Friday, August 16, 2024 The U.S. Travel Association unveiled the 2024 Destiny and Mercury Award winners at the 40th annual ESTO conference, hosted in Columbus, Ohio from August 11-13.
The event, held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, culminated in a celebratory awards dinner where these accolades were presented. “The Destiny and Mercury Awards not only recognize creative achievement in destination marketing but also the outstanding effort to inspire visitation and promote travel in savvy and imaginative ways,” said Ellen Davis , U.S.
Travel Executive Vice President, Business Strategy and Industry Engagement. “Our destination community works every day to grow travel in ways that benefit local economies and communities. Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s awards.
” These awards spotlight outstanding achievements across 18 categories in destination marketing, which play a pivotal role in boosting tourism and fostering industry growth. Specifically, the Destiny Awards honor superior destination marketing at local and regional levels, whereas the Mercury Awards commend state-level accomplishments. This year’s recipients were chosen by an expert panel of nearly 60 marketing professionals.
Categories ranged from broadcast advertising and digital campaigns to public relations efforts and innovative website designs. The ESTO conference is a key gathering for professionals in destination marketing, rotating annually among different host cities. It provides three days packed with educational workshops, networking sessions, and recognition of industry excellence.
In a notable highlight from the conference, the National Council of State Tourism Directors named Mike Mangeot, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism, as the 2024 State Tourism Director of the Year..
