Resiliency is in our Tourism Industry's DNA
2020 was a year like no other, requiring determination and perseverance.
In a year fraught with innumerable operating obstacles, exceptional tourism businesses rose to the challenge
and continued to innovate and engage with partners and their communities, even when unable to open for regular business.
A year that was so very different for the tourism industry calls for an award reflective of the times:
An award that fairly recognizes the achievements of tourism businesses regardless of operating status.
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)
in partnership with Attractions Ontario, The Culinary Tourism Alliance, Indigenous Tourism Ontario and OTEC
is proud to present the
These special awards are unique to this year and have been designed to reflect resiliency through innovation, collaboration and partnership.
Our partners have joined together this year in collaboration to present this year's awards. The trophy will reflect this collaboration or partnership while embracing our unique role within our industry. Partners working together, like that of the ribbons of a DNA helix.
TIAO
Attractions Ontario
The Culinary Tourism Alliance
Indigenous Tourism Ontario
and OTEC
Because Resiliency is in our Tourism Industry's DNA
Awards will be presented by business category in each of the following three areas:
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Please note Nominations for the Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards closed at noon on September 7, 2021.
Key Dates:
- Nominations for Tourism Champion of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award closed on August 20 (See Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence below.)
- Nominations for Resiliency Awards Deadline Extended closed at noon on September 7
- Finalists Announced - October 9 (All finalists will be featured in a Globe & Mail full promotional page. )
- Winners Announced in person at the GALA Awards - October 27
Criteria
Innovation Award Criteria
- For activities between January 1-December 31, 2020
- For a product, venture or campaign that directly benefited the Ontario tourism sector and/or your direct community
- Had a positive impact on quality of life in Ontario during the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Provide examples of how this innovation positively impacted others in your community outside of your organization.
Collaboration Award Criteria
- For activities between January 1-December 31, 2020
- For one initiative whether products, ventures or campaigns that brought together two or more businesses/organizations to better Ontario's tourism sector during the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
- Entries should clearly showcase the roles and responsibilities of all partners.
- Not about "sponsorship".
Sustainability Award Criteria
- For activities between January 1-December 31, 2020
- Recognizing businesses within the tourism industry who have demonstrated sustainable practices/initiatives along with support for their local communities, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Should have a holistic approach to sustainability (not just environmental) - human, economic, etc. .
- Focus on local Ontario products and service providers
Please note Nominations for the Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards closed at noon on September 7, 2021.
Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence
Some awards are still classics, and we want to honour this.
TIAO will also be presenting a Tourism Champion of the Year Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tourism Champion of the Year Award
This award is given to an individual who embodies the spirit of tourism in Ontario. This person should be directly involved with the industry (as an employee, business owner, volunteer, advocate, etc.) and be able to give evidence of their contributions.
Nominations Closed August 20
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is presented to an individual that has made significant contributions to the development and promotion of Ontario’s tourism industry, and established a visible, long-term record of accomplishment that merits special attention.
Nominations Closed August 20
Join us in recognizing our tourism industry partners exhibiting excellence through collaboration, innovation and sustainable practices.
Because Resiliency is in our Tourism Industry's DNA
Next year, we will return to the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence, with the awards categories and trophies as established in years past.
You can view these awards categories, and last year's winners, by clicking the link below.