Shining Example Awards

Shining Example logo

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.

2025 Shining Example Award Ceremony 

(held in conjunction with Connections)

Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Golden Nugget Lake Charles - Lake Charles, LA

Crystal Award for Shining Example

Presenting
the 2025 Shining Example Award Winners

Shining Example Winners from 2025

Recognized at STS Connections in Lake Charles, Louisiana
September 10, 2025

ETTS Attraction of the Year: Perry Historical Museum

Escape to the Southeast® Travel Attraction of the Year
Perry Historical Museum

Tourism Office of the Year (under 1mil): Visit Hickory

Tourism Office of Year
(Under $1 million)
Visit Hickory

Tourism Office of the Year (1mil): Visit the Northshore

Tourism Office of Year
(Over $1 million)
Visit The Northshore

Event/Festival of the Year: Visit Oxford

Event or Festival of the Year
Visit Oxford

Fired Up Culture Beacon Award Winner: Kyle Edmiston, Visit Lake Charles

Fired Up Culture Beacon Award
Kyle Edmiston, Visit Lake Charles

Best Marketing Award Budge of $1mil, Visit Jackson

Best Marketing Award Budget of $1mil
Visit Jackson

Rising Star Award Winner Tyler Duplantis, Explore Houma

Rising Star Award
Tyler Duplantis, Explore Houma

Best Marketing Award (under $500k: Tifton Tift County Tourism Association

Best Marketing Award Budget of $100,000-$499,999
Think Tifton

Best Marketing Award ($500k-$999k): Visit the Northshore

Best Marketing Award Budget of $500,000 - $999,999
Visit The Northshore

Best Niche Marketing Award, Mississippi Tourism Association

Best Niche Marketing Award
Mississippi Tourism Association

Partnership Award, Visit Lake Charles

Partnership Award
Visit Lake Charles

Best Digital Marketing Award: Visit Oxford

Best Digital Marketing Award
Visit Oxford

Dorothy Hardman Spirit of STS Award Winner, Melanie Beauchamp

Dorothy Hardman Spirit of STS Award
Melanie Beauchamp

Chairman's Award Winner, Jill Kidder

Chairman's Award
Jill Kidder