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  • Tourism Leadership Conference Awards

The purpose of the Tourism Achievement Awards is to honor and showcase innovation, best practices, creativity and noteworthy accomplishments from our members. Individuals and destinations are both recognized at the NCTIA Annual Awards Banquet. 


2026 Award Submissions

In recognition of outstanding contributions by individuals and/or organizations for what they presently are doing or have done for the betterment, welfare, progress, recognition, promotion and development of the travel industry of North Carolina.
Click below for the Call for Entries to view more details. 

Entries due Friday, October 16, 2026.

Tourism Achievement Awards

Individual Award Nomination Forms


2024-2025 Award Winners

NCTIA Public Service Award

Heidi Walters

NCTIA recognizes an individual or organization making a significant contribution to the promotion of travel to North Carolina that transcends personal gain. Any government agency, department, or government tax supported organization qualifies for this award. 


Tourism Excellence Award for a Business 

Heron Hospitality

This award recognizes a business or organization that enhances the statewide promotion of travel to North Carolina. The primary effort may have been for the benefit of the business or organization but must have unquestionably and materially benefited travel promotion and/or development across the State of North Carolina.


DMANC Rising Star

Sierra Robins
Distinctly Fayetteville

One award given annually to a member bureau or staff member who has worked a total of 3 years or less in a North Carolina bureau and has made an immediate significant impact to his or her organization and to destination marketing in North Carolina.

NC Visitor Attraction of the Year

Fort Fisher Historic Site

This award recognizes a North Carolina visitor attraction that exemplifies excellence and sets the standard for an exceptional visitor experience. The successful nomination will include examples of community engagement, visitor interaction and a history of positive impact on visitation.   

Best of Show

Henderson County TDA
Message from the Mountains

Judges select one shining example which best exemplifies the complete package of innovation, creativity and results. 


2024-2025 Tourism Achievement Awards

The purpose of the Tourism Achievement Awards is to honor and showcase innovation, best practices, creativity and the results accomplished through our industry’s marketing efforts.

Leisure Marketing

 Category

 Place

 Winner 

 Title
 Large Bureau

 Gold

 CRVA  Savor Charlotte
   Platinum Outer Banks Visitors Bureau The Outer Edge

Small Bureau

  Gold  Johnston County CVB Hiking Where History Happened
   Platinum  Visit Hickory  Oh Hey!

Convention and Group Marketing

 Category

 Place

 Winner 

 Title
 Medium-Large Bureau  Gold  Discover Durham  RFPlease
   Platinum  CRVA  ASAE Annual Meeting
 Small Bureau  Gold   Distinctly Fayetteville  Sports Destination Guide
   Platinum  Visit New Bern  Mixed Reality

Social Media

 Category

 Place

 Winner 

 Title
 Large Bureau  Gold  Cabarrus County CVB  Burger Madness
   Platinum  Henderson County TDA  Message from the Mountains
 Small Bureau  Gold   Visit Hickory  NC Trippin'
   Platinum  Onslow County Tourism  Only in Onslow

Community Stakeholder Communication

 Category

 Place

 Winner 

 Title
 Large Bureau  Gold  Henderson County TDA  So Here's the Thing
   Platinum  Greater Raleigh CVB  Ready, Set, Grow
 Small Bureau  Gold   Visit Lake Norman  Lake Retreats and Main Street
   Platinum  Visit Hickory

 Annual Report

Special Events

 Category

 Place

 Winner 

 Title
 Large Bureau  Gold  Cabarrus County CVB  Jay M. Robinson MONDO​ Track and Field
   Platinum  Greater Raleigh CVB  NCAA Men’s ​Basketball Tournament
 Small Bureau  Gold   Visit Haywood  Ice Fest
   Platinum  Visit Goldsboro  Wings Over Wayne​ Air Show

Use of Technology

 Category

 Place

 Winner 

 Title
 Large Bureau  Gold  Johnston County CVB  Beer, Wine & ​Shine Digital Pass​
   Platinum  Greater Raleigh CVB  Digital, Mobile –​ Exclusive Passport​
 Small Bureau  Gold   Rowan County Tourism  Hotel Booking Widget
   Platinum  Visit New Bern  Mixed Reality Technology


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Charlotte, NC 28208


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