Industry Recognition
TIANB Annual Awards
On the evening of May 26th in a room packed with tourism
professionals, The Tourism Association of NB (TIANB) recognized the
accomplishments and the hard work of a number of people who have shown
impressive commitment to the tourism industry in NB. The Pioneer Awards Gala
is a three hour celebration honouring Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Technology,
Tourism Pioneer, emerit Professional recognition, Business Recognition Awards,
New Tourism Initiatives and TIANB scholarships.
Throughout the evening a total of over 40 individuals and businesses were
honoured for their professionalization of the tourism sector in NB. The top three
awards were:
TIANB Pioneer Award presented to Jim Gertridge of Rodd Hotels & Resorts. Mr.
Gertridge has shown an unwavering commitment to not only the tourism industry
in our province but also to providing professional development opportunities to
his staff. He is responsible for being one of the industry visionaries who
recognized early on, that only by developing a highly skilled labour force would
NB be able to successfully meet the challenge of the ever increasing competitive
nature of the tourism industry today. Mr. Gertridge has also been a strong
advocate, supporter and worker for many community organizations in the
Miramichi. Though recently Mr. Gertridge was promoted to the position of
Director of Operations for Rodd Hotels and Resorts based in Charlottetown
ending his time in the Miramichi, he has secured his legacy as a Pioneer of the
NB tourism industry.
Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award presented to Kingsbrae Gardens. The
criteria established for the Parks Canada New Brunswick Sustainable Tourism
Award reflect the three pillars of sustainable tourism development-economic
viability, environmental sustainability, and cultural appropriateness. Sustainability
has been key to Kingsbrae Garden from the outset, being a very ecologically
responsible company. For instance, no topsoil was imported during the 1996-
1998 creation of a public horticultural garden for the 27-acre site. Topsoil was
carefully reserved and compost made from all vegetative waste. Literally tons of
compost have been and continue to be made on site by diverting the Fairmont
Algonquin's vegetable kitchen waste to add to its large compost bins, with the
two-fold benefit of helping to feed many acres of display gardens without
resorting to chemicals and diverting tons of waste from the landfill. This initiative
along with educational programs and community based projects made Kingsbrae
Garden a terrific recipient for this award.
ACOA Tourism Technology Award presented to Festival Western de Saint-
Quentin Inc. This is wonderful example of how the tourism industry can and will
become a major economic driver. The small town of Saint-Quentin has
historically relied on one industry to drive its economy. Now the Festival Western
de Saint-Quentin is proving to be a resilient and growing force. They were
awarded the Tourism Technology award for their embracing, investing in and
supporting technology as a key business tool. A business tool that allows them to
continue their growth, that allows them to reach more people and that allows
them to create a greater and more positive impact on Saint-Quentin.
"TIANB as the voice of tourism for NB is honoured to be able to recognize so
many great people, businesses and initiatives. It shows clearly what we have
been saying for years, Tourism is a powerful economic driver in this province. We
have the best minds, the best energy and the best businesses to be found
anywhere. We are an important part of the future" Said Joanne Bérubé Gagné,
President of TIANB.
Business Recognition
Each year, TIANB recognizes organizations that have made training an integral part of their business plan. These awards are designed to recognize those organizations that have made training an integral part of their business plan this past year. We have modified the criteria for this award this year to recognize all types of tourism professional development.
The organizations recognized at the 2011 Annual Confernce have taken an active role with TIANB to enhance their service through both existing and customized training:
-
Brewbakers
-
Casino New/Nouveau-Brunswick
-
Centre de Villégiature Deux Rivières Resort
-
Coastal Inns
-
Crowne Plaza Lord Beaverbrook Hotel
-
Diplomat Restaurant
-
Ganong Chocolatier
-
Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club
-
Greater Moncton International Airport
-
Miramichi River Tourism Association
-
Pays de la Sagouine
-
Ramada Plaza Palais Crystal Palace Hotel
-
Roads to Sea Guided Tours
-
Rodd Miramichi River Hotel
New initiatives in tourism award
This new annual award is designed to recognize those organizations that have taken steps to implement new tourism initiatives into their business plan. Criteria for this award can be related to training, technology development or enhancement and/or other innovative ideas that move the industry forward in service excellence and awareness
The Saint John Airport in partnership with Diamond Taxi
Miramichi River Tourism Association "SMART technology meets technology"
Congratulations once again to all these industry members. Your commitment to excellence is what makes tourism a vibrant and viable industry that all New Brunswickers can be proud of!
