Bill Rowe worked 39 years for Air Canada in a career that took Bill and his wife to many parts of the world. Bill led a full life, active in numerous organizations ( Skål ,  Pionairs , SFU Board,  Chaine  des  Rotisseurs ) and was known for his bubbling, inquisitive, outgoing personality and kind, caring disposition. He had a gift for making everyone from all walks of life feel welcome and important.  Up to his passing in 2010, he organized the Tourism Award on behalf of  Skål  Canada -Vancouver and it is for this reason that the club  honours  his memory by annually presenting the  Skål   Canada –  Vancouver, Bill Rowe Memorial Tourism  Award  to recognize leaders, organizations and programs in the travel & tourism industry.  

  Following is the criteria to receive the award : An individual, company or organization that has notably, over an extended period of time, enhanced the development of tourism and has contributed to the ethical values that are common to humanity.

PREVIOUS WINNERS 

2003   Great Canadian Rail Tours                     2004   Capilano Suspension Bridge

            Peter Armstrong, President                                    Nancy Stibbard, President

 

2005   International Conference Services       2006   Doug Keough
Franzika Kaltineggar, President                            Travel Trade Publisher

 

2007   Vancouver International Airport            2008   Vancouver AM
Larry Berg, President                                              Vivian Farcas, President

2009   Jim Storie                                                     2010   Canadian Tourism Commission
President, Vancouver Trolley Company              Michele McKenzie, President

2011   Vancouver Attractions Group                2012   Pacific Coach Lines

            Nancy Chilton, Executive Director                        Dennis Shikaze, President

 

2013   Rick Antonson                                            2014   Cruise Lines International

            President & CEO Tourism Vancouver                 Association - North West &

                                                                                                Canada

Greg Wirtz, President

 

2015   Grouse Mountain Resorts                       2016   The Visitor Centre at Tourism

            Michael Cameron, President                                 Vancouver

Ty Speer, President & CEO

 

2017   Vancouver Convention Centre               2018   Steve Halliday

            Ken Cretney, President & CEO                             Hospitality Virtuoso

 

2019   The Wickaninnish Inn                               2020   Ingrid Jarrett

            Charles McDiarmid, Managing Director                President, BC Hotel Association

 

2021   The Vancouver Club                                 2022   Dine Out Vancouver Festival

            Dean Medwid, President                                        Royce Chwin, President & CEO

Destination Vancouver