Announcing the Winners of the 9th Annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island is pleased to announce the winners of the 9^th Annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards as voted at bestofwindsoressex.ca.

“It’s an annual kick off to the year at Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island – the Best of Windsor Essex Awards celebrate some of the best things to see and do in Windsor Essex and allow locals to have a voice about what they feel is the best of our region” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex. “Now in it’s 9^th rendition, each year we see growth in votes but also new suggestions for businesses and attractions to be featured which truly demonstrates the interest in residents to celebrate their favourite places to eat, drink, shop, play and stay in Windsor Essex.”

Voting for the awards took place over three weeks between February 13^th and March 3^rd, 2024 to allow locals to let us know about their favourite spots in all 47 awards. This year 8.2k local residents voted to have their say in celebrating the best of the best! We then share that list with the world to help inspire future travel and our website users create unique itineraries – some of the 4.4+ million visitors that come to the region each year.  Each year new awards are featured in the guide and new awards this year included Best Chicken Sandwich, Best Picnic Spot, Best Lunch Spot, Best Parade and more.

“The number of votes for the Best of Windsor Essex Awards campaign showcases how important a local audience is to help our tourism and hospitality businesses thrive, but also how devoted their customers are to celebrate their successes” said Orr. “In an industry that generates over $1 billion in economic impact and employs almost 10k jobs, it’s important to engage locals and remind them of great things to see and do in their own backyard, and also share with family and friends when they visit.”

Winners were announced during a broadcast media event on Facebook and YouTube which you can click here to view. Each winner will receive a commemorative plaque, a letter of congratulations and bragging rights. They will also be included in our 2024/2025 Official Visitor Guide to be released on April 25^th, and branding at bestofwindsoressex.ca. This specifically designed site will feature a mini-profile and photo of each winner and a highlight of the top 5 finalists in each award category.

You can click here for a list of winners (excel, word and pdf).