TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is pleased to announce that this year's Tourism Event of the Year Award has been presented to the City of Windsor for the 2013 International Children's Games. This prestigious award was presented at the 2014 Ontario Tourism Awards held at Blue Mountain Resort in Blue Mountains, Ont., as part of the tenth Ontario Tourism Summit.
The International Children's Games (ICG) were founded in 1968 with the aim of enabling, developing and advancing the meeting, understanding and friendship of students from around the world and promoting the Olympic ideal. The ICG is the world's largest international multi-sport youth games sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee.
For the 2013 Games in Windsor Essex, international media coverage made mention of visitor satisfaction amongst many guests in the region. President of the International Children's Games Torsten Rasch stated: "The Windsor Games set another milestone in the wonderful history of ICG … Windsor lived the spirit and philosophy of understanding and friendship … This special treatment and appreciation for an international guest is really unique at this age and impressed the athletes really deeply!"
But more than just positive reviews from visitors, the 2013 International Children's Games also had a positive economic impact for the region. According to a Smith Travel Research report released in September 2013, Windsor Essex hotels experienced a 4.2 percent increase in occupancy for the month of August compared to the same period in 2012. The Games also generated $8.9 million in economic activity, supported 49 jobs, and attracted over 1,600 competitors and coaches representing 80 cities and 32 countries — all while keeping sport competitions free for public spectators.
In recognition of this tremendous event, TIAO is proud to name the City of Windsor as the winner of the 2014 Tourism Industry Award of Excellence for Tourism Event of the Year. Congratulations!
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario is recognized as the umbrella organization for leading associations, destination marketing organizations and regional tourism organizations serving Ontario's diverse tourism industry. Collectively representing 149,000 businesses and 305,000 employees dedicated to promoting and operating the province's powerful tourism infrastructure, TIAO provides a strong, unified voice for the sector and advocates the importance of tourism to all levels of government in order to help the industry grow and prosper. The Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence recognize leaders in innovation, events, volunteering, sustainability and accessibility within Ontario's vibrant tourism industry.
Quotes
"International sporting events are a major tourist draw. It's fantastic to see such positive economic results from an equally positive event like the International Children's Games. This was truly a success for tourism in the Windsor Essex region."
Beth Potter, President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
Image with caption: "Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (CNW Group/Tourism Industry Association of Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141114_C3472_PHOTO_EN_8045.jpg
SOURCE: Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
Catarina Xhuli, Manager, Executive Office, Membership & Industry Relations, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, 416.305.8249, [email protected]
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