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2009 Tourism Excellence Award Winners Announced

February 8th, 2009 – As the finale to their highly successful 2009 Lookout! Tourism Summit at the Pepsi Center in Corner Brook from February 5th-7th, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL) presented the 2009 Tourism Excellence Awards on Saturday night. Tourism Excellence Awards honour leaders in the industry who are helping advance the tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The following is a list of awards and award recipients. Background information for each of the awards follows the recipient list.

The Accommodator of the Year Award - sponsored by the Sparkes Family in recognition of the contribution their father, Clayton H. Sparkes recognizes an individual or company in the accommodations sector within the province who exhibits a dedication to quality service, a commitment to the tourism industry and makes a solid contribution to the communities in which they live.
Presented to: Neddies Harbour Inn, Norris Point.

The Corporate Partner of the Year Award - presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador to a tourism industry partner that has been successful in developing creative and effective alliances within the tourism industry that improve HNL's ability to meet its mission. Presented to: The Organic Farm, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.

The Innovator of the Year Award - presented by HNL to acknowledge operators who demonstrate ingenuity and creativity in their business activities. Recipients of this award have a positive impact on the tourism industry by creating something new or putting a new spin on a product or service.
Presented to: Cape Race Cultural Adventures

The Tourism Business of the Year Award -presented by HNL to recognize businesses that have built a reputation for excelling and continuously improving upon all areas of operations – customer service, human resources and business results. Recipients of this award not only excel in their business operations, but acknowledge and embrace their role in improving the tourism industry of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Presented to: Mayflower Adventures, Roddickton.

The Cruise Vision Award - presented by the Cruise Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to an individual, group or business that has demonstrated a commitment to the provincial cruise industry and has contributed significantly to the growth of the cruise industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

PRIDE Award - presented by the Bed and Breakfast/Country Inns Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to the individual or business that has been instrumental in raising the profile of the Bed & Breakfast/Country Inns industry.
Presented to: Inn By The Bay, Dildo.

The Norman Parsons Memorial Award - presented by the Bed and Breakfast/Country Inns Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to the individual or business that has excelled in both hospitality and longevity in the industry and is recognized for displaying such attributes as warmth, hospitality, personality, outstanding service, quality and dedication.
Presented to: Rita Hagan of Hagan’s Hospitality Home, Aquaforte

BACKGROUNDER

Accommodator of the Year Award
The Accommodator of the Year Award is sponsored by the Sparkes Family in recognition of the contribution their father, Clayton H. Sparkes. The award recognizes an individual or company in the accommodations sector within the province who exhibits a dedication to quality service, a commitment to the tourism industry and makes a solid contribution to the communities in which they live. Sponsored by the Sparkes Family, the award was presented by Bruce Sparkes to this year’s recipient, Neddies Harbour Inn.

Neddies Harbour Inn is a small boutique hotel, located on the waterfront of Bonne Bay in Norris Point, Newfoundland, in the heart of Gros Morne National Park. The four star inn contains 15 spacious king or queen-sized rooms, meeting facilities, an exercise room, an infra red sauna and hot tub as well as an on-site restaurant. Owner, Ms. Annette Parsons has taken great care to create a first class hotel and cabin experience that harmonize Newfoundland's unique culture and heritage within the awe-inspiring surroundings of Gros Morne National Park. Neddies Harbour Inn is committed to the environment and embrace sustainability practices whenever possible. Emphasis is placed on environmentally friendly energy systems and the use of authentic local craftsmanship, products, and healthy materials.

Corporate Partner of the Year Award
The Corporate Partner of the Year Award is presented to a tourism industry partner that has been successful in developing creative and effective alliances within the tourism industry that improve HNL's ability to meet its mission. The recipient of this year’s Corporate Partner of the Year Award is The Organic Farm.

The Portugal Cove business has a company mission rooted deep in sustainability and value. Providing quality vegetables and organic products to restaurants all over Newfoundland and Labrador, this company strives to be a sustainable operation providing employment, education on food security, and chemical free food for children, families and people who are using organic food and juices as part of an illness recovery plan. Bruce Sparkes, Chair of HNL presented the award to Jill Curran who accepted on behalf of owners and operators of The Organic Farm, Mike and Melba Rabinowitz, who were unable to attend the event.

Innovator of the Year Award
The Innovator of the Year Award was created by HNL to acknowledge operators who demonstrate ingenuity and creativity in their business activities. Recipients of this award have a positive impact on the tourism industry by creating something new or putting a new spin on a product or service. The winner of this year’s Innovator of the Year Award is Cape Race Cultural Adventures.

Cape Race Cultural Adventures has been truly innovative in their approach of skilfully developing a unique Newfoundland and Labrador experience. Providing meticulous attention to quality, service, authenticity and the delivery of an integrated learning experience through partnerships with local communities, guests feel part of the communities they choose to visit. Through the creative use of media relations and a very well designed website, this company has been getting tremendous recognition. Ken Sooley, owner and operator of Cape Race Cultural Adventures accepted the award from Bruce Sparkes, HNL Chair.

Tourism Business of the Year Award
The Tourism Business of the Year Award was created by HNL to recognize businesses that have built a reputation for excelling and continuously improving upon all areas of operations – customer service, human resources and business results. Recipients of this award not only excel in their business operations, but acknowledge and embrace their role in improving the tourism industry of Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient of this year’s Tourism Business of the Year Award is Mayflower Adventures.

Mayflower Adventures is based in Roddickton, Newfoundland that has been in business for over 30 years. The company is well known for providing excellent value and service to guests by delivering rewarding and memorable hunting, fishing and sightseeing adventures. Guests can also take advantage of the luxurious accommodations and hearty Newfoundland culture and hospitality. HNL Chair Bruce Sparkes presented the award to Shanna Randell, representing Mayflower Adventures.

Cruise Vision Award
The Cruise Vision Award is presented by the Cruise Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to an individual, group or business that has demonstrated a commitment to the provincial cruise industry and has contributed significantly to the growth of the cruise industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. President of the Cruise Newfoundland and Labrador, Stelman Flynn presented this year’s award to Holland America Line.

Part of the Carnival family, HAL is the leader in the premium cruise segment with 14 ships offering more than 500 cruises from over 38 home ports. The company is dynamic, constantly seeking new and innovative destinations and striving to exceed customer expectations. HAL has itineraries which span the globe, covering all seven continents including our corner of the world, Newfoundland & Labrador. They were one of the first large cruise lines to consistently call on ports in this province making their first call on St. John’s in 2000 with the Maasdam. HAL expanded their itineraries to include calls on Corner Brook in 2004 and St Anthony in 2005. In 2009 they are expanding their offering in this province again with planned calls on Bonne Bay and Red Bay. This is a further example of the company's confidence in the province's cruise product and enthusiasm for authentic and distinctive destinations. The visits will be significant milestones for each of the two ports; marking the first time a large ship will call on these small ports.

Cruise NL will be presenting the Cruise Vision Award to Holland America Line in person during Cruise Shipping Miami in March.

B&B Pride Award
The PRIDE Award is presented by the Bed and Breakfast/Country Inns Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to the individual or business that has been instrumental in raising the profile of the Bed & Breakfast/Country Inns industry. Peter Fenwick, President of the Bed and Breakfast Association of Newfoundland and Labrador presented this year’s award to Inn By The Bay.

Inn By The Bay is a four and a half star bed and breakfast in Dildo, Newfoundland. Perched in an historic fishing village on Trinity Bay, the inn is decorated with antiques and offers an exceptional scenic experience. The 10 bedroom inn is complete with a breakfast and dinner menu guests will crave.

B&B Norman Parsons Memorial Award
The Norman Parsons Memorial Award is presented by the Bed and Breakfast/Country Inns Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to the individual or business that has excelled in both hospitality and longevity in the industry and is recognized for displaying such attributes as warmth, hospitality, personality, outstanding service, quality and dedication. Presented by Peter Fenwick, President of the Bed and Breakfast Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, this year’s recipient is, Hagan’s Hospitality Home.

Hagan’s Hospitality Home is a three star bed and breakfast located in Aquaforte, Newfoundland.
This small but hospitable business is a favourite of east coast trail adventurers. Rita Hagan is known throughout the Irish Loop for her personality and kindness, traits which allow visitors to feel at home in her home.