Dutchess Tourism, Inc. is requesting nominations from Dutchess County residents and businesses for the 8th Annual Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction. Nominations are being accepted in seven categories for hotels, restaurants, attractions and experiences that are making a significant contribution to Dutchess County as a vibrant destination in New York’s Hudson Valley. 

Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction Award Categories

• The Arts, Culinary, Family Entertainment, History, and Outdoors Awards of Distinction recognize businesses in each category who provide phenomenal and innovative offerings to visitors and contribute to a “Storied Experience” for travelers coming to Dutchess.
• The Hospitality Service Award of Distinction honors an individual front-line customer service staff member who consistently provides exceptional service to visitors to Dutchess County to help them have an outstanding experience.
• 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.

Nominees should be Dutchess County tourism-related businesses or organizations open to the public or an individual for the Hospitality Service Award and cannot have been a past winner in the category. Nominations are being accepted on the Dutchess Tourism website (www.DutchessTourism.com/awards) and are due by June 30, 2021.

“Tourism-related businesses and their staffs have had to overcome an exceptionally challenging year in crisis conditions,” said Dutchess Tourism President & CEO Melaine Rottkamp. “Yet, despite the many challenges, our partners pivoted their operations and safely welcomed visitors and residents with open arms and exceptional service. Tourism supports over 10,836 jobs with a combined income of $378.1 million in this county and it’s  important we recognize their tireless efforts and their success in keeping the local economy moving during the 
pandemic.”

Finalists for each category will be announced on Dutchess Tourism’s social media platforms beginning September 9th through November. Winners will be revealed at the Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction event on Thursday, November 4 at Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The Dutchess County Executive’s Award for Overall Distinction will also be awarded that evening along with the first Mary Kay Vrba Spirit Award. Tickets to the event will go on sale in September. Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. Please contact Colleen Dorney at colleen@dutchesstourism.com for details.

Last year’s Awards of Distinction winners include the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Julie's Jungle at Lime Kiln Park, MJN - Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center, Farmers & Chefs, Four Brothers Drive-in Theater, The Elmendorph Inn/Historic Red Hook, Beatrix Farrand Garden Association and Djan Paunovic from Terrapin Restaurant & Catering.

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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