TOURISM EVENT OF THE YEAR AWARDED TO YOUR TORONTO ZOO’S TERRA LUMINA: AN ENCHANTED NIGHT WALK INTO A BRIGHT FUTURE

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:

  • The Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence are presented to organizations, businesses and individuals that represent the quality of outstanding offerings that make Ontario a top destination of choice.


  • The Tourism Marketing and Travel Media Awards of Excellence recognize those who contribute to Ontario’s tourism industry through impactful partnerships, marketing activities, and media relations.


  • The Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence celebrate the passion of those dedicated to advancing food tourism in Ontario, and recognize those who work hard to tell the stories of the province’s growers, producers, winemakers and brewers.


  • Ontario’s Choice Awards calls upon tourists and locals to vote for their favourite attractions in eight different categories, with the overall top-voted nominee earning the distinction of Attraction of the Year.


“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)

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

 

Tourism Marketing & Travel Media Awards of Excellence (TIAO)

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

 

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

 

Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence (TIAO)

 

Accessible Tourism Award

Cowbell Brewing Co.

 

Sustainable Tourism Award – Large Organization

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Sustainable Tourism Award – Small Organization

WindsorEats

 

Tourism Employer of the Year

Attractions Ontario

 

Tourism Champion of the Year

Jim Marchbank

 

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:
An Enchanted Night Walk Into A Bright Future

Indigenous Tourism Award

Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre

 

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]