Great Canadian Tours was recognized last week by the BC Snowmobiling Federation with an award for Tourism Promotion and Development.
Representing 60 clubs all over B.C., the federation hosts an awards ceremony every year. This season’s ceremony was held in Fernie, where the Revelstoke Sled Club accepted an award on behalf of Great Canadian Tours.
Gus Schibild, owner/operator, of Great Canadian Tours spoke about what it means to receive the award.
“It’s a huge honour,” said Schibild.
The Revelstoke Snowmobile Club (RSC) was among the many who nominated Great Canadian Tours for the award.
Amber Lane, operations coordinator at RSC, spoke about why the club nominated Great Canadian Tours.
“They’ve always been promoting responsible tourism in the sport, and driving a lot of traffic, especially to Revelstoke,” said Lane.
Schibild was quick to attribute the success of the business to his team at Great Canadian Tours.
“I know my team has put in a huge amount of work to try and get us to where we are,” said Schibild.
“I can’t commend my team enough for what they’ve produced and what they’ve been able to put forward.”
When Schibild took over Great Canadian Tours three years ago, his goal was to continue to grow the sport that already contributes significantly to Revelstoke’s economy.
Snowmobiling in Revelstoke is big business. In an economic impact study conducted by the RSC in 2019, the results showed that snowmobiling in Revelstoke contributes $33 million annually, and directly supports over 400 jobs.
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Part of the award’s recognition was based on the business’ commitment to enhance the snowmobile experience and reputation. For Great Canadian Tours, Steve Scott exemplifies the growing professionalism in snowmobiling.
He’s the lead guide and winter operations manager at Great Canadian Tours. Working hard to expand the accreditation available to snowmobile guides and other mechanized backcountry operators, Scott is actively working to make the industry safer.
“He’s outlasted three owners now of Great Canadian Tours,” said Schibild.
Schibild said that Scott is a big asset to the company and a large part of their winning the award.
“That guy is such a wealth of knowledge when it comes to avalanche and just safety protocols and all that stuff…I mean yeah, he’s the heart and soul,” said Schibild.
Schibald also cited the work of Anya Eggar, general manager at Great Canadian Tours, for dealing with the stresses of his work at Full Speed Rentals this past season.
“(She’s) really the brains behind everything when it comes to the back office and keeping everything in check,” said Schibild.
Finally, the award also recognized Great Canadian Tours for their successful ongoing social media campaigns, which are run by local Josh Schneider.
“He’s been my one-man wrecking crew when it comes to both company’s social medias and everything media related,” said Schibild.
Schneider helps bring the Revelstoke snowmobiling backcountry to the world.
Lane said Great Canadian Tours helps their marketing efforts, too.
“Just overall benefits to the community, and to our club as a not-for-profit. It’s substantial,” said Lane.
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@ZacharyDelaney
zach.delaney@revelstokereview.com
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