Announcing Winners of the 2016 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence

The Ontario tourism industry's best and brightest were celebrated at the annual Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at The Westin Ottawa. The Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence recognize industry successes by acknowledging those who have made significant contributions to Ontario's tourism industry.

Jointly presented by the Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA), the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence are divided into three respective categories. The Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence are about the passion and excellence of those dedicated to advancing food tourism in Ontario, and recognizing those who work hard to tell the stories of our growers, producers, chefs, winemakers and brewers. The Tourism Marketing and Travel Media Awards of Excellence celebrate those who contribute to Ontario's tourism industry through impactful partnerships, marketing activities and media relations. The Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence are presented to organizations, businesses and individuals that represent the quality of outstanding offerings that make Ontario a world-class destination.

In addition to the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence, this year Attractions Ontario also presented its Ontario'sChoice Award for Top Attraction. New for 2016, Ontario's Choice Awards called upon Ontario tourists and locals alike to let their voices be heard. From February until September of this year, fans placed their votes for their favourite attractions in eight different categories.

The winners for 2016 are:

Ontario's Choice Award by Attractions Ontario

Top Attraction
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre
Toronto

Culinary Tourism Awards of Excellence

Culinary Tourism Leadership Award
Tourism Oxford

Culinary Tourism Experience Award
Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island
& EPIC Wineries

Culinary Tourism Event of the Year Award
Beau's All Natural Brewing
Company: Beau's Oktoberfest

Tourism Marketing & Travel Media Awards of Excellence

Tourism Marketing Campaign Award Under $25,000
Headwaters Tourism

Tourism Marketing Campaign Award Over $25,000
Owen Sound Transportation Company

Tourism Marketing Partnership Award
City of Greater Sudbury

Tourism Print Collateral Award
Headwaters Tourism

Tourism Digital Marketing Award
Grey County Tourism

Travel Media Story Award
Josephine Matyas

Travel Media Photography Award
Colin Field

Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence (TIAO)

Accessible Tourism Award
Chelsea Hotel

Sustainable Tourism Award
Chicopee Tube Park

Tourism Employer of the Year
Haunted Walks Inc.

Tourism Champion of the Year
Barrie Martin

Tourism Innovator of the Year
Headwaters Tourism

Tourism Event of the Year
Sound of Music Festival

Lifetime Achievement Award
Grace Sammut

For more information on each award category and the winners' achievements please see the attached backgrounder.

Congratulations to all of the 2016 winners! Each one exemplifies Ontario's diverse, vibrant tourism industry, and demonstrates clear a commitment to making Ontario one of the best destinations in the world.

Quotes

"The Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence celebrate our industry's top achievements. We're proud to recognize these achievements—and the individuals who bring them to fruition—each year as part of the Ontario Tourism Summit."
Beth Potter, President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)

"This year's winners are shining examples of what food tourism development can do to build economic growth and community in Ontario's diverse regions. Congratulations to all involved—we look forward to another delicious year of discovery in Ontario."
Rebecca Mackenzie, Executive Director, Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA)

"Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 Ontario Tourism Awards. Your work to advance culinary tourism, develop exciting experiences, and innovative marketing plans help to attract visitors from all over the world to Ontario. Your successes contribute to a dynamic tourism industry that stimulates our economy and has a positive impact on communities across the province."
The Hon. Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

"On behalf of the OTMPC, it is with great pleasure that we offer sincere congratulations to the 2016 finalists and award winners! It is a privilege to work with tourism industry partners that demonstrate the level of commitment, vision and passion that propels Ontario to greater economic success and whose efforts help us position Ontarioas a preferred global destination."
Ronald Holgerson, President & CEO, OTMPC

SYDNEY AIRPORT WELCOMES NEW ROUTES BY CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES

Sydney Airport is a world leader in Chinese long haul routes, connecting Sydney to 14 Chinese cities from January 2017.

This week the Airport welcomed a new direct China Eastern Airlines service from Kunming, following the first flight by the airline from Hangzhou to Sydney on 16 November 2016.

China Eastern is also set to commence direct services from Wuhan on 19 January 2017, in time for the busy Lunar New Year period.

Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said, “These new services reinforce our strong connection to China, which will connect Sydney to 14 Chinese cities from January 2017. This is a great outcome for NSW tourism, with the three services expected to bring 65,000 Chinese visitors, contributing an estimated $260 million of additional visitor expenditure per year.”

Ten food and wine experiences you can't miss in Port Macquarie

The Port Macquarie region, on the Mid North Coast of NSW is a food and wine lovers paradise waiting to be discovered with hinterland vineyards, hatted coastal restaurants and unique food and wine experiences. Home to over 80 producers, seven wineries, three boutique breweries and an enviable events calendar, Port Macquarie will impress all foodies and wine buffs.

Here are ten food and wine experiences not to miss in Port Macquarie.
With a relaxed environment and a seasonal menu featuring fresh regional produce, Fusion 7 is a local favourite and a great way to taste the best of the region. Led by Chefs Lindsey Schwab (ex Bathers Pavilion) and his partner Frea, Fusion was recently awarded a hat in the 2016 Australian Good Food Guide

Head to the charming village of Laurieton for the ultimate seafood experience. Located on the Camden Haven River, enjoy locally harvested oysters from family owned and operated Armstrong Oysters. Don’t leave without trying their famous Sydney Rock Oysters

Port Macquarie isn’t just for the wine lovers. Head to boutique brewery Black Duck Brewery for a beer tasting, and a bite to eat, or tour of the working brewery. The Brewery offers eight beers on tap, food platters and pizzas

Pick your own strawberries at the iconic Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberry farm gate. Grown on vertical latticed racks in igloo-style greenhouses, all you’ll need is a bucket and the willpower not to eat your pickings! The onsite café is a great place to enjoy an afternoon tea or to peruse the local jams and preserves from their store

It’s festival season all year around in Port Macquarie which hosts three key foodie events. Whether it’s Slice of Haven food and wine festival in May, Tastings on Hastings in October or Oysters in the Vines in November at Cassegrain Wines, the best of local produce and vino is on show

Combine a winery and NSW’s largest hedge maze and you have a whole heap of fun ahead of you. Bago Vineyard appeals to both the kids and the young at heart with its impressive two metre high hedge maze. Meanwhile the adults can sit back and enjoy Bago’s signature Sparkling Chambourcin or Tannat

Surrounded by water in Port Macquarie, the best way to fully take in the region is by water. Port Venture runs a fantastic river cruise and winery experience tour. The half-day cruise includes a sparkling high tea on the Hastings – you may even spot a dolphin or two. Following the cruise guests are taken to Cassegrain Winery for a tour of the winery, gourmet lunch and wine tasting

Award-winning The Stunned Mullet is a must on any Port Macquarie itinerary. Holding a Chef’s Hat and awarded in Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice, you’ll be impressed with their modern Australian menu and comprehensive wine list looking out over iconic Town Beach

The Little Fish Café is a special place that overlooks the lush vineyards of the Innes Lake Estates led by French born head Chef Steve Delandemare. With a menu that changes with the seasons, they offer an excellent range of local wines, best enjoyed on their veranda taking in the stunning views

A visit to Port Macquarie is not complete without visiting the award-winning Cassegrain Wines. Overlooking rolling vineyards and magnificent rose gardens, a visit to the cellar door is best followed by a meal at Seasons Café-Restaurant, which offers a French-inspired menu focusing on seasonal and regional produce.

Hoi An offers free entry into Old Quarter on December 4

Hoi An officials have announced the Old Quarter will offer free admission on December 4 in honour of the 17th anniversary of the ancient town’s recognition as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

A wide array of fascinating activities are planned for the December 4 festivities including photo, painting and craft exhibitions along with a marathon, concerts and a vast variety of food and drink events.

Starting the beginning of December, a photo exhibition themed around life in Hoi An by French photographer Réhahn Croquevielle will line the streets of the old quarter, accompanied by an exhibition of paintings by Truong Bach Tuong.

Daily ticket prices other than on December 4 to the old quarter are US$3.50 (VND80,000) for local tourists and US$5.30 (VND120,000) for international tourists. Entry is free for children under 16.

What's New in Noosa!

Need an excuse to book an escape to Noosa? Read on for some great new foodie experiences, new tours, cooking classes and places to stay!

FOODIE NEWS

Bordertown BBQ & Taquería - Discover a blend of breakfast, tacos, burgers, booze, and low and slow barbecue at Bordertown with food inspired by the Southern States of the USA and across the border in Mexico. Enjoy the Acapulco Deck at the front overlooking the Noosa river or dine inside in rib shack chic.

Moto - Custom bikes and surfing culture, craft beer, specialty coffee and a boutique menu that takes you from morning through to late awaits you at the Noosa Junction's newest and hippest café, Moto. Enjoy the pizza truck and live beats on a Sunday afternoon or the Friday night Taco Club.

Providore on Hastings - Stock up on gourmet groceries, coffee and fresh meals at Providore on Hastings. From gourmet sandwiches, salads and everything you need for the perfect cheese platter. Showcasing local producers such as Woombye Cheese, Eumundi Meats, Hum Honey, Noosa Fish Providore, Tanglewood Bakery and many more. They also offer a boutique licensed outdoor café space located in the Netanya Noosa lobby. www.providoreonhastings.com

The Cooking School Noosa - offers exclusive classes with chefs from Wasabi Restaurant and Bar as well as guest chefs from around the country. Classes include Contemporary Japanese, Classic French and Modern South East Asian, with workshops on topics including French Patisserie, Artisan Bread Making, Preserving and Pickling, Tea Appreciation and other specialty techniques also featuring on the class schedule. www.thecookingschoolnoosa.com

TOURS, ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMMODATION

Aloha Active - Noosa's newest Yoga, Pilates and Massage Centre is located in the Noosa Blue Resort. Classes include Bikram Hot Yoga, Hot Pilates, Power Flow and Yin Yoga. Enjoy the resort facilities including steam room, jacuzzi, swimming pool, showers and change rooms before or after classes and massage treatments. www.alohactive.com.au

Aqua Donut Noosa - Australia's one and only BBQ Aqua Donut! Enjoy the Noosa River with Aqua Donut which has a BBQ, Bluetooth music system, quiet eco friendly electric engine and seats 10 people. No boat license is required and an esky, cutlery, plates and cups are also provided with optional BBQ packs also available. www.aquadonut.com

Freedom Trail - Live like a local and enjoy a guided tour of Noosa. Whether it's discovering the Noosa National Park, surfing, stand-up paddling, yoga outdoors or enjoying the vibrant music scene at the Peregian Originals, the team from Freedom Trail will provide a personalised experience where you live like a local. www.freedomtrail.co

Grab Rock - Discover the amazing views from Noosa's Mt Tinbeerwah with Grab Rock and experience abseiling down this wonderful Mountain, one of Australia's highest abseils! Enjoy a half day experience, a sunset abseil or the Rock n Surf experience featuring a 2 hour surf lesson with Noosa Learn to Surf. www.grabrock.com.au

Massage and Wellbeing.Com - Your next rejuvenating massage is just a click away thanks to www.massageandwellbeing.com where you can browse through local Noosa massage therapists and day spas to find a treatment to suit you. Whether you're looking for a relaxing therapeutic or deep tissue massage, facial, body scrub or want to be carried away to another world at a local spa, you'll find the perfect option to help you relax.

Waterford Park - If you're looking for rustic, luxurious, peaceful accommodation look no further. Set on 60 acres surrounded by water, wildlife and walking tracks in Kin Kin, the retreat offers a choice of handcrafted rooms and suites with water views of the centrally located lake size dam.

For all your Noosa inspiration head to www.visitnoosa.com.au

CHRISTIAN MUTSCHLECHNER RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT ibtm world

Christian Mutschlechner

Christian Mutschlechner, Director of the Vienna Convention Bureau, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the meetings and events industry during the Meetings Leadership Summit at ibtm world.

Mutschlechner’s career in the sector has spanned nearly 40 years. He started as a volunteer for congresses back in 1977, moving swiftly into the PCO world at Interconvention. In 1985 Christian joined the Vienna Tourist Board and became Deputy Director of Sales and Promotions.

In 1991 the Vienna Convention Bureau became a separate department in the Vienna Tourist Board and Christian Mutschlechner became its Director, he started to re-engineer the Vienna Convention Bureau and today he leads a team of 11 people and has gained an international reputation as one of the industry’s international role models for leadership of a Convention Bureau.

During his career in the meetings industry he been a Board Member of the European Federation of Conference Towns , the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and its President from 2002 – 2006. Since 2009 he has been President of the Austrian Convention Bureau.

Mutschlechner was recognised for his significant contribution to the meetings and events industry during the Meetings Leadership Summit – which preceeds ibtm world as the global heads of industry and thought leaders networking event.

Presenting the award at the evening, Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Senior Exhibition Director said, “It is an honour to present this award to Christian who is a true trailblazer in the meetings industry. His dedication and willingness to support the industry has been outstanding from his leadership during his presidency of ICCA, through to his passion for his City and the team he leads, to his absolute openness in sharing his experiences with others – he really is an inspirational figure in our industry.”

Accepting the award Christian talked of his passion for the industry; “I am honoured and absolutely surprised to be recognised for my contributions to the meetings industry and there are two specific elements that go beyond my home town of Vienna. My participation for many years in the Forum for Young Professionals is a fantastic initiative by ibtm events that helps the industry’s young people. Also thanks to the co-operation and support that Reed Exhibitions has given to convince the UNWTO that our industry needs its own economic measurement tool, we have now achieved it after many years of both our efforts”.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL AT ROSEHILL GARDENS

A 15 metre charity Christmas tree, toboggan slides, huge open-air ice skating rink, live carols and roving elves are just some of the highlights planned for the Sydney Santa Spectacular’s return to Rosehill Gardens this December 9-27.

With kids and families at the heart of the event, the festival will feature an array of rides and fun-filled experiences, all designed to bring the magic of Christmas to life – from Santa’s Enchanted Forest with snowfall, to a Santa Express Train, a North Pole passport, toboggan snow slide and a reindeer stable.

Event organisers are inviting attendees to bring a gift to put under the tree, with all gifts going to Camp Quality and the Westmead and Randwick Children’s Hospitals.

Click here to buy tickets.

Yunnan’s Lijiang Old Town a Lesson in Co-existence

Lijiang is a unique testimony of co-existence between various cultures, religions and nature. However, mass tourism could alter the destination’s uniqueness. A conservation plan will now fix limits to the destination’s commercial development.

The old town of Lijiang, set in an uneven topographic site, is a unique urban structure adapted to its difficult environment. It has retained an historic townscape of high quality and authenticity, according to UNESCO, with century-old architecture blending elements from several cultures. The city entered the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997 and has since been a favourite destination for culture-minded travellers.

Located on the Lijiang plain at an elevation of 2,400 meters in southwest Yunnan, Lijiang has been since the 12th century an important distribution centre for trade between Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet, and is where the Silk Road in the south joins the Ancient Chama (Tea and Horse Roads).

The Old Town of Lijiang turned into an important centre for economic and cultural communication between various ethnic groups such as the Naxi, Han, Tibetan and Bai. Cultural and technological exchanges over the past 800 years resulted in the particular local architecture, art, urban planning and landscape.

A major element is the harmonious integration of urban structures with the mountains, rivers and trees creating a unity between man and nature. With mountains extending to the plain as the protective screen in the north and the plains in the east and south, the Old Town enjoys a sound geometrical relationship and ecological layout.

The Old Town of Lijiang comprises three parts: Dayan Old Town (including the Black Dragon Pond), Baisha and Shuhe housing clusters.

Dayan Old Town was established in the Ming dynasty as a commercial centre and includes the Lijiang Junmin Prefectural Government Office; the Yizi pavilion, Guabi Tower surrounded by exceptional two-storeyed, tile-roofed, timber-framed houses combining elements of Han and Zang architecture representative of the Naxi culture. Wooden elements are elaborately carved with domestic and cultural elements – pottery, musical instruments, flowers and birds.

The Baisha housing cluster established during the Song and Yuan dynasties is located eight kilometres north of the Dayan Old Town. Houses here are arranged on a north-south axis around a central, terraced square. The religious complex includes halls and pavilions containing more than 40 paintings dating from the early 13th century, which depict subjects relating to Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and the life of the Naxi people. The murals teach about the harmony of religions in the community.

Together with the Shuhe housing cluster, which is located four kilometres north-west of Dayan Old Town, these settlements, nestling in mountains and surrounded by water, reflect the blend of local cultures, folk customs and traditions over several centuries. In particular, the murals in the religious architecture and other buildings reflect the harmonious co-existence of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

The combination of the water system, the urban structures, the pleasant environment and the integration of folk art into daily life form an outstanding example of human habitat, according to UNESCO.

With Lijiang a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has turned into one of the most popular destinations for travellers, especially domestic visitors. Improvements in transportation infrastructure throughout the 1990s have facilitated total arrivals rising from 1.7 million to 16 million travellers between 1997 and 2015, making it one of China’s top destinations for domestic travellers. International travellers come mainly from Japan, Korea and Taiwan with a few Europeans venturing into the city’s narrow streets.

Like in other old cities turning into mass tourism destinations, Lijiang traditional way of life has had a sometimes difficult co-existence with modern travellers’ requests. Inns and hotels in the old town are chasing away local inhabitants while restaurants and karaoke bars are replacing traditional shops. Striking the right balance between authenticity and tourism is likely to be a major issue in the coming years if the city does not want to be turned into an urban theme park. Some tourists have already started to bypass this architectural jewel due to the permanent crowds in town, preferring to head directly to Dali.

The Central Government as well as Yunnan and Lijiang authorities are aware of the challenges. The Old Town of Lijiang has strictly abided by China PRC law on the protection of cultural relics and regulations on the protection of historical and cultural cities, towns and villages. In recent years, World Heritage protection and management organs at various levels have taken additional measures, working with professional institutions and experts to enhance research on the “Outstanding Universal Value of the Old Town of Lijiang”.

A conservation master plan for the old town of Lijiang looks at strengthening control and management over tourism and commercial development in the core historical area and immediate surrounds.

InterContinental Sydney Launches Brand New High Tea Offering in Time for an Unforgettable Summer Ritual

InterContinental Sydney has today announced a complete overhaul of its iconic High Tea and High Tea Buffet to present the finest seasonal menu infused with local flavour. The menu has been conceptually executed by Head Pastry Chef, Simon Veauvy, along with the hotel's onsite pastry team, cementing it as one of Sydney's most loved culinary attractions.

With two unique high tea offerings – the Monday to Friday three-tiered stands and the weekend high tea buffet – both menus have been recreated for expert pairing with the Ronnefeldt tea library, alongside redesigned theming and set-up for a sophisticated soiree inside The Cortile.

Simon Veauvy, Head Pastry Chef at InterContinental Sydney said: “The new menu has been born from a strong philosophy of supporting local artisan suppliers and seasonal produce, while ensuring everything is handmade fresh onsite. Redesigning the aesthetic of The Cortile was also a vital part in bringing the new menu to life; the rustic styling, presentation boards and tea library is a character in the high tea experience more than ever before.”

With seasonal summer fruits at the helm of Simon Veauvy's inspiration, strawberries, blackcurrant, rhubarb, raspberries, pineapple and passionfruit take centre stage. New to the menu will see the introduction of Simon's twisted lamington, lemon madeleine biscuits with coconut and a punchy lemon and mint compote, an all-new chocolate punnet with blackcurrant compote and sugar almond Chantilly.

Designed to blend tradition with innovation, the new high tea menu also offers signature favourites with vanilla crème brulee, traditional shortbread, homemade scones and signature sandwich collection.

For the full three-tiered high tea menu and the weekend high tea buffet, please see links below.

Three-tiered High Tea 

Available Monday to Friday, 11:00am to 4:00pm.
Pricing: $60.00 per person including a glass of sparkling wine; $75.00 per person including a glass of Champagne
Full menu available here.

Weekend High Tea Buffet 

Available Saturday and Sundays, seatings 1:00pm to 2:30pm and 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Pricing: $65.00 per person with a glass of sparkling wine; $80.00 per person with a glass of Champagne.
Full menu available here.

Explore Mungo National Park with Mr German Ugarte from Outback Geo Adventures

Mungo National Park, comprised of a chain of ancient dried up lakebeds and sand dunes was Australia's first national park to gain World Heritage Status. It's regarded as one of NSW’s most significant national parks due to its archaeological treasures, and to this day you can still see the remains of human settlement from 60,000 years ago. 

Mungo National Park and the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area are carefully managed by government agencies including National Parks and Wildlife, the Paakantji, Ngyiampaa and Mutthi Mutthi Aboriginal tribal groups, landholders, scientists, and local councils to protect and present the areas special values into the future.

One of the best ways to explore this incredible national park is with a local geotourism operator. Meet tourism operator, German Ugarte from Outback Geo Adventures, who shares his experiences from his home of Balranald, a major entry point to Mungo National Park.

Tell us a little more about your background and how you ended up in Balranald?

I have been involved in tourism for about 20 years, working with Indigenous communities in remote areas in the south of Chile, and many years working in Local Governments in Australia. In 2011, I had to the opportunity to come to Balranald and work for the local council to develop Balranald's tourism strategy.

My first impressions of Balranald were the friendliness of the people, the quietness and the feeling of remoteness. After a year working for the local Council, I realised I was missing that sense of adventure, and exploration. During a BBQ with friends it was suggested that I should start a tour company and take people to the parks. That was the turning point and we decided to create Outback Geo Adventures. Bye, bye 9 to 5, bye to "Mondayitis" and welcome to the free world and reconnecting with nature!

What do you love most about this part of New South Wales?

The sense of isolation, open spaces, the friendliness of country people and not spending hours in traffic to get to work.

Balranald region has five amazing rivers, we're not far from bigger cities, and everyday feels like a Sunday. Many people have the idea that there's not much to see around here, but I can easily prove them wrong. We have an array of landscapes with unique characteristics including ancient flood plains, thousands of hectares of river red gum forest, vast Mallee Eucalyptus country and the beauty of the Belah scrub country. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded in the area, not counting the endless number of reptiles in the region. There's always something new to learn about, from frogs to insects, from fungi to arachnids. You name it we have it.

What’s the strangest/most interesting experience you’ve had on one of your tours?

A few years ago we held our monthly Mungo Full Moon tour and witnessed a lunar eclipse, which was pure magic. Our Full Moon tours are incredible just the way they are but the eclipse added an extra ingredient that made it so special. We had about 10 passengers on the tour and everyone was in awe watching this unbelievable event, on top of Mungo's Walls of China.

What’s the thing you love most about your job?

I have the chance to meet so many people from all walks of life and to deliver a product of excellence that will be remembered. Many people go to Mungo National Park for a once in a lifetime experience, so everything has to be special and perfect. Many people have been waiting for years to go to the park, so being able to take them is an enormous responsibility and an honour that they have put their trust in you. By the end of a tour we are all best mates and it is sad to say goodbye at the end; you get attached to people straight away.