Tourism and Parks
Tourism Excellence and Innovation awards presented (10/05/28)
NB 830
May 28, 2010
EDMUNDSTON (CNB) - The 2010 Tourism Excellence and Innovation Awards were presented on
Thursday, May 27, in Edmundston. The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick (TIANB) hosted
the awards ceremony.
"Tourism is an essential sector to New Brunswick, and our government recognizes its importance to our
economy," said Tourism and Parks Minister Brian Kenny. "It is important to take the time to recognize all
the achievements and successes within the industry. All of the nominees and award winners are great
examples of what we can achieve."
The awards recognize exceptional performance in product development, marketing and creative
partnerships undertaken by businesses, operators and organizations in the tourism sector.
"TIANB was very pleased to host the evening's awards ceremonies to recognize the important contribution
by our members to the tourism sector," said Joanne Bérubé-Gagné, president, TIANB. "The tourism
industry is an important employer in our province and it is important to celebrate the success of the past
year as well as looking forward to the year ahead. The year 2009 was a good year for the industry, and
2010 is off to a great start."
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 award winners:
- The King George B&B in Miramichi won the Excellence and Innovation in Tourism Marketing
Award. Sara MacInnis and John Murphy opened the King George B&B in May 2009. It quickly
evolved into a cooking school with local chefs as well as the destination featuring Murder on the Menu
- a five-course murder mystery dinner where guests arrive in character. No other B&Bs in Miramichi
offer this type of entertainment. Presented monthly through the winter, it is an inventive marketing
solution that expands the short B&B season and provides locals with a reason for coming to the inn.
The property is listed as one of Canada's Historical Places of Interest and has been renovated and
restored to maintain its 100-year-old character.
- La Promenade Waterfront in Bathurst won the Tourism Partnerships Award, accepted by Councillor
Scott Ferguson and Meredith Caissie. It has long been the vision of the City of Bathurst to establish a
tourism development along its waterfront. La Promenade Waterfront was a grassroots project that
evolved into a community success due to the collaboration between private and public partners. The
restaurant, as the private investor, contributed through the leasing of land and the construction of its
building. Rental partners have offered their services and knowledge as well as help with programming
onsite. Members of an advisory committee have contributed their time and business knowledge. The
City of Bathurst has several departments working on the project.
- Covered Bridge Potato Chip Co. Inc. won the Tourism Product Development Award. What sets this
product development initiative apart is the fact that there are no similar ones in the country. Covered
Bridge Potato Chips is the only destination in Canada where people can take daily factory tours of a
potato chip manufacturing plant. It gives visitors a unique, fun and educational experience that appeals
to all ages and that can be enjoyed year-round. This initiative gives "pass-through" visitors an enticing
reason beyond the Hartland Covered Bridge to turn off the highway.
- The Congrès Mondial Acadien was the winner of the Minister's Award for Tourism Excellence,
accepted by the chair, Jean-Guy Rioux. The year 2009 marked the fourth year of the Congrès Mondial
Acadien. It drew an estimated 20,000 people to the Acadian Peninsula to participate in reunions, events
and education of Acadian culture and heritage. During 17 days of activities, the Congrès Mondial
Acadien team organized major events and worked closely with communities and families.
"It has been a pleasure to take part in this year's Tourism Excellence and Innovation Awards," said Kenny.
"I want to thank these tourism operators and organizations for their continued creativity and ingenuity in
making New Brunswick a world-class travel destination. They are proof that the industry is vibrant, strong
and will continue to grow."
10/05/28
MEDIA CONTACT: Ryan Donaghy, communications, Department of Tourism and Parks, 506-444-4454.
10/05/28