Thank you to our
Summit partners!
Diamond Partners
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
Bronze Partners
THE 2011 TOURISM EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Recognizing Innovation in the Thompson Okanagan Region
Hosted by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
Each year Thompson Okanagan Tourism recognizes the excellence shown by many tourism businesses and organizations from across the region when it presents the Tourism Excellence Awards at the annual fall Thompson Okanagan Tourism Industry Summit. This is an exciting program and provides an opportunity to showcase innovation and excellence within our tourism industry. Nominations are now being sought for the 2011 Tourism Excellence Awards.
CATEGORIES
2011 Awards will be presented in the following six categories:
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Through the implementation of excellent human resources practices this business or organization has attracted, trained and/or retained staff and has produced high levels of both customer and employee satisfaction.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Through environmental programs and practices this business or organization has engaged its staff, guests and the community in reducing its carbon footprint and/or enhancing elements of the local ecosystem.
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
Through the innovative use of technology, this business or organization has improved its operations, employee procedures, and/or guest experiences.
COMMUNITY SPORT TOURISM
This business or organization has demonstrated a community partnership between sport and tourism which has resulted in increased tourism revenues.
TOURISM MARKETING
(Two Awards: “Under $15,000”
and “Over $15,000”)
This business or organization has implemented a creative, comprehensive and innovative marketing program which has resulted in increased tourism revenues.
SOCIAL MEDIA INITIATIVE
This business or organization has implemented an outstanding social media marketing campaign or initiative which has resulted in increased tourism revenues or awareness.
ELIGIBILITY
Any tourism-related businesses or organizations operating in the Thompson Okanagan region are eligible to be nominated for these awards. This includes community tourism organizations, private businesses, non-profit organizations and businesses, and product-based alliances. All nominations must relate to initiatives, campaigns or programs which have been started or operated sometime during the 16-month period July 1, 2010–October 31, 2011.
NOMINATION PROCESS
All TOTA stakeholders are invited to nominate a candidate for these awards. Eligible tourism-related organizations and businesses may nominate themselves. The deadline for nominations to be received by TOTA is Friday, October 14, 2011. The nomination form is available below or can be downloaded and filled out here. In addition to the Nomination Form, a supplementary argument of up to 1,000 words can be written in support of the Nomination. Additional supporting documents (such as samples or visual materials) relating to the initiative, campaign or program may also be submitted, and should be listed in the final area of the Nomination Form. Hard-copies for nominations can be mailed to: TOTA, 2280-D Leckie Rd., Kelowna, BC V1X 6G6. Electronic material relating to nominations can be emailed to: industry@totabc.com.
JUDGING
A panel of judges, comprised of skilled industry practitioners selected by TOTA, will review all nominee entries and will select winners and honourable mentions in each category. The judges reserve the right to not select a winner in a category.
PRESENTATION CEREMONY
The awards will be presented at a ceremony during the Gala Banquet at the 2011 Thompson OkanaganTourism Industry Summit on November 3rd. TOTA will also publicize the winners through its own publications and media announcements.
TOTA 2011 Awards Nomination Form
2280-D Leckie Road, Kelowna BC V1X 6G6 Canada
Ph: 250-860-5999 Fx: 250-860-9993 info@totabc.com
Kamloops, BC Ph: 250-377-4383 Fx: 250-372-2318