Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP), the leading statewide association of the tourism and hospitality industry, has named the recipients of the annual iTIP Awards.
Honorees included the Iowa Children’s Museum and the Hyatt Regency Hotel & Conference Center, both located in Coralville. State Representative Gary Mohr (District 93, which includes parts of Scott County) was named the Elected Official of the Year.
The awards ceremony will take place at the association’s annual meeting on June 9 in Amana.
Local and regional winners
The Iowa Children’s Museum won the Arts, Culture & Heritage, presented by Riverboat Twilight and Visit LeClaire. The award recognizes a business, organization, event, or destination that showcases the arts, culture, or history for the enhancement of tourism experience and economic well-being of the community.
The Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center won the Service Excellence Award for the large market category. Presented by Oak View Group, it recognizes a business or organization that has achieved significant success and growth by providing exceptional customer service.
The Iowa Gaming Commission presented Mr. Mohr’s honor as Elected Official of the Year. This award honors an elected official, at any governmental level, who dynamically supports activity that bolsters the economic impact that tourism produces for the state.
Reflecting ‘the heart of hospitality’
“One of the most rewarding parts of these awards is seeing peers recognize peers,” said Chelsea Lerud, Executive Director of Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP). “Behind every nomination is a story of someone going above and beyond for their community, visitors, coworkers, or industry. These recipients reflect the heart of Iowa hospitality.”
“Tourism in Iowa continues to evolve, grow, and find new ways to connect people to our communities,” said Kevin Bourke, President of the iTIP Board of Directors and President & CEO of Discover Ames. “This year’s award recipients represent the leadership, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas that will continue shaping the future of Iowa’s visitor industry.”
The iTIP Awards are open to all individuals, private businesses, for-profit and non-profit organizations offering a tourism and/or hospitality service in Iowa. Nominations occurred throughout the spring with the iTIP Foundation Board of Trustees scoring the applications. All recipients were nominated by their peers.
See the whole listing of iTIP honorees at https://iowatravelindustry.org/statewide-tourism-hospitality-awards-announced-26/
