The Vermont Travel Industry Conference celebrated its 26th Annual Conference, April 7 -9, 2009 at the Equinox Resort in Manchester. This event draws one of the largest gatherings of tourism professionals in the state including owners, managers and employees of the many businesses connected to this important segment of the economy. Two awards and one scholarship were presented at the Vermont Travel Industry Conference.
The Governor’s Award for Marketing Excellence recognizes a tourism-related business, region, or association that has shown a clear understanding of the Vermont Brand and has successfully incorporated it into one or more marketing initiatives. Entries were reviewed and judged on the following criteria: strategy, creativity, innovation, results and brand. This year the award was presented to Okemo Mountain Resort for their “Art of” campaign, which highlighted Okemo’s key brand pillars of Snow, Grooming, Service, Family, Terrain, Living as art forms. Scott Clarkson, Vice President of Marketing accepted the award on behalf of the resort.
The Vermont Travel Person of the Year Award is presented to an individual who exemplifies an ongoing dedication to what makes Vermont such a special place to visit. Nominated by one’s peers, the committee considers whether the individual: encourages Vermont travelers to visit the state, enforces the Vermont brand, helps position Vermont as a friendly and fun place to visit, represents to Vermonters and visitors why Vermont is a desirable destination, promotes the value of tourism to the state’s economy, and preserves, protects and promotes the good qualities of Vermont. This year, the award was presented to Susan White, Assistant to the Commissioner, of the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing for her significant contributions and impact during her 30+ years in the travel industry.
Each year, the Vermont Travel Industry Scholarship of $2,000 is awarded to a full-time undergraduate student studying hospitality or recreation. As tourism’s economic impact continues to increase both domestically and throughout the world, it is essential to ensure that industry leaders of the future are qualified, competent, and prepared to take on the many responsibilities, which those of us in the travel and tourism industry today are creating for them. The VTIC Scholarship Award will help deserving students become the future leaders of our industry. This year, the scholarship was given to Wesley Bell of Lyndon State College.