Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa has won one of Canada’s top tourism awards.
The oceanfront hotel and resort was named business of the year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada during a ceremony at the Hilton Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Que.
The Air Canada Business of the Year Award was presented to Brentwood Bay Resort for exemplifying industry best practices in all aspects of its operations and was considered by the judging committee to be an example of all-round business excellence in the tourism industry, particularity in dealing with its employees.
“We have changed the standard focus of tourism operations at our resort. We recognized the transient nature of employment in our industry and have chosen to accept and embrace this nature, changing our focus from retention to attraction,” said Brentwood Bay general manager Natasha Richardson. “I quote a dear friend and business colleague, Steve Miller: ‘We understand that humans not only have a unique contribution to deliver during our lives, but that we also implicitly and deeply desire to make this contribution.’
“At Brentwood Bay Resort, we provide every employee who works with us the opportunity to discover their own unique purpose,” said Richardson. “This has truly changed the way in which we work together and provide authentic service to our guests.”
Brentwood Bay Resort has 35 ocean suites and villas tailored for the luxury traveler. The resort offers a seaside dining room and pub, wellness spa and marina on the Saanich Peninsula.
Meanwhile, Victoria-based Eagle Wing Tours Ltd., a whale watching company, picked up the Sustainable Tourism Award.
“These awards showcase the very best tourism products in the country,” said Tourism Victoria president and CEO Paul Nursey. “When you consider how many destinations there are in Canada and the number of businesses that cater to tourists, it is truly impressive that Greater Victoria is home to two national leaders.”
A total of 14 organizations and individuals were honoured by TIAC at the 2016 Canadian Tourism Awards.
“Tonight’s Canadian Tourism Awards have showcased our diverse industry to the fullest,” said TIAC president and CEO Charlotte Bell, adding that the winners represent outstanding innovation, dedication and expertise. “Recognizing and celebrating these accomplishments is very important, as these industry successes ensure that Canada continues to be seen as a world-class destination.”
