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The Tourism Industry Honours Award Winners

February 21st, 2010 – As the finale to the highly successful 2010 Lookout! Tourism Summit in Gander from February 18th-21st, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL) presented the 2010 Tourism Excellence Awards on Saturday night. The Tourism Excellence Awards honour leaders who are helping advance the tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Other awards were also presented throughout the Summit including the Cultural Tourism Award, the Doug Wheeler Award, the Tourism Atlantic Technology Award and the Sustainable Tourism Award.

The following is a list of awards and award recipients. Photos are available by contacting Lynn Taylor at ltaylor@hnl.ca

H. Clayton Sparkes Accommodator of the Year Award - sponsored by the Sparkes Family in recognition of the contribution their father, Clayton H. Sparkes recognizes an individual or company in the accommodations sector within the province who exhibits a dedication to quality service, a commitment to the tourism industry and makes a solid contribution to the communities in which they live. This award was presented at the Tourism Excellence Awards Gala by Steve Sparkes.

Presented to: Quality Hotel Harbourview, St. John’s, NL

Corporate Partner of the Year Award - presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador to a tourism industry partner that has been successful in developing creative and effective alliances within the tourism industry that improve HNL's ability to meet its mission. This award was presented at the Tourism Excellence Awards Gala by incoming HNL Chair, John Dicks.

Presented to: Islander RV Sales and Rental, Paddy’s Pond and Grand Falls-Windsor, NL

Innovator of the Year Award - presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador to acknowledge operators who demonstrate ingenuity and creativity in their business activities. Recipients of this award have a positive impact on the tourism industry by creating something new or putting a new spin on a product or service. This award was presented at the Tourism Excellence Awards Gala by incoming HNL Chair, John Dicks.

Presented to: Seaside Suites, Woody Point, NL

Tourism Champion Award - presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador to honour the countless volunteers that have worked diligently to ensure that our industry prospers. This award recognizes an individual who gives selflessly of their time and energy to champion the interests of this industry. This award was presented at the Tourism Excellence Awards Gala by incoming HNL Chair, John Dicks.

Presented to: Yvonne Power

Tourism Business of the Year Award -presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador to recognize businesses that have built a reputation for excelling and continuously improving upon all areas of operations – customer service, human resources and business results. Recipients of this award not only excel in their business operations, but acknowledge and embrace their role in improving the tourism industry of Newfoundland and Labrador. This award was presented at the Tourism Excellence Awards Gala by incoming HNL Chair, John Dicks.

Presented to: Coopers’ Minipi Camps, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL

The Cruise Vision Award - presented by the Cruise Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to an individual, group or business that has demonstrated a commitment to the provincial cruise industry and has contributed significantly to the growth of the cruise industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. This award was presented at the Tourism Excellence Awards Gala by Randy Letto, Vice Chair of the Cruise Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presented to: Andy Wells

Restaurant Appreciation Year Award – presented by the Restaurant Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, this award was established to recognize the essential role of the food service industry in developing tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year, the Restaurateur of the Year Award was presented as an appreciation award. This award was presented at the Tourism Excellence Awards Gala by Derrick Aylward, board member of the Restaurant Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presented to: Atlantic Grocery Distributors

PRIDE Award - presented by the Bed and Breakfast Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to the individual or business that has been instrumental in raising the profile of the Bed & Breakfast industry. This award was presented at the Tourism Excellence Awards Gala by Bed and Breakfast Association President, Danny Benoit.

Presented to: French Island B&B, Flower’s Cove, NL, owned by Maggie Chambers

The Norman Parsons Memorial Award - presented by the Bed and Breakfast Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to the individual or business that has excelled in both hospitality and longevity in the industry and is recognized for displaying such attributes as warmth, hospitality, personality, outstanding service, quality and dedication. This award was presented at the Tourism Excellence Awards Gala by Bed and Breakfast Association President, Danny Benoit.

Presented to: Victorian Manor Heritage Properties, Woody Point, NL, owned by Jenny and Stan Parsons

The Cultural Tourism Award – presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Canadian Heritage, the Cultural Tourism Award acknowledges an individual or organization that recognizes and promotes the pursuit of cultural expression within the tourism industry. This award was presented at the Provincial Luncheon by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

Presented to: Mark McCarthy, McCarthy’s Party

The Doug Wheeler Award – presented by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, the Doug Wheeler Award recognizes an individual who has made a long-term contribution to the tourism industry. This award was presented at the Provincial Luncheon by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

Presented to: His Worship, Jim Miller, Mayor of the Town of Trinity, NL

The Tourism Atlantic Technology Award – presented through partnership with the four Atlantic tourism industry associations, the purpose of this award is to highlight achievements by members of the Atlantic Canada tourism industry in the area of technology. This award was presented at the Tourism Professional Development Luncheon by Betty Rumbolt, ACOA

Presented to: George House Heritage B&B, Dildo, NL

The Sustainable Tourism Award – presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadian Heritage, and Parks Canada the Sustainable Tourism Award is presented to the industry operator who has made strides in sustainable tourism practices and continually works toward the protection of our natural and cultural resources. This award was presented at the Tourism Professional Development Luncheon by Ed Jager, Parks Canada.

Presented to: The Town of Bonavista, NL

The 2010 Lookout! Tourism Summit, happening in Gander from February 18th-20th, 2010, is largest annual gathering of tourism stakeholders in the Newfoundland and Labrador. The event hosted and organized by the provincial tourism industry association, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL), will see over 350 delegates and trade show exhibitors descend on Gander for the event.

For a complete schedule of events and more highlights, please go to the 2010 Lookout! Tourism Summit website at www.lookoutnl.ca.

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Media Contact:
Lynn Taylor, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
P: 709-722-2224, ext. 22 or 1-800-563-0700
C: 709-691-0444
E: ltaylor@hnl.ca

Backgrounder
H. Clayton Sparkes Accommodator of the Year Award - sponsored by the Sparkes Family.

Presented to: Quality Hotel Harbourview, St. John’s, NL

Quality Hotel Harbourview is a loyal ambassador of Newfoundland and Labrador tourism in their constant pursuit to provide visitors with exceptional services during their stay in downtown St. John’s. In 2009, the Choice Canada Franchise Advisory Board selected Quality Hotel Harbourview as 2009 Hotel of the Year at the worldwide convention in Washington DC. Their 160 rooms featuring wireless internet access, sheltered parking, complimentary daily newspapers and local calls, over-sized in-room workstations and meeting room facilities are just some of the reasons this hotel has constantly exceeded visitor expectations.

Corporate Partner of the Year Award - presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presented to: Islander RV Sales and Rental, Paddy’s Pond and Grand Falls-Windsor, NL

Islander RV Sales and Rental is a local privately owned and operated full service RV dealership that offers visitors alternative options for exploring the province. Through work with the Department of Tourism, HNL and the Destination Marketing Organizations, Islander RV can boast that 80% of rental customers are from outside the province. As the recipient of many excellence awards over the years, their recognition as Corporate Partner of the Year is a direct result of their willingness to work with industry partners to expand product offerings and create a tourism environment that is mutually beneficial for everyone involved.

Innovator of the Year Award - presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presented to: Seaside Suites, Woody Point, NL

Seaside Suites in Woody Point has transformed itself into ocean view suites located nearly on top of the ocean! The luxury accommodations provide not only the views nature has to offer but large decks, fishing poles and room service that completes the picture. By getting involved with the pre-planning of guest activities, staff at Seaside Suites are able to promote the heritage and culture this province has become known for. This quality product that Darlene and Ken Thomas have developed gives visitors a reason to stay just a little bit longer in Woody Point.

Tourism Champion Award - presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presented to: Yvonne Power

Yvonne has been involved in the tourism industry for over 10 years. As the former Executive Director of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, her dedication and understanding of the industry allowed HNL to grow during her term. For the past six years, she has held the executive director position with the Cruise Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. Again, Yvonne’s expertise allowed the organization to shine and the Cruise Association has become a thriving part of the tourism industry in this province. She continues to volunteer in various capacities and most recently has served on the NL Tourism Board with industry leaders that will help guide Uncommon Potential.

Tourism Business of the Year Award -presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presented to: Coopers’ Minipi Camps, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL

Coopers’ Minipi Camps not only strive for what the customer expects today, but what they will want tomorrow. After extensive renovations to improve accessibility for visitors, Coopers’ also expanded to include all facets of outdoor activity. Coopers’ are quick to acknowledge the impact natural resources have on their business and continued success and as such, Coopers is committed to resource management as a staple of their business. Dedicated to delivering quality services to guests, Coopers’ has committed to training programs for staff and treating everyone like family which has led to very little turnover. While the primary product for Coopers’ is sport fishing, initiatives are in place for an expansion into web-based merchandising with a longer-term goal of offering a 7 day a week, L.L. Bean type experience for anyone visiting the region.

The Cruise Vision Award - presented by the Cruise Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presented to: Andy Wells

Andy Wells has been instrumental in the development of the cruise industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. From sitting on planning committees to ensuring that Cruise Newfoundland and Labrador’s vision for the industry was able to come to fruition, Andy Wells has played a tremendous role in the industry’s success.

Restaurant Appreciation Award – presented by the Restaurant Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presented to: Atlantic Grocery Distributors

Atlantic Grocery Distributors has played a pivotal role in helping establish the Restaurant Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (RANL) under its new banner. They have done a tremendous amount of work with owners and operators to ensure they are equipped with what is required to build their businesses and they have done it all with exceptional customer service. As a large part of the industry for many years, Atlantic Grocery Distributors works side by side with RANL to ensure quality and consistency for the businesses they serve.

PRIDE Award - presented by the Bed and Breakfast Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presented to: French Island B&B, Flower’s Cove, NL owned by Maggie Chambers

French Island Bed and Breakfast has been a member of the B&B Association and HNL for 11 years and has always encouraged other business owners to get involved. Owner and operator, Maggie Chambers looks at her role in the industry from a wholelistic perspective promoting the areas attractions and getting involved in the development and improvement of these attractions. As a testament to the quality of her accommodations, many of her guests are return customers and many of her new guests are a result of referrals from those that have stayed with her before.

The Norman Parsons Memorial Award - presented by the Bed and Breakfast Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Presented to: Victorian Manor Heritage Properties, Woody Point, NL, owned by Jenny and Stan Parsons

Victorian Manor Heritage Properties has been in business for 25 years. As a project that started small, it has developed into an outstanding home away from home. Through Jenny and Stan’s continuous support of the community, they have developed longstanding relationships with community members that have helped their business thrive. Now, after 25 years in business, they are taking on another expansion project showing their dedication to the growth of their business.

The Cultural Tourism Award – presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Canadian Heritage.

Presented to: Mark McCarthy, McCarthy’s Party

Since 1982, McCarthy's Party has specialized in delivering tours of Newfoundland and Labrador. Committed to providing customers with authentic experiences, McCarthy’s Party offers total immersion into everything the province has to offer. Visiting people in their homes, chatting with fishermen, enjoying teas and lunches with community groups, whale watching and iceberg viewing McCarthy’s Party offers travellers the many pieces of why this province is special.

The Doug Wheeler Award – presented by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, the Doug Wheeler Award recognizes an individual who has made a long-term contribution to the tourism industry.

Presented to: His Worship, Mr. Jim Miller, Mayor of the Town of Trinity, NL

His Worship, Mr. Jim Miller is Mayor of the Town of Trinity and has been a visionary in the development and promotion of tourism in the town. As the driving force behind the recently renovated Skerwink Trail, Mr. Miller has also played a pivotal role in uniting leaders within the town to ensure a collaborative approach is taken to the town’s tourism growth. His leadership has lead to the Town of Trinity positioning itself as a true tourism destination that is equipped to offer visitors quality tourism products and services that will allow Trinity’s sustainability for years to come.

The Tourism Atlantic Technology Award – presented through partnership with the four Atlantic tourism industry associations.

Presented to: George House Heritage B&B, Dildo, NL

George House B&B has taken the business of technology very seriously over the last number of years. After completing several technology mentoring sessions and packaging workshops, owners and operators, Dale Cameron and Todd Warren re-designed the George House website. Now featuring captivating images, information about packages and an online reservation system, George House B&B has the capability of conducting business 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Sustainable Tourism Award – presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadian Heritage, and Parks Canada.

Presented to: The Town of Bonavista, NL

The historic Town of Bonavista is a Newfoundland and Labrador tourism treasure. As a landing site of John Cabot, the community has embraced its history and from it, created a tourism attraction. With festivals, attractions and events that give travellers many reasons to stay, the town’s website is steeped in tourism. Centering on items that would assist a traveller get directions, find out where to stay, the history of the community and the town attractions, the Town of Bonavista has positioned themselves as a leader for all communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.