Businesses across Ontario, including one in Chatham-Kent, have been recognized by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO).
As part of the TIAO Tourism Summit, the Ontario Tourism Resilience Awards were held to celebrate Sustainability, Innovation and Collaboration in the tourism sector.
Municipal officials say TJ Stables took home the Indigenous Tourism award for Innovation and was a nominee in two other divisions in the same category (winter and outdoor) for its “Awaken Your Spirit” Ojibwe Spirit Horse encounter.
The experience launched this June and allows for a chance to learn about First Nations and Metis cultures.
It also includes a unique and exclusive opportunity to be with the historic Ojibwe Spirit Horses.
“We are honoured to be presented with this prestigious award for all of Ontario. Incredible thanks to the team at Chatham-Kent Tourism, the Southwestern Ontario Tourism Corporation (SWOTC) and Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) for guiding us through the creation of the experience,” said Terry Jenkins, co-owner, TJ Stables, in a media release.
The award was accepted on behalf of TJ Stables by Chatham-Kent Tourism.
“I am humbled to have been able to accept this award on their (TJ Stables’) behalf. They are truly deserving of this prestigious honour,” said Shannon Paiva, Supervisor, Tourism Development, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, in a press release.
The TIAO conference was held in Ottawa October 26 and 27.
Chatham-Kent Tourism has launched a new video to further promote the experience in honour of the award.
The video is available for viewing through VisitCK’s Facebook channel.
