BUCKS COUNTY, PA (May 6, 2026) – Visit Bucks County (VBC) recognized individuals and organizations at the National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) award celebration at Washington Crossing Historic Park on Tuesday, May 5. Honorees were nominated by peers from across the Bucks County tourism and hospitality industry for their exceptional contributions to the visitor experience. Each year, NTTW is celebrated nationwide by the U.S. Travel Association to spotlight the power of travel and its impact on local communities.
Commissioner Robert J. Harvie, along with VBC staff, presented the National Travel & Tourism Week Awards. “We are proud to present Visit Bucks County and the tourism industry with a proclamation recognizing May 3-9 as National Travel & Tourism Week here in Bucks County,” said Commissioner Harvie, “We thank the Visit Bucks County Staff, Board of Directors and everyone in the tourism industry for your dedication. We are proud to support an industry that drives economic growth and strengthens community.”
The 2026 Visit Bucks County Travel & Tourism Week Award honorees are:
-
Guest Service Excellence Award: Kelly Hendrickson, Fox and Hound Bed & Breakfast of New Hope.
This award goes to a frontline staff member with a positive attitude who goes the extra mile to help visitors and interact with customers on a daily basis. -
Hospitality Leadership Award: Anne Corso, Michener Art Museum.
This award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to the tourism and hospitality industry, ultimately increasing visitation to Bucks County. -
Rising Star Award: Sarah Dils, River House at Odette’s.
This award recognizes a young professional who is already making a meaningful impact and demonstrates strong potential for a career in the tourism and hospitality industry. -
Tourism Innovation Award: Spirits on Mill – Bucks County Ghost Tours.
This award honors a business/organization who implements new and creative ways to bring visitors to Bucks County. -
Visit Bucks County Award: Robin Butrey and Nicholas Rizzo, Grundy Museum; Shirley Lee Corsey, Gather Place; and Christine Hensel Triantos, Peddler’s Village.
These awards honor individuals who are dedicated to promoting tourism and hospitality in Bucks County. -
Visit Bucks County Scholarship: Benjamin Mockenhaupt, senior at Holy Ghost Preparatory School.
The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, community engagement, and a strong interest in the tourism and hospitality sector. By investing in the next generation of hospitality professionals, Visit Bucks County aims to cultivate future industry leaders and support the continued growth and vitality of the region’s tourism economy. This was the first year the scholarship was awarded.
VBC Chair Doug Miller and VBC President/CEO Paul Bencivengo shared key tourism figures. “In 2025, Bucks County welcomed 8.4 million visitors, matching our record-breaking performance from the prior year. These visitors generated $1.3 billion in economic impact, one of the strongest tourism economies in our history. In 2025, the hospitality workforce continued to grow, reaching 29,397 jobs.” said Bencivengo.
Looking ahead to major milestones, including America’s 250th anniversary and key sporting events in the region, Bencivengo noted the Visit Bucks County team continues to strategically position Bucks County as the center of all the action throughout 2026.
Visit Bucks County is also preparing to launch a brand-new video campaign focused on both the seasons in Bucks County and the seasons of life. “This new creative will run across all of our target markets, including New York, Northern New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Lancaster and York, ensuring Bucks County remains top of mind for those seeking an overnight getaway for any season of the year,” said Bencivengo.
Visit Bucks County promotes Bucks County as a place for all visitors to explore trails, discover history, enjoy outdoor adventures, experience family-friendly getaways and romantic escapes, and discover the many small towns and attractions throughout the year.
# # #
Download images here.
Contact: Megan Connelly
Communications & Marketing Manager
Visit Bucks County
215-639-0300 x 237
MeganC@VisitBucksCounty.com
About Visit Bucks County:
Visit Bucks County (VBC) promotes travel to and within Bucks County, Pennsylvania. As the County’s official destination marketing organization, VBC drives visitation, increases overnight stays and fuels the local economy by promoting all there is to see and do in Bucks County. VBC supports local businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry, including lodging, attractions, restaurants, retail, events and more. Annually, Bucks County welcomes more than 8.4 million visitors, generating nearly $1.3 billion in economic impact and supporting a total hospitality workforce of 29,397 jobs.
