Edmonton prides itself on being a hub for tourism, and it is easy to see why. The city boasts a vibrant culture, diverse communities, and a wide range of attractions that draw visitors from around the world. Recognizing the hard work and dedication of the people who contribute to Edmonton’s tourism industry, the Edmonton Tourism Awards celebrate outstanding achievements across various categories.
Two of the most exciting categories at this year’s awards are the Sports Event of the Year Award and the Hotelier Lifetime Achievement Award. These categories highlight the contributions of both the sports and hospitality industries to Edmonton’s thriving tourism industry, honouring those who have excelled in their fields and made a significant impact on the city.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the finalists for these categories and explore what sets them apart from the rest. Whether you are a resident of Edmonton or a visitor to the city, you will be impressed by the talent and innovation on display in these finalists. So without further ado, let’s dive in and see what makes these nominees stand out in their respective categories.
Sports Event of the Year Finalists
The Sports Event of the Year Award recognizes outstanding sports events that have made significant contributions to the city’s tourism industry. The finalists for this category are:
- OEG Sports & Entertainment NBA Canada Series – Toronto Raptors vs Utah Jazz: This event brought two of the NBA’s best teams to Edmonton, attracting thousands of basketball fans to the city.
- Summer of Dodgeball, Dodgeball Canada: The Summer of Dodgeball was a series of tournaments and events hosted by Dodgeball Canada, featuring some of the best players from across the country.
- The Style Experience FIS Big Air World Cup: This event brought the world’s best snowboarders and throngs of snowboarding enthusiasts to Edmonton for a thrilling competition that showcased the city’s love for extreme winter sports.
Each Sports Event of the Year Award finalist was nominated for their unique contribution to the city’s sports tourism industry. The OEG Sports & Entertainment NBA Canada Series – Toronto Raptors vs Utah Jazz brought the excitement of professional basketball to Edmonton, showcasing Rogers Place as a top-tier venue for sporting events. The Summer of Dodgeball, hosted by Dodgeball Canada, brought teams from across the country to compete in a series of tournaments, raising the profile of the city’s facilities and amenities for amateur sports. And finally, The Style Experience FIS Big Air World Cup showcased Edmonton’s river valley and the city’s beautiful downtown skyline as a backdrop for this world-class skiing and snowboarding event, attracting top athletes from around the globe.
These events not only showcase Edmonton as a destination for sports enthusiasts but also help to stimulate the local economy by bringing in visitors from outside the city. They also contribute to developing and improving sports facilities and infrastructure in the city, creating a legacy that will benefit the community for years to come.
Hotelier Lifetime Achievement Award Finalists
The Hotelier Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the city’s hospitality industry throughout their careers. The finalists for this category are:
- Tina Tobin: With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Tina Tobin has held various roles at several hotels in Edmonton. She is known for her exceptional leadership and dedication to providing guests with unforgettable experiences.
- Grant McCurdy: Grant McCurdy has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, working in various roles at hotels across Canada. He is known for his commitment to providing exceptional service to guests and for his dedication to training and mentoring the next generation of hoteliers.
The Hotelier Lifetime Achievement Award finalists have made a significant impact on Edmonton’s hospitality industry, which is a crucial component of the city’s tourism sector. The hospitality industry plays a vital role in providing visitors with comfortable and enjoyable experiences during their stay in the city. Excellent hospitality can turn a good trip into a great one, and this positive experience can influence visitors to return to Edmonton in the future and recommend it to others.
The finalists for the Hotelier Lifetime Achievement Award have contributed to the growth and success of the industry in Edmonton by providing exceptional service, training and mentoring the next generation of hoteliers, and ensuring that visitors have memorable experiences. Their efforts have helped establish Edmonton as a destination for travellers seeking high-quality hospitality services. By recognizing their contributions, we can appreciate the hospitality industry’s impact on Edmonton’s tourism sector and the overall economy.
The Edmonton Tourism Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of those who make Edmonton’s tourism industry possible. The finalists in the Sports Event of the Year and Hotelier Lifetime Achievement Award categories have made significant contributions to the industry, and their inclusion as finalists is a testament to their talent, innovation, and dedication.
We encourage our readers to stay tuned for the announcement of the winners at the Edmonton Tourism Awards ceremony on June 2nd. We also encourage everyone to engage with the Edmonton tourism industry by visiting any of the finalists or other attractions in the city. If you’d like to attend the Edmonton Tourism Awards ceremony, we’d love to have you there to support these amazing local businesses! So don’t forget to grab your tickets to the Edmonton Tourism Awards before they sell out!
If you are looking for a fun and exciting way to spend your time in Edmonton, visit any of the finalists or other attractions in the city, and be sure to book your stay through Edmonton’s Best Hotels to take advantage of our 1, 2, 3 Reward Deal, where you can get up to $225 in rewards just for staying at one of our member hotels. Whether you are interested in history, nature, food, or shopping, Edmonton has something for everyone. We hope to see you soon!
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