MTA Member of the Year
Presented to an outstanding volunteer member who goes above and beyond for the betterment of the organization.
DMO of the Year – $1,000,000 and Over
Honors a DMO with a budget of $1,000,000 and over, which is recognized for outstanding efforts in destination marketing and management through strategies and initiatives that generate visitation and contribute to the overall success of their destination. Entries should also demonstrate they are supportive of tourism endeavors, not only promoting their own area but also other partners and the industry as a whole.
DMO of the Year – $500,000 to $999,000
Honors a DMO with a budget of $500,000 to $999,000, which is recognized for outstanding efforts in destination marketing and management through strategies and initiatives that generate visitation and contribute to the overall success of their destination. Entries should also demonstrate they are supportive of tourism endeavors, not only promoting their own area but also other partners and the industry as a whole.
DMO of the Year – $0 to $499,000
DMO with a budget of $0 to $499,000, which is recognized for outstanding efforts in destination marketing and management through strategies and initiatives that generate visitation and contribute to the overall success of their destination. Entries should also demonstrate they are supportive of tourism endeavors, not only promoting their own area but also other partners and the industry as a whole.
Tourism Promotion of the Year
Honors a specific promotional campaign that is innovative and successful in attracting visitors to a destination, attraction, hotel, venue or event.
Tourism Investment Award
Honors an entity or person who has made an enduring contribution to Mississippi’s tourism economy. Eligible entries should highlight individuals or corporations that have built or invested their time, talents and resources into a hotel, restaurant, attraction or other tourism related project in the state of Mississippi.
Tourism Achievement Award
Awarded to a tourism entity that has significantly increased visitation and helped shape the future of their destination. The entity should exhibit how their work has enhanced the travel and tourism experience through their strategic vision and commitment to their community. Entries should demonstrate a comprehensive plan with long term goals and results showing how these significant achievements were accomplished.
Best Sales Strategy or Campaign
Honors a strong campaign or strategy used to grow sales for a destination, attraction, hotel, convention center or other tourism entity via traditional or digital methods. Results should include a clear statement of goals and results. Examples would include but are not limited to: sales-focused mailers, promotional items, familiarization tours and other sales strategies.
Best Public Relations Strategy or Campaign
Awarded to a strong public relations campaign or strategy. Projects may include, but are not limited to, development projects, advocacy campaigns, welcome center projects, socially/environmentally responsible efforts, experiential, etc. Campaigns may be directed at niche markets or a general travel audience. Campaigns may also relate to special events, crisis management programs or overall tourism promotion. Results should be communicated with relevant and meaningful metrics. Results should include: impressions, results, pickup and social media reach (if applicable).
Best Advocacy or Grassroots Campaign
Entries should show how your entity has demonstrated its value to stakeholders and lawmakers. Entries may include, but are not limited to: presentations to stakeholders, lawmakers, advertisements, collateral, video messaging, etc.
Governmental Tourism Leadership Award
Awarded to a government entity that supports tourism and works well with tourism partners by lending support and helping grow tourism. Examples of government entities include, but are not limited to, state legislators, local government officials such as mayors, alderman/supervisors, city and county clerks, etc.
Community Volunteer of the Year
This is awarded to a person that gives freely of their personal time to help attract visitors to their community. They are willing to work on either an individual project or multiple projects tirelessly with the desire of helping their city grow through tourism.
Tourism Partnership of the Year
This recognizes effective partnerships among entities within the tourism industry. Examples would include partnerships successfully impacting any of the following: marketing, advocacy, education and development. Entries should include but are not limited to: how the partnership was conceived and created, how you worked well together to achieve common goals, the impact of the partnership and future plans for further collaboration. Please include statements from both partners outlining how this partnership impacted all involved partners in a positive way.
Lodging of the Year
Presented to a lodging source in the state that not only attracts visitors but also exhibits an above-average commitment to the visitor experience and overall engagement in the tourism industry.
Venue of the Year
Presented to a venue in the state that offers an outstanding location for various types of events. Entries should also exhibit an above-average commitment to the visitor experience and overall engagement in the tourism industry.
Restaurant of the Year
Presented to an eatery in the state that not only showcases Southern cuisine but also creates a dining experience that patrons will want to pass on to fellow travelers.
Attraction of the Year
Presented to an attraction that is new or unique in attracting visitors to its city. It shows results in bringing in tourists and visitors.
Large Festival/Event of the Year (Attendance of over 5,000)
Awarded to a unique festival or event that is well attended, attracts a large variety of visitors and is well publicized. This category is for events with over 5,000 in attendance
Small Festival/Event of the Year (Attendance of 5,000 and below)
Awarded to a unique festival or event that is well attended, attracts a large variety of visitors and is well publicized. This category is for events with 5,000 and fewer in attendance.
Best Overall Traditional Media
Awarded to any member using traditional media (broadcast, radio, newspaper, magazine, print advertising campaign, etc) to promote a destination, attraction, property, event or campaign. This could also include earned media that compliments your media campaign.
Best Overall Digital Media
Awarded to any member using digital media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, website, digital advertising campaign, podcast, etc) to promote a destination, attraction, property, event or campaign. Applicant should include documentation showing reach, growth and results during the award period.
Tom VanHyning Research-in-Action Award
Awarded to a member who is investing in research in order to make data-driven decisions to grow tourism in the state. It is named in honor of beloved, former state economist Tom VanHyning, who served Mississippi tourism for decades and taught us the importance and value of good research.
