The eyes of the nation are once again on Alberta as the province’s tourism sector garners recognition for its industry-leading innovation and dedication to excellence. Several Albertans and Albertan businesses were nominated and won Canadian Tourism Awards for outstanding success, innovation and leadership in Canada’s tourism industry.

The accolades highlight Alberta as a top-tier tourism destination and recognize the outstanding Albertans that elevate the province's reputation nationally and internationally. As an advocate for Canada’s tourism sector, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada presents the Canadian Tourism Awards annually.

“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of Alberta’s tourism operators, whose passion and innovation continue to set new standards of excellence. The individuals and businesses nominated reflect the rich variety of experiences that make Alberta unique. Their dedication and innovation are at the heart of our thriving tourism sector, and their recognition on the national stage reflects the world-class experiences Alberta offers visitors each day.”

Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport

The following Alberta-based organizations and individuals received Canadian Tourism Awards:

  • Business of the Year Award: CanaDream RV, Rocky View County
  • Business Event of the Year Award: National Gathering of Elders, Edmonton
  • Culinary Tourism Experience Award: Bar OA Farms, Strathcona County
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Cindy Ady, former CEO of Tourism Calgary and former Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation
  • Under-30 Tourism Trailblazer Award: Sierra Murray, Leduc County

Notably, former Tourism Calgary CEO and former Alberta Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Cindy Ady received a lifetime achievement award for her commitment to Alberta’s tourism sector. As CEO of Tourism Calgary, Cindy positioned Calgary as a year-round, globally competitive destination, and as Alberta’s Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Cindy sponsored the Travel Alberta Act, establishing Travel Alberta as a provincial agency in 2009.

“Alberta’s tourism community is remarkable, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to its success. I am truly humbled to have received this Lifetime Achievement Award, but it’s not just about me – it’s a testament to the hard work and vision of an entire community, one that has come together to position this province as a leader in the global tourism landscape.”

Cindy Ady, former CEO of Tourism Calgary and former Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation

In addition, Travel Alberta received recognition for its film Sky Painter, which won gold in Brand Building at the 2024 Canadian Marketing Awards and second place in the Tourism Products category at the World Tourism Film Awards. The Travel Alberta film To be Albertan won first place in the Region Promotion category at the World Tourism Film Awards. 

In the past year, Alberta has received global recognition with a nomination for the Most Desirable Region (Rest of the World) category in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024, and Skift IDEA awards in industry innovation and travel technology. In addition, Travel Alberta films won awards at the Japan’s World Tourism Festival and in the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards.

These achievements build on Alberta’s rich tradition of tourism excellence and highlight the significant contributions of the industry to the province's economy. Alberta’s government remains committed to supporting its tourism operators as they continue to shape the future of Canadian tourism.

Quick facts

  • The following Alberta organizations, events and individuals received nominations for the Canadian Tourism Awards:
    • Culinary Tourism Experience Award: Bar OA Farms, Strathcona County
    • Indigenous Tourism Award: Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions Ltd, Spruce Grove
    • Indigenous Tourism Award: Métis Crossing, Smoky Lake
    • Innovator of the Year Award: Rural Rivers, Sturgeon County
    • Tourism Employer of the Year Award: Indigenous Box, Leduc County

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