A heartfelt congratulations from the Tourism HR Canada team to Sally MacInnis, Reservations Manager at Keltic Lodge, in Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia. Sally is this year’s recipient of the Tourism HR Canada Employee Appreciation Award.
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, MP, and Tourism HR Canada President and CEO Philip Mondor presented the award in Ottawa last week at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s (TIAC) Tourism Congress. Accepting the award on Sally’s behalf was Terry Smith, President & CEO, Destination Cape Breton, who nominated her.
Terry described Sally as one of Cape Breton Island’s most authentic and passionate ambassadors. Working with Keltic Lodge for the past 35+ years, Sally promotes Cape Breton Island and all its exceptional experiences to each and every visitor she welcomes. Her infectious spirit and dedication to Island tourism is renowned.
“Sally has a deep knowledge and understanding of Cape Breton’s history, culture, and experiences,” explained Terry. “She keeps up to date on the latest tourism offerings around the Island and cultivates exceptional travel itineraries for her guests, not as part of her duties, but to ensure happy and satisfied travellers. No matter who is on the phone line, or what employee she is dealing with, Sally treats everyone with respect, knowledge, and a caring nature. Her leadership has ensured Keltic Lodge is one of the leaders in Cape Breton Island hospitality and service excellence.”
Sally leads a team of reservation specialists, comprising seasonal and year-round staff, ensuring to mentor each and every one with Cape Breton Island travel knowledge and excellence in customer service.
“Visitors are thankful to have Sally’s personal help and knowledge when they call to book their accommodations,” Terry added. “In thousands of instances, she has turned a one-night stay into three or four, and even a week, just by spending the time to listen to and understand her guest, and then uses that information to customize their itinerary choices, educate them on travel times around the Island, and up-sell them on additional experiences based on their preferences. Sally’s dedication doesn’t only benefit Keltic Lodge, but rather the entire Island.”
Tourism HR Canada is honoured to acknowledge the incredible passion and professionalism demonstrated by Sally, and is delighted to share such a positive story amidst all that the pandemic has dealt to the tourism sector.
The team would also like to extend its congratulations to all this year’s recipients and finalists. Thanks to TIAC for celebrating the individuals and companies who go above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences in Canada. Watch all their stories here.