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Each year leaders in tourism are chosen by a selection committee to receive these prestigious awards for their accomplishments in tourism marketing, revenue growth and individual contributions to the industry.
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Wit Tuttell, Executive Director of Visit North Carolina was awarded the Chairman’s Award for his outstanding leadership as a State Travel Leader in the Southeast.

The Dorothy Hardman “Spirit of STS Award” went to Chris Cavanaugh, President of Magellan Strategies for his contributions as a Marketing College® professor and his generosity in providing scholarships for Travel Marketing Professionals (TMP) to attend their graduation.

• The Partnership Award for effective partnerships within the tourism industry went to Tennessee Tech Center for Rural Innovation.
• The Rising Star Award went to Anya Turpin, Executive Director of Visit Perry (GA).
• Extra Table – March of the Mayors received the STS Top 20 Event or Festival of the Year Award.
• Ruby Falls won The Escape to the Southeast® (ETTS) Travel Attraction of the Year Award.

• Visit Perry (GA) won for its “Visit Perry” Visitor Guide
• Visit Oxford (MS) won for its “A Place to…Your Story” campaign (budget of $100,000 - $499,000).
• Visit Baton Rouge, won for its “With a Capital” campaign (budget of more than $500,000).

Visit Lake Charles’ “TripScout” campaign received the Best Digital Marketing Award for their use of digital media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, website, digital advertising campaign, podcast, etc.) to promote their destination.

Overall tourism success is the focus of two of the most coveted Shining Example Awards, Tourism Office of the Year. This year’s winner with a budget over $1 million is the Louisiana Office of Tourism. Taking home the award in the category of a budget under $1 million is Visit Oconee (SC).

Two Shining Example awards were given to in recognition of individual contributions to the travel and tourism industry:

• The Beacon Award, which honors outstanding tourism leadership over their career, went to Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary for the Louisiana Office of Tourism.
• The Governmental Tourism Leadership Award, which honors an elected official, went to Mayor Gene McGee of Ridgeland, Mississippi for his support and influence enhancing the tourism industry in his community.

Media Contact:
Tonja Ray-Smith, TMP, FEP
VP Marketing & Communications
Southeast Tourism Society
404-809-6710

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