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Back row: Chris Hinsperger, Awards Co-Chair; Victoria Charbonneau & Janyne Fraser (nominees - Renfrew Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival); Jill McLellan (nominee - Hell or High Water); Randy Kitchen, Simone Burger, Cindy Schultz, Wanda Hilts (nominees - Laurentian Valley 50+ Fit & Feisty).
Front row: Ron Moss of Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation (recipient - Tourism Champion Award), Kathleen Lindhorst of Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork (recipient - New Tourism Product Award); Meghan James of Somewhere Inn Calabogie (recipient - Business of the Year Award); Shannon MacLaggan of Anupaya Cabin Co. (recipient - Sustainability Champion Award); Elijah McKeown of the City of Pembroke (recipient - Event of the Year Award - Pembroke Regional Silver Stick Tournament); Nicole Whiting & Kasey Rogerson of Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (recipient - Tourism Marketing Award).
RELEASE DATE:
April 18, 2024
Pembroke, ON – The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) is excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards. The awards presentation took place at the annual Tourism Conference on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at the myFM Centre in Renfrew:
Tourism Champion Award: The Tourism Champion Award recognizes an OVTA member who is an active tourism champion for the Ottawa Valley. The award was created in honour of Marilyn Alexander who was a true believer in collaboration being the key to promoting tourism in the Ottawa Valley.
This year’s recipient, Ron Moss, co-chair and active volunteer with the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance, devoted hundreds of hours each year organizing group rides, cycling events as well as the Cashing in on Cycle Tourism Conference. Ron is described as a driving force in promoting active travel around the Ottawa Valley.
Business / Organization of the Year Award: The Business / Organization of the Year Award recognizes an OVTA member business or organization that demonstrates leadership, innovation and dedication to the local tourism industry.
This year’s recipient, Somewhere Inn Calabogie, is a redesigned roadside motel, led by a team who is passionate about community, nature, inclusivity and creating a memorable experience for their guests.
Event of the Year Award: The Event of the Year Award recognizes an event or festival that exemplifies industry best practices in all aspects of its operations, and is an example of excellence for other events and festivals.
The winner of this year’s award, the Pembroke Silver Stick Tournament, brings together over 130 minor hockey teams from across Ontario to Pembroke and the Ottawa Valley to experience Hockey Town Canada.
Sustainability Champion Award: The Sustainability Champion Award, is awarded to an OVTA member who creates a positive impact on their community and their environment through responsible and sustainable tourism and tourism products.
This year’s winner, Anupaya Cabin Co. in Deep River integrates sustainability into every facet of its operations, from the renovation and construction of cabins using locally-sourced, eco-friendly materials to the implementation of renewable energy sources.
New Tourism Product Award: The New Tourism Product Award recognizes a new tourism business, organization, or individual who reflects innovation, an excellent understanding of the local tourism market and exceeds the expectations of their customers.
This award was granted to Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork in Douglas. Set against the picturesque backdrop of a repurposed hay loft within a meticulously restored 1860 heritage barn, Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork’s event hall has become a beacon for local wanderers in search of a distinctive evening experience.
Tourism Marketing Award: The Tourism Marketing Award recognizes a business, organization, or individual who has implemented an exceptional digital marketing or promotional strategy based on execution, impact, creativity and contributing to the success of the business or tourism product.
This year’s award was granted to Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization for the production of their greatly successful “Locally Inspired” video series and marketing campaign featuring cycle tourism in the Ottawa Valley.
The OVTA expresses gratitude to everyone who generously acknowledged the talents and dedication of individuals and businesses in the tourism sector. This underscores the crucial contribution of the tourism industry to the vitality of our local economy.
The OVTA is the destination marketing organization for the Upper Ottawa Valley and proudly represents over 250 tourism businesses, comprised of attractions and outfitters, accommodation, food, beverage and retail establishments, artists and galleries, municipalities and community organizations, as well as media and industry suppliers. The OVTA is supported by the County of Renfrew, Renfrew County municipalities and the City of Pembroke.
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For more information, contact:
Tourism Industry Relations & Digital Marketing Coordinator
613.732.4364, x416
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