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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.

Shining Example Award Ceremony 2024

(held in conjunction with Connections)
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 
The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center,
Auburn, Alabama

Shining Example Winners standing together with their awards in hand

Our Shining Example Award Winners for 2024

Shining Example Winners from 2024

Recognized at STS Connections in Auburn, Alabama
September 11, 2024

Ruby Falls representative receiving award from Monica Smith

Escape to the Southeast® Travel Attraction of the Year
Ruby Falls

Four Visit Oconee representatives receiving award from Monica Smith

Tourism Office of Year (Under $1 million)
Visit Oconee (SC)

Representative of Louisiana Office of Tourism receiving award from Monica Smith

Tourism Office of Year (Over $1 million)
Louisiana Office of Tourism

Mayor Gene McGee receiving award from Monica Smith

Governmental Tourism Leadership Award
Mayor Gene McGee – Explore Ridgeland

Two representatives receiving award from Monica Smith

Event or Festival of the Year
Extra Table – March of the Mayors

Doug Bourgeois outdoors with greenery background
Anya Tupin receiving award from Monica Smith

Rising Star Award
Anya Turpin, Visit Perry (GA)

Four representatives receiving award from Monica Smith

Best Marketing Award Budget
Less Than $100,000
Visit Perry (GA)

Two representatives from Visit Oxford receiving award from Monica Smith

Best Marketing Award Budget of $100,000-$499,999
 Visit Oxford (MS)

Rpresentative from Visit Baton Rouge receiving award from Monica Smith

Best Marketing Award Budget of $500,000 or more
Visit Baton Rouge

Two representatives from Martin County Office of Tourism and Marketing receiving award from Monica Smith

Best Niche Marketing Award
Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing

Reprsentative from Tennessee Tech Center for Rural Innovation receiving award from Monica Smith
Representative from Visit Lake Charles receiving award from Monica Smith

Best Digital Marketing Award
Visit Lake Charles

Chris Cavanaugh receiving award from Monica Smith

Dorothy Hardman Spirit of STS Award
Chris Cavanaugh, Magellan Strategies

Wit Tuttell in blue suit

Chairman's Award
Wit Tuttell, Visit North Carolina