Greetings!

In this issue of the Calgary Insider, read about Tourism Calgary's international accreditation, the YYC Beer Map, upcoming events, a call for Calgary White Hat Award committee volunteers and our featured Calgary White Hat Award winners, Katie Gravelle and David Keall.
Tourism Calgary achieves Destinations International DMAP Accreditation
On July 18, Destinations International (formerly Destination Marketing Association International or DMAI) announced that Tourism Calgary received a Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal.

This means that Tourism Calgary is now recognized amongst other internationally accredited peers, solidifying our standing as a progressive and endorsed tourism industry leader, locally, nationally and internationally. 
 
According to Destinations International, DMAP’s globally recognized accreditation serves as a visible industry distinction that defines quality and performance standards in destination marketing and management. 

Sip, savour, explore and enjoy with the 2017 YYC Beer Map
In partnership with Alberta Small Brewers Association, Tourism Calgary has launched the YYC Beer Map, a guide to exploring Calgary's local craft breweries and distilleries. 

“Calgary’s beer scene is quickly emerging with more than 20 breweries in our city as of this summer. The YYC Beer Map is a great tool to educate Calgary visitors and entice them to explore our vibrant city and exciting beer culture.” said Jeff Hessel, marketing VP with Tourism Calgary.

Calgarians and visitors can pick up the map at 18 breweries and distilleries throughout the city. 
Summer sounds and sports
July 27-30: Calgary Folk Music Festival: See musicians from around the world, shop at the artisan market and unwind with a beer in the Big Rock Beer Garden. Check out 11 Calgary Folk Music Festival hacks.

August 10-13 2017 Canadian Water Ski Championship :  Watch Canada’s top water ski athletes compete at Water Ski & Wakeboard Canada’s National Championship. 

August 10-20: Calgary Opera  Opera in the Village: See Rodgers and Hammerstein classic South Pacific, the second longest running Broadway musical of all time. 

August 12: 2017 World Driving Championship: Presented by Standardbred Canada, drivers from around the world will compete in 20+ races across Canada. The World Driving Championship begins in Calgary at Century Downs.

Aug. 15-26:  GlobalFest: Experience the International Fireworks Festival with a symphony of pyrotechnics and music. GlobalFest will be celebrating its 15th anniversary and Canada’s 150th with all Canadian teams this year. 

Industry highlights

> The Calgary Zoo's fully immersive exhibit, Land of Lemurs opened July 5. Get up close to some of the world’s most endangered primates! 

> Studio Bell home of the National Music Centre is showcasing performance costumes and artifacts in a special exhibition called Big, Big Love, dedicated to k.d. lang until June 1, 2018. Congratulations to the National Music Centre on a successful first year! Read the full release here.

> A recently-released economic impact assessment produced by the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance shows that the 2016 Calgary Folk Music Festival generated $6 million in economic activity in Calgary during the Year of Music. Read the full release here.

> For over 55 years Tourism Calgary has celebrated tourism and hospitality excellence at the annual Calgary White Hat Awards. Read the July Business in Calgary article hereThere are so many passionate Calgarians interested in helping us find the next Calgary White Hat Award winners. Read more about the Calgary White Hat Award committee and submit your application here.

Featured Calgary White Hat Award winners

We recognize Katie Gravelle and David Keall, Calgary White Hat Award winners, for creating memorable visitor experiences. Here are their stories:
Katie Gravelle, Goro + Gun
Exceptional Server: Centre City

When you hire a server in a restaurant, you look for action, enthusiasm and someone who will take steps to make guests and the team smile. For Katie, making moments for guests is what she loves most. Whether she’s serving, bussing tables or helping out in the dish pit when needed, Katie demonstrates that the team is in it together. Her positive attitude, focus on relationships and commitment to quality has earned her appreciation from diners and the respect of her colleagues. She is proud to work at Goro and Gun and is delighted when she makes a one-time guest into a regular. Katie, we tip our White Hat to you. 
Category sponsor:
David Keall, Charbar
Exceptional Server: South

With service this good, it’s no wonder David has regulars who ask for him by name. After all, it’s not every day a server buys a bottle of wine for a customer out of his own pocket, to ensure they have the elixir they crave. And keeping his ear to the ground of the food scene means also keeping guests free from harm. When he learned of an outbreak of Norovirus in West Coast oysters, he immediately alerted the GM and Chef. They pulled the oysters and the next day, the story was everywhere. His passion for food and wine, along with his intuitive nature, helps him give the best experience to each guest lucky enough to sit in his section. David, thank you for your outstanding hospitality and White Hat worthy service.
Category sponsor: 

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