Winners Announced at the 2024 Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards!

Article content

Votes have been counted and the winners have been announced at the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) 2024 Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards. The awards ceremony took place during the annual tourism conference held at the myFM Center in Renfrew on Tuesday 16 April.

Article content

Article content

Tourism Champion Award

This year’s recipient of the Tourism Champion Award is Ron Moss, co-chair and active volunteer with the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance. Moss spends hundreds of hours each year organizing group rides, cycling events and the Cashing in on Cycle Tourism Conference. He has been described as a driving force in promoting active travel throughout the Ottawa Valley.

The Tourism Champion Award recognizes an OVTA member who is an active tourism champion for the Ottawa Valley. The award was created in honor of Marilyn Alexander, who strongly believed that collaboration is the key to advancing tourism in the Ottawa Valley.

Award for Company/Organization of the Year

Somewhere Inn Calabogie is the winner of the Business/Organization of the Year Award in 2024. The Somewhere Inn is a redesigned roadside motel led by a team passionate about community, nature, inclusivity and creating an unforgettable experience for their guests.

Article content

Article content

The Business/Organization of the Year Award recognizes an OVTA member business or organization that demonstrates leadership, innovation and commitment to the local tourism industry.

Event of the Year Award

This year’s Event of the Year Award winner is the Pembroke Regional Silver Stick Tournament. This annual four-week hockey tournament brings together more than 130 minor hockey teams from Ontario to Pembroke and the Ottawa Valley to experience Hockey Town Canada, win a coveted Silver Stick and a spot in the International Silver Stick Tournament.

The Event of the Year Award recognizes an event or festival that exemplifies industry best practice in all aspects of its operations and sets an example of excellence for other events and festivals.

Article content

Sustainability Champion Award

This year’s winner of the Sustainability Champion Award is Anupaya Cabin Co. in Deep River. This company integrates sustainability into every facet of its operations, from the renovation and construction of cabins using locally sourced, environmentally friendly materials to the implementation of renewable energy sources.

The Sustainability Champion Award is given to an OVTA member who creates a positive impact on its community and its environment through responsible and sustainable tourism and tourism products.

New price for tourism products

The New Tourism Product Award was presented to Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork in Douglas. Set against the picturesque backdrop of a repurposed hayloft in a meticulously restored 1860s heritage barn, the Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork event hall has become a beacon for local wanderers looking for a distinctive evening experience.

Article content

The New Tourism Product Award recognizes a new tourism company, organization or individual that reflects innovation, has an excellent understanding of the local tourism market and exceeds the expectations of their customers.

Tourism Marketing Award

The 2024 Tourism Marketing Award was presented to Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization for the production of the highly successful ‘Locally Inspired’ video series and marketing campaign on cycle tourism in the Ottawa Valley.

The Tourism Marketing Award recognizes a company, organization or individual that has implemented an exceptional digital marketing or promotional strategy based on execution, impact, creativity and contribution to the success of the business or tourism product.

In a press release, the OVTA says it is grateful to everyone who has generously recognized the talents and dedication of individuals and companies in the tourism sector.

“This underlines the crucial contribution of the tourism sector to the vitality of our local economy,” the OVTA said in the press release.

Article content