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2027 Visit Hickory Regional Tourism Partner Awards
Celebrating the people and places that make our destination special.
WHAT ARE THE TOURISM PARTNER AWARDS?
The Visit Hickory Tourism Partner Awards recognize the businesses, organizations, and individuals who help make our region a welcoming and memorable destination. From exceptional visitor experiences and outstanding hospitality to the people who champion our destination behind the scenes, these awards celebrate the contributions that strengthen our local tourism industry.
The 2027 awards will recognize accomplishments and contributions made during 2026. Nominations close January 29, 2027. Winners will be recognized at the 2027 Tourism Partner Summit on Tuesday, March 16, 2027.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Attraction of the Year
Recognizes a tourism attraction, cultural institution, recreational facility, or visitor experience that has made a meaningful contribution to the area's appeal as a travel destination. This award celebrates organizations that create memorable visitor experiences, strengthen the destination's identity, and encourage people to visit and return.
Hotel of the Year
Recognizes a lodging property that demonstrates excellence in hospitality, guest experience, and service while contributing to the overall success of the area as a destination. This award celebrates properties that go above and beyond to welcome visitors and support the local tourism industry.
Restaurant of the Year
Recognizes a restaurant that delivers an exceptional dining experience and contributes to the area's appeal as a culinary destination. This award celebrates outstanding hospitality, quality, community involvement, and the role restaurants play in creating memorable visitor experiences.
Best New Small Business in Tourism
Recognizes a newly established small business, operating for three years or less, that has made a notable impact on the local tourism industry. This award celebrates fresh ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and businesses that enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the destination's growth.
Destination Champion of the Year
Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting, supporting, and strengthening the area's tourism industry. This award celebrates someone who goes above and beyond to advocate for the destination, build partnerships, support community initiatives, and make a lasting difference. Nominees may represent any part of the tourism and hospitality industry, including frontline employees, tourism professionals, business owners, community advocates, and volunteers whose contributions help create a stronger destination.
WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?
Nominees must be active members of the Visit Hickory Tourism Partner Program and operate within or directly serve Catawba, Burke, Alexander, or Caldwell County. Nominees must contribute to the local visitor experience or tourism industry.
Both self-nominations and nominations submitted by others are welcome.
To qualify for Best New Small Business in Tourism, a business must have been established on or after January 29, 2024.
HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION
Submitting a nomination is easy!
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Review the award categories and eligibility requirements.
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Scan the QR code or visit the online nomination form.
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Select the award category and complete the nomination questions.
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Include specific examples of the nominee's accomplishments and contributions.
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Submit your nomination by Friday, January 29, 2027.
Each nomination must be submitted separately. Partners may submit multiple nominations across different categories.
JUDGING PROCESS
The Tourism Partner Awards will be evaluated by a panel of hospitality and tourism industry professionals representing a range of expertise across the industry.
Judges will review nominations and supporting materials using predetermined evaluation criteria. Each nomination will be evaluated on its own merit. One winner will be selected for each award category. All decisions are final.
READY TO NOMINATE?
Submit Here!
Nominations close January 29, 2027
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE AWARDS?
Have questions about the nomination process or award categories? We're happy to help!
Maddy Phillips
Partnership & Visitor Services Coordinator
Visit Hickory
maddy@visithickorync.com
828-322-1335
Partnership & Visitor Services Coordinator
Visit Hickory
maddy@visithickorync.com
828-322-1335