As this year’s tourism season winds down, Visit Vancouver USA is recognizing its three Tourism Award winners for 2014.
The awards, in their eighth year, honor individuals and organizations for their contributions to tourism in Clark County.
The three category winners were nominated by the community and selected by Visit Vancouver USA. A video of interviews with the winners, called Talking Tourism, is available at http://youtu.be/7VUo2loT49o.
Here are this year’s winners:
Mike Twist, Tourism Ambassador Award. A park guide at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Twist is the front-line contact for many visitors exploring the site, which attracted 733,000 visitors in 2013. In 2014, Twist led new programming for visitors from the American Empress riverboat, which launched its Columbia River service this year. “He consistently garners positive feedback from visitors for his interpretive offerings and ability to connect the historic significance of the Vancouver community with U.S. history as a whole,” the visitor association said.
Tiona Dumas, Outstanding Tourism Professional Award. Dumas, director of catering and events for the Hilton Vancouver Washington, is being recognized for attention to detail when working with both high-profile corporate clients and citywide conventions. She has been responsible for working with such groups as the Kumoricon convention, Tilth Producers of Washington and the Association of Washington Housing Authorities. “Tiona’s skill, dedication, and attentive approach all reflect her work to showcase the amenities and attractions that make Southwest Washington a premier meetings destination,” the association said. The Columbian will feature Dumas in Working in Clark County on Nov. 10.
Vancouver USA Marathon, Spirit of Tourism Award. The marathon, organized by Energy Events, has brought thousands of visitors from around the world to Clark County since its inaugural run in 2011, the association said. The race offers participants a diverse course that highlights Fort Vancouver and the Columbia River. The post-race Summer Brewfest features Clark County microbreweries. The marathon “continues to help grow awareness of Vancouver on a regional and national scale,” the association said.
Visit Vancouver USA said a report conducted by Dean Runyan Associations found that visitors to Clark County in 2013 spent more than $467 million and supported more than 4,100 jobs. Tourism in 2013 increased 5.1 percent, exceeding the statewide average increase of 3.2 percent, according to the report.
“Tourism continues to grow as an economic driver for Clark County, and this year’s Tourism Award recipients truly showcase why visitors are choosing Vancouver USA as both a business and leisure travel destination,” said Kim Bennett, president and CEO of Visit Vancouver USA.
