2026 Georgia Tourism Excellence Awards Ceremony
March 31, 2026 ~ ATL Airport District
Congratulations to the 2026 Award Winners!
2026 PRESS RELEASE
Excellence in Marketing Strategy Award
Budget Below $500,000
Visit Marietta
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Excellence in Marketing Strategy Award
Budget Over $500,000
Visit Savannah
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Tourism Innovator Award
Visit Perry
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Champion of Policy and Progress
Madam CEO of DeKalb County
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
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Tourism Leadership Award
Beth Bailey
See Clayton County
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Tourism Rising Star
Abby Smith
Visit Marietta
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Tourism Legacy Award
Jo Ann Haden-Miller
Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau
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Destination Marketing Organization
of the Year
Visit Athens
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2026 Georgia Tourism Excellence Awards by GACVB
Georgia Tourism Excellence Award Categories
- This award will be awarded in two budget categories: DMOs with operating budgets of below $500k and $500k+
- Tourism Innovator Award
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This award is presented to an individual or organization that has transformed the visitor experience through creative product development, infrastructure, or programming. This champion is shaping the future of tourism, one idea at a time.
- Champion of Policy & Progress Award
- This award celebrates a government official or agency whose support, advocacy, or policy leadership has directly advanced tourism in their community. This award honors partnership, vision, and a deep understanding of tourism’s power to drive progress.
- Tourism Leadership Award
- Awarded to an outstanding leader who has inspired others, shaped strategy, and left a lasting mark on the tourism industry through their leadership and service. This recipient leads with vision, integrity, and impact.
- Tourism Rising Star Award
- This award recognizes an emerging leader (less than 5 years in the industry) whose passion, performance, and potential are already making waves in the tourism industry. This award shines a spotlight on tomorrow’s trailblazers.
- Tourism Legacy Award
- Honoring a 30+ year career of extraordinary contributions to tourism, this award celebrates a legacy of leadership, innovation, and dedication that has shaped the industry for generations to come.
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