C-J Harel Recipient of a 2006 Tourism Saskatchewan Award of Excellence for Travel Journalism

April 6, 2006

Tourism Excellence Celebrated at Awards Gala

The tourism industry honoured businesses and individuals at the 17th annual Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala, held at TCU Place in Saskatoon on Thursday evening.

“The nominees, finalists and award recipients for the Awards of Excellence have helped enhance the positive image of the tourism industry in Saskatchewan,” said Roy Anderson, President and CEO, Tourism Saskatchewan. “The tourism industry is proud to come together to recognize and celebrate their achievements.”

From 113 nominations, an industry selection committee of 12 people determined the 47 finalists and 16 award recipients. The Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was selected by Vance McNab, Chair of Tourism Saskatchewan’s Board of Directors. The winners of the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence for 2005 are:

Rookie of the Year :
Milton Lake Lodge, Milton Lake

Service Excellence (Individual):
Reginald Louison, Kahkewistahaw Gas & Convenience Store, Yorkton

Service Excellence (Business):
King’s Department Store, Carlyle

Corporate Partner of the Year:
Budget Car & Truck Rentals, Saskatoon

Tourism Media Award for Travel Journalism:
Claude-Jean Harel, Regina

Gil Carduner Marketing Award (Budget of Under $20,000):
Diefenbaker Canada Centre, Saskatoon

Gil Carduner Marketing Award (Budget of Over $20,000) :
Joey’s Only Seafood Restaurant, Regina

Promotional Marketing Campaign - Event or Festival
(Budget of Under $20,000):
StirCrazy Blues Music Festival, Swift Current

Promotional Marketing Campaign - Event or Festival
(Budget of Over $20,000):
Saskatchewan Centennial Canoe Quest, Churchill/Sturgeon Weir Rivers

Promotional Marketing Campaign (Association, Bureau or Region):
Tourism Yorkton – “Yorkton – Where Good Things Happen” campaign

Fred Heal Tourism Ambassador Award:
Bob Ellard, Regina

Land of Living Skies Award:
Craik Sustainable Living Project Eco Centre, Craik

Spirit of Saskatchewan Award:
Saskatchewan Centennial Canoe Quest, Churchill/Sturgeon Weir Rivers

Creative Excellence Award:
Saskatchewan Express, Regina

Business of the Year (Under 50 Full-time Employees):
Champêtre County, St. Denis

Business of the Year (Over 50 Full-time Employees):
Casinos Regina & Moose Jaw

Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award:
Gordon Wallace, Saskatoon

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For more information, contact:

Angela Konkin
Communications Coordinator
Tourism Saskatchewan
Office: 306-787-2927
Email: angela.konkin@sasktourism.com