November 24, 2023

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) presented the prestigious Canadian Tourism Awards at the conclusion of their 2023 TIAC Congress in Ottawa, Ontario on November 22.  Travel Media Association of Canada member, travel freelancer and lifestyles writer, Jody Robbins, was named the Travel Media Association of Canada Travel Media Professional of the Year.

Based in Calgary, Alberta, Jody is a regular contributor to and columnist for the Calgary Herald, The Globe and Mail, WestJet Magazine, Canada.com, and Reader’s Digest. A trusted Canadian travel expert, Jody’s intimate and extensive knowledge is illustrated with appearances on The Marilyn Denis Show, CBC and CTV News, she appears monthly on  Calgary’s Global News Morning and CTV News at Noon, in addition to 770 and 660 News Radio. TravelswithBaggage.com is a homebase for Jody where she shares insightful and inspiring stories about Canadian destinations, and those from around the world. 

Unable to attend the ceremony itself due to being on assignment in Peru, Jody learned she won via text. She says it's surreal to be receive a Canadian Tourism Award and an honour to be named the 2023 Travel Media Professional of the Year. "This is such an honour. I owe much of my success to the network of travel media professionals and tourism industry media relations managers within the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC). It has been my honour to tell your stories, and I hope to tell many more of them. Thank you to all my Destination Marketing Organization partners, especially those of you who had projects for me during COVID, and to TMAC for being the presenting sponsor of this award." 

Paul Knowles, travel media professional and President of TMAC, was in attendance to present the Award. Honoured to represent the nearly 400 members of the Association, with pride he acknowledged the three finalists, are all members of TMAC. Travel media professionals, Jami Savage of Adventure Awaits, and Robin Esrock, rounded out the trio of the finalists from the nominations received by TIAC for this award. "Having all three finalists being from among our membership proves we are doing our job, and doing it very well."

Winners named across the collection of 11 Canadian Tourism Awards were recognized for their outstanding achievements in the tourism sector. Showcasing the dedication, innovation, and excellence of individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to the growth and success of the Canadian tourism industry, TMAC was proud to be a partner in this celebration again this year.

Congratulations are also extended to 4VI, another member of TMAC (industry member), for being named the winner of the Air Transat Sustainable Tourism Award, during the awards ceremony. 

Canadian travel media professionals continue to serve a significant and impactful role within the tourism industry in Canada and internationally. TMAC members in attendance at the continue to contributing to the conversations at the Congress, where industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders all came together to celebrate the remarkable achievements that have elevated Canada as a world-class travel destination. 

For more information about TMAC visit, travelmedia.ca.