More than 100 members of the New Smyrna Beach Area tourism industry gathered to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., May 9, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- More than 100 members of the New Smyrna Beach Area tourism industry gathered to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week and to announce award winners.
The celebration began with breakfast served overlooking the Indian River Lagoon at the Brannon Center with Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority Chair Betsy Baker serving as the event's emcee. Baker introduced officials from Volusia County and the cities of New Smyrna Beach, Port Orange, Edgewater, and Oak Hill, who read their respective proclamations on the importance of tourism and the visitor economy.
The 2023 Tourism Champion Awards were given to Port Orange Mayor Donald O. Burnette, the Smith Family, owners of the Black Dolphin Inn, and NSBAVB Volunteers Nanci Agett with 17 years of service and Phillip Hall with 10 years of service. The Tourism Champion Awards are reserved for those who have exceeded expectations with their dedication to tourism in the New Smyrna Beach Area.
Two Sustainable Tourism Awards were bestowed upon the Hampton Inn & Suites NSB and Yaupon Brothers American Tea Co for their commitment to the bureau's sustainability program.
In addition, the NSBAVB presented highlights of its Destination Master Plan showcasing results from an 18-month study and community consensus building project conducted by MMGY NextFactor. As a result of input from residents, industry professionals and local government officials, the plan centers on sustainable destination marketing and management. A three-year implementation program will be developed in the coming months.
Keynote Speaker and Director of the University of Central Florida's Institute for Economic Forecasting Dr Sean Snaith, Ph.D. presented an overview of the economy and expectations for the remainder of 2023 for the tourism community in attendance.
"We are so fortunate to enjoy incredible support from the hospitality and tourism businesses and professionals in our area," exclaimed NSBAVB CEO and President Debbie Meihls. "Working together, we are poised to thrive and survive whatever may come," she concluded.
About the New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau
The NSBAVB is the destination management organization for the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority. The SVAA is funded by the Convention Development Tax levied on short-term rentals in southeast Volusia County, which includes the cities of Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, Oak Hill, and Port Orange and the community of Osteen. The NSBAVB operates a Visitor Center, which is open Monday – Friday, at 2238 State Road 44, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
The NSBAVB is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program of Destinations International. The bureau was the first in Florida to join the One Planet Living® online eco-system to address sustainability efforts as a destination management organization.
For more information, please visit http://www.VisitNSBfl.com or call 386-428-1600. Follow @NewSmyrnaBeach1 on Twitter, Facebook.com/VisitNewSmyrnaBeach or @visitnewsmyrnabeach on Instagram for the latest news. For visitor information when on the go, download the free New Smyrna Beach Mobile App for iPhone and Android.
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Media Contact
Susan McLain, New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau, 386.428.1600, [email protected]
Debbie Meihls, New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau, 386.428.1600, [email protected]
SOURCE New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau
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