Wikwemikong Tourism wins international award
Officials with Wikwemikong Tourism say they are ecstatic over their recent win at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Winnipeg and they are coming home to Manitoulin with some new hardware – the 'Exceptional Industry Leader and Original Star' award.
"It feels great, it's a culmination of years of hard work so it definitely feels good to be recognized on a national level," said tourism manager Luke Wassegijig.
Wassegijig said it was definitely a team effort in what they've been able to achieve these last few years, from management down to the front-line staff.
"It's about the people that are on the front lines, our administration staff, our guides, our coordination staff, they're really the key to the core of our operation so we're thankful for them," he said.
Wassegijig told CTV News he believes one of the key things that was recognized was their ability to rebuild after the crushing impacts of COVID-19 on the tourism industry.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
He said Wiikwemkoong had to deal with several challenges that come in our communities didn't necessarily have to face.
"COVID for many operators was difficult, especially for Indigenous operators. We were under a different set of rules, when the rest of the province was open … there was a lot of times we remained locked down,” said Wassegijig.
“So for us it was a very difficult long two years but coming out of COVID was a real testament as to how well we were preparing ourselves for the reopen. It was great because we saw our best year ever in 2022 in terms of tour sales and tour volume.”
The tourism professional said they attribute a lot of their success to working with the cruise industry, which also reported a record year in the Great Lakes over the summer.
Wassegijig said he's looking forward to what they have planned in the year ahead.
Officials said this season they will be focusing on local partnerships to enhance festivals including Wiikwemkoong's Annual Cultural Festival and the Manitoulin Ice Showdown.
For more updates and event details, follow Wikwemikong Tourism on Twitter.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.