BOCA RATON, Fla.
Winners of the 2016 Mercury and Destiny awards, State Tourism Director of the Year and DMO Rising Star were announced during the U.S. Travel Association’s annual ESTO conference held August 27-30.
Twenty-eight U.S. Travel members were honored for excellence and creative accomplishment in destination marketing—and inspiring future innovation—at the awards ceremony in Boca Raton, Fla.
Mercury and Destiny Awards
The Destiny Awards recognize excellence in destination marketing on the local and regional level, while the Mercury Awards recognize this accomplishment on the state level.
A judging panel of industry leaders from companies including National Geographic, Facebook and Google selected a total of 26 winners for these two award categories.
Winners of the Mercury and Destiny awards are available online.
State Tourism Director of the Year
The National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) selected Vicki Varela of the Utah Office of Tourism, Film and Global Branding as 2016's State Tourism Director of the Year.
This annual award recognizes a state tourism director who has successfully raised the profile of his or her state as a travel and tourism destination. Each year’s winner is selected by a panel of their peers; prior to ESTO, state tourism directors from all U.S. states and territories vote to determine nominees.
DMO Rising Star
The Destinations Council named Carla Fiorita of the Greater Houston CVB as the 2016 DMO Rising Star of the Year. This award recognizes the achievement of an individual who has worked for a DMO for three years or less, but already made significant contributions to the travel and tourism industry.
ESTO provides a national forum for destination marketing professionals from local, state and regional levels to share ideas and expertise. The annual event allows destination professionals to learn about new tools and techniques, share best practices and debate pressing issues affecting destinations in a non-sales environment.
