Toronto, ON — Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is proud to announce that Gerry Cariou, Executive Director of Ontario’s Sunset Country, will receive the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Air Canada, recognizing more than three decades of leadership and dedication to tourism in Northwestern Ontario.

The prestigious honour will be presented at the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence on Thursday, October 22, 2026, as part of the 2026 Ontario Tourism Summit at The Westin Ottawa.

A Champion for Northwestern Ontario

For more than three decades, Cariou has worked to strengthen tourism businesses, communities and destinations across Northern Ontario.
After beginning his career in economic development, Cariou moved to Northwestern Ontario in the mid-1990s and worked with Lake of the Woods Community Development Inc. In March 1999, he became Executive Director of Ontario’s Sunset Country, a position he has now held for more than 27 years.

Throughout his tenure, Cariou has helped the region navigate enormous change. An early adopter of digital destination marketing, he led Sunset Country as social media transformed how destinations connected with travellers and today continues to explore how artificial intelligence and new search technologies are changing trip planning and tourism marketing.

But his impact extends well beyond marketing.

With Northwestern Ontario’s tourism economy closely connected to the U.S. market, Cariou has repeatedly helped businesses navigate periods of disruption and uncertainty. Through economic shocks, border closures and changing visitor behaviour, he has worked alongside operators and industry partners to share information, adapt strategies and pursue new opportunities for growth.

Colleagues describe Cariou as a leader who freely shares his knowledge, embraces new ideas and maintains a deep commitment to the businesses, communities and people of Northwestern Ontario.

“Gerry’s leadership through challenges big and small, his ingenuity, and his dedication to promoting Northwestern Ontario have made an incredible impact on the region’s tourism industry. He has continually stayed ahead of new ideas and methods, while always being willing to help businesses and others in the industry with his knowledge and insight. His passion for Northwestern Ontario and everything he does is undeniable.” Matt Rydberg, Crawford’s Camp

Cariou’s contributions have also been recognized by his peers. In 2008, he received the Executive Director’s Award from Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario and currently serves on NOTO’s Board of Directors.

“Gerry’s career represents the kind of leadership we need as Ontario tourism moves forward: resilient through change, deeply connected to operators and communities, and always looking for the next opportunity. For more than three decades, he has been a champion for Northwestern Ontario and a steady voice for the businesses that make its visitor economy possible. The industry’s Forward Motion strategy is about building a stronger tourism future across every region of Ontario, and Gerry’s lifetime of leadership embodies that spirit. TIAO is incredibly proud to recognize his contribution.” Andrew Siegwart, President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

Join us in Ottawa to celebrate Gerry Cariou and the changemakers shaping Ontario’s tourism future.

TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Seasons welcomes guests for the festive season with experiences designed to inspire connection and celebration around the world. From culinary offerings and wellness rituals to cultural traditions and festive voyages aboard Four Seasons Yachts, guests are invited to slow down, come together and create meaningful memories through the lens of Four Seasons.

"The festive season brings people together in meaningful ways, creating opportunities to reconnect with loved ones, celebrate traditions, and make new memories. At Four Seasons, we believe these moments are most memorable when they feel personal," says Marc Speichert, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Four Seasons. "Across our portfolio, our teams have thoughtfully crafted festive experiences that reflect the unique character of each destination while ensuring every guest feels that their experience has been curated just for them."

Thanksgiving, Your Way – At home or abroad, Four Seasons offers distinctive ways to gather for Thanksgiving. Whether celebrating the season of gratitude from the beaches of Anguilla or the jungles of Costa Rica, to enjoying seasonal menus closer to home, guests can spend Thanksgiving in their own way.

Taking in Thailand's Festival of Lights – Across Thailand, Four Seasons marks Loy Krathong with traditions that honour gratitude, renewal and new beginnings, offering an immersive introduction to one of the country's most celebrated festivals. Guests can release handcrafted krathongs onto the water, enjoy authentic Northern Thai cuisine and experience cultural performances at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle.

Winter in the Mountains – Four Seasons Mountain Collection invites guests to spend the season in a winter wonderland. Beyond exceptional skiing, culinary and wellness experiences, exclusive offerings include A Private Night at the Summit at Four Seasons Resort Megève, where guests enjoy a private suite nearly 2,000 metres above sea level, the attentive service of a dedicated butler, stargazing beneath the Alpine sky, privileged first access to untouched slopes, and a collection of bespoke experiences designed to create lasting memories.

Winter by the Water – For those trading snow for sunshine, festive celebrations unfold across some of the world's most remarkable coastlines. At Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, A Sea of Wonder transforms the resort into an ocean-inspired festive setting, connecting the magic of Christmas with the carefree rhythm of island life. At Four Seasons Resort and Residences Fort Lauderdale guests can set out on a private yacht through the city's famed waterways before returning for a culinary journey through its Michelin award-winning dining destinations.

The Spirit of the Season – From beautifully adorned trees to distinctive décor, Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world bring the spirit of the season to life through thoughtful design, immersive installations and celebrations of artistry that reflect the culture and character of each destination. At Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, and Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, guests can take in awe-inspiring festive installations from Creative Director Jeff Leatham.

Christmas Around the World – From South Florida's coastline to the shores of the Red Sea, Christmas celebrations evoke a distinct local sense of place. At Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, guests can arrive to in-room Christmas trees, either fully decorated or ready for families to trim together, while the iconic New Year's Eve party at Champagne Bar rings in the year and celebrates The Surf Club's 1930 opening anniversary. At Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh turns into a winter wonderland by the Red Sea with festive Christmas Market brings together holiday treats, local crafts and live entertainment along Reef Beach.

Time Together – Shared experiences create new traditions. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, families can explore the ocean together through turtle feeding, marine discovery and coral restoration experiences that strengthen bonds with each other and the natural world. At Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Family Aerial Play and Family Wellness Games bring guests of all ages together through movement-based activities that celebrate joy and connection as part of wellbeing.

A Season of Renewal – Guests are invited to focus on wellbeing and restore balance at the busiest time of year. Rooted in one of Mexico's most extraordinary natural landscapes and set among a 3,000-acre natural reserve, Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo offers meaningful moments to connect with nature, fellow travelers, and yourself. Amidst the expansive setting of Wyoming, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole marks the season with winter solstice yoga, fireside reflection, and a New Year's Day Recovery Lounge featuring oxygen therapy and IV hydration.

New Year's Eve at Sea – Aboard Four Seasons Yachts, guests can welcome 2027 while sailing through the Caribbean. From champagne at midnight, to a Yacht Club Day at Norman's Cay, and a Fresh Start Marina Day in the Bahamas, the tone is set for the year ahead.

For a full list of festive offerings at Four Seasons properties around the world, click here.

TORONTO, ON, October 6, 2026 - The St. Regis Toronto has ranked No. 4 among hotels in Canada in the Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, marking its second consecutive year on the list.

Voted on by Condé Nast Traveller readers, the annual awards recognize hotels and travel experiences around the world.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, The St. Regis Toronto is renowned for its signature St. Regis Butler Service and Canada's largest collection of luxury suites, featuring 124 elegantly designed suites. Signature experiences include the daily Champagne Sabrage ritual, Afternoon Tea at Astor Lounge, and LOUIX LOUIS, celebrated for its award-winning dining program and one of the largest collections of dark spirits in the city. Guests can also retreat to The Spa at The St. Regis Toronto, an elevated urban sanctuary overlooking the city skyline. Together, these offerings position The St. Regis Toronto among Canada's leading luxury hotels.

MISSISSAUGA, ON | OCTOBER 1, 2026 - The Ontario Restaurant, Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA), together with its workforce development division, OHI – We Are Hospitality, is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the 2026 OHI Student Bursary recipients.

These deserving students have demonstrated passion, dedication and a commitment to building their futures in Ontario’s hospitality industry. Through OHI’s Be Our Guest program and other industry-supported opportunities, students are gaining valuable exposure to hospitality careers, connecting with employers and developing the skills and experience needed to take their next steps into the industry.

Congratulations to all of this year’s bursary recipients. Your hard work and enthusiasm represent the bright future of hospitality, and we look forward to seeing where your journey takes you.

ORHMA and OHI also extend our sincere gratitude to the hospitality partners whose generous support makes these bursaries possible. By investing in students and opening doors to education, training and career opportunities, these partners are helping develop the next generation of hospitality professionals and strengthen the future workforce of our industry.