Ammy Awards celebrate the best of visitor information centres at the Alberta Visitor Information Providers annual conference

The Government of Alberta has acknowledged three organizations and two individuals providing exceptional experiences to travelers at visitor information centres across Alberta.

Named in recognition of Alberta's official gemstone, ammolite, Ammy Awards honour visitor information centres and staff achieving the highest levels of excellence, instilling a sense of pride in staff and increasing the profile of Alberta visitor information centres as a must stop destination for tourists.

Supervisors, managers and representatives of visitor information centres gathered at the annual Alberta Information Providers Conference, September 24 to 25, in Medicine Hat where the awards were presented.

Tourism Jasper - Amanda Stevens, Kaitie Worobec, Megan Turnbull and Deputy Minister Brad Pickering

Tourism Jasper Visitor Information Centre: Operational Excellence - Hiring & Training
This award recognizes excellence in hiring and training practices through effective recruitment and hiring strategies, creative staff training programs, ongoing staff training and development, and innovative approaches to staff leadership and motivation. The Tourism Jasper visitor information centre addressed high staff turn-over by re-evaluating its hiring criteria and job descriptions, and utilized co-op student programs. Tourism Jasper brought together visitor information centre staff from other Rocky Mountain communities for collaborative training to enhance the visitor experience. Tourism Jasper increased the quality of its training through site visits and activity participation for staff at properties promoted within Jasper National Park.

Edmonton Tourism Gateway Park Visitor Information Centre: Operational Excellence -
Marketing, Communications & Revenue Generation
This award recognizes innovative and resourceful ideas in marketing, communications and revenue generation through marketing tactics, stakeholder communication and partnerships, community engagement and innovative revenue generation methods. The Gateway Park visitor information centre employed innovative ideas and strategic thinking to engage industry partners and revitalize its gift shop.

Tourism Jasper - Sarah Culley, Megan Turnbull and Deputy Minister Brad Pickering

Tourism Jasper Visitor Information Centre: Service Excellence -
Visitor Services & Amenities
This award recognizes superior visitor services and amenities. Tourism Jasper partnered with the Columbia Icefield Centre to create a better experience for visitors. Tourism Jasper also introduced Wi-Fi and a coffee-house atmosphere at the visitor information centre in the Jasper townsite.

Camrose Visitor Information Centre: Service Excellence -
Counseling & Customer Service
This award recognizes outstanding visitor counseling and customer service by meeting and exceeding the needs of visitors, receiving positive visitor and community feedback, and providing exemplary customer service. Camrose visitor information centre staff repeatedly goes above and beyond to create lasting memories for guests.

 

 

Town of High River - Alanna Comeau and Deputy Minister Brad Pickering	Edmonton Tourism - Rob Carstensen and Deputy Minister Brad Pickering

Alanna Comeau (Town of High River): Individual Excellence - Staff & Volunteers
This award recognizes an outstanding staff member or volunteer who has shown great dedication and passion in their role through noteworthy achievements, education, training, teamwork, leadership and a positive attitude. Alanna Comeau demonstrates an innovative style, developed an information tracking system for visitor requests and created a line of souvenir merchandise. Alana Comeau is able to translate visitor requests into relevant travel recommendations.

Rob Carstensen (Edmonton Tourism): Individual Excellence - Leaders in Management
This award recognizes outstanding leaders in visitor information centre management through accomplishments, leadership and innovation. Rob Carstensen is a results driven, passionate mentor with an efficient and effective style with the Gateway visitor information centre team. Rob Carstensen has played an important role in partnership efforts with other Edmonton and area visitor information centres.

Camrose Visitor Information Centre - Sheila Dejesus and Deputy Minister Brad Pickering

Camrose Visitor Information Centre: Facility Excellence - Facility Exterior
This award recognizes exterior facility excellence through superior accessibility, an attractive appearance and impressive features. Camrose visitor information centre maintains well-landscaped grounds and partners with local artists in creating murals and sculptures, transforming the visitor information centre into a tourism destination.

Camrose Visitor Information Centre: Facility Excellence - Facility Interior
This award recognizes interior excellence through a visitor-friendly environment, an effective layout, inviting washrooms and engaging displays and exhibits. Camrose visitor information centre creates a visitor-friendly environment through an effective layout, engaging displays and a special Kids Korner. The visitor information centre provides more than 1000 tourism resources, an eight foot replica Viking ship, Ole Uffda the mascot, souvenirs and artwork from local artisans. Camrose visitor information centre has washroom access from both inside and outside of the centre. The open floor plan and low counters create a welcoming and accessible environment for visitors.

Award applications were submitted by organizations managing community, regional or Travel Alberta visitor information centres. Staff and managers were nominated by their peers for individual accolades. Each year, thousands of travelers utilize the services of more than 135 visitor information centres across Alberta.