Alaska, including the first ascent of the Wickersham Wall on Mount McKinley, and produced ten feature-length films to promote skiing and climbing in Western Canada. He was a founding member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides in 1963, and four years later conducted the first training and certification course for mountain guides in Canada.
CMH was born in 1959 of Hans Gmoser’s strong entrepreneurial drive, his desire to share the beauty of the mountains with visitors, and his years of backcountry experience.
CMH was born in 1959 of Hans Gmoser’s strong entrepreneurial drive, his desire to share the beauty of the mountains with visitors, and his years of backcountry experience. In 1965, started using helicopters to transport skiers high into the otherwise inaccessible Bugaboo Mountains in the Rockies. Heli-skiing, an idea that had never been tried by any resort, was an instant success; CMH soon began providing new mountain adventures to hundreds of skiers each year, and started building comfortable mountain lodges to accommodate them. Later, at the urging of world-renowned American tour operator Arthur Tauck, Hans Gmoser started flying guests to the mountain lodges for summertime walking and hiking adventures—and heli-hiking became another popular CMH activity.
He has been recognized with a variety of awards and honours, including the Order of Canada, an honourary Doctor of Laws from the University College of the Cariboo (now Thompson Rivers University), the Bill March Summit of Excellence Award, membership in the Canadian Skiing Hall of Fame and the U.S. Skiing Hall of Fame, and the Golden Order of Merit from the Republic of Austria. In June 2006, he was among the first inductees into the new Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame created by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.
Hans Gmoser has made a significant contribution to wilderness and adventure tourism in Canada not only by developing the world’s largest and most sophisticated heli-skiing operation—in fact, CMH is one of the most successful tourism operators anywhere—but by participating in initiatives that influenced the sector’s development over more than three decades.
Sadly, Hans Gmoser passed away in July 2006 following a cycling accident. But his influence will continue to be felt for many years to come as the company he founded strives to protect and enhance the environments where it operates, and to contribute to the cultural integrity of local communities. |
