Atout France honours Butterfield, Gateways International

Atout France, the France Tourism Development Agency in Canada, held its annual awards ceremony last night (Feb. 27) at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto, honouring two Canadian wholesalers for their excellence in promoting France. Wholesalers with head offices anywhere in Canada (with the exception of Quebec) were invited to submit one product — a trip to France with a predetermined starting price and itinerary. Atout France’s advisory board composed of tourism industry personnel then selected three nominees. The shortlist was made available on Atout France’s web site for Canadian travel agents to cast their vote and elect the most original product. Butterfield & Robinson’s “Burgundy Bike Tour”was awarded this year’s “Best France Product.”A trophy presented to Kathy Stewart by the General Consul of France, Jean-François Casabonne-Masonnave. The second award, “Partner of the Year,”was presented to Gateways International. Martha Tavio, pictured with Casabonne Masonnave and Armelle Tardy-Joubert, director for Canada, Atout France. The Destination France Awards are part of a Canada-wide annual promotional tour organized by the France Tourism Development Agency. This year trade shows were scheduled in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. Agents can still register for the Calgary event (being held March 1) by visiting http://www.destinationfrance.ca .