NEWS RELEASE
DESTINATION NORTHERN ONTARIO
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Tourism operators, professionals and industry stakeholders celebrated a busy and prosperous season in a big way this week in Timmins, Ont. This past summer season of 2019 proved to be a great year in tourism for Canada, Ontario, and Northern Ontario. At an all-time high, the future for tourism in Northern Ontario is bright.
As a culmination of Northern Ontario’s successful tourism season, approximately 250 delegates from across the region gathered in Timmins at the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit to learn, share and celebrate from Nov. 18 to 20.
“Timmins is proud to host the 2019 Northern Ontario Tourism summit. Congratulations to our award winners. You are an inspiration to your colleagues here today,” said Guy LaMarche, manager of Tourism Timmins.
Attendees participated in over 24 workshops and sessions specifically designed to increase sales and marketing efforts, enhance tourism product and prepare for workforce development challenges such as succession planning and employee training.
Outstanding industry leaders in 2019 were recognized by Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario and Destination Northern Ontario at the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit Gala and Awards dinner.
Award recipients include:
• Destination Northern Ontario Industry Leader Award – Workforce Development and Training – Ontario Tourism Education Corporation
• Destination Northern Ontario Industry Leader Award – Product Development – Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates
• Destination Northern Ontario Industry Leader Award – Marketing and Communications – Northeastern Pavilion – International Plow Match
• Destination Northern Ontario Industry Leader Award – Investment Attraction – Mask-wa Oo-ta-ban, The Bear Train
• Destination Northern Ontario Industry Leader Award – Tourism Innovator of the Year – Ultra Trail Stokely Creek
• Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario – Executive Director’s Award – Bob Garson, Garson’s Fly-In Outposts
• Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario – Preferred Supplier of The Year – The SAM Group
• Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario – Environmental Stewardship Award – Chris Pieters, Avalon Eco Resort
• Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario – Tourism Champion Award – Joe Ott, French River Lodge
• Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario – Bob Giles Awards – Guy Lamarche, Tourism Timmins
“Taking the time to recognize individuals and organizations who raise the profile and help to grow the tourism industry in Northern Ontario is important. We want to empower those within tourism to continue to pursue excellence. We are not only celebrating our award winners tonight, but our organization is celebrating its 90th year as an organization that supports this immense and diverse outdoor tourism industry,” said Hilary Chambers, president, Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario.
The summit steering committee invites industry to Thunder Bay next fall for the 2020 Northern Ontario Tourism Summit. The 2020 host location announcement was made by Paul Pepe, Manager of Tourism for the city of Thunder Bay, Ont.
“On behalf of Tourism Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, we are thrilled to welcome the 2020 Northern Ontario Tourism Summit back to the city in 2020.
“2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the amalgamation of the cities of Fort William and Port Arthur into Thunder Bay and it’s a great year to come and celebrate our vibrant tourism industry’s growth over that time.
“We’re regarded as one of Canada’s premier outdoor cities, celebrating thousands of years of intimate connectivity to our natural environment on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation and the Anishnabae Peoples of the Robinson Superior Treaty area. On the shore of the planet’s largest freshwater lake and nestled amid the largest contiguous boreal forest on earth, we’re a city that’s proud of our spectacular access to year around outdoor activities and experiences woven into an urban cultural and culinary scene that delights and surprises almost all who visit,” said Pepe.
“In 2020, we’re honoured and excited to play host to and share our city’s accomplishments with our tourism partners and friends from across the north and beyond. We invite you all to make a visit to us part of your 2020 plans.”
Further details on the 2020 Northern Ontario Tourism Summit will be released in the coming months.
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