Travel Alberta Wins Three Golden City Gate Awards at ITB Berlin

CALGARY, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Today Travel Alberta was presented with three awards for tourism marketing excellence in the annual Golden City Gate international film and media competition. The second video installment of Travel Alberta's brand (remember to breathe) entitled 'There Is' received a gold award, beating entries from Germany, Thailand, Switzerland and Portugal. Gold was awarded for Travel Alberta's website travelalberta.com beating entries from the U.S. and Malta, and the Official Alberta Travel Planner, a guide to experiences in Alberta, was recognized with a bronze award.

The Golden City Gate awards are held each year at the International Tourism Fair (ITB) in Berlin, the world's leading travel trade show.

"I am proud to see the newest installment of the (remember to breathe) campaign receive such a prestigious award for capturing and sharing the Alberta visitor experience," said Richard Starke, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation. "We are so fortunate to have a wide range of experiences in Alberta and the campaign is achieving its goal: inspiring people from around the world to come enjoy a life-changing experience."

Considered to be the "Oscars" by the international travel and tourism industry, the Golden City Gate awards recognize tourism marketing excellence in various categories. Winners are chosen by an international jury consisting of 45 representatives from international tourism industry organizations. The award ceremony recognizes top three entries in each category with a gold, silver or bronze award. One outstanding submission across all categories is presented with a diamond award.

Travel Alberta is no stranger to success at these awards, having received the diamond award at last year's competition for the original (remember to breathe) video.

"This award is a very prestigious recognition by our global peers and signifies the high standard of excellence Travel Alberta has earned within the travel industry," said Bruce Okabe, Travel Alberta's Chief Executive Officer. "It is an honour to be recognized two years in a row in this global competition. We are on the right track with a powerful brand that differentiates our province against our global competition and inspires the world to experience Alberta."

Since becoming a Crown corporation on April 1, 2009, Travel Alberta has earned more than 20 awards related to excellence in tourism marketing, including platinum at the HSMAI Adrian Awards, marketing campaign of the year from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and a gold honour in Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards.

All of Travel Alberta's (remember to breathe) videos can be found on Travel Alberta's YouTube channel.

About Alberta
Alberta, located in western Canada, is as vast as it is varied in landscapes and adventures.  Alberta is an exceptional vacation destination that promises authentic experiences in breathtaking landscapes.

About Travel Alberta
Travel Alberta is the tourism marketing organization for the province of Alberta. A team of youthfully spirited adventurers, we lead the Canadian tourism industry in marketing Alberta's extraordinary experiences around the world.

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SOURCE: Travel Alberta

Media contact:
Jennifer Anderson - Director, Communications
Travel Alberta
403.648.1074
[email protected]

travelalberta.com