The Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission was recognized as one of Louisiana’s Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureaus for 2009 at the Louey Awards Luncheon last month at the Monroe Civic Center as a part of the 2010 Travel and Tourism Summit. In front of more than 300 of their peers, fourteen members of Louisiana’s tourism industry were recognized by the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association (LTPA) for their tremendous efforts to advance the state’s tourism industry.
Previously known as the Louisiana Tourism Awards, the Louey Awards are awarded each year to tourism organizations and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the Louisiana tourism industry and created innovative, results-producing marketing strategies or programs that attract visitors to our state. “This year’s awards ceremony is particularly exciting because we are introducing the Louey. This award is so significant because it is one of the few in the state that recognizes the efforts and accomplishments of Louisiana’s tourism industry,” said Darienne Mobley, Co-Executive Director, LTPA.
The Outstanding CVB of the Year, budget up to $249,999 was awarded to Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission for their outstanding efforts to increase visitation to the area and build local partnerships. This was the first time the Tourist Commission received a tourism award and caught Executive Director, Alison Miller, off guard. “I was very surprised to hear our name called. This award validates all the hard work and efforts we have put into promoting Vermilion Parish over the past three years. I feel very honored to be recognized as one of the top three tourism bureaus in the state.” Miller also added, “I work with great people in Vermilion Parish and the Acadiana region to help market our area as a tourist destination.” The Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission operates on roughly $80,000 a year. About a third of the state’s tourism bureaus fall into the small budget category.
Tourism businesses and individuals from across the state received honors for Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau, CVB, of the year which included three categories of budgets - up to $249,999; $250,000 - $749,999; and $750,000 and above. Others were Tourism Campaign/Promotion of the Year; Festival/Event of the Year; Travel Attraction of the Year; Governmental Friend of Tourism and the Will Mangham Lifetime Achievement Award. New honors bestowed this year include the Victor Profis Memorial Travel Media Award; LTPA Associate Member of the Year; Accommodations of the Year in two different categories, Full Service Lodging and Bed and Breakfast; Restaurant of the Year and Campground/RV Park of the Year.
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