NB 654
May 6, 2008
FREDERICTON (CNB) - Tourism operators gathered recently to celebrate the accomplishments of the industry, and to recognize the efforts of their peers, with the presentation of the 2008 Tourism Excellence and Innovation Awards.
"I am pleased to take the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our tourism industry," Tourism and Parks Minister Stuart Jamieson said. "New Brunswick's tourism operators know how to be innovative; to leverage resources and partnership opportunities; to develop product offerings; and to be creative in marketing opportunities, all in order to excel in meeting and exceeding the expectations of our visitors."
The Tourism Excellence and Innovation Awards celebrate the achievements of the businesses, operators and organizations that capitalize on New Brunswick's natural wonders, rich heritage and cultural diversity, in order to create outstanding tourism experiences. The awards recognize exceptional performance in product development, marketing and creative partnerships.
Nominations were evaluated by a panel of experts comprised of tourism industry representatives from New Brunswick and elsewhere who are recognized for their experience with, and knowledge of, the tourism sector.
The St. John River Valley Tourism Association (SJRVTA) won the Excellence and Innovation in Tourism Marketing Award. The SJRVTA was formed in 2001 by 13 mayors in the Upper St. John River Valley to collectively promote their municipalities as a regional tourism destination. With a limited budget they have produced a successful promotional video and website. Harbour Tide Inn Bed and Breakfast of Blacks Harbour was runner-up for the award.
Mayor Aldéo Saulnier accepted the Excellence and Innovation in Tourism Partnerships Award on behalf of the Town of Bouctouche. Bouctouche is now synonymous with sustainable economic development in Atlantic Canada. It is a destination which evolved from a diminishing rural-coastal community into a dynamic tourism destination. What began as an effort to save a rare natural sand dune became a wide multi-stakeholder community development effort previously unmatched in Canada. The effort included over 50 partners. Many new partnerships exist today and have developed from the town's history of successes, including Lessons Learned, eco-certification, and the Green Municipal Plan. NBCC Miramichi was runner up for the award.
The Excellence and Innovation in Product Development Award was given to Club Wind and Kite Ltée of the Acadian Peninsula. In 2006, founder Eric Girard saw an opportunity to promote the sport of kite surfing, and created a unique tourism experience in one of the most naturally beautiful destinations in the world. The Acadian Peninsula offers ideal conditions for learning to kite surf on water or snow. It is estimated that more than 1,200 kite surfers visited the Peninsula in 2007, with 85 per cent of them from Quebec. This innovative new product has made its mark on the provincial tourism industry, and adds to the whole New Brunswick experience. The business has quadrupled sales, and this season will have eight employees. Shogomoc Railway and Riverside Park of Bristol was runner-up for the award.
Susan Butler won the Minister's Award for Tourism Excellence for her efforts with the Miramichi Folksong Festival. The Minister's Award for Tourism Excellence was created to salute individuals or organizations within the province who have undertaken special initiatives in support of the provincial tourism strategy that have resulted in significant economic spin-offs for the tourism industry, or have greatly enhanced the tourism experience for visitors.
For more than 25 years, Susan Butler has volunteered as director of the festival. What started as a three-day event is now a week-long celebration with shows that attract visitors from around the world. There are open-air concerts, noon luncheons with live music, workshops, and much more. Under her guidance, the folksong fest has expanded into the rest of the calendar year. She organizes year-round concerts and dinner theatre, keeping the spirit of the festival alive throughout the year.
"This year's winners and nominees are excellent examples of the vision and innovation that will ensure a strong future for New Brunswick's tourism industry," Jamieson said. "I am extremely proud of the significant achievements of the whole industry. I am confident that the creativity, hard work and commitment to excellence demonstrated by tourism operators will ensure our continued success in the tourism sector."
08/05/06
MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Aiton, communications, Tourism and Parks, 506-444-4454.
08/05/06