For Immediate Release

2020 Tourism Kamloops BOLD Hospitality Awards Winners Announced

January 29, 2020 – The 4th Annual Tourism Kamloops BOLD Hospitality Awards presented in partnership with the Kamloops Blazers were a tremendous success! 200 attendees representing Kamloops tourism industry employees, employers, colleagues, friends, and family were in attendance to recognize and celebrate Kamloops’ remarkable hospitality champions in the Valley First Lounge at the Sandman Centre this evening.
 
“The BOLD Hospitality Awards bring to light hospitality service excellence for a fourth year. Each of the nominees and winners exemplifies exceptional tourism ambassadorship and their commitment to Kamloops’ tourism industry and our destination is profound. These are the people that truly make Kamloops a warm, welcoming, memorable tourism destination. The leadership, passion, and commitment they deliver each day are what contribute to the success of Kamloops’ growing visitor economy – an industry that welcomes 1.85 million visitors and contributes nearly half a billion dollars to the local economy annually,” explains Beverley DeSantis, Tourism Kamloops CEO.
 
A total of 67 nominees competed for the winning title in six categories. The full list of winners are as follows:
 

  • Accommodation “foh” of the Year (Front of House) – Tracy Jobbagy, Riverside B&B
  • Accommodation “boh” of the Year (Back of House) – Raj Kaur, Canada’s Best Value Inn
  • Food & Beverage “foh” of the Year (Front of House) – Janessa Toye, Moon Wok Restaurant
  • Food & Beverage “boh” of the Year (Back of House) – John Kosciuw, Iron Road Brewing
  • Tourism Attractions Leader of the Year – Terri Axani, DiVine Tours
  • Tourism Services Leader of the Year – Karen Hayes, WestJet Encore

 
“Hospitality service excellence is vital for a thriving visitor economy,” notes Steve Earl, Tourism Kamloops Board Chair. “Tourism is the fastest growing industry globally and the ability to compete for tourism dollars is fierce. Our commitment as a cohesive industry to create memorable moments for our visitors helps to elevate Kamloops’ reputation and perception of a great place to visit.”
 
Nominations were gathered over a four-month period from July 1 to October 31. An appointed selection committee comprised of local hospitality leaders scored the nominations narrowing to a field of three finalists and finally a winner in each category.

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Media Contact:
Monica Dickinson, Director – Industry Relations & Communications
Tourism Kamloops
Cell: 250.819.0151 | Email: monica@tourismkamloops.com

 

2020 BOLD Hospitality Award Winners