John Wright receives Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of impact on Kingston tourism

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

Kingston’s own John Wright has been recognized with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, honouring a transformative career in Kingston’s tourism and entertainment scene.

Wright’s career began in Kingston’s radio scene more than four decades ago, and later expanded to the acquisition and development of Kingston’s 1000 Islands Cruises and Kingston Trolley Tours. Wright also spearheaded many major downtown revitalization projects, having a hand in many of the city’s landmarks, including the campaign for downtown’s Large Venue Entertainment Centre.

“He plants seeds and then works with the talent to inspire people to collaborate not just within the organization but across the community,” said Hugh Mackenzie, who has worked with Wright since 1991. 

With his work connecting Kingston by airwaves, water, and trolley lines, Wright has charted a course for Kingston’s tourism and culture unlike any other.

Listen to the full story here.