Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) on July 17 announced the recipients of the 2023 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards. The outstanding work of New York State's destination marketing organizations, attractions, and other tourism-related businesses in all forms of marketing, destination management and stewardship are recognized through this annual awards program. The organizations, businesses, institutions, and individuals will be honored at a special ceremony at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York on September 14, 2023 as part of the 2023 NYSTIA Annual meeting.

Akwesasne Travel received the Excellence in Sustainable Stewardship: Champions of Change award for fostering genuine connections through art, nature, and experiences that perpetuate Akwesasne's cultural heritage. The award recognizes individuals, communities, or organizations who are encouraging more conscientious, low-impact visitor behavior, promoting the appreciation of local cultures, support for conservation efforts, reduction of carbon emissions, implementing sustainable benefits to local communities or participating in local decision-making efforts that support greener communities.

"We are honored to be recognized by NYSTIA as Champions of Change," said Akwesasne Travel Manager Penny Peters. "Cultural and environmental stewardship are pillars of Akwesasne Travel's tourism program. As Onkwehon:we (original people), we are guided by traditional teachings of community living, seventh generation planning and the interconnection of all things. We work with our tour suppliers to design itineraries that encourage, educate, and share these practices with our visitors. To be recognized for these efforts is very meaningful as we continue to develop and market Akwesasne's tourism industry."

This year's New York State Tourism Excellence Awards include multiple new awards categories to acknowledge the critical work done in advancing the areas of sustainability, DEAI (diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion), international marketing, travel itineraries, and promoting the great outdoors of New York State. The pool of awards nominations was extraordinarily competitive, surpassing 2022's total by 40%.

"The outstanding work of New York State's tourism professionals contributed significantly to the post-COVID resurgence of New York State's tourism industry," remarked Kelly Curtin, Board Chair of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. "The efforts of both the 2023 New York State Tourism Excellence Award nominees and recipients epitomize the concept of best practice destination marketing, management, and stewardship. My admiration and congratulations to all!"

The New York State Tourism Excellence Awards are open to all New York State tourism marketers and are juried by an impartial panel of industry experts under the auspices of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. Nominees spanned every corner of New York State and judges were challenged by the diversity and quality of the entries.

"The campaigns, initiatives, and projects submitted for the 2023 Tourism Excellence Awards illustrate the world-class work being done by New York's tourism professionals," observed Bob Provost, President of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. "The caliber of the work nominated this year, coupled with the 40% YOY increase in nominations challenged the judges who reviewed and scored this year's entries. Thank you to the Tourism Excellence Awards Committee and judges Josiah Brown, Dr. Kelly Cerialo, Bridget Cerrone, Corey Fram, Todd Garofano, Nikita Jankowski, Danae Jones, Dana Krueger, Joanna Militello, Olga Tirado, Jaclyn Yost, and the Committee Chair, Sarah Foster Calero, and Co-Chair, Haley Coriaty. A note of thanks also to Rachele Markle, NYSTIA staff liaison to the committee."

The 2023 Tourism Excellence Awards Recipients include:

"Akwesasne Travel" from Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe: Excellence in Sustainable Stewardship: Champions of Change.

"Leisure Travel in NY" from Advance Media New York on behalf Amtrak NY: Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing: Regional or Statewide.

"Dutchess Tourism" from Dutchess Tourism, Inc.: Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing: TPA/County/DMO Local Level.

"Let's Go Greene' 2022 Marketing Campaign" from Workshop on behalf of Greene County Tourism and Film Commission ("The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County"): Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing: TPA/County/DMO Local Level.

"Seasonal Abandon Site Emails" from Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST): Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Creative Use of Data to Drive Success.

"Adirondack Experience BIPOC Marketing Efforts" from Workshop on behalf of Adirondack Experience: Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Innovations & Strategies to Address New/Unique/Changing Markets.

"Cortland Curiosities: A Strange & Forgotten History Trail" from Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau: Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Trails & Itineraries.

"Wine, Water and Wonders of New York State" from Wine, Water and Wonders of New York State: Excellence in International Tourism Marketing: New York Tourism Ambassador.