2014 Award Winners

FARM TOURISM AND REGIONAL PRODUCTS

VIGNOBLE DE L’ORPAILLEUR

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

A trail blazer in the wine industry in Quebec, in 1982, L’Orpailleur planted its first vines in the beautiful valley of Dunham. Its wines are now available in 265 SAQ outlets. During the past year, L’Orpailleur has taken steps to present events that involve respecting and conserving nature.

 

 

 

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS – FEWER THAN 25 000 VISITORS

SPA ALGUA-SULIS

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

Nestled in the heart of the city in a uniquely charming ancestral building, the Spa Algua-Sulis offers its clients an unparalleled physical and emotional experience that is not only relaxing but also rejuvenating and energizing. The addition of a stone-age style grotto providing absolute privacy and including an entirely indoor thermotherapy centre is, without a doubt, the main innovation of the past year.

 

 

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS – 25 000 TO 100 000 VISITORS

MUSÉE DE LA NATURE ET DES SCIENCES DE SHERBROOKE

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

In 2013, the Sherbrooke Nature and Science Museum officially opened AlterAnima, Unexpected Encounters, an exhibit about natural sciences, combining technology and the arts in a surprising way. In addition, the Museum’s multimedia and multisensory show, Terra Mutantès, takes visitors back in time 400 million years to experience the complete transformation of the planet and of the landscapes in the Eastern Townships.

 

 

CAMPGROUNDS AND OUTDOOR SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

SKI BROMONT

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

Ski Bromont, the largest lit skiable area in North America, features a water park offering 25 aquatic and land-based activities. It also has the largest mountain biking area in Eastern Canada. Ski Bromont has recently launched a research and development endeavour to develop landing areas equipped with synthetic carpet.

 

 

ECOTOURISM AND ADVENTURE TOURISM

VÉLOVOLANT

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

VéloVolant offers aerial bike rides amongst the treetops. Suspended from a horizontal, high-resistance steel cable at heights of up to 100 feet, the participant is comfortably seated in a recumbent bike, securely attached, and assisted by guides at the start and finish of the circuit. VéloVolant is the first of its kind in Canada and the third in the world after those in Mexico and Florida.

 

 

TOURISM SERVICES

KAVA TOURS

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

The only business in Quebec specializing in wine tourism, Kava Tours’ main mission is to introduce tour participants to local products. The business broke new ground this year by launching an unprecedented product in the world of tourism: the Wine Country Passport. This product combines the simplicity of a ready-made package with the flexibility of a travel guide for people who want to travel the wine route by car, on their own.

 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS: OUTFITTERS

AU DIABLE VERT – STATION DE MONTAGNE

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

Au Diable Vert is a four-season outdoor recreation and tourism site nestled between the peaks of Mount Sutton, Jay Peak, and Owl’s Head. In 2013, the business showed innovation by improving their facilities while respecting the natural and rustic setting of the site, by providing better transportation for those taking part in sports activities, by adding new activities, and by establishing a partnership with the business that launched VéloVolant.

 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS: Bed & Breakfasts

AUBERGE ANDROMÈDE

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

The Auberge Andromède offers not only high-quality country-style cuisine infused with local flavours but also many outdoor activities that highlight Quebec’s four seasons. Respect for tradition and sustainable development are at the heart of the business’s values. In 2013, the Auberge Andromède participated in SADC’s sustainable development program.

 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS – UNDER 40 UNITS

MANOIR HOVEY

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

Manoir Hovey is a 5-star rural inn featuring modern comforts, with 37 individually decorated rooms, of which 7 are suites. Over the past five years, Jason Stafford, General Manager, and Melissa Provencher, Director of Sales and Marketing, have taken many business trips around the world to promote Manoir Hovey.

 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS – 40 TO 149 UNITS

CENTRE DE VILLÉGIATURE JOUVENCE

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

A gem of the Eastern Townships, Jouvence offers products that meet the needs of families, individuals, youth groups, and organizations, as well as corporate groups. Jouvence broke new ground by creating D’JOUV, a centre for youth geared towards sustainable development. Its three modern pavilions are made, for the most part, from recycled, reused, or low-impact materials.

 

 

FESTIVALS AND TOURIST EVENTS – OPERATING BUDGET UNDER $300 000

LES COMPTONALES

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

The Comptonales is an event that brings together agri-food producers, chefs, artists, and artisans from the Eastern Townships. At eight different agritourism destinations, visitors are greeted by the exhibitors in a friendly atmosphere where they can discover and savour local products. In 2013, the Comptonales adopted a colourful new image and completely redesigned both its organization and its communications.

 

 

 

FESTIVALS AND TOURIST EVENTS – $300 000 to $1 000 000 OPERATING BUDGET

LA TRAVERSÉE INTERNATIONALE DU LAC MÉGANTIC

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

Over the years, the swim meet known as the Traversée du lac Mégantic has become an event that cannot be missed in the Granit MRC. Last July 6, the railway tragedy had a dramatic impact on the event’s programming and itinerary. In 2013, for the first time in 12 years, spectators were granted free access to the site. This decision benefited the organization by attracting more people and enhancing the event’s visibility.

 

 

FESTIVALS AND TOURIST EVENTS – OPERATING BUDGET OVER $1 000 000

JEUX D’ÉTÉ DU CANADA – SHERBROOKE 2013

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

Last August, thousands of people contributed to the resounding success of the 12th edition of the Canada Summer Games. Not only did the Sherbrooke 2013 Host Society brilliantly present the largest multi-sport event in the country, it also set new standards. The Sherbrooke 2013 team chose to blaze a trail in the areas of product management, quality, and originality.

 

 

REGIONAL MENU – FLAVOUR CREATORS

CAFÉ ARAGON

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

A real neighbourhood restaurant since 1995, the Café Aragon has made a name for itself with its high-quality food and creative dishes. Small, intimate, eco-friendly, and authentic, the Café Aragon has a unique flair, presenting regional and Quebecois flavours. A close, friendly, and respectful relationship is created, linking the food lover, producer, and restaurateur. One of the best breakfast sites in Sherbrooke.

 

 

HUMAN RESOURCES – TOURISM SUPERVISOR

DANIELLE JARRY – LE ST-MARTIN BROMONT HÔTEL ET SUITES

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

Danielle Jarry is the backbone of reception and customer service at Le St-Martin Bromont. In the eyes of her team as well as the hotel’s clients, her positive presence personifies the ideal of hospitality in Quebec. Ms. Jarry has contributed to the tourism industry in Bromont for almost 30 years, and her team wanted to show her their high regard and appreciation by nominating her for the title of Best Tourism Supervisor of the Year.

 

 

HUMAN RESOURCES – NEXT GENERATION OF TOURISM LEADERS

MYRIAM RIOUX-DENIS – DESTINATION SHERBROOKE

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

Much like the circus artists Les 7 doigts de la main, Myriam has shown diligence, determination, and a great mastery of her thousand and one responsibilities pertaining to logistics, communications, box office sales, artist management, and the production as a whole. Myriam reflects Sherbrooke, her adopted city—in other words; she is dynamic, welcoming, and radiant.

 

 

 

SPECIAL JURY PRIZE

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LA CHANSON DE GRANBY

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

For 45 years, the Festival international de la chanson de Granby has resonated in the hearts of French-language enthusiasts. It has become “THE benchmark for people in the industry.” In 2013, the Festival reaped the rewards of many years of work. While continuing to establish deeper roots in the community, it enjoyed unprecedented media coverage.

 

 

TOURISM PERSONALITY

TOM ALLEN

Crédit photo : François Lafrance

Born athlete, devoted educator, Tom Allen does not limit his efforts to athlete development; he is also involved in the organization of high-level competitions. In 2010, his peers nominated him for the position of Chair of the Board and Executive Committee of the Host Society for the Sherbrooke 2013 – Canada Summer Games. If the Sherbrooke 2013 – Canada Summer Games have forever left their mark on the collective memory and positioned Sherbrooke as a destination for sports excellence in Canada, it is largely thanks to Tom Allen.

 

 

JURY

A three-person jury was charged with the challenging task of selecting 17 winners from the 37 applications submitted. The jurors were Lucie Lanteigne, director general of Vélo Québec, Adèle Girard, strategic support consultant, and Jonathan Custeau, journalist at La Tribune.

 

2014 TOURISM PERSONALITY

Alain Larouche, Tourism Eastern Townships’ Executive Director had the pleasure of revealing the name of the Tourism Personality of the Year. The Board of Directors chose to recognize Tom Allen, Chair of the Board and Executive Committee of the Canada Summer Games – Sherbrooke 2013. He is the captain who steered the impressive organization with a $51 million budget to the successful realization of its goals. It is his deeply human qualities of rallying and motivating, as well as his great determination that supported the more than 100 employees, 150 partners and 6 329 volunteers. In successfully welcoming 3 400 athletes, their companions and families, he helped attract the entire country’s attention to Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships. He joins the group of leaders and entrepreneurs who for decades have contributed to making our tourist region what it is today, a harmonious, well-known, and innovative destination where the art of living takes on a whole new importance.

 

Special thank to our partners

gpt_commanditaires_20x40_2014_hr.jpg

X

Filters

X
Taste the Townships
Arts, culture and entertainment
Shopping
Lodging
Nature, sports and outdoor activities
Restaurants
Tourist routes
Family outing
Spa and wellness
Charging stations