Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI) announced the recipients of the 2021 Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction, on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Finalists in each of eight categories and the Mary Kay Vrba Spirit Award were highlighted for demonstrating industry excellence, with remarks from Dutchess Tourism President & CEO Melaine Rottkamp and Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to not only to celebrate our Awards of Distinction winners but the Dutchess tourism community as a whole for their determination and dedication in keeping our county a vibrant place for people to visit, play, live and work,” said Dutchess Tourism President & CEO Melaine Rottkamp. “It was inspiring to see businesses and the local community work collaboratively to face challenges head-on.”
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro added, "Over 1,000 tourism-related businesses and their employees have worked tirelessly to keep our local economy moving forward. These awards are a reflection of Dutchess County’s resiliency, strength and unique offerings that attract visitors from around the world. Congratulations to all of the honorees.”
The Dutchess County Executive’s Award for Overall Distinction Winner: Sloop Brewing Co.
Finalists included: Revel 32 and NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Taconic Region/Dutchess County
The Hospitality Service Award of Distinction Winner: Janett Pabon, Hotel Tivoli & The Corner
Finalists included: Valerie Barone, Hyde Park Brewing Company and Margaret Elliott, Fishkill Farms
The Accessible Hospitality Award of Distinction Winner: Village of Rhinebeck, Certified Autism Supportive Community
Finalists included: Dutchess County Parks and Walkway Over the Hudson
Arts Award of Distinction Winner: Kaatsbaan Cultural Park
Finalists included: Bridge Music and Barrett Art Center
Culinary Award of Distinction Winner: Kings Highway Cider Shack at McEnroe Organic Farm
Finalists included: Essie’s Restaurant and Zoe’s Ice Cream Barn
Family Entertainment Award of Distinction Winner: Lilymoore Farm
Finalists included: The CENTER for Performing Arts and Kelly’s Creamery and Kelly’s Husband’s Truck
History Award of Distinction Winner: Mount Gulian Historic Site
Finalists included: Brinkerhoff House Historic Site/East Fishkill Historical Society and Troutbeck
Outdoors Award of Distinction Winner: Innisfree Garden
Finalists included: Stony Kill Foundation and Winnakee Land Trust
Mary Kay Vrba Spirit Award Honoree: Judy D’Alessandro, Area Director of Sales of the Hyatt House Fishkill
Mary Kay Vrba, former president & CEO of Dutchess Tourism, was on hand to present D’Alessandro with a new award bearing her name. The Mary Kay Vrba Spirit Award honors an individual who has demonstrated selflessness, service, inclusiveness and leadership.
“I am so honored to receive the Mary Kay Vrba Spirit Award, and grateful to Dutchess Tourism and the local tourism community for recognizing me in such a meaningful way,” Judy D’Alessandro. “Every day, I am inspired by the visitors that come through our hotel doors and their love and excitement for the Hudson Valley. Leadership during the pandemic has taught me to get back to the basics and the Hyatt House Fishkill team has really rallied together to make every guest experience unforgettable.”
In what has been a challenging period for the tourism industry, the Hudson Valley remained the third leading region in the state for visitor spending behind New York City and Long Island according to a recent report by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company. The report also showed that visitors spent $417.8 million in Dutchess County and supported 8,050 jobs. DTI’s brand stewardship, promotional and tourism business support efforts that drove visitation were highlighted in a new video that premiered during the awards program. The video will be available on Dutchess Tourism’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/dutchesstourism) after the event.
Rottkamp noted that the county is already seeing a resurgence in visitors, in some instances exceeding pre-pandemic levels. “Once the international borders fully open to vaccinated individuals on November 8th, the pent-up demand for everything Dutchess County has to offer - scenic beauty, world-class dining, award-winning craft beverage experiences, and diverse cultural attractions - will attract even more visitors who will spend their travel dollars in Dutchess supporting our businesses.”
Attendees enjoyed a morning of networking and celebrating the honorees at the historic estate, museum, and nature preserve. The locally sourced breakfast was catered by Farmers & Chefs and included Soukup Farms syrup, Harney & Sons tea, Ready Coffee, and Hudson Valley Fresh products. The Awards of Distinction event was supported by Platinum Sponsors Central Hudson, Global Foundries, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery and Hyatt Place Poughkeepsie.
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ABOUT DUTCHESS TOURISM, INC.
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 an independent 501c6 non-profit organization that works to bring tourism dollars to area businesses 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.
