TIAC Earns Top Honours At WTM

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has been named one of 2020’s World Travel Leaders during a virtual event that took place as part of WTM Virtual earlier this week.

TIAC was nominated by Canadian Travel Press (one of WTM’s official media partners) in recognition of the private sector advocacy organization’s speed of response to the global pandemic and the efficacy of its lobbying campaign to get help for the industry during these unprecedented times.

As well, TIAC also moved its successful series of real-world workshops, seminars and educational events – including its flagship TIAC Tourism Congress event – to the virtual sphere, increasing engagement by opening up these events to anyone with an internet connection.

TIAC president and CEO, Charlotte Bell observed: “There is no point in sugar-coating what has been a devastating year for Canada’s tourism industry, but we’ve taken the opportunity to innovate not only how we reach out to the industry but also how the industry can collaborate for the greater good.”

The virtual event recognized companies and individuals from around the globe which have had a positive impact on a specific region or sector.

Businesses and organizations were nominated by WTM Official Media Partners, a group of the world’s leading travel trade media organizations, with a panel of industry experts and WTM executives deciding the winners.

The entry criteria were geared towards businesses which have embraced the key themes of this year’s WTM Virtual – recover, rebuild, innovate.

A number of inbound operators and destination management companies were chosen by the media partners, with hotel chains, airlines, tour operators and entrepreneurs also making the grade.

WTM London’s senior director, Simon Press, said: “Our global media partners are WTM’s eyes on the ground when it comes to the day-to-day concerns of the global travel and tourism industry and their local expertise guarantees that the winners of World Travel Leaders are truly representative of what is good in our industry.”

Press continued: “Necessity drove us to move the awards online and like so many of the Travel Leaders, WTM is also excited that some of the innovations coming out of the crisis will be fundamental to rebuilding the industry and preparing the ground for recovery.”