June 23, 2022

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) Recognized with Excellence in Airport Concessions Award

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) was recognized by Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) with the 2022 Best New Retail Concept Award for Empress 1908 Gin, operated by Victoria Distillers.

The ACI-NA Excellence in Airport Concessions Awards are presented annually to recognize innovative and outstanding concessions throughout Canada and the United States. The 2022 awards celebrated the resilience of airports, concessionaires and business partners throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Victoria Distillers at YYJ is the first retail concept of its kind in Canada to feature an on-site liquor manufacturing facility post-security. Located in the newly expanded departures lounge, passengers can watch Empress 1908 Gin being produced by hand. Each bottle is blended, bottled and labelled onsite. Tastings and beautifully branded merchandise are also available.

“It is especially rewarding to be recognized by our industry peers, said Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) President and CEO, Geoff Dickson. Empress 1908 Gin by Victoria Distillers is a premium product with unique characteristics and a very local connection. We were intrigued early on and wanted to be a part of the story.”

“We were thrilled to work with VAA on this project and are excited to be a part of the business community at Victoria International Airport. Our retail space in YYJ allows us to provide a unique experience where we can connect and engage with travellers while providing them with a taste of Victoria,” said Victoria Distillers Hospitality & Experience Manager, TomàsDosil.

YYJ and Victoria Distillers were officially recognized by ACI-NA at the Business of Airports Conference held in Phoenix, AR on June 8, 2022.

About Victoria Distillers & Empress 1908 Gin
A pioneer in Canadian distilling, Victoria Distillers has been producing award-winning spirits since 2008. Our unique waterfront location in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, houses the copper pot stills that produce our range of spirits – most notably, Empress 1908 Gin. Empress 1908 Gin was created by Victoria Distillers and inspired by the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel. Empress 1908 appeals to one’s sense of creative delight through its balanced citrus and spice palette, brilliant colour, light floral fragrance and soft texture. Empress 1908 is now available for purchase in liquor stores across Canada, the USA and a growing number of international countries.

About Victoria Airport Authority
Victoria Airport Authority is a not-for-profit authority that has managed the safe and secure operations of the Victoria International Airport on behalf of the surrounding communities since April 1, 1997.