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Sheila Bautz, Special to the Herald For the province of Saskatchewan, 2025 marks a record-breaking year for the province’s businesses and tourist industry leaders for nation-wide awards in various Canadian tourism categories. The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) announced the short-list on Oct. 9. Out of the TIAC’s twelve categories that recognize tourism excellence across Canada, there are seven Saskatchewan businesses and tourist industry exemplary individuals selected as finalists, some in multiple categories. A majority of the Canadian tourism award categories consist of selecting three finalists across the nation as contenders to become recipients of a Canadian Tourism Award in their category. “The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to congratulate the finalists who will be representing our province at the Canadian Tourism Awards,” said Alana Ross, Saskatchewan’s Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan. “This record number of finalists speaks to the vibrancy and strength of Saskatchewan’s tourism industry, as well as the dedication, creativity and passion of its people.” The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented by the TIAC, which is based in Ottawa. Founded in 1930, TIAC states that the organization is the national private-sector advocate for the $130 billion tourism industry sector. TIAC also recognizes and awards tourism businesses across Canada, and the people who are involved in tourism. “The best and brightest in Canada’s tourism industry,” is how the TIAC describes the finalists for the awards on their website. “From outstanding teams and organizations to individual luminaries who surpass all expectations, exemplifying a commitment to provide nothing short of exceptional tourism experiences from coast to coast to coast.” There are three finalists in each tourism award category, with an exception in one category that resulted in a tie to become a finalist — making four finalists. Another category is narrowed down to two finalists. In the Indigenous Tourism Award category, Saskatchewan tourist businesses Dakota Dunes Resort from Whitecap and Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon are two of the three finalists across Canada. The recipient of the award must demonstrate authentic Indigenous cultural tourism while promoting and enhancing the growth of tourism in their demographic. This includes through employment initiatives, advancement of Indigenous culture, diversity, inclusion and visitor satisfaction of quality, authentic tourist experiences — amongst other criteria listed by TIAC. In the category of Business of the The Year, Ag in Motion from Langham and the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina are finalists. The award recognizes corporate Canadian events that enhance the appeal of the demographic destination while elevating the province’s profile along with creating national awareness. According to TIAC, business event’s that are selected must make economic impacts within the region and beyond, and show a strong community involvement with a commitment to continued growth, innovation and product development, along with other criteria. For the Tourism Employee of the Year Award, Thomas Royal Anderson with Dakota Dunes Resort in Whitecap, Saskatchewan, is a finalist. The TIAC award recognizes front-line employees demonstrating a high level of professionalism, leadership, positive attitude, dedication, and quality service. As such, Royal Anderson represents excellence in the Canadian tourism industry. Dakota Dunes Resort is also a finalist for the Tourism Employer of the Year award. In this category, businesses must be visionary. According to TIAC, finalists are selected for their multiple and multi-tiered abilities to lead and create a positive workplace culture. This includes incentives, empowerment and integrity for all involved in a diverse workplace in tourism. The businesses must also demonstrate a commitment to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. Workplace safety and security is also a criteria for this award. From Saskatoon, Blackstrap Glamping Resort is a finalist in the Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award. This tourism award recognizes businesses with fewer than 20 employees. The business, according to TIAC standards of excellence, must demonstrate being exemplary of the Canadian tourist industry’s best practices through their business models, strategies and commitment to growth and development in the tourist sector. In the category of Travel Media Professional of the Year Award, there are only two finalists. One of those finalists is The Saskatchewanderer from Regina. This award by TIAC recognizes outstanding storytelling that is unique and engaging in perspective. According to the TIAC, the candidate must demonstrate a robust portfolio of extensive travel media work celebrating and showcasing Canada’s tourist spots, while creating promotion. In addition, criteria for the category includes media professionals, such as The Saskatchewanderer, who surface and champion the hidden gems as tourist spots in Canada. In Saskatoon, the Field to Shield by Adventure Destination is one of four finalists in the Culinary Tourism Experience Award category due to a tie between finalists. The culinary tourist experience involves preparing and cooking food, and preparing beverages. According to TIAC, the candidate must demonstrate innovation in showcasing the authentic culinary experiences in their region, their province. This category also requires that the business exemplify the country of Canada on an International level as a culinary destination experience. Saskatchewan businesses, employees, and events have a long history of regularly being selected for recognition at the annual Canadian Tourism Awards, with regular past winners across multiple sectors related to tourism. “Tourism Saskatchewan applauds the businesses and individuals nominated for their impressive work and we are delighted to extend heartfelt congratulations to these fine ambassadors for our province and industry,” said Jonathan Potts, the CEO of Tourism Saskatchewan. “These distinguished finalists are industry leaders who strive to deliver on the promise made to their guests. This recognition at the national level is most deserved and shines a bright spotlight on our province.” The Annual Canadian Tourism Awards presented by TIAC recognize success, leadership and innovation in Canada’s tourism industry. The organization also rewards individuals, demographics, organizations and the tourist events that excel with providing travelers with superior tourism experiences across Canada. The 2025 Canadian Tourism Awards will be held in Gatineau, Québec, at the Tourism Congress on November 18 to the 20th of this year. A complete list of the 2025 Canadian Tourism Award finalists is available on the TIAC website.
