Annual Tourism Awards Celebrates Industry Excellence

Winnipeg, Manitoba, April 17, 2024 – In celebration of Manitoba’s strong and vibrant tourism industry, 17 award winners were honoured Wednesday, April 17 for their achievements in 2023 during the second annual Tourism Awards Winnipeg | Manitoba at the Club Regent Event Centre.

Nominations were received in nine categories and the selected winners included tourism operators, businesses, employees, volunteers, campaigns and events, in Winnipeg and from across the province. Doug Stephen of WOW! Hospitality Concepts received an Award of Distinction for his outstanding contributions to some of Winnipeg’s best culinary institutions and the community at large.

The tourism awards are a marquee event for the industry and a highlight of this year’s National Tourism Week, an annual initiative of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. Other activities this week included a tourism conference hosted by the newly formed Tourism Industry Association of Manitoba and a “mascot invasion” at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport organized by Tourism Winnipeg, a division of Economic Development Winnipeg. Travel Manitoba also launched a new multi-media campaign designed to boost awareness of the economic and social benefits of tourism in the province.

Mayor Scott Gillingham and Glen Simard, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism joined in welcoming nearly 400 attendees to the event and presenting the awards.

"As we mark Winnipeg's 150th anniversary, it is fitting that we celebrate the exceptional achievements of our tourism industry," said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Winnipeg continues to shine as a premier destination, thanks to the passion and commitment of our tourism professionals. Tourism not only brings economic prosperity but also showcases the rich history, culture, and hospitality that define our city. Congratulations to all the award winners for their dedication and commitment to showcasing the best Winnipeg has to offer.

"Tourism is a powerful opportunity to bolster our cities, towns and communities as must-visit destinations generating economic growth and benefitting all Manitobans for years to come,” said Glen Simard, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism. “Thank you and congratulations to the finalists and winners. Your efforts are the backbone of our tourism industry.

"It's a privilege being among such enthusiastic individuals who embrace and promote our city and province every day,” said Ryan Kuffner, President & CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW). "On behalf of EDW's Tourism Winnipeg team, I congratulate all of today's winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions.

"This is a celebration of the excellent work of the tourism operators, professionals and attractions that drive the $1.8 billion tourism economy in this province,” said Colin Ferguson, President & CEO of Travel Manitoba. “The incredible work of our award finalists and all the hard-earned success they’ve achieved is truly remarkable. Congratulations to all nominees and winners."

Congratulations to all our 2023 Award Winners.

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Travel Manitoba is a Crown Corporation under provincial legislation that leads and stimulates sustainable tourism growth in Manitoba’s $1.8 billion tourism industry. In partnership with the tourism industry, the agency is responsible for tourism marketing, visitor information services, research and public information.

Tourism Winnipeg is the city’s official destination marketing organization. A division of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., Tourism Winnipeg’s mission is to facilitate a healthy, prosperous, responsible and fully integrated tourism industry that enhances the city of Winnipeg’s economic growth through the acquisition of meetings, conventions, events, group travel and leisure tourism, while increasing overnight visitation and delivering the best possible visitor experience.