Media Release
Volunteers, leaders and local businesses honoured at the Annual Tourism Awards
Travel Manitoba and Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism recognize the outstanding contributions and resiliency of the professionals fuelling the $2 billion tourism industry.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, April 23, 2026 – The people who power the tourism industry were honoured for their 2025 achievements during the sold-out fourth annual Tourism Awards Winnipeg | Manitoba held at the RBC Winnipeg Convention Centre on Thursday evening with 470 in attendance.
Nearly 100 nominations poured in representing events, culinary experiences, accommodations and tourism attractions, recognizing the incredible contributions of this diverse sector. Twenty winners were celebrated, typically one from Winnipeg and one from Manitoba in each category. Dave Daley of Wapusk Adventures was honoured with an Award of Distinction for his dedication to building Indigenous tourism in the North.
The Tourism Awards are held during National Tourism Week, a celebration of tourism’s contributions to the Canadian economy. Locally, the week includes activities such as the lighting up of the Winnipeg sign and Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge (April 24) and the provincial proclamation showcasing the importance of Manitoba's $5-million-a-day tourism industry.
The Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism and His Worship Mayor Scott Gillingham presented the awards to the winners.
“My heartfelt congratulations to this year’s finalists, winners and nominees. Your dedication and creativity continue to elevate Manitoba’s tourism industry and help it grow. Tourism is one of the most powerful storytellers of who we are as Manitobans. It showcases our rich culture, our vibrant communities and the unique experiences that make this province such an exceptional place to live, work and visit,” said Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism. “Each year, the tourism sector generates $1.89 billion in visitor spending, strengthening local businesses and communities while contributing $385 million in tax revenues. These dollars are reinvested directly into healthcare, infrastructure and initiatives that improve the quality of life for all Manitobans. With your continued leadership and passion, Manitoba’s tourism future is brighter than ever.”
“Tourism is vital to Winnipeg — it drives our economy, supports local jobs, and showcases the very best of our city to the world,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “With a big year of events behind us and exciting opportunities ahead, including the 2027 JUNO Awards, Winnipeg’s momentum continues to grow. Congratulations to this year’s nominees and winners and thank you for all you do to showcase our city.”
“These awards celebrate the dedicated people who are the backbone of our tourism industry,” said Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba. “Through steadfast commitment, each finalist has achieved something truly remarkable by creating an outstanding tourism experience driving visitation while sharing our amazing province with guests from all over Manitoba, Canada and the world. Congratulations to nearly 100 nominees and 20 winners on celebrating your success with your fellow industry members, friends and family.”
“Winnipeg’s tourism industry is powered by passionate people who create memorable visitor experiences that keep people coming back,” said Natalie Thiesen, Vice President of Tourism, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism. “The Tourism Awards are a chance to celebrate their dedication and the lasting impact they spark — from showcasing the very best of our city to the world to growing our economy. Last year alone, tourism generated more than $1 billion in visitor spending in Winnipeg, supporting local businesses and creating jobs.”
2025 Tourism Award Winners:
Business of the Year – Large
Winnipeg:
Winnipeg Waterways
Manitoba:
Churchill Wild
Business of the Year – Small
Winnipeg:
Sub Zero Ice Cream
Manitoba: Wild Loon Adventure Company
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Winnipeg: Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge – Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Manitoba:
Fossil Dig Adventure Tour – Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
Indigenous Tourism
Oji-Cree Showcase & Market
Social Impact
Winnipeg:
The Forks’ Target Zero Eliminates Waste
Manitoba:
Perimeter Aviation
Innovator of the Year
FortWhyte Alive
Culinary and Agritourism
Winnipeg:
Chef's Table – Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg
Manitoba: Dan's Diner Culinary Experience – Frontiers North Adventures
Event of the Year
Winnipeg:
2025 Grey Cup Festival
Manitoba: Islendingadagurinn – Icelandic Festival of Manitoba
Employee of the Year
Winnipeg: Abraham Eshete – Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites
Manitoba: Kurt Sharanowski – Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge
Volunteer of the Year
Winnipeg:
YWG Goldwings Volunteer Program – Winnipeg Richardson International Airport
Manitoba:
Gerry Desjardins & Andrea Mensforth – Ski Patrol – Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes
Content Creator of the Year
Madi Westdal – @y2kprairieprincess
Award of Distinction
Dave Daley – Wapusk Adventures
Congratulations to all our 2025 Award Winners!
Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism is the city’s lead economic development and tourism agency. Governed by a private-sector board and guided by the needs of local business and tourism communities, we drive inclusive, sustainable growth in and around Winnipeg by attracting investment, talent and visitors. Through this work, we help make Winnipeg a more vibrant and prosperous place to live, work, invest and visit for the benefit of residents and businesses.
Travel Manitoba is a Crown Corporation under provincial legislation that leads and stimulates sustainable tourism growth in Manitoba’s $1.89 billion tourism industry. In partnership with the tourism industry, the agency is responsible for tourism marketing, visitor information services, research and public information.
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Media Resources:
Winners Photos (added after the event)
Winner Videos (TBC)
For more information, please contact:
Travel Manitoba
Louise Waldman
Vice-President Communications and Strategic Engagement/Vice-présidente, Communications et engagement stratégique
Travel Manitoba/Voyage Manitoba
lwaldman@travelmanitoba.com
204-619-5953
Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism
Gillian Chester
Director, Corporate Communications
Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism
gillian@winnipegedt.com
204.296.0425
