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The Mary Kay Vrba Spirit Award honors an individual who embodies the qualities Mary Kay Vrba, past President & CEO of Dutchess Tourism, represents including selflessness, service, inclusiveness and leadership. This year's honoree is Indira Naidu, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton, Poughkeepsie.
Join Destination Dutchess in celebrating all the honorees at the 12th annual Destination Dutchess Awards of Distinction on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park. Read more about the event and purchase tickets here.
Ms. Naidu has been a dynamic force in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years, both in the Hudson Valley and beyond. She has worked in her present role at Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton, Poughkeepsie, since March of 2024 and has been regarded throughout her career as an outside-the-box thinker, a confident negotiator, and a reliable customer advocate. The results of her diligence and expertise can be seen in hotels all across the country, from the Hampton Inn Manhattan Times Square North to the Hampton Inn in El Segundo, Calif., and many in between. An ardent supporter of Destination Dutchess and an enthusiastic partner in the tourism community, Ms. Naidu is a champion of all the wonderful things Dutchess County has to offer its visitors, and she is proud to provide comfortable accommodations and a warm smile when they arrive here.
What inspires me most about the hospitality business is the ability to make people feel welcome, comfortable and cared for no matter where they come from. It is the human connection. Irrespective of the background, language, or culture, everyone understands the feeling of being welcomed and valued. Being a part of an industry that bridges those differences and makes people feel at home is very meaningful to me.
Here are my hopes for the future of travel in Dutchess County:
• A linked and accessible trail network, transforming old rail corridors into beautiful greenways.
• Continued leadership in accessible tourism, ensuring inclusivity is a hallmark of the county.
• Poughkeepsie Downtown enhancements that make walking, biking and transit intuitive and attractive.
• Adaptive transportation strategies that respond to evolving travel behaviors — like telecommuting and ridesharing — and reduced road dependence (Uber and Lyft), water taxis, and ferry options. Reliable, enhanced transit options with real-time usability and shortened travel times to key hubs.
• I envision a future where visitors to Dutchess County enjoy seamless, sustainable and culturally rich experiences — all woven into the county’s landscapes, history and communities. Whether you are meandering through vineyards, trekking on trails, exploring historic nooks, or indulging in regional flavors, the ideal future blends convenience with authenticity.
The most important lesson I have learned in my career is not about building the brand or the amenities — it’s about people and how you make them feel. Every guest, client or team member comes with a story. Taking time to understand and anticipate their needs sets apart good service from exceptional hospitality. You can have the newest property, best technology or the most efficient systems, but guests will always remember how you made them feel and the experience at the hotel. The way we handle challenges often defines guest experience more than when things run smoothly.
• Be passionate about people and places. A genuine interest in cultures, destinations, and creating memorable experiences for others will set you apart.
• Develop strong communication and customer service skills. Your ability to listen, empathize, and communicate clearly will define how successful you are.
• Stay flexible and adaptable. Tourism is influenced by seasonality, world events and changing traveler expectations. Flexibility and resilience are key in handling sudden shifts.
• Learn digital marketing tools. Having skills in digital marketing, content creation, or data analytics helps as more and more travelers rely heavily on social media reviews and online booking tools.
• Network actively and join local tourism boards, chambers of commerce or professional associations. Tourism thrives on partnerships and collaboration.
• Build cultural awareness. Tourism often brings you in contact with people from all over the world. Learning languages, cultural etiquette and intercultural communication will help you stand out.
• Gain hands-on experience. Internships, volunteering at events or part-time work in hotels, attractions or tour companies give practical knowledge and credibility.
• Keep learning! Taking courses in hospitality management, event planning or destination development certifications (like in sustainable tourism or hospitality leadership) can strengthen your profile.
• Find your niche. Tourism is broad, spanning adventure travel, cultural tourism, event management, luxury hospitality, culinary travel and more. Explore and discover what excites you most.
