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Local
Business Finalist for National “Business of the Year”
Award Local Business Finalist for National “Business of the Year” Award Saint John, NB – Last night, when the 2007 Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s National Awards for Tourism Excellence were presented during the Gala Evening of Canada’s Tourism Leadership Summit in Victoria, British Columbia, the CN Tower walked away as the winner of the Air Canada Business of the Year Award, but that did not dampen the spirits of local business leader Beth Kelly Hatt, whose company Aquila Tours was also a finalist for the award. “To be recognized nationally as one of three finalists for the Air Canada Business of the Year Award is absolutely thrilling,” says Beth Kelly Hatt, noting that it is the recognition for her remarkable team with which she is most pleased. “It’s been the hard work, dedication, and contagious spirit and enthusiasm of the entire Aquila team that have brought us to levels of success that I hardly dared dream of, and it is fantastic to have our team recognized on the national stage.” The Air Canada Business of the Year Award is awarded to a single-unit business whose significant contribution to the tourism industry is reflected in the energy, commitment to service, and vision that is evident in its operations. Areas of consideration include visitor satisfaction; focus on human resources; business results; positive contribution to the image of Canada’s tourism industry; involvement in the tourism community (local, provincial and/or national); and vision for the future. Of the many nominations received for the national award, three finalists were selected by a panel of judges. In addition to the CN Tower, Canada’s most celebrated icon and top tourist attraction, and local tour operator Aquila Tours, the third finalist was Cruise North Expeditions Inc., an Inuit-owned company with a ship that travels into Canada’s north with a commitment to showcase Artic landscape, wildlife and Inuit culture. Aquila is no stranger to the TIAC National Awards for Tourism Excellence, having been the recipient of the 2005 Excellence in Human Resource Development award. That award was especially meaningful for Kelly Hatt, as it recognized Aquila’s unique approach to teamwork. “The Aquila team – my work-family – has always been among my highest priorities,” she explains, “so I didn’t think it could get any better than winning that award. But this year, being a finalist in this category and having our team’s achievements recognized nationally as well – it is really overwhelming.” Aquila Tours is a Saint John tour operator with 25 years of experience in the tourism industry. Under the dynamic leadership of Beth Kelly Hatt, the Aquila Team has worked together to overcome incredible odds and reach levels of success that once seemed impossible. Known for watching and responding to trends in travel, Aquila’s services have evolved to include cruise ship shore excursions in Saint John and learning vacations in Atlantic Canada, in addition to its receptive services in Atlantic Canada and tours for groups to destinations worldwide. Most recently, at the request of several cruise line clients, Aquila has opened a Center for Cruise Excellence, through which they coach and mentor tour operators around the world on providing excellence in shore excursions and tour operations to cruise lines. Every year, over 50,000 travelers experience the Aquila difference. With strategic partnerships and intuitive responses to travel trends, Aquila Tours has become Atlantic Canada’s innovative travel and tourism leader. -30- Media
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Local Tour Operator is a Model for Excellence for Cruise Tour Operators For Immediate Release May 09, 2007 Local Tour Operator is a Model for Excellence for Cruise Tour Operators Saint John, NB – Tour Operators who service the cruise industry will soon be modelling their tour businesses after Saint John Tour Operator Aquila Tours. Encouraged by major cruise lines, Aquila has established a Center for Cruise Excellence in Saint John to help Cruise Tour Operators achieve excellence in their businesses. The Center for Cruise Excellence will offer training programs designed to mentor tour operators in cruise destinations around the world on improving their current operations and offer innovative ways to grow their own businesses. “Initially, we will be customizing these programs and working with the tour operators in their destinations, but our plan includes bringing tour operators to Saint John to witness our operations and train them here,” explains Aquila’s owner, Beth Kelly Hatt. Cruise executives are confident in Aquila’s ability to help tour operators in other regions achieve the level of excellence that Aquila delivers regularly. “Aquila is one of the best tour operators that we work with anywhere in the world, and they are excellent models to which other tour operators can aspire,” says Amilcar Cascais, Carnival Cruise Line’s Vice President of Tour Operations. Adds Graham Davis, Princess Cruises’ Manager of Caribbean and Atlantic Shore Operations, “Our tours in Saint John receive consistently high satisfaction ratings due to the high level of service that Aquila has mastered. To be mentored by Aquila is an excellent opportunity for tour operators looking to improve their operations.” Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence is exciting news for Saint John and New Brunswick for a variety of reasons. “Not only is one of our local tour operators considered to be one of the best in the world by cruise executives, but tour operators from cruise destinations throughout the world will be coming to Saint John to learn from them,” says Steve Carson, chief executive officer of Enterprise Saint John, adding, “We’re fortunate to have such expertise here in New Brunswick.” Each year since 1992, Aquila has invested thousands of dollars in growing its cruise business, with additional investments made annually in its human resources. The Center for Cruise Excellence provides a way for the seasonal tour operator to sustain its business through the off-season, a challenge faced by many tourism businesses in New Brunswick. As the cruise industry continues to grow in Saint John, this endeavor will allow the company to sustain the people needed during the cruise season and give them the opportunity to use their knowledge and expertise year-round. “The Center for Cruise Excellence provides Aquila with opportunities to grow globally, sustain ourselves year-round, and most importantly, continue to give back to the tourism industry, which is significant to Aquila’s business philosophy,” adds Kelly Hatt. Aquila is a Saint John tour operator with 25 years of experience in the tourism industry and 18 years of experience providing shore excellence to cruise lines and their passengers in Saint John. With award-winning shore excursions and tour guides who were named best in the world by Dream World Cruise Destination magazine in 2003, Aquila is well respected within the cruise industry. Their clients include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Crystal Cruises, P&O Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, and many more. -30- Media
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