We want to recognize and celebrate some of the award wins and highlight notable news from our local tourism industry that occurred over the past few months.


Award Wins


2022 Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award

On February 24, Robert Louie, owner of Indigenous World Winery and Distillery and former Westbank First Nation (WFN) Chief, received the 2022 Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business' Central Canada Business Forum. The award "honours Indigenous business leaders who have built full and rich careers" and "pays tribute to outstanding Indigenous business people across the country who are well-advanced in their careers and have built a legacy that serves as an example of excellence." Click here to learn more about Louie's remarkable career and achievements. 


2022 Canadian Whisky Awards

Okanagan Spirits, BC's original craft distillery, was named Artisanal Distillery of the Year at the 2022 Canadian Whisky Awards. The family-owned distillery, which has locations in Kelowna and Vernon, also took home three gold medals, two silver, and one bronze.


2022 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition (CASC)

Two Kelowna area distilleries took home awards in the 2022 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition, presented by Artisan Distillers Canada:

  • Indigenous World Winery and Distillery was awarded a Bronze medal with Distinction in the Vodka – Classic category along with a Bronze in the Whisky – Single Malt category. Indigenous World was also awarded Bronze in the Branding category for its Indigenous World Vodka. 
  • Urban Distilleries took home two Bronze medals—one in the Gin – Contemporary category and one in the Whisky – Single Grain category.


Notable News


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Join us in congratulating all the award winners and recognizing all those who achieving great things and delivering exceptional experiences to visitors and locals alike!

Have an award win, achievement, or notable news to share? Email us all the details so we can include the information in our next roundup.