Hickory, NC (November 10, 2025) — Visit Hickory is proud to announce that it has received three Platinum Awards from the North Carolina Travel Industry Association (NCTIA) in the Small Bureau category, recognizing excellence in Leisure Marketing, Community Stakeholders, and Social Media. These top honors celebrate Visit Hickory’s creativity, authenticity, and dedication to showcasing the bold and welcoming spirit of Hickory and the greater Catawba County region.
Visit Hickory earned the Platinum Award for Leisure Marketing for its destination rebrand, which gave Hickory a fresh voice and visual identity that truly reflect the city’s energy and growth. The new brand, featuring the playful “Oh Hey!” tagline, captures Hickory’s welcoming personality while bringing consistency across all marketing channels — from the redesigned website and social media presence to new videos and promotional materials. Since launching, Visit Hickory has seen significant increases in website traffic and engagement, and the rebrand has redefined how Hickory connects with both visitors and locals.
The Platinum Award for Community Stakeholders recognized Visit Hickory’s FY 2023–2024 Annual Report, which highlighted the measurable impact and continued momentum of tourism across Hickory and Catawba County. Through strong visuals, clear data, and storytelling, the report demonstrated how tourism generates economic growth while celebrating the people and partnerships that make it possible. Distributed widely among local governments, hotels, and attractions, the report strengthened community understanding and pride, positioning tourism as an essential driver of Hickory’s progress and prosperity.
The Platinum Award for Social Media honored Visit Hickory’s collaboration with Christina Riley of NC Tripping, a North Carolina-based travel influencer known for her relatable storytelling and strong audience connection. Together, they showcased Hickory’s dining, shopping, arts, and outdoor recreation through authentic, first-hand experiences shared across social media platforms. The campaign reached more than one million users and inspired thousands of engagements, highlighting Hickory as a destination full of personality and charm. This partnership not only expanded Visit Hickory’s reach but also amplified local pride, creating a ripple effect of excitement across the community.
“These awards speak to the creativity and teamwork that define Visit Hickory,” said Mandy Hildebrand, President & CEO of Visit Hickory. “We’re proud to share Hickory’s story in ways that not only attract visitors but also inspire local pride. We’re excited to keep building on this momentum as Hickory continues to grow and thrive.”
Over the past year, Visit Hickory has continued to build momentum through creative storytelling, community collaboration, and bold marketing initiatives that reflect the spirit of the region. These three Platinum Awards from NCTIA affirm the team’s commitment to elevating Hickory as a standout destination — one that’s bold, welcoming, and uniquely Hickory.
About Visit Hickory: Visit Hickory is the official destination marketing organization for Hickory, North Carolina. Dedicated to promoting the community’s rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty, Visit Hickory connects travelers with unforgettable experiences in the heart of Catawba County. The mission of the HCTDA is to market and enhance the economy of the Hickory Metro by promoting conventions, meetings, and travelers to the area. For more information, visit www.visithickorync.com.
About NCTIA: The North Carolina Travel Industry Association (NCTIA) is a membership organization that provides resources for anyone interested in issues related to North Carolina’s travel and tourism industry. The organization focuses on education, workforce development, legislative issues, and more for the travel and tourism industry of North Carolina. For more information, visit https://nctia.travel.
Media Contact:
Sarah Jones
Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Tourism Development
Visit Hickory
828.322.1335
Sarah@visithickorync.com
