Readers of Vancouver’s popular Georgia Straight newspaper have cast their votes on their top picks from dining to destinations.
And the good news for tourism operators in the Okanagan Valley—Kelowna was chosen Best Interior Destination while the Okanagan was picked as Best Summer Destination.
“Coming out tops in a readers choice award is fantastic news,” said Nancy Cameron, president and CEO of Tourism Kelowna.
“Vancouver remains one of Kelowna’s primary markets, so to have our most loyal travelers picking Kelowna as their top Interior destination is a real affirmation.
“There is plenty of competition out there as far as travel destinations, so we see this result as proof that the Kelowna experience still leads the fray as a vacation hotspot for Vancouver.
“It is wonderful to see the valley selected as Vancouver’s top pick for the summer, and a true feather in Kelowna’s cap to be selected as the top Interior destination not tied to any particular season.”
The Georgia Strait received over 350,000 responses online in 260 categories for its Best of Vancouver ballot this year, said Carolyn Ali, the newspaper’s food and travel editor.
“Readers love it because they can make their opinions heard—and people tell me that it’s their favourite issue all year to read,” Ali said.
Other local businesses also scored highly in the poll.
Mission Hill Family Estate took first place for Best BC Wine in the white wine category and second place in the red wine category. Quails’ Gate took third place in both categories. The Okanagan Wine Festival Society also won first place for Best B.C. Wine Festival.
And the Delta Grand Hotel won top pick for Best Hotel/Resort.
