Despite event cancellation, 20 award winners honoured for their undeniable community spirit and commitment to customer service excellence

In a turbulent year marked by restrictions, cancellations and critical health and safety considerations, Tourism Calgary was determined to keep the spirit of the Calgary White Hat Awards alive by finding a new way to recognize the hard-working Calgarians and businesses who foster community spirit and support Calgary's $2.5 billion visitor economy.

After carefully evaluating the ongoing situation and implementing significant health and safety measures, Tourism Calgary reimagined the traditional Awards Gala into a series of socially distanced, in-person presentations where each of the 20 Calgary White Hat Award winners were surprised with a coveted Smithbilt White Hat at their place of employment.

“It is more important than ever to celebrate our city's ultimate hosts and Calgary's vital tourism industry,” says Cindy Ady, CEO Tourism Calgary. “The Calgary White Hat Awards are an important demonstration of community spirit. We're grateful that in partnership with the employers of the winners, we were able to safely carry on this long-standing tradition of celebrating the remarkable members of our tourism industry who bolster Calgary's vitality and reputation as the ultimate host city.”

After being nominated by grateful customers and proud supervisors based on their commitment to service excellence, this year's winners were interviewed and identified as the best-of-the-best among a selection of 543 semi-finalists. As Calgary White Hat Award winners, these hard-working individuals and businesses have further established themselves as leaders who work collaboratively within Calgary's dedicated tourism and hospitality community to uphold and perpetuate our city's reputation for western hospitality.

A complete list of all Calgary White Hat Award winners follows. To learn more about Tourism Calgary and the Calgary White Hat Awards, see www.visitcalgary.com.
-30-

Media Contact:
Bridgette Slater
Specialist, Communications
Tourism Calgary
E: bridgettes@tourismcalgary.com
C: 403.978.2609

About Tourism Calgary:
Tourism Calgary is the official destination marketing and development organization for Calgary's tourism industry. For more than 60 years, the organization's primary purpose has been to promote Calgary and area as the destination of choice for leisure travellers. With a vision of making Calgary the ultimate host city, Tourism Calgary markets the city locally, nationally and internationally and advocates for its ongoing development as a destination. The organization hosts and attracts visitors and events and activates the city by fostering the growth of shareable, memorable experiences. Calgary's tourism industry contributes approximately $2.5 billion in visitor spending by over 7 million visitors annually. For more information about Tourism Calgary, please see www.visitcalgary.com or follow @toursimcalgary on social channels.

58th annual Calgary White Hat Award winners
CATEGORY | WINNER/EMPLOYER
Exceptional Leader - Muhammad Din, The Fairmont Palliser
Exceptional Server: Centre City - Mohit Agnihotri, The Fairmont Palliser
Exceptional Service: Shopping - Thundup Khangsar, Calgary Co-op
Exceptional Service: Tour Escort | Guide - Cam Buie, National Music Centre
Exceptional Service: Non-Server - Eddie Tantay, Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation
Exceptional Server: North - Adrian Damacus, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino
Exceptional Service: Airport | Airline - Valerie Amadio, Air Canada
Exceptional Service: Heart of House - Christina Rolle, Calgary Stampede
Exceptional Service: Housekeeping - Kim Trinh, Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel
Exceptional Service: Administration - Dinorah Lopez Cebada, The Westin Calgary
Exceptional Customer Service: Driver - Nasir Al-Saeed, Calgary Transit
Exceptional Service: Guest Relations - Maria Kaskiw, Cowboys Casino
Exceptional Service: Reservations - Alana Akerley, Hyatt Regency Calgary
Exceptional Service: Accommodation Reception - Daria Tatarli, Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary South
Exceptional Server: Banquets | Events - Tina Woldmariam, Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
Exceptional Service: Beverage Specialist - Lesley Treichel, Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown / Beltline
Exceptional Service: Attractions - Toby Plant, TELUS Spark Science Centre
Exceptional Service: Tourism Volunteer - Gail McPhail, Heritage Park Historical Village
Exceptional Service: Culinary - Jesus Rojas, Hotel Arts
Calgary White Hat Restaurant Award - Bridgette Bar