Each year, the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence celebrate the best in our province’s vibrant tourism sector; from inspiring individuals and visionary organizations to unforgettable experiences and standout campaigns.
Ontario’s tourism sector is powered by people, passion, partnerships, and bold new ideas. Now it’s time to shine a spotlight on the best of the best!
This is your opportunity to recognize outstanding contributions to our industry. Whether it’s a campaign that moved the needle, a festival that transformed a community, or a leader who’s given decades to tourism — this is the moment to honour that impact.
⏳ Nominations close July 15! Don’t miss your chance to apply or nominate someone who deserves the spotlight.
Not sure where your work fits? Let’s walk through each award category.
🏆 Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence
These awards celebrate excellence across the core of our sector — recognizing long-term commitment, leadership, innovation, and operational excellence.
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Lifetime Achievement Award
Honours individuals who’ve made significant, long-lasting contributions to tourism in Ontario. Their legacy has shaped the sector in meaningful ways. -
Tourism Champion of the Year
For individuals who live and breathe tourism! Whether through business, advocacy, or community involvement. Their dedication inspires others. -
Tourism Event of the Year
Awarded to a festival or event that exemplifies best practices from community to marketing to visitor experience. -
Tourism Employer of the Year
Celebrates organizations that are setting the standard for workplace culture, leadership, and employee satisfaction in the tourism and hospitality space. -
Sustainable Tourism Award
Recognizes those who are embedding sustainability into tourism through business practices, education, and community engagement. -
Accessible Tourism Award
Honours businesses or organizations that prioritize inclusive experiences, accessible design, and customer service in line with Ontario Accessibility Standards. -
Indigenous Tourism Award
Recognizes organizations and experiences that have demonstrated a strong commitment to sharing authentic Indigenous culture with visitors to Ontario. -
Tourism Innovator of the Year
For new ideas that impact the industry, whether it’s a product, service or solution. Innovation that drives real impact at the local, regional or provincial level.
📣 Tourism Marketing & Travel Media Awards of Excellence
Creative work that captures attention, tells a compelling story, and inspires travel deserves to be celebrated.
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Tourism Digital Marketing Award
Recognizes standout digital campaigns from social to email to influencer partnerships that promote Ontario destinations, products, or experiences. -
Tourism Marketing Partnership Award
Celebrates collaborations between two or more stakeholders that resulted in a successful marketing initiative. All partners must have contributed in-kind or financially. -
Tourism Marketing Campaign Awards (Over $50K)
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Tourism Marketing Campaign Awards (Under $50K)
These awards distinguish campaigns based on budget size, but both recognize creativity, effectiveness, and results. Campaigns must include one or more tactics like media buying, print, social, PR, or TV. -
Travel Media Story Award
For published travel stories (print, online, TV, blog, etc.) that beautifully highlight Ontario as a destination. -
Travel Media Photography Award
Honours captivating visual storytelling that inspires travel to Ontario and appeared in a provincial, national, or international outlet.
🥘 Culinary and Agritourism Award of Excellence
Presented by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, this award celebrates experiences that connect people to place through local food, drink, and culture. If your business or program champions Ontario’s foodways — this is your category.
💼 OTEC Workforce Innovation & Collaboration Award
Presented by OTEC, this award shines a light on creative workforce solutions born through local collaboration. If your organization brought partners together to solve staffing challenges, boost retention, or innovate in training, this is your category.
🎓 Doug Smith Award
This award supports the next generation of tourism leadership. It’s open to post-secondary students pursuing hospitality, tourism, culinary, or business — and who aspire to work in finance. Named in honour of Doug Smith, former CFO at Nieuport Aviation.
🎇 Ontario’s Choice Awards
Unlike the other categories, these awards are voted on by visitors. Ontario attractions will be featured in a public vote across eight categories, and the top three finalists are eligible for Attraction of the Year.
What’s New for 2025?
To better reflect collaboration and transparency in the application process, we’ve introduced two important updates:
📄 Letter of Support Requirement
If you name a partner or contributor in your application, they must submit a letter of support.
📹 Video Submission Requirement
Each application must include a short video walking the judging panel through your nomination. A simple, phone-filmed video is all you need — no need for high production.
How to Apply
Deadline: July 15, 2025
📍 All details, criteria, and submission guidelines: tiaontario.ca/otae25
Help us recognize the people and projects that are pushing tourism forward — and share your story with the province.