Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI) named Judy D’Alessandro, Area Director of Sales of the Hyatt House Fishkill, the recipient of the first Mary Kay Vrba Spirit Award. The official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Dutchess County also announced its Awards of Distinction finalists. Winners will be recognized at the 8th annual Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction event on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
The Mary Kay Vrba Spirit Award honors an individual who has demonstrated selflessness, service, inclusiveness, and leadership — qualities embodied by Mary Kay Vrba, former President & CEO of Dutchess Tourism. According to current Dutchess Tourism President & CEO Melaine Rottkamp, “Judy D’Alessandro has consistently worked hard to ensure her hotel guests receive exceptional customer service, especially during these extremely challenging times. Her leadership and positive attitude continue to lift up and inspire all those around her to work together to help push us toward recovery.” Rottkamp added, “We are thrilled to recognize Judy and her dedication to promoting Dutchess County as an exceptional destination as well as her efforts to create awareness about the economic and quality-of-life benefits it brings to our communities.”
Tourism is the third-largest industry in New York. Visitor spending in Dutchess County saw its 10th consecutive year of growth in 2019 reaching $674.2 million. Each household in Dutchess County would need to be taxed an additional $774 to replace the visitor taxes received by state and local governments. Playing a vital role in the recovery and growth of the local economy, tourism supports nearly 11,000 tourism jobs with a combined income of $378.1 million.
This year, the Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction recognizes 25 tourism-related businesses, organizations, and individual finalists that have approached the past year with a determination and unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of hospitality and innovative programming to visitors and residents alike. Each finalist shared insights on ways they met various challenges in spotlights found on the Dutchess Tourism website (www.DutchessTourism.com/awards).
"Congratulations to Judy D’Alessandro and all the Awards of Distinction finalists,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. “Dutchess County celebrates your creativity, resilience, and ability to pivot during the course of the pandemic. You’ve demonstrated that tourism is a community valued resource and that your tireless efforts are a driving force in the success of our county.
FINALISTS
The Dutchess County Executive’s Award for Overall Distinction, selected by County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro, recognizes a business or organization that has continued to grow, innovate, or make other investments to provide exceptional experiences to help build the county into a destination that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. The finalists are:
The Hospitality Service Award of Distinction honors an individual front-line customer service staff member who consistently provides exceptional service to visitors. The finalists are:
The Accessible Hospitality Award of Distinction is awarded to a lodging property, restaurant, attraction, or event that goes above and beyond standard Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance to create accessible, supportive, and inclusive environments for travelers of all abilities. The finalists are:
The Arts, Culinary, Family Entertainment, History, and Outdoors Awards of Distinction recognize businesses in each category who provide exceptional experiences and contribute to a “Storied Experience” for travelers coming to Dutchess.
Arts Award of Distinction Finalists
Culinary Award of Distinction Finalists
Family Entertainment Award of Distinction Finalists
History Award of Distinction Finalists
Outdoors Award of Distinction Finalists
Tickets for the Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction breakfast event, catered by Farmers & Chefs, are available at www.DutchessTourism.com/awards. The locally sourced breakfast will include products from Ready Coffee, Soukup Farms, and Hudson Valley Fresh. Reservations are required.
The Awards of Distinction event is supported by platinum sponsor Millbrook Vineyards & Winery. Sponsorship opportunities at various levels of support are available for this event. Please contact Colleen Dorney at colleen@dutchesstourism.com for details.
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About Dutchess Tourism:
Dutchess Tourism, Inc., the officially designated destination marketing organization for Dutchess County, is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International. As a 501c6 non-profit organization, it works to bring tourism dollars to area businesses and the 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.
