Tourism Westman's annual awards gala is coming up in June. There’s still time to nominate a group or individual and recognize their innovation and hard work to attract tourists to southwest Manitoba.
The awards were last held in 2019 and now organizers are gearing up to once again celebrate the efforts of communities, businesses, non-profits and individuals to attract visitors to the area.
Tourism Westman invites you to nominate a worthy recipient within the region that has made significant contributions to the tourism industry in Westman.
The Awards Gala takes place on Wednesday, June 14, at the Souris-Glenwood Memorial Complex.
Virden and the southwest area have produced winners over the years. Most recently, in 2019 the Costume Closet won in the category of Volunteer of the Year. The RM of Pipestone and Town of Reston won in the Partnership category for working together to create the region’s new recreation area: golf course, spray park, water slide, campground, and lake.
Also nominated were the Virden Lions for Service Excellence and Samantha Cluett for Aspiring Youth. Read that story here.
NOMINATIONS CLOSE
Nominations close at 4:30 p.m. April 28. Time is short, but there’s an online nomination available. Go to www.tourismwestman.ca/blog/2023-call-for-nominations/
Nominations are being accepted in nine award categories:
Aspiring Youth - an individual under the age of 29 years in their capacity as a volunteer, employee, or entrepreneur.
Event of the Year (Over $5K) - a hallmark festival or event that creates substantial economic impact within the local community, attracts visitors from outside the region/province/country, generates regional/national media attention and positively promotes Southwest Manitoba.
Event of the Year (Under $5K) - a hallmark festival or event that creates substantial economic impact within the local community, attracts visitors from outside the region/province/country, generates regional/national media attention and positively promotes Southwest Manitoba.
Marketing Excellence - a business, organization, event, or attraction that has developed an effective traditional, digital or social media marketing campaign that increases tourism to Southwest Manitoba.
Partnership - an alliance of local businesses and/or organizations and/or communities that have partnered together to promote tourism for a particular area.
Service Excellence - a business or organization for the delivery of exemplary service and enhancement of visitor experiences, demonstrated through a high degree of visitor satisfaction.
Volunteer of the Year - a (unpaid) volunteer who has demonstrated an outstanding effort in a tourism activity.
Indigenous Tourism - an Indigenous product, service or experience that demonstrates cultural authenticity and sensitivity to the ecological, cultural and economic integrity of the community.
Resilience & Innovation - a business that has demonstrated innovation, resilience and adaptation, along with support for the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kelvon Smith, at 204-748-3321 is the Virden area representative and he can provide more information. However, nominations can be accomplished online.
Select the correct form(s), complete all sections, and save the form to your computer. Email the document as an attachment to [email protected] before 4:30 pm (CST), Friday, April 28, 2023.
