Unceded and Unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinabeg Territory (Ottawa, ON)  – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) proudly sponsors the Indigenous Tourism Award at the Canadian Tourism Awards. The 2024 awards ceremony is set for December 5, 2024, at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver, BC.  

The Canadian Tourism Awards, presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), recognizes the best and brightest in Canada’s tourism industry. From outstanding teams and organizations to individual luminaries who surpass all expectations, exemplifying a commitment to provide nothing short of exceptional tourism experiences from coast to coast to coast.

The Indigenous Tourism Award will recognize an Indigenous tourism business that has demonstrated a commitment to developing, promoting, and delivering an authentic, innovative, and enriched Indigenous tourism visitor experience. The recipient will have demonstrated a commitment to authentic Indigenous cultural tourism as a key aspect of encouraging and promoting tourism growth in their region.

By nominating an Indigenous tourism business for this award, our community plays a crucial role in celebrating the innovative entrepreneurs who offer authentic experiences that educate and inspire visitors in their local community and visitors from around the world. These businesses help bridge cultural understanding, create economic opportunities, and support sustainable tourism practices that benefit everyone.

Here are just some reasons this award is vital for growing Indigenous tourism in Canada:

  1. Market-Ready Tourism Experiences: Any business that earns the Original Original Accreditation is demonstrating that they have the right standards in place to deliver a quality experience to visitors. These standards are set by Indigenous tourism operators  and the program enables ITAC to apply consistent and fair criteria to any Indigenous business seeking formal recognition as being ‘Market Ready’.

  2. Economic Empowerment: Indigenous tourism provides meaningful employment and economic growth in Indigenous communities. Highlighting successful businesses through this award demonstrates the economic potential of Indigenous-led enterprises and inspires others to pursue similar ventures.

  3. Cultural Preservation and Awareness: Indigenous tourism businesses are vital to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples. Nominating these businesses helps raise awareness of their contributions and encourages the continued celebration of Indigenous traditions.
  1. Sustainable Tourism: Many Indigenous tourism businesses are leaders in sustainable tourism practices, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship and respect for the land. By recognizing these efforts, the award promotes responsible tourism that benefits both the environment and communities involved.

ITAC encourages everyone in the tourism industry and beyond to nominate deserving Indigenous tourism businesses for this award. Your nomination acknowledges their hard work and dedication and amplifies their voice on a national stage, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and celebrated by all.

Let’s come together to honour the outstanding achievements of Indigenous tourism businesses at The Canadian Tourism Awards and continue supporting this vital sector’s growth and success. Submit your nomination by Friday, September 6,  2024.