congratulations
to the 2020 Northern Ontario Industry Leader Award Winners
COVID-19 Response & Recovery
This award recognizes a business, organization or individual that has moved through the crisis demonstrating leadership, found ways to adapt, and thoughtfully implementing creative strategies to limit these impacts and set the stage for a vibrant recovery.
Nature & Outdoor Tourism Ontario Expand Watch the acceptance video here. Tourism Industry Association of Ontario Expand Watch the acceptance video here. More information? Click here.
Marketing & Communications
This award is presented to a business, organization or individual who contributes to Ontario’s tourism industry through impacting partnerships, marketing activities, communications and media relations. Marten River Lodge Expand Donna and I are truly thankful for this award and know that we are in the company of many who are equally deserving of recognition for their work, not only in support of their own businesses but in the broader support of tourism throughout the north. This past year has been challenging for all of us. No-one could have predicted the arrival of this viral pandemic that has changed the way we live and work in unprecedented ways. Its impact on tourism has forced us all to alter our operations, our services and how we go to market. With 2020 soon behind us, we pray for a better, safer, more sustainable and profitable year ahead for everyone. Donna and I have the confidence in knowing we are part of a collective and through our combined perseverance, diligence and hope we can and will prevail. We would be remiss if we did not extend our gratitude to Ontario travellers without whom this award would carry little meaning. We thank DNO and all RTOs and encourage everyone to keep the faith as we struggle through these set-backs together and look towards the future with optimism and hope. Congratulations to all award winners. Thank you. Be well and stay safe. – Ray and Donna Sapiano
Product Development
This award recognizes an organization, individual or business that has implemented an innovative new product or enhancement to a product that has contributed to the success of the business, and has positively impacted the tourism industry in Ontario.
Sail Superior Expand Please accept my sincere thank you for the recognition as an ‘Industry Leader In Product Development’ and let me express how much of an honour it is to be acknowledged by my peers in the tourism industry. I saw an opportunity with the catamaran to reinvigorate and grow Thunder Bay’s Waterfront but it wasn’t without the unwavering support and strength of the community that this vision has become a reality. Many industry pillars deserve to raise up and receive recognition with me as well. I would like to thank ‘Destination Northern Ontario”, the ‘Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation’, ‘Tourism Thunder Bay’, the ‘City of Thunder Bay’, as well as all the regional partners that stood beside us along the way. To the staff of Sail Superior who continue to enthusiastically carry this company, my family and the steadfast belief and support from the citizens of Thunder Bay; none of this would be possible without you. Showing up for adventure after adventure despite trying global circumstances has renewed the sense of community and comradery that underlies tourism here in Thunder Bay. I’m honoured to live in a region with so much to offer and endless opportunities to explore. It’s not so daunting to be a dreamer and innovator when you have this much support and belief from your community. Thank you to all who welcomed the S.V. Welcome to Thunder Bay waters, and thank you for your passion in sharing this amazing region. – Capt. Gregory Heroux
Tourism Innovator of the year
This award recognizes a business, organization or individual that created a new innovative product, policy or service to promote and enhance tourism in their local community, region or the province of Ontario.
Canadian Polar Bear Habitat Expand Back