THE WINNERS’ CIRCLE December 15, 2020

Courtyard by Marriott Burlington’s numerous awards

BURLINGTON, Ont. — The pandemic has many of us rethinking how we live and travel. The Courtyard by Marriott Burlington/Oakville is happy to announce that they have been awarded a #SafeTravels stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council, which is recognized globally for adopting proper, standardized health and hygiene protocols.

The hotel is also delighted to received the Diamond Award for Best Hotel from the Toronto Star. “Our success would not be possible without our incredible guests and expert staff,” said hotel managing director Frank Vismeg.

“We’re in the top 10 per cent of hotels worldwide as a 2020 Travelers’ Choice winner,” said Razan Hawwa, sales and marketing manager for the hotel. “Congratulations to all who have been a part of our success and thank you to each and every one of you for choosing to stay with us and leave us reviews.”

The six-storey, upscale hotel features 135 guestrooms, including 10 suites. Every room has a 55-inch LED television with Netflix access, flexible workspace, plush bedding, and Paul Mitchell grooming essentials. The hotel is conveniently located on the QEW, providing close proximity from Niagara Falls, Toronto Pearson and Hamilton International Airports. Guest can enjoy the BISTRO Restaurant, Lounge & Patio, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel also offers free WiFi, a well-equipped fitness centre nad indoor saltwater pool. Adjacent to the Burlington Convention Centre, they can accommodate any meeting needs, and have electric vehicle charging and ample free parking.

Canadian regions on the rise

WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Geographic Travel recently released a list of 25 destinations on the rise for 2021, to help inspire future travel. Two Canadian regions — Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and Indigenous British Columbia — made the list.

Yellowknife is listed under “Explore Wild Beautiful Places” alongside Isle Royale, Mich.; Cerrado, Brazil; and Lord Howe Island, Australia. The city is heralded as a place to experience nature’s gifts, such as the aurora borealis, boreal forest and the numerous small lakes outside the city.

Highlighted under “Plan an Amazing Family Journey,” Indigenous B.C. is celebrated for the region’s 200 distinct Nations and rich Indigenous history. Learning about Indigenous B.C. as a family is also pointed to as a starting point for discussing issues such as cultural appropriation and racial stereotypes with children.

The list of 25 destinations was compiled by the global editors of National Geographic Travel and framed by five categories: adventure, culture and history, nature, family and sustainability. The featured destinations “speak of resilient communities, innovative conservation efforts and thrilling opportunities for future explorations.” The complete list is available at nationalgeographic.com.

Reetu Gupta among Canada’s Top 100 powerful women

MARKHAM, Ont — For the second consecutive year, Reetu Gupta has received the Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award in the BMO Entrepreneurs category, from the Women’s Executive Network. She is president and CEO of The Easton’s Group of Hotels and The Gupta Group, and the co-founder and chief strategy officer of Rogue Insight Capital. In June, Reetu re-imagined her family foundation, The Gupta Family Foundation, where she sits as President and CEO as well.

“Being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women last year changed my life. This second win is a blessing and also a responsibility. I believe I have been chosen to empower, inspire, and elevate other women. I have been asked ‘What does it mean to be powerful?’ many times. For me, power does not come from control nor leadership, rather it comes from unshakable faith and unconditional love.” Gupta said.

In related news, The Gupta Family Foundation and Easton’s Group have teamed up with The Chum Christmas Wish this year. They are asking for help in achieving their goal to raise $10,000 to help support Toronto and its people. Suraj and Reetu Gupta, co-founders of Rogue Insight Capital will be matching funds raised from Tues., Dec. 8 2020 through to Dec 16, 2020. This means every dollar that is donated through this link, during this time, will be doubled and used to purchase toys for children all around the GTA this holiday season.