Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO) celebrated its 2024 tourism champions in November.
The organization, which represents the interests of nature and outdoor tourism operators in Ontario, presented its awards during the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit, held Nov. 19-21 in North Bay.
The awards and their winners follow:
Conservation Award: Joel Theriault – Air Ivanhoe (Foleyet), in recognition of his efforts to protect moose and his dedication to eliminating pesticide use in forestry operations to ensure a greener and healthier future for generations.
Tourism Champion: Charlene and Frank Daoust – Memquisit Lodge (Monetville), in recognition of their ongoing efforts to support a strong united tourism industry, for their dedication to offering high-quality tourism products to their guests, and for playing an active role in spreading the word about the value of tourism in the North locally, provincially, internationally.
President’s Award: Destination Northern Ontario, in recognition for all the hard work the Destination Northern Ontario board and staff do to support the tourism industry in the North. We are blessed in Northern Ontario to have the best Regional Tourism Organization in the province. We thank them for their support through various programs, partnerships, sponsorships and other activities with tourism organizations, business and municipalities in this region.
Outfitter of the Year: Robin Sutherland – Northern Skies Resort (Thessalon). Northern Skies Resort has worked hard to enhance their tourism product offerings by building on the rich heritage, culture and natural environment of their tourism resort. Their recent rebrand captures values that respect the past, celebrate the present and look towards sharing a sustainable future. Robin and Fred are being recognized for their outstanding achievement and we thank them for sharing their passion for the outdoors in such a meaningful way.
Preferred Supplier of the Year: Gerry Dignard – Canadian Shield Consultants Agency (St. Charles), in recognition of his support of tourism businesses regarding their drinking and wastewater treatment systems throughout Northern Ontario and ongoing support of NOTO. Gerry has shown his genuine care for the tourism industry through his efforts to help operators reach compliance. Thank you Gerry for your tremendous support!
Executive Director’s Award: Jean-Luc Brousseau – Good Time Outfitters (Cochrane), in recognition of his time served on the NOTO board of directors as treasurer to date as well as his involvement in various ad hoc committees over the last eight years. His eagerness to support the broad outdoor tourism sector is much appreciated.
In 2025, the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit will be held in Thunder Bay.
