The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association has launched the 2024 Tourism Awards which recognise and honour tourism champions across the Ottawa Valley. The Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards are presented annually by the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) to individuals, businesses, and events that recognize the importance of working together for the growth of the local tourism industry, as well as offering exceptional visitor experiences. Above: 2023 Business of the Year Award went to Madawaska Kanu Centre. From left: Greg Okimi, Stefi Van Wijk & Claudia Van Wijk. photo OttawaValley.travel
Award nominations are now being accepted in the following categories:
- Tourism Champion
- Business/Organization of the Year
- Event of the Year
- Sustainability Champion
- Tourism Marketing
- New Tourism Product
Meghan James, Co-Chair of the Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards, says, “After doubling the number of tourism awards available in 2023, we are looking forward to another successful year of nominations.”
Members of the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association can self-nominate or nominate other member businesses and individuals for the awards. The winners will be announced at the OVTA’s Annual General Meeting and Tourism Conference on April 16th at the myFM Centre in Renfrew. The event is taking place during National Tourism Week, a social media campaign by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada which highlights the pivotal role of tourism in Canada.
Please note: nominations CLOSE on Monday, March 25, 2024. Nomination forms can be completed online at https://www.ottawavalley.travel/industry/. All award descriptions and eligibility criteria are listed there. In addition to Madawaska Kanu Centre’s Business of the Year Award, last year’s winners were:
- Teresa Hebb of the Renfrew County ATV – Tourism Champion
- Pembroke Multicultural Festival – Tourism Event
- Rio Tap & Grill for their roof top patio – New Tourism Product
- Somewhere Inn Calabogie – Sustainability Champion
- Oh-el-la Café – Tourism Marketing
“OVTA members can self-nominate as well and we encourage them to do so,” added Chris Hinsperger, Ottawa Valley Tourism Award Co-Chair.
The OVTA is the official destination marketing organization for the Upper Ottawa Valley and proudly represents close to 300 tourism businesses, comprised of attractions and events, accommodations, dining and retail establishments, food producers, rafting companies and outfitters, artists and galleries, as well as media and industry suppliers. The OVTA is proudly supported by the County of Renfrew, Renfrew County municipalities and the City of Pembroke.
Norris,E.,OVTA Tourism Industry Relations & Digital Marketing Coordinator(2024,Feb.23) OVTA Awards Launch 2024 [media release]
