Vancouver, WA (Oct. 8, 2024) – State of Washington Tourism (SWT) announced the winners of its tourism awards 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, and Destination Stewardship.
The awards were presented at the State of Washington Tourism Conference, held Oct 7 – 9 at the Hilton Vancouver. Approximately 270 industry professionals from across the state attended.
The award for Outstanding Marketing Campaign was presented to Explore Seattle Southside for its “Explore Curiously Wonderful Seattle Southside” Integrated Brand Campaign. The campaign stood out by connecting strategic insights and a robust measurement plan to distinctive creative work inspired by the understanding that travelers to Seattle Southside were seeking quick bursts of adventure, or “microadventures.”
The award for Rising Star in Tourism was presented to Kacie Bray, CEO and President of Auburn Area Connect & Explore Auburn. 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. Bray was recognized for her pivotal role in resurrecting tourism after the pandemic in Auburn, Washington.
The Destination Stewardship Award was presented to Visit Issaquah for their community-based destination stewardship journey, which included partnerships with the Snoqualmie Tribe, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Mountains to Sound Greenway and Hilton properties. Their efforts have resulted in stronger local shared values and advocacy for sustainable and regenerative tourism.
The conference also featured a keynote address by futurist Ian Khan and sessions with experts from around the industry. There were also opportunities throughout for attendees to experience Vancouver’s tourism offerings, including the surrounding hiking, beer and wine scenes and the Vancouver Waterfront.
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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:
Michelle Thana
Director of Marketing, State of Washington Tourism
E: michelle@stateofwatourism.com
P: 360-931-4806