TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario is honoured to name W.R. (Bill) Allen as the recipient of this year's Tourism Industry Award of Excellence's Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of tourism in Ontario, and have worked to establish a visible and long-term record of accomplishment; Allen is certainly one such individual.
As the award title suggests, recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award have been involved with Ontario's tourism community for many years, and this year's winner is certainly no exception. As a former board member of the Canadian Tourism Commission, Ontario Place, Tourism Toronto, and the University of Guelph Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Board, Allen's firm dedication to Ontario's tourism industry is evident as well as impressive.
Allen's career includes 33 years in government. He was also a fellow of the Ontario Hostelry Institute, the past president of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, the past interim president of Tourism Toronto, and the former deputy minister of tourism and recreation. Currently, Allen is a board member of Parks and Recreation Ontario, and the Vice Chair of OTEC.
Allen has demonstrated substantial efforts towards the sustainability of the tourism industry, and towards the positive image and increased awareness of Ontario as a tourist destination. Over the years, his contributions have benefitted the social, economic, natural and cultural environment of the province's tourism landscape.
Congratulations, Bill! Ontario's tourism industry is beyond grateful for all that you have done!
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
"Bill Allen has done a tremendous amount for our industry across the span of his career. We're lucky to have leaders like Bill, who truly show us what dedication to tourism really looks like. Congratulations on this Lifetime Achievement Award!"
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_C5342_PHOTO_EN_8049.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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