The Premier attended Tourism PEI's 2002 Marketing and Media Plan presentation at the Confederation Centre of the Arts recently to present the third annual Premier's Award for Tourism to the Shaw Family.
The Premier's Award is presented each year to a local individual, association, group or company which has made a significant, meaningful contribution to the tourism industry on Prince Edward Island. This award is intended to recognize and celebrate those who have helped move the industry forward, inspiring others to take steps to do the same.
Robbie Shaw and family were on hand at the presentation, and Mr. Shaw accepted the award on behalf of the family members in attendance as well as the previous generations of Shaws that fostered the family business.
"Shaw's Hotel is the oldest family-operated summer resort in Eastern Canada and a jewel in the tourism crown for Prince Edward Island," noted the Premier. "For over 140 years, the family has lived tourism very successfully and have seen customers return summer after summer to relive childhood memories and create new ones to cherish for years to come."
Members of the tourism industry on Prince Edward Island packed the theatre of the Confederation Centre for a preview of marketing and media plans and confirmed the choice of the Shaw family as recipients of the award with a heart-felt applause.
One of the driving forces behind the choice of the Shaw family for the award is the way that the four generations have always prided themselves in the quality of the product of tourism for the Island. Generations of Shaws have been very active in various tourism associations and working groups over the years. For example, Gordon Shaw joined a number of colleagues in tourism in the late 40's-early 50's to organize the Tourism Association of Prince Edward Island, now known as TIAPEI, and at one time, Robbie was President of the current association. Everything from the Convention Bureau, to the Beaches Tourist Association and working groups for signage and national parks issues saw a Shaw active in decision making.
"It is an honour to accept this award on behalf of past and present members of the Shaw family," said Robbie Shaw. "Shaw's Hotel has a proud history, tradition and reputation and to be recognized with this presentation in front of the audience at Confederation Centre is a great privilege. I look forward to future generations of Shaw's continuing this legacy."