TORONTO – Tour East Group today is celebrating the selection of Rita Tsang, its CEO and President, and Annie Tsu, its Director and Executive Vice-President, as winners of the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Ontario in the Hospitality/Tourism sector.

Tsang and Tsu, the dynamic sister duo who have guided the Tour East Group to the top of Canada’s tourism industry, accepted the award at a gala presentation held at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre on Monday evening.

Tsang and Tsu were one of three finalists for the Travel/Tourism award which recognizes the entrepreneurship of Canadian business executives who have turned their visions intosuccessful realities.

It was the first time the Tour East Group executives were nominated for the award, which has been won in the past by some of Canada’s most recognized business leaders.

In accepting the award, Tsang, a proud member of the Order of Ontario, recognized the contributions of her Tour East staff and the support of her family since she founded the company in 1976. Tsang said the rise to the top has been a “wonderful journey.”

“There are so many people to thank ...wonderful parents who prepared us for the journey...family members who helped and supported us along the way...and of course the loyal and dedicated employees of Tour East, who make the journey for us so enjoyable each day,” said Tsang.

“Our journey has taken us through peaks and valleys but tonight we have reached the top and I would like to thank Ernst & Young for making the journey so rewarding.”

For her part, Tsu, who manages Tour East’s strategic planning, which includes technology and overseas development of the company’s international operations in China, told the Ernst & Young audience: “We are a family company and it was with our family’s support and guidance that put us on the road to success.”

The Tour East Group includes Tour East Holidays, Tour East Travel Fulfillment Services and TraveLife magazine.The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is truly a global honor which is celebrated in over 50 countries, representing an incredible 93 per cent of the world’s economy. This year marks the 17th anniversary of the award in Canada. Ernst & Young handed out awards in 11 categories Monday night.

Tour East Group is an innovator in travel services and it’s Tour East Holidays division ranks among the biggest and best travel providers in the industry, with offices across Canada as well as in the United States and China.


For more information or to arrange an interview with Rita Tsang and Annie Tsu, please contact Director of Communications Marc Atchison at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 416-929-0888 ext. 2232.