Hospitality Saskatchewan handed out its 2026 Tourism Awards of Excellence during a gala at Regina’s Conexus Arts Centre on Sept. 23, recognizing businesses, employers and individuals credited with strengthening the province’s tourism sector.
The event drew tourism operators, hospitality professionals, community leaders and industry stakeholders from across Saskatchewan to mark achievements in the province’s visitor economy. Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre attended as a special guest alongside Rich McIntyre and Captain Derek van der Velden, aide-de-camp to the lieutenant-governor. McIntyre presented the Indigenous Tourism Experience Award during the evening and met with nominees and recipients.
Business and Employer Honours
Saskatoon Inn Conference Centre took the Business of the Year award in the category for operations with 20 or more employees. The independently operated property, which employs about 175 hospitality workers, was recognized for more than four decades of support for Saskatchewan tourism through local purchasing, workforce development, sustainability efforts and community partnerships.
In the under-20-employee category, Back2Nature Wellness Adventures, founded by Kyla Bouvier, won Business of the Year for its guided outdoor wellness programming that blends recreation, mindfulness and sustainability.
Globex Management, which operates 13 properties across Saskatchewan and Ontario, received the Employer of the Year award for its focus on growth, diversity, inclusion and employee wellbeing, including investment in leadership development and newcomer support programs.
Individual and Cultural Recognitions
Hilda Nash of Sandman Hotel Suites Regina was named Tourism Employee of the Year for her work since joining the hotel in 2004, recognized for leadership, mentorship and guest service. Shayna Cossette Birding Guide, a Denare Beach-based enterprise founded by biologist Shayna Cossette, won Rookie of the Year for its guided birding experiences highlighting northern Saskatchewan’s biodiversity.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park received the Indigenous Tourism Experience award for its role in sharing more than 6,400 years of Northern Plains Indigenous history through education, archaeology, cuisine and cultural programming. Journalist and content creator Ashlyn George was named Travel Media Professional of the Year for storytelling work that has reached millions of viewers and readers while showcasing the province’s destinations and experiences.
Tourism Saskatchewan presented the Tourism Builder Award to Brian Hoffart, co-owner of Bait-Masters Hunting Camp for more than three decades, for his work as an industry advocate, association leader and Tourism Saskatchewan director supporting the outfitting sector and rural and northern tourism.
Industry Reaction
Jim Bence, president and CEO of Hospitality Saskatchewan, said the awards recognize people and organizations that create memorable visitor experiences, drive economic growth and showcase the province, adding that this year’s recipients demonstrated leadership, innovation and dedication to the industry.
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