OTTAWA — The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has awarded Bill Knowlton with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for 2022.
A seasoned professional with more than five decades in the travel and tourism industry, Knowlton’s storied career has taken him from tour directing for Tauck Tours in the 1970s, to becoming a partner at Jonview Canada, where he most recently served as EVP from 2017 to 2022 after leading sales, marketing and product development for almost three decades as VP Marketing and Sales. At Jonview, he pioneered the expansion of the company’s product base, introducing a new product approach to cater to the merging market of independent travellers.
His other career highlights include a decade at TPT Canada (Transpacific Tours) as Director of Marketing and Sales . He’s also been a major contributor to tourism boards such as Destination Canada and Destination Ontario, and is an active member of various committees and volunteer organizations, including serving on TIAC’s Board of Directors from 2003 to 2009.
“This award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution of energy, service and talent towards the growth of the Canadian tourism industry,” says Beth Potter, President & CEO of TIAC. “I can think of no one who has better exemplified the values of dedication, integrity and leadership, as well as passion for our beloved industry, over the years than my colleague and friend, Bill.”
On receiving the award, Knowlton said: “I am privileged to be in the company of the extremely significant individuals who have previously been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Our Canadian tourism industry is vast, touching every part of the country, and supported by hundreds of thousands of dedicated individuals who are welcoming, sincere, exciting and creative. These individuals embody the spirit of Canada – I am just one of them and it has been a thrill to be part of this vibrant industry driven by so many passionate Canadians.”
TIAC will be honouring Knowlton with the Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala ceremony on Nov. 23 during its Tourism Congress 2022, where it will also unveil the winners of its Canadian Tourism Awards.
