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Home » State Tourism Industry Presents 2023 Awards, Inducts Industry Veterans Into Tourism Hall Of Leadership

State Tourism Industry Presents 2023 Awards, Inducts Industry Veterans Into Tourism Hall Of Leadership

YAKIMA (Oct. 31, 2023) – State of Washington Tourism (SWT) announced the winners of its tourism awards last week at the annual State of Washington Tourism Conference. The awards recognize excellence in tourism work from around the state. Awards were presented for Outstanding Marketing Campaign, Rising Star in Tourism, Destination Stewardship, and Tourism Hall of Leadership.

The awards were presented at the State of Washington Tourism Conference, held Oct. 24-25 at the Yakima Convention & Event Center. Approximately 290 industry professionals from across the state attended. The conference featured a keynote address by Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), and sessions with industry experts as well as opportunities for attendees to experience the local Yakima Valley Tourism offerings.

The award for Outstanding Marketing Campaign was presented to Visit Walla Walla for their video series, As Artists . The campaign, created in partnership with a local filmmaker, showcased the variety of artists living throughout the community and sharing why they chose to make Walla Walla their home. The videos saw excellent engagement and helped drive awareness of the arts community in the destination.

The award for Rising Star in Tourism was presented to Shara Howard, Communications Manager at Visit Vancouver WA. The award is presented to a new industry professional or volunteer who has made outstanding contributions to the tourism efforts of a business, nonprofit organization, community, or tourism business segment. Nominees must have tenures in tourism of 5 years or less. Howard was recognized for advancing her organization’s communications and outreach and helping to uplevel social media platforms.

The Destination Stewardship Award was presented to Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands for Regenerative Places, a Community-Based Tourism Model. The project reimagined tourism to genuinely be a force for good, thereby seeking to improve the lives of residents while enriching visitor experiences and benefiting the natural environment. The entry stood out for the sincerity and seriousness devoted to destination stewardship by local residents and tourism practitioners.

State of Washington Tourism also inducted two industry veterans into the Tourism Hall of Leadership. Mary Kay Nelson was recognized for her work with the Lewis County Visitors Bureau, Visit Rainier, and the White Pass Scenic Byway.

Marcus Yearout, retired owner of the ScenicWA guides, was recognized for his work to promote Washington State through guides at both the state and local level.

About State of Washington Tourism

State of Washington Tourism (the recently rebranded Washington Tourism Alliance) is a 501(c)(6) organization established by industry stakeholders with the sole mission of developing and sustaining Washington State destination tourism marketing. SWT procures and administers funds for state destination tourism marketing activities and creates and implements the strategic statewide destination marketing plan. Visit the destination website at www.stateofWAtourism.com or the tourism industry site at www.industry.stateofWAtourism.com .

MEDIA CONTACT: Tracy Rabsky Public Relations, GreenRubino for State of Washington Tourism E: [email protected] P: 206-452-8185

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U.S. Travel Association 

Entries for U.S. Travel's ESTO 2024 Awards are now OPEN.

The U.S. Travel ESTO Awards recognize U.S. Travel destination and state tourism office members for excellence and creative accomplishment in destination marketing and promotion and foster the development of imaginative and innovative destination marketing promotion programs.

The Destiny Awards recognize U.S. Travel destination members for excellence and creative accomplishment in destination marketing and promotion at the local and regional level; and foster the development of imaginative and innovative destination marketing promotion programs and activities.

The Destiny Awards are open to all DMOs or CVBs that are members of the U.S. Travel Association.  Winners are honored at ESTO's Tuesday night Awards Dinner and Presentation.

The Mercury Awards recognize members for excellence and creative accomplishment in state and territory destination marketing and promotion; and inspire, through showcasing outstanding work, the continued development of imaginative and exciting marketing and promotional programs.

The Mercury Awards are open to all U.S. state and territory tourism offices that are members of the U.S. Travel Association.  Winners are honored at ESTO's Tuesday night Awards Dinner and Presentation.

Important Information

Eligibility & Guidelines   Learn more about who is eligible to submit, entry fees and important qualifications for submission.

Frequently Asked Questions Get answers to your ESTO Awards questions here.

Awards Timeline

View our ESTO 2023 Destiny and Mercury Awards Winners

Other ESTO Awards

STATE TOURISM DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

The State Tourism Director of the Year award demonstrates a clear influence and measurable improvement of their states' travel and tourism profile.  Learn more .

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Award programs.

Recognizing excellence and outstanding achievements

U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders

Recognizes individuals who have made sustained, noteworthy contributions that have positively impacted the travel industry, stimulated greater achievement, and raised industry-wide standards.

More info ›

Destiny Awards

Aims to foster the development of innovative destination marketing promotion programs and actives by recognizing organizations for excellence and creative accomplishment in travel marketing and promotion.

Distinguished Travel Champion Awards

An annual honor presented to Members of Congress, as well as one Executive Branch official, for exhibiting outstanding leadership in Congress and the Administration to enact policies that spur increased travel to and within the United States.

Mercury Awards

Recognizes state and territory tourism office members for excellence and creative accomplishment in marketing and promotion.

State Tourism Director of the Year Award

Honors a tourism director who has clearly influenced the obvious measurable improvement of a state or territory’s “travel and tourism profile” with his or her leadership.

Travel Writer Awards

Recognizes outstanding work in print journalism for United States travel destination stories by domestic or international media who attend IPW.

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Thank you for Celebrating with us! State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards 2023

Congrats to all the winners and nominations, elevating our…

The State of Tourism Gala

& hospitality awards, november 16, 2023.

Thank you for attending the  2023 State of Tourism Gala & Hospitality Awards on November 16, 2023!

The State of Tourism is designed to honor and celebrate individuals that are making an impact in our community through the Corpus Christi tourism industry. The State of Tourism Gala celebrates excellence in tourism and hospitality and is held in conjunction with the Visit Corpus Christi Annual Meeting.

Stay tuned for more info on the State of Tourism 2024! View the 2023 photo album here.

WATCH: State of Tourism 2023 Recap

Congratulations to the 2023 Tourism & Hospitality Award Finalists

Sales Person of the Year

Sarah Perez – Lively Beach Resort

Amanda Tijerina – Hilton Garden Inn

Jackie Ray – Omni Corpus Christi Hotel

Restaurant of the Year

Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum

Water Street Oyster Bar

Bellino Ristorante

Chef of the Year

John Sambrano – Brewster Street Icehouse – Southside

Nick Ustruck – American Bank Center

Dean Sprague – Omni Corpus Christi Hotel

Server of the Year

Leticia Villegas – Portis Kuntry Kitchen

Whitney Hansen – Water Street Oyster Bar

Dorina Perez Smith – Embassy Suites by Hilton - Corpus Christi​

Bar of the Year

Old Kress Live

Executive Surf Club

Nueces Whiskey Library

Bartender of the Year

Sky Shook – The Annex

Leonard Araiza – Executive Surf Club

Belia Ortega – Texas State Aquarium and Chuy’s

Large Attraction of the Year

USS Lexington Museum on the Bay

Islander Athletics

Texas State Aquarium

Small Attraction of the Year

Blue Shore Pedal Lounge

Harbor Playhouse

Tourism Trailblazer

Starla Shuck – USS Lexington Museum

Leon Burns – Brewster Street Icehouse – Southside

Maggie Freeborn – Corpus Christi Hooks

Front of House

Jericho Dyogi – Omni Corpus Christi Hotel

Louie Contreras – Water Street Restaurants

Rachell Banda – USS Lexington Museum

Heart of the House

Bryce Balusek – American Bank Center

Judy Martinez – Omni Corpus Christi Hotel

Amy Goldson – Harbor Playhouse

Corpus Christi Under 35 Tourism Professional of the Year

Tyler Miller – Corpus Christi International Airport

Marisol Ramirez – Durrill Properties

Breanne Beal – Durrill Properties

WATCH: Bob Batterson, USS Lex's 100 Year Old Pearl Harbor Survivor and Volunteer

Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2022

2021 New York State Tourism Excellence Awards Recipients Honored

May 6, 2021

New York's tourism professionals, 'extraordinary work in an extraordinary year' acknowledged in virtual ceremony -

– Destination marketing organizations, museums, attractions, and other tourism related businesses gathered virtually at 11:30 AM on Thursday, May 6 to honor the efforts of their peers. The 2021 New York State Tourism Excellence Awards acknowledge the work done in crisis conditions during the 2020 pandemic year.

The event was presented as a webcast from the New York State Museum co-hosted by Ross Levi, Vice President / Executive Director of Tourism at Empire State Development / NYS Division of Tourism and Josiah Brown, Board Chair of the New York State Tourism Industry Association.

COVID-19 presented a disproportionate challenge to the tourism industry. Tourism related or dependent businesses were among the most adversely affected due to COVID regulations and restrictions. Large meetings and events were canceled, and many venues were closed or subject to severe capacity restrictions. Tourism industry professionals redirected their efforts in new directions, supporting local residents and sustaining local businesses, while rising to the occasion to meet unprecedented health related guidelines and special needs for travelers.

The New York State Tourism Excellence Awards are juried by an impartial panel of industry experts under the auspices of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. Nominations were up 250% vs 2019 and the judges were challenged by both the volume and the caliber of the entries.

“Each year at these awards I am amazed at the creativity, commitment and innovation demonstrated by tourism professionals across the state," reflected Josiah Brown, President of New York's Best Experiences and Board Chair of NYSTIA. “But the work done in 2020 wasn't just good, or even great… at times it rose to the level of heroic."

“Working collaboratively in New York State's tourism community enables you to network with some of the best minds, most experienced individuals and trendsetting thought leaders in the global tourism industry." states Bob Provost, President of the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA). “The individuals, campaigns, initiatives and projects being honored are world-class. I am humbled by their achievements and service to their communities in 2020."

The awards are administered annually by the New York State Tourism Industry Association.

About New York State Tourism: Tourism is the third largest industry in New York State. The tourism industry has paid dividends for years to New York's economy, setting new records for economic benefit in each of the past five years. In 2019, the tourism industry attracted 265 million visitors and generated record high levels of impact:

• $72 Billion in spending at New York State businesses large and small,
• $39 Billion in disposable income and over 961,000 jobs for New York State residents and
• $9+ Billion in state and local taxes, the equivalent of $1,248 for every New York State household.

During the pandemic year of 2020, tourism was inarguably New York's most impacted industry. In fact, New York State was the third most impacted state in the country.

By year-end 2020, the tourism industry was devastated:

• Average annual employment declined 34%, a loss of over 330,000 jobs vs 2019 - nearly three times the employment impact in any other major category!
• An estimated 56% loss in travel spending at New York State businesses and a corresponding 45% drop in state and local tax revenues.

About New York State Tourism Industry Association: The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) advances economic growth, job creation, community revitalization, quality of life and pride of place by realizing the potential of New York State's tourism industry and facilitating the success of its members. We serve New York State's tourism industry through collaborative initiatives, research, legislative awareness, and exceptional marketing. www.nystia.org

2021 Award Recipients

Award recipients are listed in the following format: Nominee/Campaign Name from Organization Name: Award Category : Subcategory

Roberta Byron-Lockwood from Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association: Excellence in Leadership: Career Achievement

Dallas Thurn from the National Comedy Center: Excellence in Young Professional Leadership

Christine Worth from the Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council: Excellence in Leadership in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis by an individual

'Find a Way to Get in the Way' initiative by the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection (Ontario County): Excellence in Leadership in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis by an organization

'Catskill Confidence' campaign from the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association: Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing : Tourism Marketing Organizations at the Local Level

DiscoverUpstateNY.com Tourism Project from Discover Upstate NY: Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing by a Private Sector Entity

“Pathway Forward Strategy" from the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST): Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Best COVID Response Marketing Effort to Pivot to Success

“Apple Tasting Tour U Pick The Way APP" from the Wayne County Office of Tourism Excellence in Tourism Marketing Best COVID Response Marketing Effort to Pivot to Success

“360-degree video site visits" from Destination Niagara USA Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Best Use of Digital Tools To Keep Tourism Top-of-Mind

“Safe at Home" from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Best Use of Digital Tools To Keep Tourism Top-of-Mind

“Spirit of Cortland County Video Series" from Experience Cortland Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Best Use of Digital Tools To Keep Tourism Top-of-Mind

“Penguin Pierre Safety & Visitation Campaign " from The Corning Museum of Glass Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns: Digital Marketing Campaign

“Apple Tasting Tour U Pick The Way APP" from the Wayne County Tourism Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Digital Marketing Campaign

“Dove Trail" from the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Niche Marketing

“Come Play in Our Backyard" - Visit Rochester's Family Marketing Campaign from Visit Rochester Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Niche Marketing

“Discover Seneca Visitor Guide" from the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Printed Collateral Materials

“2020 Rhinebeck Destination Guide" Content Studio @ Martinelli Custom Publishing Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Printed Collateral Materials

“Politely Adirondack" from the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Public Relations Campaign

“Rochester Rising, Sparking a Message of Goodwill and Hope" from Visit Rochester Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Public Relations Campaign

“The Visitor Experience Fund – Accessibility" from the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection (Ontario Cty) Excellence in Tourism Stewardship: Economic Development & Destination Improvement

Virginia Norfleet / Clinton Street Cultural District /Haverstraw African American Connection Excellence in Tourism Stewardship: Economic Development & Destination Improvement

“Visitor Services: Virtual, Value Added and Virus-Free" from the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection, Excellence in Visitor Service: Public Sector

“COVID response programs" from the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden We Are All In This Together: COVID-Related Impact in Outreach to/Support of The Consumer

“VISIT Staten Island COVID Initiatives" from VISIT Staten Island We Are All In This Together: COVID-Related Impact in Outreach to/Support of The Consumer

“Pathway Forward Strategy" for the Adirondacks / Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) We Are All In This Together: COVID-Related Impact in Support of Community /Local Businesses

“COVID Business Support Activities" from Dutchess Tourism We Are All In This Together: COVID-Related Impact in Support of Community / Local Businesses

“Community Meal Donations" from the Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern We Are All In This Together: COVID-Related Impact in Support of Community / Local Businesses

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Travel Oregon Honored with Two Tourism Awards 

Agency recognized for creative accomplishment in destination marketing and promotion by the national council of state tourism directors.

Winners of the National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) 2023 Mercury Awards were announced last week at U.S. Travel Association’s annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) conference in Savannah, Georgia. The Mercury Awards recognize excellence and creative accomplishment in state and territory destination marketing and promotion; and inspire, through showcasing outstanding work, the continued development of imaginative and exciting marketing and promotional programs. Travel Oregon was recognized in the Outstanding Print Collateral category as well as Outstanding Video, Film or Podcast Series .

The product of a partnership between Travel Oregon and a collective of representatives from Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes, the Travel Guide to Oregon Indian Country was honored in the Outstanding Print Collateral category. Driven by the editorial vision of the Tribal Tourism Leadership Committee, the 52-page guide aims to promote tribal tourism assets, cultural resources and respectful appreciation of tribal lands. It offers resources and inspiration to help visitors understand and respect the history, cultures and land that Indigenous people have occupied since time immemorial while promoting attractions on and nearby tribal lands where tribes have invested in ways to welcome visitors.

“Earning these Mercury Awards is a testament to the exceptional collaboration between Travel Oregon’s staff and our incredible partners,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “We are especially grateful to Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes, who proactively drove and participated in creation of the Travel Guide to Oregon Indian Country. Tribal tourism is a crucial driver of state and local economies and contributes greatly to tourism’s $13.9 million impact statewide. We can’t tell the story of Oregon without them.”

Hidden Trails of Oregon, which featured 10 Oregon cities and 10 guided experiences with documentary-style audio, was honored by NCTSD as Outstanding Video, Film or Podcast Series. Narrative voice-overs by Armchair Productions touch on themes important to our visitors such as land stewardship, safe outdoor adventure and Oregon’s rich cultural landscape. The quantifiable outcomes of this podcast were impactful—including 90,000+ downloads, 60,000+ hours of engagement—and brought Oregon to life for listeners all over the globe while inspiring travel to the state.

“To me, these awards honor the totality of effort of the entire Travel Oregon team over time,” continued Davidson. “A competitive grant may have funded the restoration of a trail now featured in the podcast and a Destination Ready workshop may have galvanized a community or inspired a new guiding business.  These efforts, and so many others, fuel the creative campaigns inspiring travel to, and within, Oregon.”

Travel Oregon has been honored with 24 Mercury Awards since 1997. To see all awardees, visit  ustravel.org .

About Travel Oregon The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon , is a semi-independent state agency whose mission is to inspire travel that uplifts Oregon communities. Collaborating with stakeholders to align as stewards of Oregon, we work to optimize economic opportunity, advance equity and respect the ecosystems, cultures and places that make Oregon… Oregon. Travel Oregon aims to improve Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening the economic impacts of the state’s $13.9 billion tourism industry, which employs more than 100,000 Oregonians.

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AMNY wins two New York State Tourism Industry Excellence Awards

• Published: Jul. 20, 2023, 11:10 a.m.
• Advance Media New York

New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) honored Advance Media New York with two 2023 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards. This annual awards program recognizes the outstanding work of New York State’s destination marketing organizations, attractions and other tourism-related businesses in all forms of marketing, destination management and stewardship. A ceremony will honor winners Sept. 14 at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester.

AMNY received high marks for its work on the Amtrak campaign “Leisure Travel in NY” and the 2022 NYup Summer Travel Guide.

In the category of Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing: Regional or Statewide: “Leisure Travel in NY” from Amtrak NY was recognized for its multi-level digital campaign targeting travelers in New York City, Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo and Toronto, Canada to build awareness of the convenience, sustainability and comfort that traveling by Amtrak provides. AMNY crafted messaging to targeted various audiences with vibrant, inviting digital and video messages that resulted in a 57 % increase in Amtrak NY route ridership over 2021.

In mid-2022, a campaign was launched in Toronto, Canada after the borders were reopened for international travel between Toronto and New York. Amtrak NY invited Canadians living in Toronto to visit and spend time in the beautiful cities across NY, encouraging tourists to book on New York state-supported routes, which resulted in tens of thousands of visitors since the campaign ran.

“Working with Amtrak NY has been very exciting, especially seeing their ridership increase with this campaign,” said Bridget Cerrone, Senior Account Manager at Advance Media New York. “Amtrak’s primary goal was to increase ridership across the state routes as well as keep Amtrak top of mind for travel within New York and beyond. The return to service of the Maple Leaf to and from Toronto was huge to the tourism economy in New York. It’s very rewarding that NYSTIA has recognized the Leisure Travel in NY campaign for Amtrak NY.”

In the category of Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs – Printed Materials: NYup Summer Travel Guide highlighted Food & Drink, Outdoor Fun, Historic Sites, Music & Entertainment and Museums & Art across regions that included Adirondacks, Capitol, Catskills, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, Northern NY, Western NY and Southern Tier. The 2022 travel guide published in The Post-Standard (Syracuse), Star Ledger (NJ) and Patriot News (PA) on May 8, 2022 – along with hundreds of drop locations across upstate NY to kick off the summer travel season.

“The NYup Travel Guide is special,” said Lindsay Marlenga, Senior Director of Marketing at Advance Media New York. “The NYup Travel Guide showcases how travel-rich Upstate New York is and unites all of our incredible tourism destinations in one inspirational and breathtaking publication.”

This year’s New York State Tourism Excellence Awards included multiple new awards categories to acknowledge the critical work done in advancing the areas of sustainability, DEAI (diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion), international marketing, travel itineraries and promoting the great outdoors of New York State. The pool of awards nominations was extraordinarily competitive, surpassing 2022′s total by 40%.

“The outstanding work of New York State’s tourism professionals contributed significantly to the post-COVID resurgence of New York State’s tourism industry,” remarked Kelly Curtin, Board Chair of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. “The efforts of both the 2023 New York State Tourism Excellence Award nominees and recipients epitomize the concept of best practice destination marketing, management and stewardship. My admiration and congratulations to all!”

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2023 New York State Tourism Excellence Awards: Recipients to be Honored on September 14, 2023, at the Strong National Museum of Play, in Rochester, NY

July 18, 2023

Troy, NY — The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) today announced the recipients of the 2023 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards. The outstanding work of New York State’s destination marketing organizations, attractions, and other tourism-related businesses in all forms of marketing, destination management and stewardship are recognized through this annual awards program. The organizations, businesses, institutions, and individuals will be honored at a special ceremony at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York on September 14, 2023 as part of the 2023 NYSTIA Annual meeting.

“It is a true honor to stand alongside so many other incredible members of the state’s tourism industry and to be recognized for our efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive experience here in Cayuga County,” said Karen Kuhl, Executive Director of Cayuga County CVB. “Now more than ever, it is essential that we embrace travelers of all backgrounds, and we are proud to stand behind that mission.”

This year’s New York State Tourism Excellence Awards include multiple new awards categories to acknowledge the critical work done in advancing the areas of sustainability, DEAI (diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion), international marketing, travel itineraries, and promoting the great outdoors of New York State. The pool of awards nominations was extraordinarily competitive, surpassing 2022’s total by 40%.

“The outstanding work of New York State’s tourism professionals contributed significantly to the post-COVID resurgence of New York State’s tourism industry,” remarked Kelly Curtin, Board Chair of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. “The efforts of both the 2023 New York State Tourism Excellence Award nominees and recipients epitomize the concept of best practice destination marketing, management and stewardship. My admiration and congratulations to all!”

The New York State Tourism Excellence Awards are open to all New York State tourism marketers and are juried by an impartial panel of industry experts under the auspices of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. Nominees spanned every corner of New York State and judges were challenged by the diversity and quality of the entries.

“The campaigns, initiatives, and projects submitted for the 2023 Tourism Excellence Awards illustrate the world-class work being done by New York’s tourism professionals,” observed Bob Provost, President of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. “The caliber of the work nominated this year, coupled with the 40% YOY increase in nominations challenged the judges who reviewed and scored this year’s entries. Thank you to the Tourism Excellence Awards Committee and judges Josiah Brown, Dr. Kelly Cerialo, Bridget Cerrone, Corey Fram, Todd Garofano, Nikita Jankowski, Danae Jones, Dana Krueger, Joanna Militello, Olga Tirado, Jaclyn Yost, and the Committee Chair, Sarah Foster Calero, and Co-Chair, Haley Coriaty. A note of thanks also to Rachele Markle, NYSTIA staff liaison to the committee.”

2023 Tourism Excellence Awards Recipients

Award Recipients are recognized in the following format:

“Nominee/Campaign Name ” from Organization Name Award Category: Subcategory – Budget (if applicable)

“Leisure Travel in NY” from Advance Media New York on behalf Amtrak NY

Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing: Regional or Statewide

“Dutchess Tourism” from Dutchess Tourism, Inc.

Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing: TPA/County/DMO Local Level

– Budget Over $500,000

“‘Let’s Go Greene’ 2022 Marketing Campaign” from Workshop on behalf of Greene County Tourism and Film Commission (“The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County”)

– Budget Under $500,000

“Seasonal Abandon Site Emails” from Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST)

Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs:

Creative Use of Data to Drive Success

“Holiday/Winter Campaign” from Dutchess Tourism, Inc.

Digital Marketing Campaign

“Miss New York Destination Experience by Rail” from New York By Rail

“Zen Finder Outdoor Experience Trail ” from Dutchess Tourism, Inc.

The Great Outdoors of New York State

“Fall Fishing Program: ‘More Water = More Fish’” , from NYS Canal Corporation and Orleans County Tourism

“Pretty.Cool.” from Dutchess Tourism, Inc.

Innovations & Strategies to Address New/Unique/Changing Markets

“Adirondack Experience BIPOC Marketing Efforts” from Workshop on behalf of Adirondack Experience

“Visit Syracuse Visitors Guide” from Visit Syracuse/Visit Syracuse Film

Printed Materials

“NYUp Travel Guide – Summer” from Advance Media New York

“Visit Nyack, Inc .” from Visit Nyack, Inc.

Public Relations Campaign

“Cortland Curiosities: A Strange & Forgotten History Trail” from Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Trails & Itineraries

“Barn Quilt Trail of Leroy” from Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

“Community Tourism Enhancement Fund” from Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST)

Excellence in Tourism Stewardship: Shaping a Better Future

“2022 Saratoga 250 Branding and Logo” from Workshop on behalf of Saratoga County

Valerie Knoblauch , Finger Lakes Visitors Connection

Excellence in Leadership: Career/Lifetime Achievement

Claire Dunlap, Cayuga County CVB

Excellence in Young Professional Leadership

Charlie Daley , co-founder the Destinations of New York State Scholarship Fund

The New Yorker Award

“ Cayuga County CVB” from Cayuga County CVB

Excellence in Tourism Equity & Inclusion

“Akwesasne Travel” from Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

Excellence in Sustainable Stewardship: Champions of Change

“ Wine, Water and Wonders of New York State” from Wine, Water and Wonders of New York State

Excellence in International Tourism Marketing: New York Tourism Ambassador

About New York State Tourism Industry Association: The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) is a member-driven, 501(c)6 nonprofit organization at the vanguard of transformational tourism marketing, stewardship and long-term strategic planning. We assist our members in advancing responsible economic growth, creating jobs, revitalizing communities, supporting small business success, and increasing state and local tax revenues in order to improve the standard of living, quality of life and pride of place for New York State communities and residents. We achieve these goals by facilitating the success of our members in realizing the economic potential of New York State’s tourism industry as a catalyst for collaborative initiatives, exceptional marketing programs, industry research and legislative awareness for the private sector of New York State’s tourism industry. www.nystia.org

About Cayuga County CVB:

The Cayuga County Office Convention and Visitors Bureau Inc. was established in 1995 as Cayuga County’s official tourism promotion agency. Our mission is to promote, support, and increase tourism, thereby stimulating economic growth and improving the quality of life for area residents. https://www.tourcayuga.com/

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Governor’s Conference

• Media Center

State tourism awards presented at annual conference

October 4, 2019.

A star-powered marketing campaign, a Halloween celebration that digs deep into the past and a TV talk show that proudly calls Missouri home were among the award winners at the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism Oct. 8-10 in Columbia.

Eight awards were presented during the conference to individuals, organizations and events for their efforts to boost tourism in the Show-Me State.

“Attracting visitors to a region requires skill, creativity and determination,” said Ward Franz, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. “These awards recognize outstanding work to bring tourism dollars into our state.”

The award winners are:

Hall of Fame Award: Presented to an individual who has worked in the tourism industry for a minimum of 10 years and whose contributions have significantly and measurably impacted tourism in Missouri.

Recipient: Gary Figgins, publisher of Show-Me Missouri magazine. Figgins has been promoting Missouri as a tourism destination for more than 20 years with his magazine – featuring places to visit in the Show-Me State – and as a long-time member of the Missouri Travel Alliance board of directors.

Marketing Campaign Award: Recognizes an effective integrated marketing campaign that results in increased tourism and economic benefit to a region.

Recipient: Explore St. Louis for its In the Know campaign. The ad campaign features actors Sterling K. Brown and John Goodman, track and field athlete and Olympic medalist Jackie Joiner-Kersee, and radio and television personality, producer and writer Andy Cohen sharing their passion for their hometown and favorite places to visit.

Innovator Award: Honors a small tourism organization or individual who achieves significant results on a modest budget.

Recipient: City of Warsaw. Through local partnerships and a focus on the outdoors, Warsaw has worked to transform the town into a recreation destination. A waterfront trail system – connected to its revitalized downtown – garnered the city national recognition as one of the most bike- and pedestrian-friendly small cities in the country.

Pathfinder Award: Recognizes an event or organization that successfully develops a niche tourism market.

Recipient: Legends & Lanterns, a multi-weekend Halloween celebration held during October in St. Charles. The family-friendly event on historic Main Street draws its inspiration from the past, featuring witches, villains and other infamous characters from history.

Navigator Media Award: Presented to a media outlet that promotes tourism in Missouri and its importance to the state’s economy.

Recipient: Jeff Houghton, creator and host of The Mystery Hour , a talk/variety show filmed in Springfield. In addition to featuring Missouri destinations and attractions, the monthly taping of the show at the historic Gilloiz Theater has become an attraction itself.

Rising Star Award: Honors an individual who has worked for a tourism-related organization less than five years or who has transitioned to a new role and made significant advancements to the organization’s efforts.

Recipient: Melissa Mohler, director of tourism in Clay County. Mohler worked to establish the county’s new tourism office as an official destination marketing organization and qualify for a matching marketing grant to attract visitors to the region.

Hospitality Award: Recognizes an individual, business or organization that has demonstrated excellent customer service.

Recipient: Greg Maxon, Greater Saint Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau. Maxon has spent much of his career promoting the St. Charles area. He currently focuses on bringing sporting events and group tours to the city.

Sen. Emory Melton Legislative Award: ­Honors an individual who recognizes the value of tourism to the state and works through the legislative process to support Missouri’s tourism industry.

Recipient: David Sater, state senator representing the 29 th district and member of the Missouri Tourism Commission. Sen. Sater was recognized for his efforts to promote the impact of the tourism industry on Missouri’s economy.

In addition to the awards presentation, the conference featured education workshops and guest speakers who addressed a variety of topics related to the tourism industry.

The Missouri Division of Tourism, a division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, works to market the Show-Me State as a destination for travelers and to increase the number of tourists and travel-related spending. In Fiscal Year 2017, Missouri welcomed a record 42 million visitors and saw a record $16.8 billion in tourism-related spending.

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Akwesasne Travel Receives New York State Tourism Excellence Award

The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) honored the recipients of the 2023 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards at a special ceremony at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York on September 14, 2023 as part of the organization’s annual meeting.

Akwesasne Travel received the Excellence in Sustainable Stewardship: Champions of Change award for fostering genuine connections through art and experiences that perpetuate Akwesasne’s cultural heritage.

“We are honored to be recognized by NYSTIA as Champions of Change,” said Akwesasne Travel Manager Penny Peters. “Cultural and environmental stewardship are pillars of Akwesasne Travel’s tourism program. As Onkwehon:we (original people), we are guided by traditional teachings of community living, seventh generation planning and the interconnection of all things. We work with our tour suppliers to design itineraries that encourage, educate, and share these practices with our visitors. To be recognized for these efforts is very meaningful as we continue to develop and market Akwesasne’s tourism industry.”

This year’s New York State Tourism Excellence Awards included multiple new awards categories to acknowledge the critical work done in advancing the areas of sustainability, DEAI (diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion), international marketing, travel itineraries, and promoting the great outdoors of New York State. The pool of awards nominations was extraordinarily competitive, surpassing 2022’s total by 40 percent.

“The outstanding work of New York State’s tourism professionals contributed significantly to the post-COVID resurgence of New York State’s tourism industry,” remarked Kelly Curtin, Board Chair of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. “The efforts of both the 2023 New York State Tourism Excellence Award nominees and recipients epitomize the concept of best practice destination marketing, management and stewardship. My admiration and congratulations to all!”

The New York State Tourism Excellence Awards are open to all New York State tourism marketers and are juried by an impartial panel of industry experts under the auspices of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. Nominees spanned every corner of New York State and judges were challenged by the diversity and quality of the entries.

“The campaigns, initiatives, and projects submitted for the 2023 Tourism Excellence Awards illustrate the world-class work being done by New York’s tourism professionals,” observed Bob Provost, President of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. “The caliber of the work nominated this year, coupled with the 40% YOY increase in nominations challenged the judges who reviewed and scored this year’s entries.”

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AMNY wins two New York State Tourism Industry Excellence Awards

• Published: Sep. 15, 2023, 7:07 a.m.
• Advance Media New York

The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) honored Advance Media New York with two 2023 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards on Sept 14 at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester.

This annual awards program recognizes the outstanding work of New York State’s destination marketing organizations, attractions and other tourism-related businesses in all forms of marketing, destination management and stewardship.

AMNY received high marks for its work on the Amtrak campaign “Leisure Travel in NY” and the 2022 NYup Summer Travel Guide.

In the category of Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing: Regional or Statewide: “Leisure Travel in NY” on behalf Amtrak NY was recognized for its multi-level digital campaign targeting travelers in New York City, Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo and Canada to build awareness of the convenience, sustainability and comfort that traveling by Amtrak provides. AMNY crafted messaging to targeted audiences with vibrant, inviting digital messages that resulted in a 57 % increase in Amtrak NY route ridership over 2021.

“Working with Amtrak NY has been very exciting, especially seeing their ridership increase with this campaign,” said Bridget Cerrone, Senior Account Manager at Advance Media New York. “Amtrak’s primary goal was to increase ridership across the state routes as well as keep Amtrak top of mind for travel within New York and beyond. The return to service of the Maple Leaf to and from Toronto was huge to the tourism economy in New York. It’s very rewarding that NYSTIA has recognized the Leisure Travel in NY campaign for Amtrak NY.”

In the category of Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs – Printed Materials: NYup Summer Travel Guide highlighted Food & Drink, Outdoor Fun, Historic Sites, Music & Entertainment and Museums & Art across regions that included Adirondacks, Capitol, Catskills, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, Northern NY, Western NY and Southern Tier. The 2022 travel guide published in The Post-Standard (Syracuse), Star Ledger (NJ) and Patriot News (PA) on May 8, 2022 – along with hundreds of drop locations across upstate NY to kick off the summer travel season.

The NYUP Travel Guide is special” said Lindsay Marlenga, Senior Director of Marketing at Advance Media New York. “The NYUP Travel Guide showcases how travel-rich Upstate New York is and unites all of our incredible travel destinations in one inspirational and breathtaking publication.”

This year’s New York State Tourism Excellence Awards included multiple new awards categories to acknowledge the critical work done in advancing the areas of sustainability, DEAI (diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion), international marketing, travel itineraries, and promoting the great outdoors of New York State. The pool of awards nominations was extraordinarily competitive, surpassing 2022′s total by 40%.

“The outstanding work of New York State’s tourism professionals contributed significantly to the post-COVID resurgence of New York State’s tourism industry,” remarked Kelly Curtin, Board Chair of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. “The efforts of both the 2023 New York State Tourism Excellence Award nominees and recipients epitomize the concept of best practice destination marketing, management and stewardship. My admiration and congratulations to all!”

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Tri State Rodeo gets Tourism award

Fort madison pulls two awards at state convention.

Rodeo award

FORT MADISON — The Iowa Tourism Office presented 24 awards recognizing excellence in the tourism industry during the 2024 Iowa Tourism Conference last week in Des Moines. “These awards recognize the hard work and dedication of our tourism industry partners and the appeal of Iowa as a destination,” said Amy Zeigler, state tourism office manager. “We look forward to building on the positive momentum for continued success in 2024.” Awards, divided into metro and rural distinctions, were made in 13 categories. Local winners were the Tri-State Rodeo and Harvestville Farm. Outstanding Event Tri-State Rodeo, Fort Madison (Rural) |“We are so proud of our local winners,” said Chi Eastin, Fort Madison tourism director. “Last year’s 75th Tri-State Rodeo was an excellent event from the fantastic weather to the great performers and contestants. It was a record breaking year where everything just came together. The Rodeo Operating Committee truly deserved this award.” Outstanding Retail Experience Harvestville Farm, Donnellson (Rural) “This was Harvestville Farm’s second year in a row for winning at the conference. They have found their niche and strive to bring a unique farm experience to their visitors,” said Eastin. Eastin has also won at this conference in 2022, being awarded Outstanding Marketing Collaboration for work with the Lake Cooper Loop (Metro), Outstanding Lodging Property for the Kingsley Inn (Metro) and Fort Madison as the Outstanding Community (Metro). “Southeast Iowa has made a huge name for itself at the Iowa Tourism Conference in the last 3 years and we’re not slowing down. Travel Iowa has urged us to “Think Big” and that’s exactly what we are doing in the Fort Madison Tourism office.” The Fort Madison and Keokuk Tourism offices are working with Travel Iowa to promote area museums, retail, hotels, rental properties, campgrounds and events by adding those listings to their website. Annually, two million people visit the Travel Iowa website, traveliowa.com. “We want to make sure that southeast Iowa is utilizing the free services that the state office is offering so please create your free listing and promote your business!” Find more information on free marketing with Travel Iowa at https://industrypartners.traveliowa.com/free-marketing/ or by contacting Chi Eastin at the Fort Madison Tourism office. [email protected]

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