Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Left to right: George Taylor representing Indigenous Tourism BC, Grace Adams and Scott Wilshaw of The Lund Resort at Klah ah men, Lund, British Columbia.
Most Outstanding Indigenous Accommodations
A prestigious honour was presented to the Tla’amin Nation and its Lund Resort management team and staff for their hard work and passion for success. The Nation’s Interim CEO of Management Services, Grace Adams and Resort General Manager, Scott Wilshaw were presented with the award for Most Outstanding Indigenous Accommodations at the 8th annual International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) Awards Gala on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Nation (Kelowna, BC).
The prestigious event honours the leaders and exceptional Indigenous tourism experiences from coast to coast to coast, and this year both the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) celebrated award winners and nominees on Thursday, November 14.
Recognizing a regional tourism operation for providing excellent lodging experiences for guests while incorporating Indigenous themes, design elements, and cultural experiences, the Most Outstanding Indigenous Accommodations award brings forth a deep sense of pride from all who have played a role in the new direction of The Lund Resort at Klah ah men. Interim CEO of Management Services, Grace Adams says it best when sharing her reaction to the announcement… "This is an award everyone at the Nation can be proud of, as it is the dedication and commitment of all since the acquisition of the resort which has brought us this honour of distinction. 2019 has been an exciting year and this award has laid the footprint for our Lund Resort going forward. On behalf of Scott and myself we would like to thank our dedicated staff, aventus Hospitality, Vaka Marketing, both the holdings and operating board as well as Tla'amin Nation for their support of the transition of The Lund Resort. Cheh cheh hah tahn nah pesht ( we thank you ).”
With the Resort’s strategic change in direction to become the first, full service Indigenous owned and operated destination resort on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia only one year ago, the receipt of this award is significant. Not only is the award a remarkable compliment to the dedicated team, it furthers the Tla’amin Nation’s desire to continue to fulfill its three year strategic plan for the Resort and destination of Lund or as it is known in the Nation’s language – Klah ah men, which translates to a place of refuge. This plan includes ongoing renovations and additions to the main hotel building, the General Store and 13 Moons Marina, with new elements coming in summer 2020 to include a wellness centre featuring a full service spa, and ‘glamping tents’ – a contemporary experience in outdoor luxury camping.
Of special note is The Lund Resort at Klah ah men was also recognized as one of three finalists in the National category of Most Improved Business. This category acknowledges Indigenous tourism businesses which have significantly improved their market/export readiness allowing for a stronger business opportunity, while professionally demonstrating Indigenous tourism’s ability to meet and exceed consumer and travel trade expectations.
The Tal’amin Nation extends its congratulations to all nominees in each category and looks forward to continuing its work together with both Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and Indigenous Tourism BC.