The annual Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit was well attended at the at the Marriott Inn and Conference Center at University of Maryland University College on November 2-4, despite a down economy. Professionals from agencies all across the state gathered to network, attend educational seminars, and be recognized for their achievements.
This year’s honored recipients are as follows:
Professional Awards
Tourism Person of the Year: Liz Fitzsimmons, Maryland Office of Tourism
Audrey Davenport Hospitality Person of the Year, Melanie Pursel, Executive Director of the Greater Ocean City Maryland Chamber of Commerce
New Professional of the Year: Kathy Mackel, Director of the Caroline County Office of Tourism
Tourism Advocate of the Year: Rachelina Bonacci, Executive Director of Howard County Tourism and Promotion
Judges Award: Tourism Council of Frederick County for their new visitors center
Marketing Awards
Promotion Award (Continuing Campaign): Harbor Queen Cruises in Annapolis, a program of Cruises on the Bay by Watermark
Promotion Award (One-time Campaign): Conference and Visitors Bureau of Montgomery County for the “We’re Open!” campaign
Best New/Improved Product or Event Award: Talbot County Office of Tourism for Restaurant Week
Best Printed Promotional Material Award: Allegany County Department of Tourism for the National Road Discovery Program
Best Electronic Marketing Award: Prince George’s County Conference and Visitors Bureau for OneNews
Impact Award: Prince George’s County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, www.HistoricPrinceGeorges.com
Best Visitor’s Guide Award: The Tourism Council of Frederick County for Destination Frederick. The City. The County. The Region.
Maryland Tourism Education Foundation Educational Development Award: Heather Skipper, Director of Guide Operations for Watermark Journey
Best Shoestring Budget Award: Cecil County Tourism for the “Ask Me about Cecil” campaign
Industry Partnership Award: Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Town of Ocean City, Worcester County Tourism and Ocean City for Harbor Day at the Docks – a Waterfront Heritage Festival
Impact Award: Calvert County, Charles County, St. Mary’s County
“These awards are a key component of our annual conference,” says MTC President and CEO David Reel. “They serve to honor exemplary work by select members as well as to inspire creativity and new initiatives among all who work in our industry. Congratulations to this year’s winners.”
