Prince George, BC (March 3, 2023): The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) announced the winners of the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards during the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference Awards Gala, presented by Indigenous Tourism BC, on March 2.

Nine awards were given out that recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism & hospitality sector, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers.

The winners and finalists of the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards include:

Access & Inclusion Award | Sponsored by Destination British Columbia

• WINNER: Sport Surrey, City of Surrey
• Finalist: The BC Bird Trail
• Finalist: Vernon Adaptive Program

Businesswoman Of The Year | Sponsored by Prince of Whales

• WINNER: Kate Cox, Barkerville Heritage Trust
• Finalist: Lan Do, Banh Mi Tres Bon
• Finalist: Sarah Vallely, OPUS Hotel Vancouver

Community Contribution & Impact Award | Sponsored by Tourism Richmond

• WINNER: Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre
• Finalist: Destination Campbell River
• Finalist: John Rae, Resort Municipality of Whistler & Karen Goodwin, Tourism Whistler

Employees First Award | Sponsored by go2HR

• WINNER: Sun Peaks Resort LLP
• Finalist: Gooseneck Hospitality
• Finalist: Oswego Hotel

Remarkable Experience Award | Sponsored by British Columbia Destination Marketing Organization Association

• WINNER: Northern FanCon
• Finalist: Barkerville Historic Town and Park              
• Finalist: Rambo First Blood, Tourism Hope, Cascades & Canyons

Indigenous Operator Or Experience Award | Sponsored by Indigenous Tourism Canada and Indigenous Tourism BC

• WINNER: Klahoose Wilderness Resort     
• Finalist: Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours          
• Finalist: Nemiah Valley Lodge

Innovation Award | Sponsored by Acera Insurance and CapriCMW

• WINNER: Beyond the Haunting Investigations      
• Finalist: Driftwood Outdoor Guide & Business Apprenticeship
• Finalist: Misty Isles Economic Development Society                  

Professional Excellence (DMO) Award | Sponsored by Tourism Whistler

• WINNER: Destination Greater Victoria     
• Finalist: Tourism Ch'illiwack
• Finalist: Tourism Prince George                 

Sustainability Award | Sponsored by Nanaimo Airport

• WINNER: The Parkside Hotel & Spa
• Finalist: Monte Creek Winery 
• Finalist: Spirit of the West Adventures

Ingrid Jarrett, President and CEO of the BCHA, said, “The winners and finalists of the 2023 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards are a testament to the rich talent and hard work of those in the hospitality and tourism sector across our fair province. We are delighted to honour their achievements and recognize the impact they have made.”

Walt Judas, CEO of the TIABC, added, “These distinguished winners have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in their respective professions and have provided an exceptional experience to all visitors to our province. We are proud to recognize their contribution to the vibrant and diverse tourism and hospitality industry in British Columbia.”

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About the BC Hotel Association

The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) is a non-profit organization that has advocated for the best interests of the province’s accommodation sector since 1917. Working closely with over 750 members, partner organizations, and all levels of government, the BCHA champions solutions to issues that affect the successful operations of accommodation businesses including the workforce shortage, labour mobility, the impact of short-term vacation rentals, and more. Through advocacy, education, and communication the BCHA promotes responsible and safe hospitality practices and drives economic, social, and environmental sustainability. For more information, visit www.bcha.com.

About Tourism Industry Association of BC

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) advocates for the interests of British Columbia’s $20.4 billion visitor economy. As a not-for-profit tourism industry association, TIABC works collaboratively with its members – private sector tourism businesses, industry associations, and destination marketing organizations – to ensure the best working environment for a competitive tourism industry. For more information, visit www.tiabc.ca.

Media Contact:

Kelsey Millman

Communications Manager

British Columbia Hotel Association

kelsey@bcha.com

778.994.2825