The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is congratulating local tourism operator Ocean Quest Adventures on winning the Via Rail Canada Sustainable Tourism Award at the 2021 Canadian Tourism Awards held last night in Ottawa.
The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada to recognize success, leadership and innovation in the national tourism industry. The awards celebrate those people, places, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences. The awards have become the standard of excellence for businesses and organizations in the travel industry, showcasing the nation’s best tourism products, services and experiences.
The Sustainable Tourism Award is presented to a business or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the practice and promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism in Canada.
The judging criteria for this category are:
- Protects and preserves natural and cultural heritage resources;
- Fosters appreciation and enjoyment of natural and cultural heritage resources;
- Raises awareness among visitors and influences them to enjoy resources sustainably;
- Mitigates negative impacts of tourism on the natural and cultural environment; and,
- Respects, involves, and engages other stakeholders and host communities.
Ocean Quest Adventures was established in 1997 with the aim of providing high quality service to the scuba diving community within Newfoundland and Labrador. Over the years, the company has deepened their conservation ethic and broadened their tourism offerings to other experiential, nature-based tours. Ocean Quest has gained not only respect from the industry locally, but also a strong reputation worldwide for their commitment to nature interpretation and protection. Ocean Quest Adventures has locations in St. John’s, Petty Harbour and Conception Bay South.
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“Tourism is a major economic driver in Newfoundland and Labrador. Before the pandemic, the industry generated over $1.14 billion in visitor spending, representing over 20,000 jobs and 2,800 businesses. Our province is vast with many opportunities and experiences from coast to coast right here in our very own backyard. Thank you to the tourism operators and experience providers, like Rick and Debbie Stanley of Ocean Quest Adventures, for offering the programs and tours that make this province a truly exciting destination for travellers.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
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Tourism Industry Association of Canada
2021 Via Rail Canada Sustainable Tourism Award Finalist Video
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Media contact
Adrienne Luther
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 730-2953
adrienneluther@gov.nl.ca