Today at the North American Garden Tourism Conference, in the spirit of the conference theme: “Taking Garden Tourism to the Next Level”, the recipients of the 2019 Garden Tourism Awards were announced.
Garden Tourism can be a significant component of a destination’s tourism offering
Over 25 million people travel annually in North America to see gardens, and the global market of garden visitors exceeds 250 million. Research indicates that 46 per cent of garden visits result in an overnight stay, and the demographic of garden visitors includes all age cohorts. Destination British Columbia estimates the value of garden tourism in the Province of British Columbia alone exceeds $300 million annually. Latest research in the UK show that Garden Tourism generates almost £3 billion of economic impact. Gardens not only have a significant economic impact but also enhance the tourist experience of a destination, while providing positive social and health benefits.
Garden Tourism Awards
The Garden Tourism Awards are presented to organizations and individuals who have distinguished themselves in the development and promotion of garden experiences as tourism attractions and motivators. The awards are proudly supported by the Canadian Garden Council, the American Public Garden Association and the Mexican Association of Botanical Gardens and sponsored by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association.
The 2019 Canadian Garden Tourism Award winners are . . .
Garden of the Year – Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
Botanical Garden of the Year – Van Dusen Botanical Garden
New Garden Experience of the Year – Aga Khan Garden, University of Alberta
Garden Person of the Year – Harry Jongerden, Toronto Botanical Garden
