National Travel & Tourism Week Awards
Established by a congressional resolution in 1983, National Travel & Tourism Week serves to celebrate the power and effect these industries have on the national overall. Professionals from across the country that are affiliated with travel, tourism and hospitality work in conjunction with the US Travel Association to highlight and further promote the impactful contributions their markets and organizations make to the U.S. economy.
Each year during this week in May, Visit Bucks County celebrates its travel and tourism industries and its partners that continuously help Bucks County to be a picturesque, hospitable and desirable destination. A variety of events are created and scheduled during this week in celebration including the announcement of Visit Bucks County’s National Travel & Tourism Awards. The five awards categories are Community Service, Dedicated Tourism Partner, Guest Excellence, Hospitality Leadership and Rising Star. View the previous year's winners.
2017 Honorees:
Community Service: Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
The Community Service award goes to a company/organization who develops and implements initiatives that positively impact the Bucks County community. This year's winner, the Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, is made up of a knowledgeable and friendly staff of volunteers. They offer programs, walking trails, guided nature walks, summer camps, a large bird observatory, a children's reading club and a host of assorted educational lectures and workshops for the community of all ages.
Dedicated Tourism Partner: Christine Triantos, James A. Michener Art Museum
The winner of the Dedicated Tourism Partner award has shown a longtime dedication to the tourism industry and the mission of Visit Bucks County. With more than 25 years of experience in the communications arena, Christine Triantos, of the James A. Michener Art Museum, has directed marketing and public relations efforts for many businesses and non-profit organizations. After moving to Bucks County from Massachusetts, Christine joined the museum as Associate Director of Marketing and Communications. In this role, she develops marketing and branding strategy, establishes key partnerships, directs media, community and public relations and leads the creation of promotional materials.
Guest Excellence: Jeanne Schmalz, Golden Plough Inn
The Guest Excellence award honors a front-line staff member who goes the extra mile to help visitors. This year's winner, Jeanne Schmalz of the Golden Plough Inn, has served in the Bucks County Hospitality Industry at Peddler's Village for 41 years. Her cheerful demeanor and positive attitude with guests serves as an exemplary role model for fellow hospitality staff, and inspires guest loyalty and repeat visitation. Her tenure, dedication and consistent willingness to assist, differentiates her as a top hospitality professional and excellent representative of our industry in Bucks County. Re-watch the moment Visit Bucks County surprised her with the award.
Hospitality Leadership: Bea Briggs, Bridgeton House on the Delaware
The Hospitality Leadership award honors an individual who exemplifies all the qualities of a good leader while directing and motivating his/her staff and ultimately increasing visitation to Bucks County. This year's winner, Bea Briggs of the Bridgeton House on the Delaware, understands good service and has a great eye for detail in all aspects of tourism. She, along with her husband Charles, opened a small inn along the river 35 years ago and have turned it into a thriving destination. Guests and staff truly become friends and stay year after year to experience the hospitality that is created under her direction.
Rising Star: Bryan Klimberg, Sesame Place®
The Rising Star award is given to a young professional aspiring to a long career in the tourism/hospitality industry. This year's winner, Bryan Klimberg of Sesame Place, has already made an impact in his organization. His hard work and dedication to the Sesame brand has increased park attendance and visitation to Bucks County. Klimberg’s attention to detail, strong relationship building and ability to see the big picture have made him an asset to the Sesame Place team. He is also seen as a leader across SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment due to his knowledge and expertise in his area. Re-watch the moment Visit Bucks County surprised him with the award.