Applications are being sought for The Governor’s Tourism Awards which recognize individuals, businesses and destinations that have a lasting impact on Wisconsin’s tourism industry.
Nominees are submitted by industry peers and award recipients will be announced at the Governor’s Dinner March 12. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 31.
Award Categories:
- Arts, Culture & Heritage Award is presented to a business or destination that showcases the arts, culture, or heritage for the enhancement of the tourism experience and economic well-being of a community.
- Tourism Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion Award identifies a business or destination that has demonstrated leadership in raising awareness or facilitating change to build a more inclusive and welcoming environment for visitors.
- Tourism Innovation Award recognizes a business or community that has implemented a new strategy that has positively impacted their organization and/or destination through an innovative approach in technology, sustainability, adaptivity and/or the implementation of best practices.
- Legacy Award will be awarded to an individual who has shown a long-lasting and permanent contribution to the industry. Nominees should have 25 years or more of distinguished services to the tourism industry, including at least 15 years in Wisconsin.
- Rising Star Award recognizes individuals who are new to the industry who have shown leadership, commitment, and passion for Wisconsin tourism. Nominees should have five or fewer years in the industry.
- Service Excellence Award recipient is a business or individual that has achieved significant success and growth by providing exceptional service to customers, as well as a strong, charitable involvement in the community.
Nominations should be submitted electronically.
An individual or organization may only submit one nomination per category. Multiple submissions for a single nominee will be reviewed and ranked as one nomination. Should a Governor’s Tourism Awards Committee Member be nominated, that member may not participate in the discussion of, or submit a vote on, the award in the category in which they were nominated. Current Department of Tourism staff may not be nominated nor submit nominations for the awards.
