TORONTO, Canada – As part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week in Canada 2009 (www.caribbeanweek.ca) October 23 – November 1, tourism officials, Caribbean tourism suppliers and the media will join in recognizing the contributions of the travel agent community during a special Caribbean Awards Luncheon.
The travel agent who best exemplifies the qualities of passion and innovation in the field will be honored with the “Andrew R. Parris Award,” an award inaugurated in 2008 in honor of the man who for many years represented the Caribbean with distinction in Canada. The Caribbean Awards Luncheon will be held on Friday, October 30 at the Fermenting Room in Toronto’s Distillery District.
“Travel agents are the quarterbacks of our industry,” says Hugh Riley. “They deliver key messages to travelers and rally the troops in the marketplace about the Caribbean region. It’s also an honor to acknowledge Andy, who was truly dedicated to bringing the essence of a Caribbean vacation experience to the travel community across Canada.”
Parris (1933-2008) left a legacy of service and professionalism of great significance to attendees of Caribbean Week in Canada. With a career spanning over 40 years in the Caribbean tourism industry, Parris worked diligently to educate, train and motivate travel professionals.
Submissions for this award, created by the CTO and supported by The RMR Group, are open to all International Air Transport Association (IATA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) appointed travel agents in Canada only. Nominations can be made by NTO’s, Hoteliers, Tour Operators, Airlines, etc. Nominees will be considered by a panel of judges from the travel and hospitality industry and evaluated for their contributions to the Caribbean tourism industry and commitment to increasing tourism to the region. Submissions can be sent to [email protected], or via fax at (416) 935-0939, attention Andrew R. Parris Award. The deadline for submissions is Friday, October 2, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. EST; there is no fee for entering and no purchase is necessary.
Caribbean Week in Canada 2009 brings together the most influential policy makers, financial leaders, marketing professionals and tourism industry officials to interact and discuss both tourism and investment opportunities in the region. It also serves to provide a taste of the region to consumers to inspire travel and showcase its diversity.
In addition to the Awards Luncheon, a variety of distinctive events highlighting the Caribbean experience will take place including a consumer travel focused SITV Show in Montreal, Caribbean Media Marketplace, Rum & Rhythm Festival, and a Zoomer Show, a consumer show dedicated to a 50 plus demographic.
