The 2023 Annual Tribute to Tourism Awards Gala was held last week Thursday at the Souris Glenwood Memorial Complex, recognizing the efforts and accomplishments of 27 nominees who encourage tourism to their communities!

"This special evening recognized and celebrated the exceptional individuals, businesses, organizations and communities within the Westman region that have made significant contributions to tourism development and promotion over the past few years," shares Regional Tourism Coordinator, Michelle Frechette.

"The response was amazing," shares Frechette.  "We had 175 people registered for the Gala, that was one of our best ever yet!"

"We are showcasing all the amazing people in the tourism industry in southwest Manitoba, so this [gala] is a way to give a big thank you to everyone who does an amazing job every year!"

Receiving 27 nominees in this year's Tribute to Tourism was one of the highest number of nominees in the 17 years the awards gala has been applauding Westman residents (not including the 3-year hiatus during Covid). "We take inventory every year of our awards gala to see if we need to make changes, but we're pretty happing with the way it's running."

Frechette notes tourism in the Westman region is looking strong for 2023.  "We're continuing with the outdoor activities that we weren't able to do during the pandemic and so I think we can expect to see a super busy summer for everyone!"

This year's Tribute to Tourism Award winners:

Marketing Excellence – Awarded to Brandon Tourism for Online Marketing Overhaul (sponsored by Travel Manitoba)
This tribute recognizes a business, organization, event, or attraction that has developed an effective marketing campaign that increases tourism to Southwest Manitoba.
Service Excellence – Awarded to The Souris Hotel (Sponsored by Pinnacle Event Rentals)
This tribute is presented to a business or organization for the delivery of exemplary service and enhancement of visitor experiences as demonstrated through a high degree of visitor satisfaction.
Volunteer of the Year – Awarded to Tom Instance, Minnedosa (sponsored by Plaza Petals)
This tribute is presented to a volunteer (a person who has not received payment) who has demonstrated an outstanding effort in a tourism activity.
Aspiring Youth – Awarded to Cassandra Cardy & Zac Easton (Sponsored by Community Futures Westman)
This tribute is presented to an individual under the age of 29 years in their capacity as a volunteer, employee, or entrepreneur.
Partnership – Awarded to Section 6 Brewing Co., The Dock on Princess & Kickin' Ax (sponsored by The Municipality of Souris-Glenwood)
This tribute is presented to an alliance of local businesses and/or organizations and/or communities that have partnered together to promote tourism for a particular area.
Indigenous Tourism – Awarded to Dakota Nation Winterfest, Sioux Valley (sponsored by The Dairy Bar)
This tribute award is presented to an Indigenous product, service or experience that demonstrates cultural authenticity and sensitivity to the ecological, cultural and economic integrity of the community.
Resilience & Innovation – Awarded to La Bella Terra, Minnedosa (sponsored by The Municipality of Souris-Glenwood)
This tribute award is presented to business that has demonstrated innovation, resilience and adaptation, along with support for their local community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event of the Year (budget over 5k) – Awarded to Manitoba Ag Days Brandon (sponsored by Leech Printing)
The Event of the Year Tribute (budget over 5k) recognizes a hallmark festival or event that creates substantial economic impact within the local community, attracts visitors from outside the region/province/country and generates regional/national media attention and positively promotes Southwest Manitoba.
Event of the Year (budget under 5k) – Awarded to Mid-West Show N' Shine, Hamiota (sponsored by Woodfire Deli)
The Event of the Year Tribute (budget under 5k) recognizes a hallmark festival or event that creates substantial economic impact within the local community, attracts visitors from outside the region, province or country and generates regional or national media attention and positively promotes Southwest Manitoba.
Outstanding Contribution by an Individual – Awarded to Ride Like Ole, Minnedosa (sponsored by Tourism Westman)
The Outstanding Contribution by an Individual Award is presented to an individual or individuals that have created or contributed towards a tourism attraction, entirely of their own personal volition and without renumeration, that not only attracts a large amount of visitors to the Southwest Manitoba Region but has made a significant financial impact that benefits a charitable cause or organization by means of donation.

Additional nominees were:

Marketing Excellence – The Minnedosa Skating Club, Trails of Toba (Brandon)

Service Excellence– Sun Sun Chinese Restaurant (Minnedosa), Summer Shack Drive Inn Restaurant (Carberry)

Volunteer of the Year – Tony Mullie (Minnedosa), Jamie Smart (Carberry)

Aspiring Youth – Sydney Murray (Hamiota), Taylor Wegener (Elkhorn), Britteny Breemersch (Brandon)

Partnership – Carberry Homecoming Committee & Carberry Chamber of Commerce, The Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce: Christmas in the Valley

Indigenous Tourism – National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations (Brandon)

Resilience & Innovation – enjoy Salon & Spa (Minnedosa)

Event of the Year (budget over 5k) – Carberry Agricultural Fair & Races, Souris Survivor Curling Bonspiel, Killarney Community Events Committee: Hunter Brothers Concert

Event of the Year (budget under 5k) – Race the North Face (Brandon)

 

Please visit the Tourism Westman website for the full details on each of the award winners and their award-winning events by clicking HERE!

(Photo credit: Tourism Westman)