Algonquin Park Resort Bartlett Lodge Receives 2009 SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD

The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership held its 5th annual Tourism Summit at the new Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino in Windsor Ontario this past September 29 through October 1, 2009. The conference theme of this year's summit focused on actionable strategies and tactics to move the Ontario tourism industry forward toward a path of growth and prosperity. As always, the high point of the annual summit is the Tourism Awards Gala evening where awards for innovation and excellence in the tourism industry are handed out. On September 30th, this year's gala recognised industry leaders in a variety of categories and bestowing a wide range of marketing, journalism and industry awards of excellence. The winner for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism was Bartlett Lodge, an Algonquin Park resort that has developed an impressive reputation as a leading environmentally friendly resort.

The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership's Sustainable Tourism Award was developed to recognize businesses in the tourism sector that promote sustainable practices in the operation of their business and in their day to day activities. The award is given to a tourism partner that has implemented substantial environmentally friendly initiatives including reducing the environmental impact of their business activity and promoting environmental sustainability to their customers. Judged by a third-party panel of industry professionals, The Ontario Tourism Marketing awards are based on activity that took place between January 2008 and December 2008.

Bartlett Lodge (http://www.barlettlodge.com), a Muskoka landmark since 1917, has over the past several years been rejuvenated and transformed by current owners Kim and Marilyn Smith. The Smiths, who have worked hard to retain the natural beauty and charm of this classic Algonquin Park lodge, are totally committed to environmental responsibility. In 2006, Bartlett Lodge became the first Ontario resort to switch its electricity supplier to Bullfrog Power - Ontario's only 100% green electricity company. As well, the Smiths have introduced a number of innovative energy saving measures, utilizing environmentally friendly and non-polluting practices and products into the resort's day-to-day operations. Last year saw the implementation of a comprehensive 5-year Renewable Energy Strategic Plan that would significantly increase Bartlett Lodge's present solar energy capability, dramatically reducing the resort's grid dependence.

When asked to comment upon receiving the 2009 Sustainable Tourism Award, Bartlett Lodge owner Kim Smith stated, "At Bartlett Lodge, environmental sustainability and preserving our natural resources have always been our top priority. I believe that we demonstrate our strong commitment to the environment in our daily decisions and practices. We are proud of our staff and this achievement and we all will continue to work toward lessening our impact on the Algonquin Park wilderness. It is indeed a great honour to be recognised by our peers with this environmental award."

About Bartlett Lodge:
Located within the borders of world famous Algonquin Provincial Park, eco-friendly Bartlett Lodge offers exceptional lakefront cottage rentals, luxury canopy tent accommodations and fine dining in a pristine wilderness setting. Open seasonally, Bartlett Lodge is a Modified American Plan cottage resort, acclaimed for its commitment to the environment and famous throughout Muskoka for its exceptional dining room. Rustic, yet elegant, this lakeside Muskoka resort is ideal for family vacations, romantic couples, weddings and group functions. To book your fabulous Algonquin Park vacation, visit the Bartlett Lodge web site: http://www.bartlettlodge.com, or call 1-866-614-5355.

Contact Information:
Marilyn & Kim Smith
Bartlett Lodge
bartlett@globalserve.net
http://www.bartlettlodge.com
Summer:
P.O. Box #10004
Huntsville, ON, Canada P1H 2G8
Telephone: (705) 633-5543
Fax (705) 633-5746
1-866-614-5355
Winter:
297 Lakeshore Road E., Suite 2
Oakville, ON, Canada L6J 1J3
Telephone: (905) 338-8908
Fax: (905) 338-3039
1-866-614-5355