Nine British Columbia tourism and hospitality providers have been recognized for their outstanding contribution to the sector in Canada’s westernmost province. Winners were presented by Indigenous Tourism BC March 2 at a gala awards event sponsored by the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC).

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

Winners and finalists include:

Access & Inclusion Award

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

Businesswoman Of The Year

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

Community Contribution & Impact Award

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

Employees First Award

WINNER: Sun Peaks Resort LLP
Finalists: Gooseneck Hospitality, Oswego Hotel

Remarkable Experience Award

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

Indigenous Operator Or Experience Award

WINNER: Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Finalists: Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours, Nemiah Valley Lodge

Innovation Award

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

Professional Excellence (DMO) Award

WINNER: Destination Greater Victoria
Finalists: Tourism Ch’illiwack, Tourism Prince George

Sustainability Award

WINNER: The Parkside Hotel & Spa
Finalists: Monte Creek Winery, Spirit of the West Adventures

“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,” said BCHA President and CEO Ingrid Jarrett. “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.”