The Northern Ontario Industry Leader Awards recognize excellence in the province's tourism industry. Recipients provide outstanding leadership, exemplify best business practices, innovative marketing and deliver tourism experiences that contribute to the success of Ontario's tourism industry, which generates over $36 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 400,000 jobs.
Award Categories
Introducing a NEW set of awards for 2025!
INDUSTRY LEADER
INNOVATION EXCELLENCE
This award recognizes an individual, business, or organization that has introduced a creative and forward-thinking idea, product, service, or technology that enhances the tourism experience in Northern Ontario. This award celebrates innovation that solves a problem, meets a new demand, or sets a new standard within the industry, demonstrating measurable impact and long-term potential for growth and replication.
INDUSTRY LEADER
BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES
This award recognizes a tourism leader or organization that exemplifies operational excellence in Northern Ontario’s tourism sector. It celebrates strong performance through strategic planning, sound financial management, exceptional customer service, and meaningful community engagement. The recipient fosters an inclusive workplace culture and sets a high benchmark for professionalism and long-term success. Excellence may be demonstrated in areas such as sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), accessibility, or other innovative practices that contribute to a resilient and forward-thinking tourism industry.
2024 Award Winners
Congratulations to our 2024 Northern Ontario Tourism Industry Leaders award winners!
MARKETING
Tourism North Bay
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Kenny Johnston
TOURISM INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates
INVESTMENT ATTRACTION
Paul Pepe
Find out more!
If you have any questions about nominations or have any difficulties submitting your nomination, please email us.