Shining Example Awards
The STS Shining Example Awards, an industry fixture since 1985, recognizes outstanding contributions to travel and tourism in the Southeast United States. This includes, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Submissions are now closed
2025 Shining Example Award Ceremony
(held in conjunction with Connections)
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Golden Nugget Lake Charles - Lake Charles, LA
Our Shining Example Award Winners for 2024
Shining Example Winners from 2024
Recognized at STS Connections in Auburn, Alabama
September 11, 2024
Escape to the Southeast® Travel Attraction of the Year
Ruby Falls
Tourism Office of Year (Under $1 million)
Visit Oconee (SC)
Tourism Office of Year (Over $1 million)
Louisiana Office of Tourism
Governmental Tourism Leadership Award
Mayor Gene McGee – Explore Ridgeland
Event or Festival of the Year
Extra Table – March of the Mayors
Beacon Award
Doug Bourgeois, Louisiana Office of Tourism
Rising Star Award
Anya Turpin, Visit Perry (GA)
Best Marketing Award Budget
Less Than $100,000
Visit Perry (GA)
Best Marketing Award Budget of $100,000-$499,999
Visit Oxford (MS)
Best Marketing Award Budget of $500,000 or more
Visit Baton Rouge
Best Niche Marketing Award
Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
Partnership Award
Tennessee Tech Center for Rural Innovation
Best Digital Marketing Award
Visit Lake Charles
Dorothy Hardman Spirit of STS Award
Chris Cavanaugh, Magellan Strategies
Chairman's Award
Wit Tuttell, Visit North Carolina