BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards name 2023 finalists

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The BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards have highlighted 27 finalists across nine categories as the best of the best for 2023.

Hosted by the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), the awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership and innovation within B.C.’s tourism and hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers.

The finalists were selected from hundreds of nominations and are recognized for their outstanding contribution to the province’s tourism and hospitality community. The winners will be presented at the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference’s Awards Gala, March 2 at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre.

The conference runs March 1 to 3 in Prince George and expects to welcome 300 to 350 representatives from across the tourism sector.

Indigenous Operator or Experience – recognizing 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.

Sustainability – recognizing sustainable and regenerative practices in tourism and hospitality operation, celebrating those who’ve made a commitment (big or small) to one or more of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Employees First – recognizing a B.C. tourism and hospitality industry employer who’s upheld high standards of excellence in human resource practices, with a specific focus on mental health and wellness.

Business Woman of the Year – recognizing the achievements, professional expertise and leadership of outstanding women who play a vital role in our industry, including trans, cisgender queer and non-binary nominees.

Kate Cox, Barkerville Heritage Trust
Lan Do, Banh Mi Tres Bon
Sarah Vallely, OPUS Hotel Vancouver

Remarkable Experience – recognizing a new or improved tourism product or experience that reflects the British Columbia tourism brand and contributes to a remarkable visitor experience – one that triggers a consumer to share via word of mouth (including social media) their positive vacation experience, and one that exceeds expectations.

Innovation – recognizing nominees that have 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.

Professional Excellence – recognizing a community destination marketing organization for their demonstration of leadership, innovation, accountability and collaboration with the tourism industry in B.C.

Community Contribution & Impact – recognizing demonstrated social responsibility through efforts to enhance social and cultural impact, help foster collaboration, and build resiliency in the community.

Destination Campbell River
John Rae, Resort Municipality of Whistler and Karen Goodwin, Tourism Whistler
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre

Access & Inclusion – recognizing significant contributions 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.

To learn more about the conference, and purchase your ticket, visit bctourismandhospitalityconference.com