Edmonton is a vibrant and exciting city, with a thriving tourism industry that offers visitors a diverse range of experiences. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, Edmonton’s tourism businesses and initiatives have a lot to offer. The Edmonton Tourism Awards have been created to celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievements of these businesses and initiatives. In this blog, we will introduce you to the finalists in the Great Place to Work, Best in Class Customer Service, and Tourism Business of the Year Award categories, and highlight their initiatives that demonstrate excellence and innovation in Edmonton’s tourism industry.
Great Place to Work Award
The Great Place to Work Tourism Award recognizes tourism businesses that prioritize employee satisfaction, work-life balance, and professional development. The finalists of this award are:
- Edmonton International Airport (YEG), for its commitment to employee well-being and professional development opportunities that promote a positive workplace culture.
- Campus Tower Suite Hotel, for its dedication to creating a supportive work environment and providing employees with flexible work arrangements that prioritize work-life balance.
- 53 North Collection, for its commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusivity.
These finalists demonstrate that creating a positive work environment is not only beneficial to employees but also to the success and growth of a tourism business. By prioritizing employee satisfaction and well-being, these businesses have created a workplace culture that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Ultimately, their initiatives have the potential to attract and retain top talent, contribute to the development of a more sustainable and innovative tourism industry, and improve the overall visitor experience.
Tourism Business of the Year Award
The Tourism Business of the Year Awards have been split into two subcategories: Small Businesses and Large Businesses. This award recognizes tourism businesses that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the areas of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. The finalists of the Tourism Business of the Year award are:
Small Business
- Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, for its commitment to supporting local agriculture, providing visitors with an authentic Edmonton experience and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
- Edmonton International Raceway, for its dedication to providing visitors with a unique and exciting motorsport experience, as well as its support of local charities and community events.
- Live it Up Lifestyle Adventures, for its innovative and sustainable outdoor adventure tours that prioritize conservation and environmental education.
Large Business
- Edmonton International Airport (YEG), for its commitment to providing visitors with a seamless and stress-free travel experience, as well as its support of local charities and community events.
- Fort Edmonton Management Company, Fort Edmonton Park, for its immersive historical exhibits and programming that showcase Edmonton’s cultural heritage and engage visitors in the city’s rich history.
- West Edmonton Mall, for its diverse range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options that attract visitors from around the world and contribute to the city’s economic growth.
These finalists demonstrate that tourism businesses of all sizes can have a positive impact on Edmonton’s tourism industry and community. Through their initiatives, these businesses have not only provided visitors with unique and memorable experiences but also contributed to the development of sustainable, innovative, and community-oriented tourism practices. Their initiatives have the potential to inspire and influence other tourism businesses to adopt similar practices, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of Edmonton’s tourism industry.
Best in Class Customer Service Award
The Best In Class Customer Service Award recognizes tourism businesses that prioritize customer satisfaction and provide exceptional customer service. The finalists of this award are:
- Winspear Centre for Music/Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, for its commitment to providing visitors with a world-class concert experience and exceptional customer service that reflects Edmonton’s hospitality and warmth.
- West Edmonton Mall, for its dedication to providing visitors with a memorable and seamless shopping, entertainment, and hospitality experience that exceeds customer expectations.
These finalists demonstrate the importance of customer service in the tourism industry, not just as a means to ensure customer satisfaction but also as a way to create memorable experiences and build customer loyalty. By prioritizing customer service, these businesses have established themselves as leaders in the industry, and their initiatives have the potential to influence other tourism businesses to adopt customer-centric practices.
The Edmonton Tourism Awards finalists demonstrate the diversity and vibrancy of Edmonton’s tourism industry, as well as its commitment to sustainable, responsible, and community-oriented tourism practices. The awards celebrate the achievements of tourism businesses that have not only contributed to the economic growth of the region but also prioritized the well-being of the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage.
The winners of each category will be announced at the Edmonton Tourism Awards ceremony on June 2nd, 2023, at Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton South Conference Centre. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and contributions to the growth and development of Edmonton’s tourism industry. We’d love for you to attend the awards ceremony and see what amazing businesses our beautiful city has to offer. Grab your tickets before they’re gone! If you’re coming into town for the ceremony, be sure to book your stay through Edmonton’s Best Hotels to take advantage of our 1, 2, 3 Rewards Deal, where you can get up to $225 in rewards, including prepaid Mastercards, Ultimate Dining cards, and gas cards.
Know someone who’s interested in local tourism initiatives? Share this post with them!
