Canalside recognized by Society of American Travel Writers

Buffalo waterfront collects prestigious Phoenix Award

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. on Tuesday announced the Society of American Travel Writers awarded Canalside the 2016 Phoenix Award, which recognizes individuals, communities or organizations that have contributed to a quality travel experience through conservation, preservation, beautification or environmental efforts.

Canalside, along with the Bruce Trail Conservancy in Ontario, Canada, was named an awardee at SATW's annual core convention that took place in Wenzhou, China, on Oct. 24-29.

"This international recognition is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the staff and board at ECHDC that believed from day one that, once the area was reclaimed, we could transform it into one of America's brightest historical and recreational treasures," ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia said. "We continue to work hard every day drive progress along Buffalo's waterfront and deliver on Gov. Cuomo's promise of creating a world-class waterfront for the people of Buffalo. We have created new opportunities and public activities where there were none.

"I thank the Society of American Travel Writers for this award as it validates our efforts at Canalside and will provide immeasurable attention to Buffalo's amazing waterfront."

"SATW is the premiere organization representing the highest professional standards in travel communication and photography," SATW President Paul Lasley said. "Our members' work appears in the top outlets around the world. Our Phoenix Awards provide recognition to those who have demonstrated exemplary work to preserve and enhance travel destinations."

Nominations were considered by the SATW Phoenix committee and submitted with recommendations to the board of directors for final approval. Deborah Williams, an award-winning travel writer and photographer who lives outside East Aurora and is a member of the travel writers' society, nominated Canalside for the award. The nomination included questions regarding the project and its relationship to tourism, contributions to the preservation/conservation/beautification of the travel area, community involvement, impact on the local community and challenges or obstacles to meet the objectives of the project.

"As a history and water enthusiast and long-time area resident, I am thrilled that Canalside has received this well-deserved recognition," Williams said.

SATW has recognized tourism conservation projects through the Phoenix Awards since 1969.

This marks the second Phoenix Award for a Buffalo attraction. Previously the Darwin Martin House was a recipient.

For more information about Canalside, visit www.canalsidebuffalo.com.