Stan Cook Sea Kayak Adventures

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Local entrepreneur gets national recognition Tourism Stan Cook Sr. to be inducted into Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame

Stan Cook Sea Kayak Adventures

TARA MULLOWNEY, The Telegram

Stan Cook Sr. is about to be inducted into his third hall of fame in 18 months.

Already a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Hockey Hall of Fame and the St. Francis Xavier Athletic Hall of Fame (for hockey and soccer), the St. John's man will be officially inducted into the Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Ottawa Friday evening.

He's being recognized for having contributed to the tourism industry in an exceptional manner.

"It truly is an honour," he told The Telegram.

"It's something that's very precious to me. To be recognized not just in Newfoundland, but right across the country, it hasn't quite sunk in yet."

The awards are organized by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and, according to the Hall of Fame website, inductees "have made tourism an important part of their life's work, and their actions in the face of countless challenges have had a positive impact in the industry they serve and the Canadian community. They are an example and an inspiration to their peers, and role models for young people coming into the industry."

In order to be considered, nominees must have at least 30 years' employment in the tourism industry and have received at least one provincial or national tourism award. This is the second year for the hall of fame, and Cook is the first person from this province to be given the award.

Cook, president of Stan Cook Sea Kayaking Adventures, has been leading adventure tours in this province since 1970, guiding tourists and locals alike in ocean kayaking adventures, pointing out marine life and geological features and offering snippets of local history.

Cook helped create the guidelines and code of ethics for adventure travel in this province; was founding chairman of the provincial canoeing association and the provincial board of Red Cross Small Craft Safety; and has served on the executive for the Irish Loop Tourism Association, and Capital Coast Development Association and the board of the Avalon Convention and Visitors Bureau.

He has been given awards for his work by the City of St. John's, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, the St. John's Board of Trade and Parks Canada.

"I was wondering why me, and I really believe it's because I represent the average Newfoundlander," Cook said. "I'm not a big businessman. I don't own hotels. My idea is to do something really special (for guests) all the time, and that's just the way we are."

"When I go up (to Ottawa), in my speech I'm really going to tell them why we are so special, and what we have to offer is second to none."

Other inductees into the Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame this year are Max Ward of Edmonton, founder of WardAir International; Leo Sheftel of Calgary, a hotel executive who died last December; Nancy Stibbard, president and owner of the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver; and Stan Cowley, president of Calgary's Rafter Six Ranch.

tbm@thetelegram.com

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