Nominations are now open for the Canadian Tourism Awards (CTA), presented annually by The Tourism Association of Canada (TIAC) to recognize success, leadership, and innovation in Canada’s tourism industry, and to reward people, places, organizations, and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences in Canada.

The Canadian Tourism Awards have become the standard of excellence for businesses and organizations in the travel industry, showcasing the nation’s best tourism products, services, and experiences.

Due to the devastating effects of the pandemic felt by the entire tourism sector, any Canadian tourism-related product, business, initiative, event, or service that occurred from June 1, 2019, to July 31, 2021, is eligible, with the awards scheduled for Dec. 1 (finalists will be notified by Oct. 1).

Categories include:

Air Canada Business Excellence Awards

Presented to a tourism business that exemplifies industry best practices in all aspects of its operations and is thus an example of all-round business excellence in the tourism industry.

Indigenous Tourism Award

Recognizes an Indigenous tourism business that has demonstrated a commitment to the development, promotion, and delivery of 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.

Sustainable Tourism Award

Honours an organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the practice and promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism in Canada.

Tourism Employee Appreciation Award

For a front-line employee whose professionalism, dedication, attitude, and quality of service best exemplify excellence in the tourism industry.

More information, category criteria, and the nomination can be found on TIAC’s website (under Events); fees for nominated TIAC members are waived, $100 for non-members.