Sara Holyoke Memorial Hospitality Award

(Known as Ambassador Award)

Award Overview

The Sara Holyoke Memorial Hospitality Award recognizes an individual that consistently demonstrates outstanding hospitality and customer service, creating memorable experiences for visitors and contributing to the positive reputation of New Brunswick’s tourism industry with over 5 years of experience in the tourism industry.

This award celebrates those who go above and beyond to welcome guests, exceed expectations, and foster a culture of service excellence within their organization and community.

Past Winners

2025 Debbie Norton
2024
Daniel Clavette
2023
Nancy Pederson
2022
Danny Babineau, Rodd Resorts & Hotels Moncton

Eligibility Criteria: 

Nominees must demonstrate excellence in the following areas:

  • Exceptional Customer Service – Consistently provides outstanding service and creates positive guest experiences.
  • Commitment to Hospitality – Demonstrates a strong dedication to welcoming visitors and enhancing their overall experience.
  • Professionalism and Leadership – Serves as a role model for colleagues and contributes to a culture of excellence within the workplace.
  • Innovation and Continuous Improvement – Implements new ideas, practices, or initiatives that improve service quality and guest satisfaction.
  • Industry Impact – Contributes positively to the tourism and hospitality sector and helps strengthen New Brunswick’s reputation as a welcoming destination.
  • Community Engagement – Supports local tourism initiatives, partnerships, or activities that enhance the visitor experience.

To recognize and celebrate a broader range of individuals, businesses, and organizations within the community, the same recipient may not win the same award category in two consecutive years. This policy is intended to promote greater diversity among award recipients while continuing to recognize excellence, leadership, and meaningful contributions throughout the community.

Judging Considerations:

Nominees will be evaluated based on:

  • Demonstrated service excellence and guest feedback.
  • Leadership and influence within their organization or community.
  • Measurable contributions to visitor satisfaction and tourism growth.
  • Examples of going above and beyond to create memorable visitor experiences.
  • Commitment to the values of hospitality, inclusivity, and professionalism.

Ideal Recipients:

Front-line employees, managers, tourism operators, accommodation providers, attraction staff, volunteers, or organizations that exemplify exceptional hospitality and service excellence.

Nomination Requirements:

Each nomination package must include:

  1. A completed nomination form.
  2. A written statement (max 750 words) detailing the project or organization’s initiatives, impacts, and innovative aspects.
  3. Supporting documents (e.g., analytics reports, visuals, links to campaigns, testimonials).
  4. Optional: 1–2 letters of support from industry partners or clients.
Congratulations to the 2025 Finalists!
  • Gerry Rymes
  • Debbie Norton
  • Sébastien Roy