A Campbell River whale watching business has won the hospitality and tourism business of the year award twice in a row.
Campbell River Whale Watching received the award in Victoria on March 17 in Victoria. The award, presented by Grant Thornton LLP Vancouver Island Business Awards, was a surprise win for the company after the awards were cancelled last year due to the pandemic.
Co-owners Tyler Bruce and wife Nicole said the win is very significant with new competition.
“We had some stiff competition this year, including our very own local Campbell River tourism partners – Dolphins Resort and Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community of Courtenay,” said Bruce.
“We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the Vancouver Island tourism industry or happier to see so many of our industry partners still going strong after the challenges we have all faced together over the last couple of years.”
Co-owner Stephen Gabrysh said the journey over the last two years was not easy and commends his team.
“Despite the challenges of the global pandemic we have stayed on course and managed to expand our operations and welcome Wildcoast Adventures and Discovery Marine Safaris into the Campbell River Adventure Tours Group of Companies,” said Gabrysh.
“The Island Hospitality and Tourism industry boasts some incredible businesses and individuals who are committed to business excellence and first-class guest experiences,” said Bruce. “Collectively, we have all played our part in making Vancouver Island a popular destination with visitors from all over the world.”
The company is continuing its plans to minimize its environmental impact, becoming the Island’s first carbon-neutral company in 2018.
