NOTO Industry Awards

About The Awards

The NOTO Awards were created to recognize the incredible individuals who bring Ontario’s outdoor tourism industry to life. Each year, we honour members who have gone above and beyond by protecting our natural environment, enhancing tourism products, or taking the time to participate in meaningful ways to advance tourism across the province.

Take a moment to reflect:

  • Is there someone in your network who deserves the spotlight?
  • Have you done something you’re especially proud of this year?

Nominate them or yourself, and help us celebrate the passion, innovation, and dedication that drives our industry forward.

The NOTO Awards will be presented at the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit. Each person who is nominated will be notified by NOTO.

Nominations close September 30th of each year.

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NOTO Conservation Award
Awarded to a NOTO member who has contributed substantially to conservation. Here are some examples of activities that a nominee could be, or has been involved in but are not limited to:

  • They have changed their business model to incorporate their own camp conservation fishing rules over and above the Provincial fishing regulations
  • They have volunteered for their local fishery or wildlife stewardship or advisory groups
  • They have volunteered in initiatives to promote healthy fish or wildlife populations
  • They have sat on Government initiated committees, advisory groups for the betterment of the environment, wildlife and/or fish species
  • They have hosted fish or wildlife studies at their place of business
Conservation Award Nomination Form

Bob Giles Award

Awarded to a NOTO member who has shown outstanding performance in the field of Northern Ontario Tourism. The successful nominee is chosen by the NOTO Board of Directors based on the nominations that are received.

Generally, NOTO members can be nominated for the following activities and initiatives or others of significance:

  • Extensive years of service in the tourism industry
  • Success in building a business model around a unique niche market
  • Developing innovative partnerships
  • Dedication to voluntary committee work
Bob Giles Nomination Form

Outfitter of the Year Award

Awarded to a NOTO member who made an outstanding contribution to tourism over the last year or longer. The winner of this award will be selected by the Preferred Supplier’s Board of Directors from the nominations that are submitted.

Examples of contributions could be but are not limited to:

  • Promoted NOTO to other tourism businesses
  • Raised money for a charity
  • Supported another tourism operation in need
  • Mentors new owners in the tourism industry
  • Represents the RBT industry through advocacy or external committee involvement
  • Participates actively as a NOTO member by providing feedback regularly
Outfitter of the Year Nomination Form

Tourism Champion Award

Awarded annually to a person who supports a strong and united tourism industry. A person(s) who sees tourism in a much larger picture than their own specific business or role they play. They are dedicated to spreading the word about the value tourism to people locally, provincially, nationally, and/or globally. This award does not necessarily need to be given to a tourism business owner or a NOTO member.

Some of the examples of activities for this award could be:

  • Has sat on a Board, council, committee, task force, or working group representing tourism
  • Has led a group of tourism stakeholders on any pro-tourism initiative
  • Has made presentations that promote a strong vibrant tourism industry
  • Has gone above and beyond to support tourism within a role in Government of any level
  • Has advocated for a strong tourism industry to political leaders on their own
  • Has demonstrated a clear sense of responsibility for stewardship of the land, fish and wildlife in order to have a sustainable tourism industry
  • A tourism business staff member (ie. fishing or hunting guide, wait or housekeeping staff, pilots, dock personnel) who has shown a real passion for tourism
Tourism Champion Nomination Form

Preferred Supplier of the Year

Awarded to a NOTO Preferred Supplier in recognition of their dedication, support and participation in furthering the goals and objectives of NOTO and its members.

Examples of activities could be but are not limited to:

  • Supporting their clients in ways beyond their core services or product offerings
  • Supporting members through offering an exclusive discount through NOTO
  • Encouraging NOTO memberships from other businesses
  • Serving on the NOTO Board of Directors
  • Sponsoring fundraising activities carried out by NOTO
  • Volunteering time to assist on NOTO committees and working groups
Preferred Supplier of the Year Nomination Form

Executive Director’s Award

Awarded annually to a person who has made a significant contribution of time and effort to support the aims and objectives of the organization.

Award recipient selected by NOTO’s Executive Director. 

President’s Award

Awarded annually to a person or group who has made a significant contribution of time and effort to support the aims and objectives of the organization and endeavours to advance outdoor tourism in Ontario.

Award recipient selected by NOTO’s President.