Tourism Champions of the Year

Trevor Norris
Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board

Trevor Norris has redefined what it means to be a tourism leader in Ontario. Over the past decade, he has transformed the Bay of Quinte into a nationally recognized hub for regenerative tourism, sports tourism, and experiential travel. His work has led to the launch of over a dozen community-rooted experiences, the region’s GreenStep Sustainable Destination Certification, and a climate action plan in development through the Travel Foundation’s “Destination Climate Champions” program.

In 2024, Trevor helped generate over $1.3 million in economic impact through major sporting events like the Canada Soccer U-15 National Championships, World Junior Hockey pre-tournament camps, and record-breaking golf travel bookings through the Golf in Ontario program. He also spearheaded the “Get Free Gas!” shoulder season initiative, incentivizing overnight stays with EV and fuel rebates that boosted local business revenues.

“Trevor has proven to be a credible salesman for our rural way of life because he’s fully bought into it,” said MPP Tyler Allsopp, Bay of Quinte. “He has not only brought national events and investment to our region, but he also coached local operators to develop regenerative experiences that leave our communities better off. His passion, innovation, and commitment to sustainability make him an outstanding Tourism Champion.”

Trevor’s leadership has elevated the professional profile of Ontario’s tourism industry, especially in rural regions. His work was featured by Destination Canada as a national case study in regenerative tourism, and he continues to mentor other destinations across Canada in sustainable experience development.

Brad Kozak
Golf in Ontario

Brad Kozak has transformed Ontario’s golf sector into a dynamic, bookable, and export-ready tourism product. Since launching Golf in Ontario in 2015, Brad has built a province-wide program that connects nine tourism regions, over 50 golf courses, and more than 25 accommodation partners. His leadership has driven measurable economic impact, with the program generating over $1.39 million in revenue in 2024 alone.

From developing multi-day golf packages and implementing a real-time quoting system, to forging national brand partnerships and diversifying Ontario’s golf audience, Brad has redefined what golf travel can mean for the province.

“Brad Kozak is not just a champion, he’s a catalyst,” said Chuck Thibeault, Executive Director of Central Counties Tourism. “Because of Brad and the Golf in Ontario program, golf has become the reason thousands of visitors explore our regions each year. His ability to build and sustain partnerships where others have struggled is what makes him a true Tourism Champion.”

Golf in Ontario has become a model of innovation and collaboration, inspiring regional growth and elevating Ontario’s reputation as a premier golf destination. Brad’s work continues to support tourism operators, drive group travel bookings, and open new markets for the province.

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner 
Presented by Air Canada

John Wright 
Kingston Destination Group

John Wright’s career spans over four decades of transformative contributions to Ontario’s visitor economy. From his early days in Kingston radio to his pioneering work in destination development, John has consistently elevated the region’s tourism profile through innovation, collaboration, and storytelling. After relocating from Montreal to Kingston at age 21, John quickly recognized the city’s potential as a tourism hub. His leadership in radio, culminating in ownership of Kingston’s top-rated stations, refined his signature strengths: entertainment, community connection, and cross-sector partnership.

John’s defining achievement came with the acquisition and development of Kingston’s 1000 Islands Cruises and Kingston Trolley Tours, which he and his wife  Kim Wright grew into two of the city’s most iconic tourism brands. Their vision and dedication helped shape Kingston’s waterfront, extend the tourism season, and create unforgettable visitor experiences.