TORONTO, ON, Thursday, October 29, 2020: Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2020 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence. The best of the Ontario tourism industry were celebrated virtually at the annual Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala on Wednesday, October 28. These awards recognize tourism industry successes by honouring individuals and businesses that have made significant
contributions to Ontario’s tourism industry. Jointly presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), the Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) and Attractions Ontario, the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence are divided into four respective categories:
“Congratulations to all winners of this year’s Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence! The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is immensely proud to acknowledge the organizations, businesses, and individuals who make it possible to represent Ontario as a destination of choice. It goes without saying, it has been a challenging year for the tourism sector but seeing what innovative and knowledgeable leaders we have in our industry makes it clear we will come back stronger than ever.” – Beth Potter, President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) Congratulations again to the all finalists and winners! Your ability to pivot and your dedication to outstanding service is what will continue to make Ontario a place to discover for travelers.
2020 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Winners
Ontario’s Choice Award for Attraction of the Year (Attractions Ontario)
Top Attraction | Treetop Trekking |
Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence (Culinary Tourism Alliance) |
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Culinary Tourism Leadership Award Culinary |
Destination Northern Ontario and Indigenous Tourism Ontario |
Culinary Tourism Experience Award |
Forest City Culinary Experiences |
Culinary Tourism Event of the Year Award |
Feast on the Farm |
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Tourism Marketing & Travel Media Awards of Excellence (TIAO) |
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Tourism Marketing Campaign Award Under $50K |
Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island - Holiday Campaign |
Tourism Marketing Campaign Award Over $50K |
Culinary Tourism Alliance - 50 Best Explores Ontario |
Tourism Marketing Partnership Award |
Tourism Partnership of Niagara Rosé Day Getaway
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Tourism Digital Marketing Award |
Tourism Kingston – Weddings Campaign |
Travel Media Story Award |
Alec Jacobson: First Visions Toronto's Indigenous Artists |
Travel Media Photography Award |
Colin Field - Nottawasaga Lighthouse |
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Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence (TIAO)
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Accessible Tourism Award |
Cowbell Brewing Co.
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Sustainable Tourism Award – Large Organization |
Metro Toronto Convention Centre |
Sustainable Tourism Award – Small Organization |
WindsorEats
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Tourism Employer of the Year |
Attractions Ontario
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Tourism Champion of the Year |
Jim Marchbank
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Tourism Innovator of the Year |
The Introduction of Commercial Air Service into the Muskoka Airport |
Tourism Event of the Year |
Toronto Zoo's Terra Lumina: |
Indigenous Tourism Award |
Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre
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Lifetime Achievement Award |
Patricia Forrest |
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ABOUT TERRA LUMINA: AN ENCHANTED NIGHT WALK INTO A BRIGHT FUTURE
Terra Lumina takes guests on a journey through a luminous vision of our planet’s future. Passing through a portal, travelers will be transported to a fantastical vision of the year 2099, a time when humans have learned to live in harmony with nature, protecting our planet and the wildlife that calls it home. Created specifically for the Toronto Zoo, Terra Lumina creates positive moments of connection. Vibrant lighting, multimedia effects, animated projections, inspiring storytelling, and an original score conjure an immersive future world that shares a message of hope for a brighter tomorrow. CLICK HERE for more details.
ABOUT TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO (TIAO)
TIAO is recognized as the umbrella advocacy organization for leading associations, destination marketing organizations, regional tourism organizations, educators and businesses serving Ontario’s diverse tourism industry. Collectively representing 200,000 businesses and 400,000 employees, TIAO provides a strong and unified voice for the sector and is committed contributing to evidenced-based policy and providing strategic insight on how to create favourable public policy that allows the tourism industry to flourish. Find out more at
tiaontario.ca
Media Contact Information:
Jessica Halliday
Communications & Media Relations Manager
Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
[email protected]
Amanda Chambers
Supervisor, Strategic Communications
Toronto Zoo
[email protected]