Tourism Kelowna has been named one of three finalists for the Professional Excellence DMO or Sector Association Award at the 2026 BC Tourism Industry Awards, alongside Tourism Prince George and Tourism Terrace. This is the second year in a row the organization has been named a finalist for the Professional Excellence award, which recognizes a community DMO or Sector Association that demonstrates leadership, innovation, accountability, and collaboration with the tourism industry in British Columbia.

“Being recognized as a finalist for this award two years in a row reflects the consistent dedication of our team and the strength of the relationships we have with our members and community partners," says Tourism Kelowna President & CEO, Lisanne Ballantyne. "We strive to lead as a high-performing organization, fostering a sustainable, welcoming, four-season tourism economy through collaboration and shared vision. We are proud that Kelowna will host the 2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference, and we look forward to welcoming fellow finalists and partners from across the province to experience the energy and generosity of our destination firsthand.”

As noted on the BC Tourism Industry Awards webpage, the Professional Excellence DMO or Sector Association Award sought nominees who were proven leaders, exemplifying professionalism and best practices that deliver measurable value to their members and to the local and provincial tourism industry.

The nomination submission showcased Tourism Kelowna's collaborative work with other regions, sectors, and industry partners, outlined how the organization has increased visitation profitably, and highlighted the DMO's accountability to its members and stakeholders. It also outlined Tourism Kelowna's achievements within specific categories, including innovation, accountability, performance reporting, and more.

Some of the successes from the previous year outlined in the application included:

  • Partnering with the City of Kelowna (City), Okanagan College, and Westbank First Nation to prepare and submit Kelowna’s ultimately successful bid to become Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The bid preparation process involved collaboration with industry leaders, organizations like the Okanagan Chefs Association, and community members
  • Collaborating with the City and a broad network of local, regional, and national partners to successfully host three major events: Montana’s Brier, Country Music Week/CCMA Awards, and Olympic Curling Qualification Event. Collectively, the 2025 Montana’s Brier and Country Music Week 2025 generated more than $40 million in economic impact.
  • Securing and hosting several major business events, including the 2025 SITE Canada Exchange, the inaugural BC Accelerator Program, and the TOTA AGM & Summit. 
  • Developing and launching a refreshed brand. This highly collaborative process, led by Partners + Hawes, included regional partners such as Lake Country, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, and Peachland, as well as industry/community stakeholders.
  • Completing a full digital upgrade of tourismkelowna.com, advancing the organization's SEO approach by introducing Generative AI Engine Optimization (GEO), using Instagram's 'Close Friends' feature to launch a Members-Only Instagram Stories group, launching a long-form POV YouTube series showcasing Kelowna's iconic trails and experiences, and integrating Custom GPTs into our team's creative workflow. 

Tourism Kelowna was also a finalist in the Community Contribution & Impact Award category in 2024. The organization was previously awarded the DMO Professional Excellence Award at the 2019 BC Tourism Industry Awards. 

The 2026 BC Tourism Industry Awards will be handed out at a gala on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, as part of the 2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference.


LIST OF FINALISTS
Indigenous Operator or Experience
  • Tse'k'wa Heritage Society
  • Best Western Tin Wis Resort
  • Takaya Tours
Sustainability Excellence
  • Tayaka Tours
  • Spirit Bear Lodge
  • Science World (ASTC Science World Society)
Employees First
  • Parkside Hotel & Spa
  • Inn at Laurel Point
  • Nimmo Bay Resort
Tourism Business Person of the Year
  • Norm Coyne, FanCon Society
  • Doug Bell, Northern Lights Estate Winery
  • Jill Doucette, Synergy Enterprises
Community Contribution & Impact
  • Tourism Kamloops
  • Songhees Tours
  • Aboriginal Affects Consulting
Inclusive & Accessible Tourism Experience
  • Tourism Nanaimo
  • Vancouver's North Shore Tourism Association
  • Malahat SkyWalk
Remarkable Experience
  • Tyax Adventures
  • Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre
  • Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa
Professional Excellence - DMO or Sector Association
  • Tourism Prince George
  • Tourism Terrace
  • Tourism Kelowna
Innovation
  • Kingfisher Pacific Resort and Spa
  • CMH Heli-Skiing and Summer Adventures
  • Spinal Cord Injury BC
Culinary & Agritourism Experience
  • Locality Brewing
  • The Cove at the Kaay Bistro
  • Tourism Richmond