Annapolis, MD— More than 200 tourism professionals met recently at the 31st annual Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit to network, learn, and be recognized for outstanding achievements.
At the Summit, the Maryland Tourism Council (MTC) presented 5 Professional Awards and 10 Marketing Awards. In addition to the awards given by MTC, the Maryland Office of Tourism Development honored members of the state’s tourism industry with 4 awards and the Maryland Destination Marketing Organization presented their Annual Award.
This year’s MTC recipients are:
Tourism Person of the Year — Liz Fitzsimmons with the Maryland Office of Tourism
Tourism Advocate of the Year — Rachelina Bonacci, Howard County Tourism and Promotion
New Tourism Professional of the Year –Kathy Mackel, Caroline County Office of Tourism
Audrey Davenport Hospitality Person of the Year –Melanie Pursel, Greater Ocean City Chamber
Promotion — Continuing Campaign — Harbor Queen Cruises in Annapolis
Promotion — One Time Campaign — The Conference & Visitors Bureau of Montgomery Co.
Best New/Improved Product or Event —-Talbot County Office of Tourism
Best Printed Promotional Material Award –Allegany County Department of Tourism
Best Electronic Marketing Award– Prince George’s County Conference & Visitors Bureau
Best Visitors Guide –Tourism Council of Frederick County
Educational Development Award from the Maryland Tourism Education Foundation — Heather Skipper, Director of Guide Operations for Watermark Journey.
Best Shoestring Budget Program — Cecil County Tourism
Industry Partnership Award — Ocean City Hotel – Motel – Restaurant Association; Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Worcester County Tourism and Ocean City
Impact Award — Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties
Judge’s Award — Frederick County Office of Tourism
Recipients of the state tourism office’s annual awards are:
Green/SustainableTourism Award — Savage River Lodge
Visit Maryland Award — The Tourism Council of Frederick County
Cultural Heritage Tourism Award — Caroline County Tourism and Dorchester County Tourism
Economic Engine Award — The Preservation Society
Recipient of the Maryland Destination Marketing Organization Annual Award is:
Dan Patrell — Maryland Life Magazine
For more information on the award winners and their campaigns, read the Maryland Insights newsletter at www.visitmaryland.org or visit the MTC blog.
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