Resiliency is in our Tourism Industry's DNA
2021 continued to be a year that challenged our industry, reinforcing our need for determination and perseverance. It just made sense for us to continue to recognize those that have shown resiliency, gained inspiration from others and look towards rebuilding with the Ontario Resiliency Awards.
This year’s awards have two new elements of criteria. The first is that each nomination must be able to provide the actions made towards diversity, equity, and inclusion in what they are being nominated for.
The second addition was one that came from one of the most positive elements that came out of the pandemic. The desire and opportunity to promote and collaborate. Each nomination has the opportunity to nominate another business for an Ontario Resiliency Award. (doesn’t have to be the same category but could be). By doing so, they will get an additional point, in the judges scoring. They can earn a second point, if they fill out a nomination application for that other individual or tourism business mentioned.
We want to continue this positivity and recognize...Building Industry Respect.
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)
in partnership with Attractions Ontario, The Culinary Tourism Alliance,
Indigenous Tourism Ontario and OTEC is proud to present the
The Ontario Resiliency Awards have been designed to reflect resiliency through innovation, collaboration and partnership.
Our partners have joined together this year in collaboration to present this year's awards.
The trophy will reflect this collaboration or partnership while embracing our unique role within our industry.
Partners working together, like that of the ribbons of a DNA helix.
TIAO
and OTEC
Because Resiliency is in our Tourism Industry's DNA.
Awards will be presented by business category in each of the following three areas:
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Please note Nominations for the Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards closes at noon on September 7, 2022.
Key Dates:
- Nominations for Tourism Champion of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award closes on August 15 (See Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence below.)
- Nominations for Resiliency Awards closes at noon on September 7
- Finalists Announced - October 9 (All finalists will be featured in a Globe & Mail full promotional page. )
- Winners Announced in person at the GALA Awards - October 26
Criteria
Collaboration Award Criteria
- For activities between January 1-December 31, 2021
- For one initiative whether products, ventures or campaigns that brought together two or more businesses/organizations to better Ontario's tourism sector during the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
- Entries should clearly showcase the roles and responsibilities of all partners.
- Not about "sponsorship"
- Provide examples of how diversity, equity and inclusion was considered and implemented with this innovation
- Nominations for Resiliency Awards closes at noon on September 7
To begin the nomination process, please click below:
Innovation Award Criteria
- For activities between January 1-December 31, 2021
- For a product, venture or campaign that directly benefited the Ontario tourism sector and/or your direct community
- Had a positive impact on quality of life in Ontario during the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Provide examples of how this innovation positively impacted others in your community outside of your organization.
- Provide examples of how diversity, equity and inclusion was considered and implemented with this innovation
- Nominations for Resiliency Awards closes at noon on September 7
To begin the nomination process, please click below:
Sustainability Award Criteria
- For activities between January 1-December 31, 2021
- Recognizing businesses within the tourism industry who have demonstrated sustainable practices/initiatives along with support for their local communities, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Should have a holistic approach to sustainability (not just environmental) - human, economic, etc. .
- Focus on local Ontario products and service providers
- Provide examples of how diversity, equity and inclusion was considered and implemented with this innovation
- Nominations for Resiliency Awards closes at noon on September 7
Please note Nominations for the Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards closes at noon on September 7, 2022.
Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence
Some awards are still classics, and we want to honour this.
TIAO will also be presenting a Tourism Champion of the Year Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tourism Champion of the Year Award
This award is given to an individual who embodies the spirit of tourism in Ontario. This person should be directly involved with the industry (as an employee, business owner, volunteer, advocate, etc.) and be able to give evidence of their contributions.
Nominations Close August 15
To begin the nomination process, please click below:
Tourism Champion of the Year Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is presented to an individual that has made significant contributions to the development and promotion of Ontario’s tourism industry, and established a visible, long-term record of accomplishment that merits special attention.
Nominations Close August 15
To begin the nomination process, please click below:
Join us in recognizing our tourism industry partners exhibiting excellence
through collaboration, innovation and sustainable practices.
Because Resiliency is in our Tourism Industry's DNA.
Next year, we will return to the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence, with the awards categories and trophies as established in years past.
You can view last year's finalists and winners by clicking the link below.
See Last Year's Finalists & Award Winners