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Sault tour train grabs tourism prize

The Agawa Canyon Train Tour received the Business of the Year award at the 10th annual Tourism Sault Ste. Marie , Nov. 6.
Northern Ontario Business Staff
2012-Tourism-Awards
Back row (L to R): Ian McMillan, Executive Director of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie; award winner Giovanni Rossi, a student in Sault College’s Hospitality Management Hotel and Resort Program; award winner Marla Fantham, from Delta Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Inn; award winner Nicholas Apostle, Commissioner of the City’s Community Services Department; MPP David Orazietti. Front row: award winner Carol Caputo, Executive Director of the Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association; and Kelly Booth, Manager of Passenger Operations for Algoma Central Railway.

The Agawa Canyon Train Tour received the Business of the Year award at the 10th annual Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, Nov. 6.

The for-profit business was recognized for showing leadership for investing in staff training and special programming to make for a value-added experience for customers.

Carol Caputo, executive director of the Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association, took home the Tourism Award of Excellence for her long-standing service in demonstrating an “entrepreneurial spirit, leadership and integrity” in benefitting the local tourism scene, according to a Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation news release.

Marla Fantham of the Delta Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Inn received the Customer Service Award, given to an individual employed in the tourism industry who contributes to the betterment of the visitor experience.

Nick Apostle, the city's community service commissioner, was handed the Tourism Ambassador Award recognizing an individual who has made a significant contribution towards strengthen the local tourism economy.

Sault College's Giovanni Rossi received the Student Hospitality Award based on his academic performance in the hospitality and hotel management and resort program.

Ian McMillan, the city's tourism executive director, said the awards highlighted a rebound year for local tourism with increased cross-border visitation from the U.S.

"The people and businesses in this room that recognized tonight, contributed significantly in helping our industry turn the corner after some challenging years."