Indigenous Tourism Awards Gala

This award will recognize a Provincial or Territorial Association that has demonstrated excellence in all aspects of ITAC’s 4 Pillars Leadership, Partnership, Development & Marketing to build a resilient Indigenous tourism industry. Celebrating the spirit of partnership, this provincial or territorial leader will demonstrate their connection to Indigenous and non-Indigenous industry through commitment and collaboration with local, provincial/territorial, national and/or international partners.

This award will recognize a business or organization leading the way in Canadian Indigenous tourism. By demonstrating excellence in all aspects of its business, such as marketing campaigns, Trip Advisor reviews, revenues generated, low staff turnover and repeat customers. This includes businesses who applied for the Original Original Accreditation Program and received a high score across the board in being an authentic Indigenous business, providing an outstanding and authentic Indigenous experience not to be missed on a travelers next Canadian itinerary.

This award will recognize a business that is not only committed to fostering a sustainable future for their business and community but has made significant and measurable impacts on one or all of the following areas: Social sustainability, cultural sustainability, and environmental sustainability.

This award will recognize an empowered and strong Indigenous female entrepreneur within the tourism industry and across Canada, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting other women in her industry, embodying leadership within her business and/or community.

This award is open to all, and will be given to the company that was best able to pivot and adapt to the new environment COVID-19 brought with it or to a new business that opened since 2020 and has been able to demonstrate success during uncertain times in the tourism industry. This award will be given to a business that has demonstrated resiliency, innovative re-opening or marketing tactics, business innovation or staff retention tactics to make the business successful.

This award will recognize a community-based business thriving in tourism business development at an inspirational rate. The business will demonstrate proper protocol was followed, from community consultation to community buy-in.

This award will recognize a youth ambassador or Elder for their extraordinary dedication and exceptional performance while bringing passion for their culture and history and commitment to achieving excellence for the business.

This award will recognize the exceptional delivery of cultural knowledge and guest experiences at Indigenous Cultural Centres, Museums, Galleries, Retail Stores, Food Establishments, Entertainments Centres and Spa/Retreats, Outdoor Adventure, Wildlife Viewing, Outdoor Guided Tours.

Although COVID-19 brought many challenges, ITAC recognizes that new operators and new businesses may still be developing their experiences. This award will recognize a phoenix rising through the ashes during one the most difficult times in recent history. A new business or experience opening between 2020 – 2022.