LTPA TOURISM AWARDS HIGHLIGHT ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF LOUISIANA’S TRAVEL INDUSTRY
Recipients announced at Travel and Tourism Summit
New Orleans, LA – (Jan. 10, 2008) - The Louisiana Travel Promotion Association, or LTPA, announced recipients of the 2007 Tourism Awards during a luncheon at the Louisiana Travel and Tourism Summit on Thursday, January 10, 2008. Awards were presented to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to Louisiana’s tourism industry.
“These awards speak volumes to the accomplishments we have made in our efforts to strengthen the tourism industry,” said Jill Kidder, Co-Director of LTPA. “We have reached some significant milestones that would not have been possible without the dedication and endurance of those we have honored.”
Recipients were awarded for their efforts to implement or support campaigns, programs and partnerships that lend to the growth of the tourism industry. Of the awards given, three entities were recognized for Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year based on three budget categories. This year’s honorees were recognized for their outstanding efforts to promote tourism in their region through events, activities and marketing or promotional campaigns. St. Bernard Parish Tourist Commission received the award for Outstanding Tourist Commission of the Year with a budget up to $250,000. River Parishes Tourist Commission was selected for the Outstanding Tourist Commission of the Year with a budget of $250,000 - $750,000. The recipient of the Convention and Visitors Bureau of the Year with a budget of $750,000 and above was the Southwest Louisiana/Lake Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Other awards were presented to the Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for Tourism Campaign/Promotion of the Year for their Seein’ Red Campaign, an initiative to educate hospitality staff in their region on the attractions and events available to visitors in the Baton Rouge area. The Travel Media Award was presented to AAA /Southern Traveler for their efforts to go above and beyond to give editorial recognition to tourism entities and regions across the state. Festival International de Louisiane was honored as the Festival of the Year for creativity, publicity and the ability to appeal to a large variety of patrons. The Travel Attraction of the Year went to Laura; A Creole Plantation, for providing memorable experiences to a wide range of travelers, creating partnerships and consistently drawing visitors to the state.
Individual awards were presented to those who have made significant contributions to the tourism industry’s growth and to generate revenue in the state. The Governmental Friend of Tourism went to the City of Crowley for their consistent support of the tourism industry and appreciation of the economic importance visitation brings to their region and the entire state.
A lifetime achievement award was named in honor of Will Mangham, whose 59 years of involvement in the tourism industry has lead to significant improvements through his efforts to mentor scores of Travel Professionals across the state. Mangham is widely known and respected for his affable style, enduring sense of humor and depth of experience and knowledge in the tourism industry. Mangham was on hand to present the first-ever Will Mangham Louisiana Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award to Jim Funk, President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association. Funk has been a widely recognized spokesperson and advocate for the tourism industry for more than 30 years. As a registered lobbyist and secretary/treasurer of one of the largest political action committees in the state, Funk has achieved astounding success in leading the effort to pass many pieces of landmark legislation to strengthen the tourism industry.
