Sparkes siblings honoured with prestigious Doug Wheeler Award

Bruce Sparkes, left, accepts the Doug Wheeler Award from Clyde Jackman, provincial Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation

CORNER BROOK—The Doug Wheeler Award, one of the most prestigious awarded by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, went to not one, but three people this year.
The winners are siblings—Steve Sparkes, Bruce Sparkes and Judy Sparkes-Giannou. They have a family that goes back more than 25 years in areas that include hotels, tour companies and companies serving the tourism industry.
 
“Our father would be pretty proud,” said HNL president Bruce Sparkes, who accepted the award on behalf of his siblings from Clyde Jackman, provincial Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation at a luncheon during the Lookout! Tourism Summit Feb. 6.

“He taught us to work hard and treat everybody fairly.  We’re a unique trio really, because we operate as a democracy and two votes wins!”
 
Sparkes will be HNL president for one more year.

Tourism excellence

As the finale to their highly successful 2009 Lookout! Tourism Summit at the Pepsi Center in Corner Brook from February 5-7, HNL presented the 2009 Tourism Excellence Awards on Saturday night.  Tourism Excellence Awards honour leaders in the industry who are helping advance the tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The following is a list of awards and award recipients.

Bettina Lori of Neddies Harbour Inn accepts the Accommodator of the Year award from Bruce Sparkes, HNL Chair

The Accommodator of the Year Award, sponsored by the Sparkes family in recognition of the contribution their father, Clayton H. Sparkes, recognizes an individual or company in the accommodations sector within the province who exhibits a dedication to quality service, a commitment to the tourism industry and makes a solid contribution to the communities in which they live.

This award was presented to Neddies Harbour Inn, Norris Point, a small boutique hotel, located on the waterfront of Bonne Bay in Norris Point, Newfoundland, in the heart of Gros Morne National Park. The four star inn contains 15 spacious king or queen-sized rooms, meeting facilities, an exercise room, an infra red sauna and hot tub as well as an on-site restaurant.

Owner Annette Parsons has taken great care to create a first class hotel and cabin experience that harmonize Newfoundland’s unique culture and heritage within the awe-inspiring surroundings of Gros Morne National Park. Neddies Harbour Inn is committed to the environment and embraces sustainability practices whenever possible. Emphasis is placed on environmentally friendly energy systems and the use of authentic local craftsmanship, products, and healthy materials.

The Corporate Partner of the Year Award is presented by Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador to a tourism industry partner that has been successful in developing creative and effective alliances within the tourism industry that improve HNL’s ability to meet its mission.
                                                                     
This award went to The Organic Farm, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.Providing quality vegetables and organic products to restaurants all over Newfoundland and Labrador, this company strives to be a sustainable operation providing employment, education on food security, and chemical free food for children, families and people who are using organic food and juices as part of an illness recovery plan.

The Innovator of the Year Award is presented by HNL to acknowledge operators who demonstrate ingenuity and creativity in their business activities. Recipients of this award have a positive impact on the tourism industry by creating something new or putting a new spin on a product or service.

CapeRace Cultural Adventures won the award this year. Billed as “Self-Driving, Self-Guiding, Self-Catering Newfoundland Travel” on its website, CapeRace gives guests a key that fits the locks of three newly restored homes situated in coastal locations, a car, and a self-published commercial-grade guidebook written specifically for each guest’s CapeRace trip.  Travellers stay at these authentic indigenous homes on an exclusive–use basis, and use the self-directing “Traveller’s Diary” to explore unique and out-of-the-way nature sites, pubs, and music venues.

The Tourism Business of the Year Award went to Mayflower Adventures, Roddickton, which has been in business for over 30 years. The company is well known for providing excellent value and service to guests by delivering rewarding and memorable hunting, fishing and sightseeing adventures. Guests can also take advantage of the luxurious accommodations and hearty Newfoundland culture and hospitality.

The Cruise Vision Award is presented by the Cruise Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to an individual, group or business that has demonstrated a commitment to the provincial cruise industry and has contributed significantly to the growth of the cruise industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Holland America Line won the award this year. Part of the Carnival family, HAL will be expanding their offering in Newfoundland in 2009 with planned calls on Bonne Bay and Red Bay.
 
The PRIDE Award is presented by the Bed and Breakfast/Country Inns Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The winner for 2009 is Inn By The Bay, a four and a half star bed and breakfast in Dildo, Newfoundland. Perched in an historic fishing village on Trinity Bay, the inn is decorated with antiques and offers an exceptional scenic experience. The 10 bedroom inn is complete with a breakfast and dinner menu guests will crave.

The Norman Parsons Memorial Award is also presented by the Bed and Breakfast/Country Inns Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to the individual or business that has excelled in both hospitality and longevity in the industry. This year it was presented to: Rita Hagan of Hagan’s Hospitality Home, Aquaforte, a three star bed and breakfast located in Aquaforte, Newfoundland. This small but hospitable business is a favourite of East Coast Trail adventurers. Rita Hagan is known throughout the Irish Loop for her personality and kindness, traits which allow visitors to feel at home in her home.