Battlefords Tourism and Convention Bureau saluted worthy volunteers at its luncheon Friday to cap off Tourism Awareness Week in the community.
This year, a local woman, Donna Fuhr, was honored as Tourism Volunteer of the Year.
She was unable to attend the luncheon at Western Development Museum, but was able to accept it in person Monday at Battlefords Tourism's offices in North Battleford.
According to Battlefords Tourism, Fehr became involved in tourism after responding to an ad in the newspaper to increase awareness and promote the Battlefords. She has been credited for making herself available for tourism related events such as manning the booth at Agribition in Regina and the Edmonton RV show, as well as volunteering her time at the Visitor Information Centre back in the days when it was operated by Battlefords Tourism. According to Tourism Development Officer Diana Tucker, she continues to be a great ambassador for the Battlefords and a marvelous example of the quality of volunteers in the community.
Another of the major awards handed out was for Employer Tourism Training, which this year goes to Gold Eagle Lodge.
The award is presented annually to a business that has demonstrated a commitment to the tourism workforce through professional recognition, training and excellence. Gold Eagle Lodge was recognized for committing to professional training for its staff and ensuring the entire staff are trained and certified. A total of 10 Gold Eagle Lodge staff members participated in Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council National Certification training in 2009 in a number of categories including front desk agent, reservation sales, housekeeping room attendant, tourism visitor information counselor, tourism supervisor and Train the Workplace Trainer.
Malcolm Anderson of Gold Eagle Lodge was on hand Friday to accept the award.
As well, Battlefords Tourism recognized the Western Development Museum for winning one of the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence, for the "Winning the Prairie Gamble" exhibit featured at the museum in North Battleford and other locations.
Certificates of appreciation were handed out to members of the Battlefords Tourism board. As well, the awards presentation allowed them an opportunity to show off the newly-redesigned Battlefords Tourism website that has been up and running for the past couple of weeks.
In 2008, the Battlefords saw $18.8 million in visitor expenditures, and another big year for tourism is expected this year.
Tourism chair Donna Challis told the audience that it is booming times for the sector in the Battlefords.
"The province and the atmosphere we are in right now," she said.
As well, the Battlefords was part of "the strongest tourism region in the province, and that certainly helps us put the Battlefords on the map by our partnership through them."
