The Oxford Tourism Awards of Excellence recognize Oxford’s exceptional tourism businesses, organizations and individuals

Oxford’s tourism innovators and collaborators were on hand last Thursday night at Otter Creek Golf Club for the third annual Oxford Tourism Awards of Excellence.

Presented as part of Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation’s 10th Anniversary Banquet & Awards Event on May 23, the 2023 Oxford Tourism Awards of Excellence winners are:

Responsible Tourism Award: Golspie Dairy

Golspie Dairy has carried a sustainable mindset for its business since day one of operations. Golspie Dairy sourced local materials, including fallen ash trees, for use in the aging room. It increased biodiversity on the farm by planting a native species meadow and is incorporating consumer education. Golspie Dairy’s refill program for milk and soft cheeses has reduced plastic consumption at its business while educating customers. In addition, it has ensured its build was accessible and inclusive and has supported cycling tourism, installing bike racks and seating.  

Tourism Partnership Award first recipient: SixThirtyNine, Thames River Melons and Canada Grills

Local restaurant SixThirtyNine recently teamed up with Thames River Melons and Canada Grills for the highly successful Farm to Dinner Table event. The sold-out event enhanced the tourism sector and profile of Oxford County, celebrating the many Oxford County and Ontario producers featured on the menu. This event included visitors from Toronto and travel media. SixThirtyNine, Thames River Melons and Canada Grills plan to continue working together by offering new and exciting experiences in 2024 and beyond. 

Tourism Partnership Award second recipient: Indigo Lounge Wellness and Eatery

The "It Takes a Village" mantra has always been at the root of everything they do at Indigo Lounge Wellness and Eatery in Tillsonburg. Indigo Lounge's mission statement focuses on collaboration and partnerships, and it is always looking to make new local partners. Throughout the year it hosted dinners and cooking classes with Cool Convenience, Sizzling African Cuisine, Punjabi Chef Jasjit Kaur and Nigerian Chef Khadjiah Haliru. It also partners with farmers for farm to table dinners. Partnership goes beyond the kitchen, including Bollywood dance and Henna nights with Sahar Zaidi, and special events with Oxford County Pride. It even offers up space every Sunday for a new restaurant start-up Sizzling African Cuisine. 

Best New Tourism Product Award: Orange Door Acres

Orange Door Acres started as a small farm gate operation for people to buy pasture raised chicken. Over the years, the business began to take flight by expanding with innovations, recently completing a major expansion by adding a kitchen allowing it to expand products offered to visitors. Visitors are always welcome to tour the Orange Door Acres farm, as farm education is an essential aspect of the business. The on-site processing allows visitors to see firsthand how food from the garden, strawberry patch and barn winds up on the table. This investment has created new employment opportunities and allowed more people to discover Orange Door Acres.

The 2023 Oxford Tourism Award program recognizes the region’s tourism businesses, organizations, and individuals who have displayed excellence in product development, partnerships and collaborations, innovation, inclusiveness, leadership, sustainability, and attraction to the region. The program also recognizes partners who work collaboratively with Tourism Oxford to grow regional tourism and offer exceptional visitor experiences.

Winners were chosen by a panel of external judges with representatives from Ontario’s Southwest, the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, and the Culinary Tourism Alliance.

For more information about categories and award winners, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/Business-in-Oxford/Tourism/Tourism-Awards.

Comment

Meredith Maywood, Tourism Specialist, Oxford County

“We had some incredible submissions once again this year, and it gets harder and harder every year we host these awards for our panel of judges to select a winner. We have so many businesses in Oxford County going above and beyond to support local tourism and keep guests coming back to the County. I’m pleased that the Tourism Award provides a forum to recognize their efforts and amplify their successes.”