Alberta Tourism GRIT Awards 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Alberta Tourism GRIT Awards?
The Alberta Tourism GRIT Awards, presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta (TIAA), celebrate excellence in tourism by recognizing the values of Growth, Resilience, and Inspiration in Alberta's visitor economy. The awards are intended to recognize the people and organizations helping advance Alberta's tourism industry in alignment with the Higher Ground Tourism Strategy.

When do nominations open?
Nominations open at 12:00 a.m. on April 24, 2026.

When is the deadline to submit a nomination or complete an application?
The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. on September 1, 2026.

What is the process for entering?
The awards process happens in two stages. First, a nomination must be submitted. Then, once the nomination is reviewed and approved by TIAA's Administration team, the nominee will receive an email invitation to create an account and complete the full application. A full application will not be accepted unless a nomination has been submitted first.

Should nominees allow extra time to complete the application?
Yes. The second stage requires preparation and additional materials, which may include photos, videos, and references. Nominees are encouraged to plan ahead and leave enough time to complete their submission.

Do I have to complete the application all at once?
No. The application form can be saved and revisited later, so nominees can complete it over time.

What award categories are available?
There are three award categories:

  • Tourism Growth Award – available to organizations only
  • Tourism Resilience Award – available to organizations only
  • Tourism Inspiration Award – available to individuals only

Who can nominate for the Growth and Resilience categories?
The Tourism Growth Award and Tourism Resilience Award may be self-nominated or nominated by another organization or individual.

Who can nominate for the Inspiration category?
The Tourism Inspiration Award must be nominated by an employer, work colleague, or industry partner. Self-nominations and nominations by an immediate family member are not permitted for this category.

Can an organization apply in more than one category?
No. Organizations are not permitted to enter in more than one award category in the current award year.

Who is eligible for the GRIT Awards?
The GRIT Awards are intended to recognize revenue-generating and employment-generating tourism businesses and organizations operating in Alberta.

Who is not eligible?
The following are not eligible:

  • Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), tourism associations, and similar organizations
  • TIAA Board and Committee Members and their employer organizations
  • Joint applications submitted by more than one organization

What are the eligibility requirements for the Growth or Resilience categories?
For the Growth and Resilience categories, applicants must meet several requirements, including:

  • the business must have been operating for at least two years
  • the business must be actively operating in Alberta and properly registered
  • the business must be financially stable
  • the business must be a member in good standing of its local DMO
  • at least one letter of recommendation in PDF format must accompany the application

What are the eligibility requirements for the Inspiration category?
For the Inspiration category, the nominee must:

  • reside in Alberta
  • be 18 to 30 years old at the time of nomination
  • have worked in Alberta's tourism industry for at least one year full-time equivalent over the previous two years
  • be employed by a business that is a member in good standing of its local destination marketing/management organization

What happens after an application is submitted?
Only submitted entries will be reviewed by the judges. Judging is scheduled for September 8–22, 2026.

How will nominees know if their nomination has been approved?
Approved nominees will be notified by email and invited to create an account to access their application form.

Is the submission platform online?
Yes. The awards system is entirely web-based and can be accessed from a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer using a browser.

When and where will the awards be presented?
The GRIT Awards will be presented as part of the 2026 GRIT Awards & Premier's Dinner, an evening featuring a reception, dinner, awards presentation, and Premier's Q&A.

Where can I get help or confirm eligibility?

If you are unsure whether you or your organization qualifies, please contact info@tiaalberta.ca