B.C.’s best recognized in the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards

The best of the best in British Columbia tourism were recognized March 2 during the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards.

Part of the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference Awards Gala, hosted by the B.C. Hotel Association and the Tourism Industry Association of B.C., the winners were selected from 27 finalists.

“The winners and finalists of the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards are a testament to the rich talent and hard work of those in the hospitality and tourism sector across our fair province,” said Ingrid Jarrett, BCHA President and CEO. “We are delighted to honour their achievements and recognize the impact they have made.”

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Presented by Indigenous Tourism BC, the gala recognized nine award-winners for their excellence, leadership and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality sector.

“These distinguished winners have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in their respective professions and have provided an exceptional experience to all visitors to our province,” said Walt Judas, CEO of the TIABC. “We are proud to recognize their contribution to the vibrant and diverse tourism and hospitality industry in British Columbia.”

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The winners and finalists of the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards include:

• Access & Inclusion Award, sponsored by Destination British Columbia: Sport Surrey, City of Surrey. Finalists were The BC Bird Trail and the Vernon Adaptive Program.
• Businesswoman of the Year, sponsored by Prince of Whales: Kate Cox, Barkerville Heritage Trust. Finalists were Lan Do, Banh Mi Tres Bon, and Sarah Vallely, OPUS Hotel Vancouver.

• Community Contribution & Impact Award, sponsored by Tourism Richmond: Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre. Finalists were Destination Campbell River, and John Rae, Resort Municipality of Whistler and Karen Goodwin, Tourism Whistler.
• Employees First Award, sponsored by go2HR: Sun Peaks Resort, near Kamloops. Finalists were Gooseneck Hospitality and the Oswego Hotel.
• Remarkable Experience Award, sponsored by British Columbia Destination Marketing Organization Association: Northern FanCon. Finalists were Barkerville Historic Town and Park and Rambo First Blood, Tourism Hope, Cascades & Canyons.

• Indigenous Operator or Experience Award, sponsored by Indigenous Tourism Canada and Indigenous Tourism BC: Klahoose Wilderness Resort in Desolation Sound, on the Sunshine Coast. Finalists were Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours and Nemiah Valley Lodge.

• Innovation Award, sponsored by Acera Insurance and CapriCMW: Beyond the Haunting Investigations. Finalists were Driftwood Outdoor Guide & Business Apprenticeship and Misty Isles Economic Development Society.
• Professional Excellence (DMO) Award, sponsored by Tourism Whistler: Destination Greater Victoria. Finalists were Tourism Ch’illiwack and Tourism Prince George.
• Sustainability Award, sponsored by Nanaimo Airport: The Parkside Hotel & Spa, in Victoria. Finalists were Monte Creek Winery and Spirit of the West Adventures.

READ MORE: BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards name 2023 finalists

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