BC Tourism & Hospitality 2023 Award Finalists
The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) are delighted to announce the finalists of the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards!
The awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers.
Following our call for submissions, the organizing committee received hundreds of nominations, highlighting the exceptional talent and initiative within our industry. Though it was difficult to narrow the list of finalists, the following individuals have been recognized for their outstanding contribution to British Columbia's tourism and hospitality community.
The winners will be awarded at the Awards Gala evening on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, as part of the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference.
If you haven’t already, we encourage you to purchase a ticket to this celebratory evening!
The 2023 award finalists for each category are listed below:
Indigenous Operator or Experience
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This award recognizes Indigenous tourism businesses that demonstrate authenticity, cultivate a greater understanding of Indigenous culture, history and traditions, and contribute to the resilience of the local Indigenous community.
Finalists
Nemiah Valley Lodge
Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours
Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Sustainability
This award recognizes an individual, organization or consortium operating in British Columbia who has championed the implementation and/or education of sustainable and regenerative practices in their tourism or hospitality operation. This category will celebrate those who have made a commitment (big or small) to working on goals and actions aligned with one or more of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Finalists
Monte Creek Winery
Spirit of the West Adventures
The Parkside Hotel & Spa
Employees First
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This award recognizes a British Columbia tourism and hospitality industry employer who has upheld high standards of excellence in human resource practices, with a specific focus on mental health & wellness.
Finalists
Gooseneck Hospitality
Oswego Hotel
Sun Peaks Resort LLP
Business Woman of the Year
This category aims to raise the profile of women across the province who have achieved phenomenal success and are making a real impact in BC’s tourism and hospitality industry. This award recognizes the achievements, professional expertise and leadership of outstanding women who play a vital role in our industry. We use an inclusive definition of the terms woman and female and welcome trans, cisgender queer and non-binary people to apply.
Finalists
Kate Cox, Barkerville Heritage Trust
Lan Do, Banh Mi Tres Bon
Sarah Vallely, OPUS Hotel Vancouver
Remarkable Experience
This award recognizes an individual, organization or consortium that has developed, delivered, promoted and sold a new or improved tourism product or experience that reflects the British Columbia tourism brand and contributes to a remarkable visitor experience.
A remarkable experience is one that triggers a consumer to share via word of mouth (including social media) their positive vacation experience; one that exceeds expectations.
Finalists
Barkerville Historic Town and Park
Northern FanCon
Rambo First Blood, Tourism Hope, Cascades & Canyons
Innovation
This award recognizes an individual, organization or consortium that has embraced the opportunity to think outside the box and develop an innovative project, initiative, service experience or campaign that pushes the limits of how the tourism and hospitality sectors have traditionally operated.
Finalists
Beyond the Haunting Investigations
Driftwood Outdoor Guide & Business Apprenticeship
Misty Isles Economic Development Society
Professional Excellence
The Professional Excellence Award recognizes a community DMO for their demonstration of leadership, innovation, accountability and collaboration with the tourism industry in British Columbia. This DMO is a proven leader, an example of professionalism and best practices and has provided measurable value to the local and provincial tourism industry.
Finalists
Destination Greater Victoria
Tourism Ch'illiwack
Tourism Prince George
Community Contribution & Impact
This award recognizes an individual, organization or consortium that has demonstrated social responsibility through efforts to enhance social and cultural impact, help foster collaboration, and build resiliency in the community.
Finalists
Destination Campbell River
John Rae, Resort Municipality of Whistler & Karen Goodwin, Tourism Whistler
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre
Access & Inclusion
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This award recognizes an individual, organization or consortium operating in British Columbia that has made a significant contribution toward creating inclusive and welcoming experiences for everyone. Through established initiatives and actions, nominees have demonstrated commitment to supporting accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion within their operations, products, services and experiences.
Finalists
Sport Surrey, City of Surrey
The BC Bird Trail
Vernon Adaptive Program
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].