Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory (Ottawa, ON) – Nominations are now open for the 2024 ITAC Indigenous Tourism Awards, presented by WestJet alongside the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at the 2024 International Indigenous Tourism Conference (#2024IITC), on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory (Ottawa, Ontario).
Each year, a highlight of IITC is the annual awards gala that shines a spotlight on the transformative power of Indigenous tourism. Moreover, this inspiring event not only acknowledges the accomplishments of national Indigenous tourism operators, but also serves as a platform to elevate and promote Indigenous culture, heritage, and economic development.
ITAC and WestJet will celebrate the best in Indigenous tourism, recognizing businesses, entrepreneurs, people and tourism associations excelling and creating memorable and unique visitor experiences across Canada from coast to coast to coast. New this year, the Indigenous Culinary Tourism Award will recognize a business or individual in the Indigenous culinary industry.
Nominees must be at least 51% Indigenous-owned/controlled and provide tourism experiences or tourism-related services within Canada. Businesses are allowed to self-nominate.
For 2024, ITAC National Awards include:
- Extraordinary Female Entrepreneur Award
- Leading the Way in Sustainability Award
- Exceptional Industry Leader and The Original Original Star Award
- Provincial or Territorial Association of the Year
- Exceptional Cultural Experience Award
- Outstanding Staff Person Award
- Leading the Way in Business Development (Community-based)
- Indigenous Culinary Tourism Award
- New Operator or Business that Launched a New Experience
Nominations can be made here and will close on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.