Call for Nominations! from Tourism Excellence Awards Committee Co-Chair Sarah Foster Calero

It’s that time again—nominations for the Tourism Excellence Awards are officially open, and we need your help! As Co-Chair of the Awards Committee, I can’t overstate how impactful these awards are for our industry and our state.

Each year, I’m blown away by the creativity, dedication, and innovation showcased in the nominations. New York State is home to some of the brightest minds in tourism, and these awards are our opportunity to celebrate them.

Recognizing a colleague, DMO, or attraction is more than just an honor—it’s a way to show appreciation for the incredible work happening across our state. It’s also a chance for all of us to learn from one another. Year after year, I find these awards to be a source of inspiration, sparking new ideas and collaborations.

As someone who’s been fortunate enough to both win and witness the impact of these awards, it's amazing to be recognized by peers. It’s not just about the award itself—it’s about the connections, the shared knowledge, and the pride in what we do.

New York is an incredible place to live, work, and visit, and these awards help us showcase the best of what our industry has to offer. So, I encourage you to take a few moments to nominate a person, place, or project that deserves the spotlight. The nomination process is simple, and your submission could make a world of difference to someone who has worked tirelessly to elevate tourism in our state. Let’s celebrate the best of New York together! Nominate now