OTTAWA, March 25, 2026 — Yesterday evening, Ottawa Tourism welcomed hundreds of members of the local tourism community for the fourth 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 reception attended by several dignitaries including the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, and City of Ottawa Councillors. The awards presentation followed.
Award presenters included the Hon. Rechie Valdez, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe; Nyle Kelly, General Manager at the Brookstreet Hotel and Ottawa Tourism Board Chair; and Geneviève Dumas, General Manager of the Fairmont Château Laurier and Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association Board Chair.
The Shine On Awards were developed by Ottawa Tourism to recognize service excellence in all areas of frontline hospitality. A panel of industry experts evaluated the nominations that were collected during the 2025 calendar year and adjudicated the winners for each category, as well as a final Shine On Grand Prize Winner for customer service excellence.
The following categories recognized these winners for their exceptional service:
- Exceptional Leader: Jamie Estey, Escapade Music Festival
- Festival/Banquet/Event: Jenna Stokes, Brookstreet Hotel
- Hotel: Linda Akosua Amepome, DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown
- Heart of House: Edith Larmond, Ottawa Marriott Hotel
- Guest Relations: Craig Petter, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group
- Restaurant/Culinary: Jean Brillant, The Delta Ottawa
- Tour Services: Amélia Sawyer‑Masse, Canadian Museum of History
- Shopping: Noémie Blanc‑Richer, Parc Oméga
- Attraction: Roch Clément, Casino du Lac‑Leamy
- Transportation: Sadek Jaber, VIA Rail
The Shine On Awards Grand Prize went to Amélia Sawyer-Masse, Program Interpreter at the Canadian Museum of History. Amélia brings over three and a half years of experience delivering tours, programs, and interactive experiences for visitors across both the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian Children’s Museum. Known for her warmth and storytelling ability, Amélia builds meaningful connections through interpretation, dialogue and engagement. Her background in art history informs her work, especially when interpreting Indigenous artworks and themes of resilience and vibrancy. Through her inclusive approach, she helps visitors connect with history and culture, creating experiences that are educational, reflective and inspiring.
“Frontline staff are the people who make our tourism industry function every day. They are essential to the visitor experience in our hotels, restaurants, venues and attractions,” says Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “This celebration belongs to them, and we are proud, alongside our members and sector partners, to recognize the vital work they accomplish. Shine On Award recipients exemplify what has built Ottawa’s reputation as a premier destination for leisure travel, business events and major events.”
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 2026 Shine On Award. Nominations will open in June – visit ShineOnOttawa.ca for more information.
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, 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 10 million visitors annually who spend $2.6 billion in the community.
Photos available upon request. For more information, please contact:
Catherine Callary
Vice President, Destination Development
corporate@ottawatourism.ca
