Experience Olympia & Beyond, the region’s Visitor & Convention Bureau is now accepting nominations for Thurston County Tourism Awards. The three awards recognize community members who champion tourism to Thurston County. The awards highlight individuals who unite the community, work tirelessly towards achieving a long-term vision and show exceptional hospitality to better the experience for visitors and tourism to Thurston County.
Thurston County Tourism Awards:
Community Unity Award
For those who live out their belief in collaboration and regionalism, working to bring the communities of Thurston County together in the name of tourism.
Tourism Visionary Award
This award honors an individual whose continuous commitment and trail-blazing accomplishments have set the stage for regional tourism.
Excellence in Hospitality Award
All who work in the hospitality business provide an invaluable service to the well-being of our economy. This award honors a hospitality professional who consistently goes out of their way to make visitors feel special.
Anyone can nominate a qualified community member deserving of the spotlight. Nominations are open through Friday, April 10 and can be submitted online at AnnualTourism.com. The awards are announced at the Annual State of Tourism Meeting from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. on June 11 at Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel.
Previous award winners include:
2019
Excellence in Hospitality, Sandra Hall, Dillinger’s Cocktails and Kitchen
Tourism Visionary, Dave Nickerson, Tumwater Valley Golf Club
Community Unity, South Puget Sound Community College
2018
Excellence in Hospitality, Zoe Wells, La Petite Maison
Tourism Visionary, Mayor Wayne Fournier, City of Tenino
Community Unity, Robby Rutledge, Rutledge Corn Maze
2017
Excellence in Hospitality, John Bourdon, Sandstone Distillery
Tourism Visionary, Joy & Gray Graham, 222 Market
Community Unity, Aslan Meade, Thurston Economic Development Council
2016
Excellence in Hospitality, Charles Clapp, OLTVCB
Tourism Visionary, Charlotte Dickison, Dixieland Jazz Festival
Community Unity, Craig Ottavelli, OrgSupport
Tourism Professional of the Year, Patrick Knutson, Budd Bay Cafe & the River’s Edge
Who: Experience Olympia & Beyond
What: Nominations Now Open for Thurston County Tourism Awards
When: Awards Announced at Annual State of Tourism Meeting
June 11, 3 p.m.
Where: Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel
How to nominate: Click here AnnualTourism.com
Photo: Dave Nickerson with Tumwater Valley Golf Club, received the Tourism Visionary award in 2019. Pictured with Sam Gibboney, Executive Director of the Port of Olympia on his left and Shauna Stewart, CEO of Experience Olympia & Beyond on the right.
