About Us

Heartland International Travel and Tours Ltd. has been a private sector Winnipeg inbound receptive tour operator since the company was founded on November 01, 2001. Prior to this time Don Finkbeiner, owner of Heartland International Travel and Tours and colleague Heather Pedreira, operated the incoming, receptive division of McDonald Worldwide Travel from 1990 until they founded Heartland in 2001. Working together for 22 years Don and Heather have well over 19 years of this as receptive service experience.


Memberships and Affiliates

  • Winnipeg Tour Connection
  • Team Winnipeg
  • Ensemble Travel Group
  • IATA/TIDS designation
  • Continental Travel Group

Heartland International Travel and Tours Tourism Awards

  • 2004 Manitoba Tourism Award for Service Excellence MPI – Manitoba Chapter 2005/06 Horizon Award for Outstanding Creativity and Success within the Meetings and Events Industry MPI – Manitoba Chapter April 15, 2008 National Meeting Industry Day Influence Award 2008 – Winner of the Manitoba Tourism Awards in the category of Partnership-Haunted Winnipeg Tours
  • MPI – Manitoba Chapter 2005/06 Horizon Award for Outstanding Creativity and Success within the Meetings and Events Industry
  • MPI – Manitoba Chapter April 15, 2008 National Meeting Industry Day Influence Award
  • 2008 – Winner of the Manitoba Tourism Awards in the category of Partnership-Haunted Winnipeg Tours
  • Heartland was nominated a finalist for the 2008 Manitoba Tourism Awards in the category of Product Development-Winnipass Attraction Pass
  • Heartland was nominated for the 2009 Manitoba Tourism Awards in the category of Product Development for the Hermetic Code Tours of the Manitoba Legislative Building
  • Winner of the 2012 Tourism Business of the Year Award

Testimonials

“Don and his team are amazing. We utilized their services to transport our delegates to the CHRA dinner and also on our mobile tours. They were amazing!”Canadian Housing and Renewal Association Annual Congress – April 2015

“You were there when you said you would be and the buses arrived on time. This is sooooooo important to meeting organizers. It takes a lot of pressure off us. I had many people come to me saying that they loved the tours and that the time just flew. One lady from the US said that this convention was the best one ever.  She really loved the social program and she has attended many many conferences both here and in other countries. That says a lot and in most part attributed to you” Brian Dahms, Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council – June 14 & 15, 2015

“Our delegation included a total of 33 companions who took part in various tours in and around Winnipeg. This company offered great service and even made accommodation for some extra guests who took part on certain tours.”International Association of Women Police Organizing Committee September 2014

“Our post event survey showed that 99% of our delegates rated the Peg City Seek N’ Search as a positive experience. It was a great way to show for our out town visitors to see the park and learn a little bit about its history and enjoy part of the conference day outdoors”  IABC 2014 Conference May 24

“I would like to let you know what a real and genuine pleasure it was to work with you and your staff. The tour design was superb – interesting and diverse tours for each of the three age groups of adults, teens and children. Everything was well organized, and on time. We appreciated the red carpet service all the way from the contracting, the onsite delivery and the invoicing. We would definitely recommend Heartland Travel & Tours to other associations and to industry. I could not have been more pleased with the services you provided. We thought that the level of service was above expectations, and we were impressed!”  Angie Herzog – Manager, Professional Development – Canadian Veterinary Medical Association – Ottawa, Ontario

“On behalf of MEDA’S recent convention in Winnipeg I want to thank you for your assistance in organizing and arranging our tours. With three days of tours, 8 different options and meals in many cases, our side trips were an amazing addition to the convention. Our members enjoyed everything from curling and shopping to studying their heritage in Steinbach. The weather cooperated and helped us showcase many of Manitoba’s sights and attractions. We appreciated your careful attention to detail as well as your flexibility with our group. Over the years I have worked with many different companies arranging excursions during conventions but the level of excellence that you provided coupled with your desire to reveal Winnipeg’s cultural flavour provided me a service that is not found in other cities”  Ann-Michele Ewert – Vero Consulting, Conference and Event Planning

“Everything was absolutely fabulous! You did a great job and I wouldn’t hesitate using you in the future. You and Heather were a joy to work with – so accommodating and you just made my life so much easier. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done. You offer such a variety of tours it’s amazing.”  Pat Malynyk – Office Mgr – Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Canadian Regional Conference – Winnipeg, MB


Business References

For a business reference for our company, please contact Travel Manitoba’s marketing department or Product Development Departments at 1-800-665-0040 or 1-204-927-7800. You can also contact Tourism Winnipeg at 1-800-665-0204 or 1-204-943-1970.