Wisconsin Governor's Tourism Awards
The Governor's Tourism Awards are designed to inspire the Wisconsin tourism industry and celebrate the contributions and successes of individuals, organizations and destinations that uplift and grow Wisconsin tourism. Each year, we celebrate the nominees and winners for their outstanding accomplishments in elevating Wisconsin tourism, driving economic impact through tourism and leaving a lasting effect on Wisconsin's tourism industry, the visitor experience and Wisconsin communities.
Help celebrate Wisconsin tourism by submitting nominations for impactful people, projects, events, destinations and promotions that make our industry exceptional. Award categories and submission details are listed below. Self-nominations are allowed for organizations but not individual awards. Award nominations are due by Friday, January 24, 2025.
Award recipients will be announced on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism Dinner and Awards Celebration.
Governor's Tourism Awards Categories
- Arts, Culture & Heritage Award: This award will be presented to an organization or destination that showcases the arts, culture or heritage to enhance the tourism experience and economic well-being of a community.
- Bright IDEA Award: This award recognizes a project or initiative that is driving meaningful impact for visitors by advancing or supporting inclusive, diverse, equitable or accessible (IDEA) tourism in Wisconsin. Eligible nominees champion meaningful change — whether through a project, promotional campaign, partnership and/or ongoing initiative — that fosters a welcoming environment and authentic experience for all visitors.
- Innovation Award: This award recognizes an organization or destination that has implemented a new strategy that has made a positive impact through an innovative approach in technology, sustainability, adaptivity and/or the implementation of best practices.
- Legacy Award: This award will be presented to an individual who has made a long-lasting and permanent contribution to the industry over the years. A nominee should have 25 years or more of distinguished service to the tourism industry, including 15 years or more in Wisconsin.
- Rising Star Award: This award will be presented to an individual who is new to the tourism industry — within the last five years — and has shown leadership, commitment and passion for Wisconsin’s tourism industry.
- Service Excellence Award: This award will be presented to an organization or individual that has achieved significant success and tourism growth by providing exceptional service to customers and a strong charitable involvement in the community.
Eligibility
Please review the following criteria carefully before completing your nomination:
- The awards are open to Wisconsin tourism industry organizations, businesses or individuals, depending on the category. See each award category for more specific criteria.
- Self-nominations are allowed for organizations but not individual awards.
- Previous winners in a category cannot be re-nominated for three years.
- Incomplete nomination forms will not be considered.
- There is no limit to the number of nominations an individual can submit.
Nomination Forms
Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025.
Past Award Recipients
2024
Arts, Culture & Heritage Award
Paine Art Center and Gardens, Oshkosh
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion Award
Northcott Neighborhood House, Milwaukee
Innovation Award
Destination Door County, Community Investment Fund
Legacy Award
Stephanie Klett, Visit Lake Geneva
Rising Star Award
Haleigh Doyle, Explore La Crosse
Service Excellence Award
Madison Children's Museum, Education, Visitor Services & Outreach Teams
2023
Arts, Culture & Heritage Award
John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion Award
The Ability Center, Milwuakee
Innovation Award
Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce, Kriskindlmarkt
Legacy Award
Romy Snyder, Wisconsin Dells Visitors & Convention Bureau
Rising Star Award
Megan Langer, Port of Prescott/Cove Guest House/Harbor Hotel
Service Excellence Award
The Bartolotta Restaurants
2022
Arts, Culture & Heritage Award (Tied)
Create Waunakee
Jim Kress, Maritime Lighthouse Tower
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion Award
Unique Unites, Visit Milwaukee
Innovation Award
Wisconsin River Trail Organization
Legacy Award
Sherry Quamme, Mississippi River Parkway Commission/Great River Road
Rising Star Award (Tied)
Amy Albright, Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau
Lauren Sackett, Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce
Service Excellence Award
Racine Zoo
View more past award winners here.