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Predator Ridge to host prestigious event

Aug 1, 2019 | 5:30 AM

The Thompson Okanagan has won a bid to host the World Travel Awards the next three years, and Predator Ridge Resort has been announced as the first site.

Over 300 international delegates will attend the North American Gala Ceremony in October 2020, as part of the event’s Grand Tour.

It will be the first time in its 27 year history the awards will be hosted in Canada.

The host city for the second and third years will be announced in Spring 2020 and Spring of 2021, respectively.

The event will place the Thompson Okanagan region and its communities firmly on the world stage as delegates from global airlines, tour operators, travel agents, international media, and hospitality professionals visit the region for the award ceremony.

TOTA is a two-time recipient of North America’s Responsible Tourism Award (2018, 2019), and was named the winner of the esteemed World’s Responsible Tourism Award at the 25th Annual World Travel Awards last year in Lisbon, Portugal.

President & CEO, Glenn Mandziuk recognizes the impact an opportunity like this affords the region as a whole. “We are so honored to welcome such a prestigious event to the Thompson Okanagan and look forward to hosting international tourism industry leaders in Vernon. This would not have been possible without the support of our stakeholder and community partners and it is a privilege to share our region with the world.”

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “We are deeply honoured to host our North America Gala Ceremony 2020 in Thompson Okanagan. This fascinating region of British Columbia, Canada is leading the way in sustainable tourism practice and serving as a benchmark of how to preserve Mother Nature for the benefit of future generations.”

Claus Larsen, Chair of the Tourism Vernon Commission, shared a similar sentiment. “As an emerging four-season tourism destination, being selected to host the World Travel Awards is an amazing opportunity for Vernon to be recognized as an attractive destination for international conferences and events.”

Predator Ridge, home to a thriving year-round community and two award-winning golf courses, is proud to have attracted such a high-profile event.

“We are thrilled to be host to this international gala and very pleased to be once again partnering with TOTA and the City of Vernon. All of us who live here realize how special this region is and know that we have iconic tourism assets and it will be great to host the WTA awards that recognize leadership in the category,” said Brad Pelletier, Senior Vice-President of Wesbild Okanagan, owners of Predator Ridge Resort.

The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

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