POUGHKEEPSIE, NY– Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI) announced the winners of the 2020 Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction, Tuesday, June 16th at a live watch party attended by nearly 100 on YouTube Premiere. Three finalists in each of eight categories were highlighted for demonstrating industry excellence, with remarks from Dutchess Tourism President & CEO Mary Kay Vrba and Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro.
Winners in each category (in bold) received hand-crafted awards made by Hudson Beach Glass to display at their businesses, and were delivered a special, locally-sourced breakfast catered by Simply Gourmet including maple syrup donated by Soukup Farms:
The Dutchess County Executive’s Award for Overall Distinction
Winner: Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Finalists include: Hudson Valley Renegades, Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
Accessible Hospitality Award of Distinction
Winner: Julie's Jungle at Lime Kiln Park
Finalists include: Egg Hunts for All at Tymor Park, Roosevelt & Lyceum Cinemas
Arts Award of Distinction
Winner: MJN - Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center
Finalists include: Bridge Music, Jazz in the Valley
Culinary Award of Distinction
Winner: Farmers & Chefs
Finalists include: Harlem Valley Homestead, Sunflour Bakery
Family Entertainment Award of Distinction
Winner: Four Brothers Drive-in Theater
Finalists include: Greig Farm, Sinterklaas!
History Award of Distinction
Winner: The Elmendorph Inn/Historic Red Hook
Finalists include: Dutchess County Historic Tavern Trail, Mount Gulian Historic Site
Hospitality Service Award of Distinction
Winner: Djan Paunovic, Terrapin Restaurant & Catering
Finalists include: Tom Bauer, Hospitality Volunteer & Adam Pregno, Marriott International
Outdoors Award of Distinction
Winner: Beatrix Farrand Garden Association
Finalists include: Innisfree Garden, Mountain Tops Outfitters
“I’m so glad we were able to virtually celebrate these great destinations and partners that help to truly tell the story of Dutchess County,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro. “These are challenging times, but when the community is back on its feet and local businesses’ doors open I know that Dutchess County will continue to set the example in tourism, reflecting the rich history and diversity that makes our story unique.”
“Each of our finalists makes Dutchess County a premier destination for travelers. These small businesses provide exceptional offerings to the community and contribute to A Storied Experience for our visitors,” said Mary Kay Vrba, President and CEO of Dutchess Tourism. “No industry has been hurt more during this pandemic than tourism, but we are resilient. Rest assured - once we get the green light, we are prepared to aggressively market travel to Dutchess County and reinvigorate our economy by inviting visitors to experience the small businesses and attractions like today’s finalists that make our destination so dynamic.”
The awards video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6q5UrnCcEg
Dutchess Tourism appreciates Harney & Sons Fine Teas’ donation of tea bags, mailed to each pre-registered watch party attendee.
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About Dutchess Tourism
Dutchess Tourism, Inc. is the officially designated destination marketing organization for Dutchess County and is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International. It is a 501c6 non-profit organization that works to bring tourism dollars to area businesses and our community by marketing and promoting the assets of Dutchess County to the nation and the world. The office is located at 3 Neptune Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie with 17 Tourist Information Centers located around Dutchess County. The website is DutchessTourism.com and they can be reached at 845-463-4000. Dutchess Tourism, Inc. is partially funded by monies received from the County of Dutchess.
