FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 31, 2017
Contact: Danielle Jonigan, Marketing & Communication Manager
Telephone: 302-734-4888 Ext.28
E-mail: djonigan@visitdelawarevillages.com
Website: www.VisitDelawareVillages.com
Chesapeake Utilities, D.E. Turf Sports Complex, and Dover Councilman Fred Neil Among Honorees at Celebration of Tourism Luncheon
Dover, DE --Kent County Tourism Corporation announced today the 2017 recipients of their Tourism Awards. The awards will be handed out at the Celebration of Tourism Luncheon this Thursday, (November 2nd) at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino from 11:00am to 2:00pm. This year’s Luncheon will feature keynote speaker, Neville Bhada from Tourism Skills Group. Mr. Bhada will speak on the long-term value of tourism to Delaware’s Quaint Villages and deliberate how tourism can lead the way for economic development. In addition, this year’s Emcee is Mike Bagley, a Milford native and co-host of “The Morning Drive” on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
“As is tradition, the Tourism Person of the Year will not be announced until the day of the event,” said Wendie Vestfall, President of Kent County Tourism. “We’re excited to have this person as a part of our Tourism community, always eager and willing to help our continued efforts as we grow our shared drive to bring potential visitors to the County. Additionally, this person is a pillar of the community, helping us by lending support through new ideas and opportunities to improve the guest experience.”
To date, event sponsors include: Delaware State News, Faw Casson, Axia Management/Hampton Inn Dover, First State Heritage Park, Harrington Raceway & Casino, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, and Downtown Dover Partnership.
The Delaware’s Quaint Villages’ Mobile Visitor Center, “The Villager” sponsored by Chesapeake Utilities, which debuted last Friday, will also be on hand for display for those who missed the red ribbon cutting/unveiling of the Center.
This event is open to public. Tickets are $50 per person or $300 for a table of eight and may be purchased online at https://www.visitdelawarevillages.com/events-calendar/luncheon/ or by calling Kent County Tourism at 302-734-4888. Cash, check or credit cards are accepted on the day of the event as well.
Below is the list of Tourism Award recipients:
Legacy Award presented to former Kent County Tourism Board of Directors Kent County Tourism will have a special recognition program where they’ll recognize past board members for their service, time, and dedication. This year’s legacy award will be given to Anita Evans (M&T Bank), Monica Weber (Today Media), Dan Houghtaling (Delaware Tech, Retired), Zach Carter (Dover Parks & Rec), Tom Summers (Delaware Public Archives), and Dave Hill (iHEART Media).
Tourism Partner of the Year Award: Chesapeake Utilities Chesapeake Utilities has been a strong supporter of Tourism in Kent County, having sponsored events such as Dover Days, the Amish Country Bike Tour, and the DE Beer and Wine Festival. This year, the company took their support to the next level by becoming the sponsor of the Delaware’s Quaint Villages’ Mobile Visitor Center. The goal of the center is to generate more economic impact by increasing the number of visitors to local attractions, restaurants, and retail establishments in Kent County while being environmentally-friendly.
Tourism Champion of the Year Award: Councilman Fred Neil Mr. Neil is a long-time supporter and a strong advocate for tourism. Currently a Dover City Councilman, he serves on many boards within the county. With his enthusiasm and optimistic outlook, he is a positive role model and asset to Kent County. He provides constructive feedback, proposes creative ideas, and is willing to go the extra mile to support Tourism in Kent County.
Tourism Attraction of the Year Award: D.E. Turf Sports Complex D.E. Turf Sports Complex hosted its first tournament in April of 2017. Since then, D.E. Turf has put the state of Delaware and Kent County in the spotlight for sports tourism. D.E. Turf has hosted many local and out-of-state tournaments, bringing in thousands of visitors to the area. Because of the hospitality that D.E. Turf provides at tournaments, many team organizations have re-booked for future sport tournaments. Recently, D.E. Turf has been selected as the site for the 10th Annual US Lacrosse Nationals on August 2-5, 2018.
Tourism Volunteer of the Year Award: Kristina (Kris) Mujica, Faw Casson Kris Mujica is a dedicated volunteer who is willing to lend a hand at Kent County Tourism’s three annual events. From selling t-shirts at the Amish Country Bike Tour, to giving out area information to visitors at Dover Days, to selling tasting tickets at the Delaware Wine and Beer Festival, Kris has provided countless hours of her own personal time to help the staff produce successful events.
Tourism Person of the Year Award: To be announced at the Luncheon.
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