Tourism leaders from across Canada honoured at gala awards ceremony during International Aboriginal Tourism Conference
Nov. 8, 2017, Tsuut’ina Nation, Treaty 7 Territory (Calgary, Alberta) – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada has announced the winners of the 2017 Aboriginal Tourism Awards at the sixth International Aboriginal Tourism Conference (IATC) co-hosted by the Tsuut’ina Nation, in Calgary, Alberta, on their traditional land in Treaty 7 Territory.
The awards were divided into two categories: Province of Alberta Awards, available to Alberta-based nominees; and National Awards, available to anyone across Canada. Nominee businesses must be majority Indigenous owned/controlled and located within Canada.
Each of the national award-winners were selected for their ongoing dedication to increasing the profile of Aboriginal tourism experiences throughout Canada.
The winners of the 2017 Aboriginal Tourism Awards include:
Province of Alberta Awards
Alberta Indigenous Experience Award, Indoor
Spotted Elk Camps
Alberta Indigenous Experience Award, Outdoor
Mahikan Trails & Painted Warriors
Alberta Indigenous Lodging Award
Grey Eagle Resort
Alberta Indigenous Artist/Event Award
Moonstone Creation
National Awards
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival 2017
Most Improved Business of the Year
Tourism Wendake
Most Inspiring Cultural Ambassador
Scott Hudson, Northern Lights Dog Sledding
Indigenous Adventure Award
Spirit Bear Lodge
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Conference attendees include Destination Canada, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), and Parks Canada. Event supporters include the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Speakers include representatives the Senate of Canada, Destination Canada, Iiniistsi Treaty Arts Society, and the Tsuut’ina Nation.The two-day conference at the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino in Calgary, Alberta brings together delegates from Indigenous communities, as well as representatives from global Indigenous tourism organizations. The conference focuses on strategies for building relationships and partnerships with non-government and government organizations, tourism marketing organizations, other tourism operators, and industry leaders.
For more information on the 2017 International Aboriginal Tourism Conference, visit IATC-Canada.ca.
About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) was formally established as a national non-profit Indigenous tourism industry organization in 2015. Today, ITAC includes representation from 15 Indigenous tourism industry representatives and organizations. Through a unified Indigenous tourism industry voice, ITAC focuses on creating partnerships between associations, organizations, government departments and industry leaders from across Canada to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Canada. For more information, visit www.indigenoustourism.ca.
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Media contacts:
Brian Cant, Beattie Tartan: 250-592-3838, 250-888- 8729 (cell) or brian.cant@onlybeattie.com
Keith Henry, ITAC: 604-639-4408 or keith@indigenoustourism.ca
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