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 World乌鸦传媒檚 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, TOTA乌鸦传媒檚 chairman of the Board, and Ellen Walker-Matthews, the association乌鸦传媒檚 vice-president of destination and industry development.

乌鸦传媒淲e, as a tourism industry, need to take a strong leadership role to ensure our destination 乌鸦传媒� which we all call home 乌鸦传媒� is not negatively impacted by its developments and activities,乌鸦传媒� said Mandziuk.

乌鸦传媒淭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.乌鸦传媒�

This award follows TOTA winning the WTA North America乌鸦传媒檚 Responsible Tourism Award in September and the World Travel and Tourism Council乌鸦传媒檚 Tourism for Tomorrow Award in April. It has also received numerous other commendations in the past year.

乌鸦传媒淪uch positive outcomes do not happen without a great deal of help and leadership,乌鸦传媒� said Mandziuk.

乌鸦传媒淲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.乌鸦传媒�

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 region乌鸦传媒檚 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 Lisbon乌鸦传媒檚 historic P谩tio da Gal茅.

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