Carmene Fiola
Recognized for her work as tourism coordinator at Tourisme Riel in St. Boniface, her development of the "Riel Passport" - a package opportunity for visitors to experience six attractions in the area, coordination of Folklorama's French-Canadian pavilion and Project Celebrations 2008.
Wat'Chee Lodge
Recognized for providing experiences that include spectacular displays of northern lights, tracking arctic wildlife and trekking into Wapusk National Park to view polar bear dens. The lodge's adventure experiences are based on the Spence family history of living off the land and Cree storytelling traditions.
Investors Group
Destination Winnipeg Award of Distinction recognizes the outstanding contributions of an individual, organization or company to the development of Winnipeg's convention and event business. This year's award was presented to Investors Group for the 2008 Investors Group Apex Summit that brought in 1500 consultants from across Canada, exceeding attendance expectations for this consultant funded education conference. The award was presented to Kevin Regan and Angie Pfeifer on behalf of Investors Group.
Leo Ledohowski, President and Chair of Canad Inns
Presented to Leo Ledohowski, President and Chair of Canad Inns. Mr. Ledohowski is on the Executive Committee of the Hotel Association of Canada and the Manitoba Hotel Association, and is on the Board of the Bank of Canada.
Narrows West Lodge & Narrows West Developments
Recognized for developing and marketing over 300 additional cottage lots on the shores of Lake Manitoba Narrows, increasing business not only for Narrows West Lodge, but also for surrounding businesses and residents.
Mercury Publications
Recognized for producing a variety of publications that provide a local, regional and national focus on trends and news relevant to the hotel, bar and food services industry, and for featuring Manitoba's leading operators in publications throughout the country.
Haunted Winnipeg (A partnership between Heartland International Travel & Tours, Muddy Water Tours and Musee de Saint-Boniface Museum)
Recognized for creating "The Haunted Winnipeg Investigates Bus Tour", an experience that allows participants to investigate the paranormal at a variety of locations through the use of divining rods, thermometers, cameras and voice recording devices.
Hostelling International - Winnipeg Downtowner Hotel
Recognized for successfully undertaking the conversion of the Downtowner Motor Hotel into a facility that now attracts larger youth groups, tour groups, performing groups and a variety of non-profit groups.
Jacques Bourgeois, Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre
Recognized for enhancing visitors' experiences through his passion, commitment and dedication to the marsh.
Lieutenant Governor's Winter Festival
Recognized for developing a festival to celebrate winter from six pavilions with 6,000 visitors to an attraction that now draws over 60,000 visitors to the city of Brandon for 13 pavilions of food, music and displays from a variety of cultural groups.
Falcon Trails Resort: Barbara Hamilton & Craig Christie
Recognized for providing an all-season resort and conference centre that showcases its unique product through the hosting of wellness programs and retreats, being a leader in multiple sustainable practices, and for developing partnerships with a variety of local schools, associations, restaurants and other tourism providers.
Estelle Souloudre
Recognized for two decades of volunteering for over a dozen festivals and organizations, including Festival du Voyageur, the 2008 Tim Horton's Brier, Celebrations 2008, the Winnipeg International Children's Festival and the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival.
