The Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board (BoQ RMB) is excited to share that the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) has announced that Trevor Norris, BoQ RMB’s Senior Manager, Destination Development, will be presented with the 2025 Tourism Champion of the Year Award.
This prestigious honour will be presented at the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence on October 29, 2025, at the Ottawa Conference & Event Centre. The celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, individual or tables, are available for purchase through the TIAO website, here.
Trevor Norris has redefined what it means to be a tourism leader in Ontario. Over the past decade, he has transformed the Bay of Quinte into a nationally recognized hub for regenerative tourism, sports tourism, and experiential travel. His work has led to the launch of over a dozen community-rooted experiences, the region’s GreenStep Sustainable Destination Certification, and a climate action plan in development through the Travel Foundation’s “Destination Climate Champions” program.
“I’m so elated about this, I can’t even sit down!” said Dug Stevenson, BoQ RMB’s Executive Director.
“Trevor is an amazing member of our BoQ Team and a good friend of mine, and to see him get recognized at this level is so validating for the hard work he puts in week over week for this region. Honestly, his 2024 was unprecedented—from speaking in Victoria BC at the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference, to being featured by Destination Canada for his work on experiential tourism development, and playing a lead role in organizing the U15 Toyota National Soccer Championship in Quinte West, a full-circle moment because he pitched it to Soccer Canada years ago at the Sports Tourism Canada conference. He just had so many impressive projects last year.”
In 2024, Trevor helped generate over $1.3 million in economic impact through major sporting events like the Canada Soccer U-15 Toyota National Soccer Championships, World Junior Hockey pre-tournament camps and a pre-game, and record-breaking golf travel bookings through the Golf in Ontario program. He also spearheaded the “Get Free Gas!” shoulder season initiative, incentivizing overnight stays with EV and fuel rebates that boosted local business revenues.
“Trevor has proven to be a credible salesman for our rural way of life because he’s fully bought into it,” said MPP Tyler Allsopp, Bay of Quinte.
“He has not only brought national events and investment to our region, but he also coached local operators to develop regenerative experiences that leave our communities better off. His passion, innovation, and commitment to sustainability make him an outstanding Tourism Champion.”
TIAO is honoured to recognize Trevor Norris for his passion, innovation, and leadership within his tourism community.
“Trevor embodies the values, vision, and impact that make exceptional Tourism Champions. We are honoured to celebrate his contributions to Ontario’s tourism industry,” said Andrew Siegwart, President and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO).
“His achievements demonstrate that bold ideas and purposeful collaboration can deliver meaningful economic and social growth, redefining product development while creating exciting and authentic visitor experiences.
(HAILEY MACDONALD)
