OTTAWA, March 6, 2025 — Yesterday evening, Ottawa Tourism welcomed hundreds of members of the local tourism community for the third annual iteration of the Shine On Awards to recognize customer service excellence and celebrate the frontline tourism industry. The event was held at the Canadian Museum of History and included a networking event attended by Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, followed by an awards presentation.
Award presenters included Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Stefanie Siska, C’est Bon Ottawa Co-owner, President and General Manager and Ottawa Tourism Board Chair; and Geneviève Dumas, Incoming Board Chair of the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association and General Manager of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
The Shine On Awards were developed by Ottawa Tourism to recognize excellent service in all areas of frontline hospitality. A panel of industry experts evaluated the nominations that were collected during the 2024 calendar year and decided on the winners for each category, as well as a final Shine On Grand Prize Winner for customer service excellence.
The following winners were recognized for their exceptional service:
- Madison Roszell-Johnston, from Beyond the Pale Brewery, in the “Exceptional Leader” category.
- Pirami Anandasundaram, from Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market, in the “Exceptional Service: Hotel” category.
- Elisabeta Jurca, from The Westin Ottawa, in the “Exceptional Service: Heart of House” category.
- Raphaël Fitzgerald-Biernath, from the Fairmont Château Laurier, in the “Exceptional Service: Guest Relations” category.
- Robin Courtiade, from Parc Omega, in the “Exceptional Service: Restaurant/Culinary” category.
- Colin Lemire, from the Royal Canadian Mint, in the “Exceptional Service: Shopping/Tour Services” category.
- Sarah Lightizer, from the Holiday Inn and Suites Kanata, in the “Exceptional Service: Festival/Banquet/Event” category.
- Roxanne Eisener, from the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, in the “Exceptional Service: Attraction” category.
The Shine On Awards Grand Prize went to Raphaël Fitzgerald-Biernath. Chef Concierge at Fairmont Château Laurier, Raphaël is an uplifting leader who ensures both guests and colleagues have the best possible experience through his recommendations and referrals. In recognition of his dedication, the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association awarded him a two-night stay at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. This well-deserved opportunity will allow him to rest and relax for a weekend and explore the destination he loves to promote.
“Tourism is a key economic sector in Ottawa, and our frontline staff play an essential role in creating memorable experiences for visitors,” says Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “We are proud to continue to offer this opportunity for employers to recognize and celebrate the excellent work of their teams alongside industry colleagues and partners – contributions that drive the success of our hotels, restaurants, venues and attractions, and elevate Ottawa’s reputation as a top destination.”
The Shine On Program includes the Shine On Awards as well as the Shine On Academy, an online training tool including customer service best practices, destination knowledge and information about the tourism industry. Starting in April, Ottawa Tourism encourages member organizations to nominate their employees for a 2025 Shine On Award. Nominations are now open – visit www.ShineOnOttawa.ca for more information.
You can find and download photos recapping the event by following this link, courtesy of Ottawa Tourism.
About Ottawa Tourism
Through its values of inclusivity, trust, collaboration, and innovation, Ottawa Tourism pursues its vision to be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and appealing urban destinations, as well as the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Canada’s capital welcomes an estimated 9.8 million visitors annually who spend $2.6 billion in the community contributing to economic prosperity and quality of life in Ottawa.
For more information, please contact:
Jérôme Miousse
Director, Public Affairs
corporate@ottawatourism.ca
