Greetings!
Read about a record setting summer for tourism, how we're loving local, AMMY and Alto awards and our featured Calgary White Hat Award recipients, Audra Stripling and Karen Lewin.
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Hotel stays up more than nine percent over August 2016
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Travel to Calgary this summer set records for the number of hotel rooms sold in July and August, up 5.9 and 9.1 percent, respectively, over the same months last year. The year-over-year increase has resulted in an additional 47,220 hotel rooms sold (19,711 in July and 27,509 in August 2017).
“These numbers affirm that travellers are choosing Calgary as a destination for their leisure experiences,” says Cindy Ady, CEO Tourism Calgary. “With hundreds of festivals and special events, distinct districts, award-winning attractions, and the ability to day-trip to so many remarkable locations, including Banff National Park, Calgary is a very appealing destination.”
These record numbers are made possible in part by the amount of new hotels opening throughout the city. While hotel rooms sold are up 5.0 percent year-to-date, hotel room supply is up 5.8 percent over 2016, bringing the number of annual hotel rooms available in Calgary to 5.3 million.
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#LoveYYC Day - Saturday, Nov. 4
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In 2016,
#LoveYYC Day
was launched to encourage Calgarians to get engaged, spend locally and become advocates for their city.
With the collaboration of our industry partners, we hope to continue the conversation about why everyone Loves YYC.
We encourage partners to share their best one-day offers to incentivize new customers to try products or experiences and fall in Love with YYC. This offer should be special, compelling, and something out of the ordinary.
Learn about getting involved in the #LoveYYC movement through the creation of compelling offers, earned media opportunities and social media activations by attending an education session.
Attend an education session:
RSVP to one of three sessions below taking place at:
Tourism Calgary boardroom
200, 238 - 11 Ave. S.E.
Join the conversation:
Join the conversation from Oct. 19 to Nov. 4 by using #LoveYYC
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Oct. 9 – 15
:
Wordfest
:
Wordfest’s events include readings, workshops, panel discussions and in-school presentations from authors writing in every genre and for all ages.
Oct. 13 – 28:
Stampede Park ScreamFest
: Walk through haunted houses and try your luck at Halloween themed carnival games like the Wheel of Misfortune and Feed the Demon.
Oct. 17 – Nov. 4:
Alberta Theatre Projects: To the Light
:
Based on Virginia Woolf's novel,
To the Lighthouse,
this poetic production
is about female friendship, and women’s struggle to balance the joys of nurturing the lives and ambitions of others with the pride of achieving their own.
Nov.17-19:
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
:
From world-imported items to hand-crafted gifts, the appeal of the International Christmas Market is simple: stress-free shopping in a beautiful, festive environment.
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On World Tourism Day, Sept. 27, Tourism Calgary was awarded an AMMY award for Best in Class: Visitor Service for our successful multi-channel approach to visitor services.
Alberta Culture and Tourism has hosted the AMMY awards, named after Alberta’s official gemstone, Ammolite, to recognize innovation and professional excellence since 2011.
Tourism Calgary's Frontline Experience Pass program has also been selected as a
finalist for the
Alto Awards
, which will be presented, Oct. 23, at the 17th annual Travel Alberta Industry Conference in Banff.
We would also like to congratulate Tourism Calgary's partners that have been selected as Alto Award finalists:
- Alberta Culinary Tourism Alliance
- Anderson Vacations
- Aspen Crossing
- Badlands Amphitheatre
- Canadian Badlands Passion Play
- Canadian Badlands Tourism
- Fairmont Palliser
- Sunshine Village
- Tourisme Alberta
- Town of Okotoks
We look forward to networking, learning and celebrating with you at the Travel Alberta Industry
Conference Oct. 22-23.
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Nominations are open for the 56th annual Calgary White Hat Awards!
Do you know a Calgary ambassador who consistently provides excellent service? Nominate someone in the tourism and hospitality industry
today
.
Featured Calgary White Hat Award winners:
We recognize Audra Stripling and Karen Lewin, Calgary White Hat Award winners, for creating memorable visitor experiences. Here are their stories:
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Audra Stripling, Lougheed House
Exceptional Service: Shopping
Audra honours the past while being fully present in assisting customers at Lougheed House. She takes pride in telling stories that illustrate Calgary’s history, while helping guests find just the right items in the Lougheed House gift shop. She spends time researching new products that would be a good fit for the store and refining merchandise based on what sells and what customers are excited about. As a volunteer first and then a nine-year employee, Audra is a dedicated advocate for all that Calgary offers Calgarians and visitors. Audra, your positive spirit shines through in all you do. Wear your White Hat with pride!
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Karen Lewin, Calgary Food Tours
Exceptional Service: Tour Escort | Guide
To Karen, the world is truly a stage. Armed with acting training and a true passion for food – especially cheese – Karen puts on a great show when guiding tours of Calgary’s food scene. She delights in sharing little gems and tucked-away treasures that even long-term Calgarians may not know about. Caring for guests is her top priority. If someone has to leave her tour due to illness or a family emergency, she ensures that they get their money back or get re-booked for another day. Karen, you are a true ambassador, sharing your love of the city one slice of life at a time. Congratulations!
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See offer details, industry news, job postings and event information at:
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