The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association has been recognized for its work on an international stage.

TOTA, a not-for-profit society which represents business and community tourism interests throughout the region, won the World91裸聊视频檚 Responsible Tourism Award at the 25th annual World Travel Awards last weekend in Lisbon, Portugal.

The award was accepted by Glenn Mandziuk, president and CEO of TOTA, along with Frank Antoine, TOTA91裸聊视频檚 chairman of the Board, and Ellen Walker-Matthews, the association91裸聊视频檚 vice-president of destination and industry development.

91裸聊视频淲e, as a tourism industry, need to take a strong leadership role to ensure our destination 91裸聊视频� which we all call home 91裸聊视频� is not negatively impacted by its developments and activities,91裸聊视频� said Mandziuk.

91裸聊视频淭he honour of our association and our region receiving this important international recognition shows we are on the right track with our collective focus on responsible and sustainable tourism.91裸聊视频�

This award follows TOTA winning the WTA North America91裸聊视频檚 Responsible Tourism Award in September and the World Travel and Tourism Council91裸聊视频檚 Tourism for Tomorrow Award in April. It has also received numerous other commendations in the past year.

91裸聊视频淪uch positive outcomes do not happen without a great deal of help and leadership,91裸聊视频� said Mandziuk.

91裸聊视频淲ithout the support of Destination Canada, BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Destination BC, the community, non-governmental organizations, corporate partners, and our 4,500 industry tourism stakeholders, this recognition would not be possible.91裸聊视频�

Since its establishment 25 years ago, the WTA has become the international benchmark for recognizing excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Voting is conducted online by tourism industry professionals around the world.

The Thompson Okanagan attracts more than four million visitors annually, generating more than $2.2 billion in direct revenue.

That makes tourism the region91裸聊视频檚 top economic driver.

TOTA says its aim, through a focus on responsible tourism, is to ensure that for decades to come, the region will have a healthy and sustainable economic, social, environmental, and cultural future.

The WTA grand final gala ceremony on Saturday took place at Lisbon91裸聊视频檚 historic P谩tio da Gal茅.

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