Tourism in Clark County generated more than $330 million last year and to celebrate the growing industry, the county, in conjunction with the Clark County Lodging Assoc. and the Southwest Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau, awarded five organizations the first ever Clark County Tourism Awards Feb. 23 at the Hilton Vancouver.
The winners are:
• Outstanding Ecotourism Award – Friends of the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge
Also nominated were the Hilton Vancouver for earning LEED certification and the Water Resources Education Center.
The award honors a company or individual achievement that recognizes ecologically sustainable tourism in the county. A primary focus of the award is on experiencing natural areas that foster environmental understanding and appreciation of conservation principals.
• Outstanding Young Leader in Tourism Award – Maili Morrison of the Heathman Lodge
Also nominated were Midge Dobbs of the Southwest Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau and Mariea Strickland of the Quality Inn and Conference Center.
The award goes to an individual 35 years or younger working in the tourism industry and demonstrating outstanding contributions to the development of a vibrant and professional tourism industry.
• Outstanding Cultural Tourism Award – The National Parks Service for the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Also nominated were the Clark County Historical Museum and the Ke Kukui Foundation.
The award recognizes operations that foster a greater understanding of history, heritage and culture in Clark County. A primary focus is illuminating the county’s rich and diverse multicultural history as well as its contemporary culture.
• Outstanding Event Award – International Discovery Walk Festival
Also nominated were the Vancouver National Historic Reserve Fourth of July and the Washington Governor’s Economic Development Conference, which took place in Vancouver in September.
The award is for a hallmark event or festival that creates substantial economic impact, attracts substantial out-of-state visitors, generates media attention and positively promotes Clark County as a destination.
• Outstanding Tourism Service Award – The Heathman Lodge
Also nominated was Beaches Restaurant and Bar.
The award is for an achievement that significantly raises professional service standards within the county tourism industry.
The organizations were nominated by the community and the Board of County Commissioners selected the winners. Capping off her first week on the job, Marsha Massey, the interim Washington State Tourism Director, was the keynote speaker, noting that statewide, travel spending last year was $13.8 billion and generated $900 million in state and local taxes and $82 million in federal taxes.
