The Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence celebrate success and recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to Ontario’s tourism industry.

• Applications must be received by: End of Day, Monday October 7th, 2024
• Finalists of the Award will be listed on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in the Globe and Mail.
• The award will be presented at the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala on Wednesday, October 23, 2024
• Award recipients will have the opportunity to have: a one-week paid internship with Nieuport Aviation to experience the different departments and operations of an airport. This week will be determined post- award ceremony for a mutually convenient time frame.

The Doug Smith Award

Nieuport Aviation Award Criteria

This award is given to a post-secondary individual who has expressed a desire to work in finance and embodies the spirit of tourism in Ontario. This person should be directly enrolled in a post-secondary program in hospitality, tourism, culinary, or business programming.
 

This award is named in honor of Nieuport Aviation’s former Chief Financial Officer, Doug Smith. As a leader, Doug was the consummate team player working with and mentoring all Nieuport team members without hesitation. As a mentor, Doug inspired with his work ethic, positive outlook, willingness to share experiences, as well as a calmness even in challenging and stressful times. In particular, Doug was a great role model and enjoyed working with the youngest members of the Nieuport team. As a proud Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Doug had a career- long passion for finance and as the CFO at Nieuport, he found a new love for aviation. This award is a dedication to Doug’s inspiring life. He will always be remembered for his love of his family, dedication to his career, and passion and knowledge of all sports.

All nominations are judged against the criteria outlined below. If you wish, you may choose to structure your nomination submission according to the same numbered list. All submissions will be reviewed and judged by an independent committee of industry representatives. Judging of the awards will take place in October 2024.
 

Eligibility:

• Nominee must be currently enrolled within a post-secondary institution within Ontario studying tourism, culinary, hospitality, or business programming.
• Nominee must demonstrate an interest in working within finance or pursuing a CPA designation.

NOTE: Self-nomination and nomination of a third party are permitted.
 

Criteria:

1. Describe the individual and why they should be considered for this award.
2. Have you ever considered a position within the aviation industry?
3. Why does a career in finance or as a CPA appeal to you?
4. Please include a minimum of one (1) letter of reference supporting the nomination.

Apply Now

Tourism Champion of the Year

Victoria Clarke
CEO | Visit Mississauga

Victoria Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Mississauga, joined their dynamic team just over two years ago and hasn’t looked back! Clarke brings almost a decade of hands-on tourism experience to Mississauga’s newly formed DMO, along with 15 years of philanthropic industry leadership and digital marketing knowledge. She has won numerous Canadian and global tourism industry awards, launched new campaigns, earned her CDME designation and sits on the newly formed Canadian Destination Leadership Council representing Canada’s DMO needs with Destinations International. Victoria also proudly serves on both the CDME Board and the Foundation Board of Trustees with Destinations International.

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner 
Presented by Air Canada

Check back to see the Award Winner!