With Spring Break behind us, it’s now that special time of year again when we get to honor the outstanding contributions of our local hospitality industry, which stands as the cornerstone of our region’s economy. Tourism remains the top industry regionally, generating $4 billion in economic impact for Sarasota County and $2 billion in Manatee County annually.

Those vital statistics reflect the strength of our industry, and each May we proudly recognize the people behind them during our National Travel & Tourism Week event. Originally created by the U.S. Travel Association, National Travel & Tourism Week is annually recognized by tourism and hospitality organizations across the United States to highlight travel’s role in driving economic growth and strengthening communities.

As visitors increasingly create itineraries across county lines, tourism is becoming more of a regional phenomenon in our community– so it’s only fitting that this year we praise this trend with collaboration. Our regional celebration is clear for takeoff at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport’s new Concourse A on May 6 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Hosted jointly by the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, SRQ Airport, and our own tourism bureau, this year’s event will provide local bites and beverages from Anna Maria Oyster Bar and Patrick’s 1492 (restaurants now housed in Concourse A!), live music, and awards for the hospitality professionals who keep our industry flying high.

This includes the coveted Voice of Sarasota Award, a recognition presented annually to an individual or business whose efforts have significantly impacted and improved Sarasota County as a tourism destination. This year’s winner will join the ranks of esteemed previous winners like Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (2024), Michael Klauber, co-owner of Michael’s on East restaurant (2023), and Fredrick J. Piccolo, President and CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (2022). While this year’s Voice of Sarasota recipient is still under wraps, I can share we’ll be celebrating their contributions at our May event.

Then, we’ll keep the party going into July for our Haley Hall of Fame Awards Celebration, recognizing those who continue to keep the tourism industry stimulating, creative, and moving forward. The awards program itself, The Haley Hall of Fame Awards, honors my mentor, Virginia J. Haley who dedicated twenty-four years of service to VSC as well as even more years to the local hospitality industry as a whole. Naming the program after her is a tribute to Haley’s immense legacy that continues to reach far and wide in our community to this day.

We encourage everyone to think about which outstanding individuals they would like to recommend as deserving candidates for consideration. Whether this is a seasoned professional or an up-and-coming star, there are several categories to choose from. Nominations are open now through the end of May --and all who are submitted will be notified of their nomination later this summer.

Whether you’re a local business looking to tap into our bustling tourism economy or connect regionally with others in the industry, this season’s events are for you, and we’d love to see you there. Tickets for our 2025 National Travel & Tourism Week event are already on sale and can be purchased online through April 28. Tickets for the Haley Hall of Fame Awards Gala will go on sale in early summer.

We look forward to recognizing our outstanding industry and the value travel holds in helping our local economies and communities continue to soar. Because doing so only further secures Sarasota County as a world-renowned destination which supports jobs and sustains our local economy. And that alone is worthy of cheers and celebration.

Erin Duggan, CDME, is President & CEO of Visit Sarasota County.