The 2023 winners of the 4 award categories were announced at the Tourism Richmond Year End Celebration on 30^th November. The winners were given deserving fanfare on an evening that included live music and an opportunity for industry peers to connect and recognize the fantastic achievements of tourism businesses across the city over the past year. 

The winners are: 

Excellence Award for Innovation – Panda Pod Hotel

As the first capsule hotel in Greater Vancouver, Panda Pod Hotel provides guests with a secure, personal, yet sociable space. From its home in Richmond, Panda Pod is already in the process of building a franchising network across Canada and the USA. 

Passion Award for Individual Achievement – Crystal Lalonde – Fairmont Vancouver Airport 

Crystal consistently demonstrates outstanding dedication and commitment to the success of Fairmont Vancouver Airport hotel. Crystal is a true gem within the team, and her remarkable contributions make her an invaluable asset to the hotel. 

Integrity Award for Community Impact – Steveston Hub

Steveston Hub supports, hosts, and creates events and programs that promote community engagement, community wellness, and creative collaboration. It also collects food for the Steveston Food Cupboard, organizes Christmas food hampers for low-income families, and supports social justice causes within the Village. 

Collaboration Award for Successful Partnerships – The World of Kidtropolis

This summer, Kidtropolis launched the Family Fun Passport in collaboration with 15 other Richmond businesses. Aimed at families visiting Richmond during the summer, the passport provided unique experiences and high quality entertainment options to young families.  

The winners are: 

Excellence Award for Innovation – Richmond Olympic Experience

The Richmond Olympic Experience is the first member of the International Olympic Committee’s Museum Network to be located in North America. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Oval staff utilized the closure period to introduce a bold new design, and create new exhibits highlighting both Canada’s cultural and athletic achievements on the world stage. 

Passion Award for Individual Achievement – Nutcha Phanthoupheng – Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine

A first-time chef and restauranteur, and former nurse and cancer researcher, Chef Nutcha opened Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine on Steveston’s waterfront in 2021. Championing local produce and supporting the local community, Nutcha has made a significant contribution to the profile of Steveston as a culinary destination. 

Integrity Award for Community Impact – Lansdowne Centre

Home to over 120 shops, Lansdowne has long been at the heart of the community in the city centre. In the past year it has put on dozens of community events including planting 40 planter beds that provided fresh produce for more than 1,000 people on low income. They also offered free weekly gardening workshops, morning Tai Chi and Yuan Jyi exercise classes 6 days a week, and a host of fundraisers, local art exhibitions and jobs fairs. 

Collaboration Award for Collaborative Project or Initiative – Grand Prix of Art

Mark Glavina of Phoenix Art Workshop, in collaboration with the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site has brought together over one hundred artists to capture the beauty of Steveston. The 2022 event saw 115 artists placed in 35 locations, in a race against time to draw, sketch or paint the landscape in half a day. The artwork was displayed, judged, and sold in the Seine Net loft at Britannia, putting $10,000 into the pockets of local artists.