FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2022
Attractions Ontario 2022 Tourism Awards
On Wednesday, June 1, 2022, Attractions Ontario hosted its 39th Annual General Meeting at Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan. The event provided an opportunity to recognize industry leaders during a presentation of Tourism Awards.
We would like to extend our congratulations and present the winners.
Tourism Champion of the Year was awarded to:
Mark Bingeman, Bingemans
Mark Bingeman began his hospitality career with a BA from Michigan State University. Upon graduation, Mark held a variety of managerial positions with both Marriott and Hyatt Hotel Corporations throughout the United States. In 1994, Mark joined the family business, and later assumed the role of president in 2004. Mark has been leading the economic development within the Waterloo Region and has volunteered to serve on countless recovery taskforces throughout the pandemic, spoke at every opportunity with elected officials from all levels of government, and shared his knowledge and experience with others in the attractions, restaurant and event industries.
Bingemans Inc continues to flourish under Mark’s leadership and vision. Bingemans has been serving the Waterloo region with entertainment, tourism and hospitality for over 80 years.
The Colonel Don Dailley Lifetime Achievement Award was given to:
Guy Lamarche
Now retired, (2020) Mr Lamarche has 40 years of progressive and proactive leadership in the tourism, recreation, leisure, and cultural sectors with emphasis on management, marketing, customer service, product development, community relations and corporate affairs. Although retired, Mr Lamarche is currently a Director on the RTO 13 (Destination Northern Ontario) Board of Directors. He serves on several product teams including snowmobiling, rail and international. He was recently appointed to the position of VP, Timmins ATV Club, and continues to serve Attractions Ontario as Past Chair
Prior to retirement, he was employed by the City of Timmins as Manager Tourism & Events overseeing the development of a Tourism Marketing Strategy & Communication Plan.
Mr Lamarche is an inductee of Festivals Ontario’s Hall of Fame, a recipient of TIAO’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and was recognized by Destination Northern Ontario where he was presented with the President’s Award and by Nature and Outdoors Tourism Ontario where he was presented with the Bob Giles Award.
“We are honoured and pleased to present the 2022 Tourism Awards to Mark Bingeman and Guy Lamarche. Both Mark and Guy have had a tremendous impact on the Ontario Tourism industry; on behalf of all of us at Attractions Ontario, Thank You.” says Troy Young, CEO of Attractions Ontario.
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