TORONTO — Bruce Poon Tip has been awarded with Canada’s highest civilian honour in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Canada and the world.

The travel industry veteran, who founded G Adventures 33 years ago, has been honoured as an Officer of the Order of Canada, making him the first person in the industry to receive the title in 34 years. 

The level of Officer recognizes “achievement and merit of a high degree, especially service to Canada or to humanity at large,” and surpasses the rank of ‘Member’ in the system of Canadian state orders. 

Poon Tip says being invested into the Order of Canada is the most humbling honour he could receive, especially as an immigrant to Canada at such a young age.

“Canada has afforded me the gift of opportunity. This great nation took my family and I in, and has given me the privilege and means to build a business. It’s enabled me to make my ideas become a reality – creating a community that is based on giving back to others – both nationally and internationally.

“G Adventures was founded on the ethos of changing people’s lives through travel. Combined with the work of Planeterra, the non-profit foundation I founded in 2003, we have had a huge impact on local communities around the world, using tourism as a driver of wealth distribution and poverty alleviation in some of the world’s poorest countries.

“I accept this recognition with great pride on behalf of myself and my family. I am grateful and truly overwhelmed, and I would like to thank everyone involved in helping to make this happen for me through the nomination and recommendation process.

“I am committed to continuing my service to Canada, as well as to the world at large. It’s my calling and my passion. This recognition means so much, as it supports the vision I believe so strongly in,” says Poon Tip. 

According to the Office of the Order of Canada, the honour is how the country recognizes the contributions of trailblazers who “have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.”

His Majesty the King is the Sovereign of the Order, and the Governor General is the chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order.

The full list of Appointees to the Order of Canada as announced on June 30, 2023 can be found at https://www.gg.ca/en/order-canada-appointees-june-2023.