Celebrating Excellence at the Third Annual Tourism Awards
Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg recognize outstanding contributions of industry professionals as visitor spending and visitation numbers continue to grow.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, April 10, 2025 – In celebration of Manitoba’s strong and vibrant tourism industry, 18 award winners were honoured Thursday at the Fort Garry Place Grand Ballroom for their achievements in 2024 during the third annual Tourism Awards Winnipeg | Manitoba presented by WestJet.
Nominations were received in nine categories and the selected winners included tourism operators, businesses, employees, volunteers, campaigns and events, in Winnipeg and from across Manitoba. Ken Gangler of Gangler’s Fly-in Lodges and Outposts received an Award of Distinction for his years of dedicated work in building up the Hunt Fish tourism industry and bringing the world to see Manitoba’s outstanding angling opportunities at northern lodges.
The tourism awards are held during National Tourism Week, a Tourism Industry Association of Canada initiative, with activities taking place all week.
The Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism and His Worship Mayor Scott Gillingham joined in welcoming 400 attendees to the event and presenting the awards.
“The $1.82 billion tourism sector in this province bolsters our cities, towns and communities, with tax revenues being invested in things that benefit all Manitobans – things like infrastructure, healthcare and education. Tourism is about more than just numbers, it’s about the people, places, and experiences that make Manitoba unique. It is a key part of what makes Manitoba such a dynamic place to live, work and visit,” said Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism. “My sincere congratulations to the finalists and winners for your contributions in growing our tourism industry.”
"Tourism is more than an economic driver, it’s a source of civic pride, connection and community,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “During National Tourism Week, I’m proud to once again recognize the incredible people who help make Winnipeg a must-visit destination. Whether you’re welcoming visitors with a warm smile, sharing local recommendations, or providing unforgettable experiences, you are the ambassadors of our city. With major events like Rendez-vous Canada, the CEBL Championship Weekend and the Grey Cup ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year. Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you for the lasting impact you make on everyone who visits Winnipeg.”
“Joining together to celebrate the tourism operators, professionals and attractions that drive our industry is a true pleasure,” said Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba. “Our award finalists have achieved success through their dedication in creating outstanding tourism experiences and steadfastness in showcasing the amazing province we call home. What they’ve achieved is truly remarkable. Congratulations to all nominees and winners.”
"Being surrounded by so many passionate individuals who champion our city and province every day is truly inspiring," said Ryan Kuffner, President & CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg. "On behalf of our Tourism Winnipeg team, congratulations to all the nominees and winners for the incredible work you do to elevate Winnipeg and Manitoba's tourism industry."
| Business of the Year – Large | |
|---|---|
| Activate Winnipeg | Asessippi Ski Area and Resort Manitoba |
| Business of the Year – Small | |
| Coal and Canary Winnipeg | Wild Skies Resort Manitoba |
| Marketing Campaign of the Year | |
| Beyond the Beat–Canadian Museum for Human Rights Winnipeg | Century of Fjallkona–Icelandic Festival of Manitoba
Manitoba |
| Indigenous Tourism | |
| Agowiidiwinan Centre Winnipeg | Dene Routes
Manitoba |
| Social Impact | |
| FortWhyte Alive Winnipeg | Trails Manitoba Manitoba |
| Innovator of the Year | |
| Histoire cachée | In Plain Sight–ZenFri and TiBert Inc. | |
| Event of the Year | |
| Winnipeg Nuit Blanche 2024 Winnipeg | Manitoba 2024 Manitoba Summer Games Manitoba |
| Employee of the Year | |
| Jeannie Cole–The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre Winnipeg | Brooke White–FDC Regional Economic Development Commission Manitoba |
| Volunteer of the Year | |
| Nick Sikich–FortWhyte Alive Winnipeg | Dr. Carolyn Weiss–Friends of Lower Fort Garry Manitoba |
| Award of Distinction | |
| Ken Gangler–Gangler’s Fly-in Lodges and Outposts |
Congratulations to all our 2024 Award Winners!
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.
Travel Manitoba is a Crown Corporation under provincial legislation that leads and stimulates sustainable tourism growth in Manitoba’s $1.82 billion tourism industry. In partnership with the tourism industry, the agency is responsible for tourism marketing, visitor information services, research and public information.
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Media Resources:
Winners Photos (added after the event)
Finalist Descriptions
Winner Videos
For more information, please contact:
Linda Whitfield
Vice-President, Stakeholder Relations
Travel Manitoba
lwhitfield@travelmanitoba.com
204.927.7825
En francais
Louise Waldman
Directrice des communications
Voyage Manitoba
lwaldman@travelmanitoba.com
204.619.5953
