For Immediate Release:
Ventura, Calif. (December 26, 2024) – Visit Ventura is proud to announce a record-breaking year of accolades, earning recognition on local, national, and international stages for its innovative marketing, exceptional community engagement, and inspiring partnerships. The 2023-2024 tourism and hospitality award season was nothing short of historical, highlighting Visit Ventura’s dedication to working with partners and stakeholders to promote Ventura as a unique destination.
“This has been an extraordinary year for Visit Ventura,” said Marlyss Auster, President and CEO of Visit Ventura. “From local recognitions to international accolades, these awards reflect the heart, creativity, and collaboration that define our community and the hard work of our small but mighty team.”
In total, Visit Ventura received 12 awards and five award finalist recognitions.
- Finalist, Place Brand of the Year category, City Nation Place Awards — Visit Ventura was honored as a finalist for this international award for its involvement and leadership in hosting the X Games 2023 in Ventura. Visit Ventura was the only USA finalist in this category.
- Gold, President’s Award, Platinum, and Silver Winner, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) — Visit Ventura received four international awards at the 2023 HSMAI awards ceremony, the world’s largest and most prestigious global travel marketing competition, for its Public Relations/Communications and Brand Campaigns during X Games 2023. This is Visit Ventura’s first time receiving the President’s Award, Platinum Adrian Award, and a Best in Show finalist honor.
- Innovation Award and Hometown Hero Award, Ventura Chamber of Commerce — For the second time, Visit Ventura received the Innovation Award bestowed by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce for its leadership in bringing the X Games to Ventura, an honor rarely given to an organization twice. Auster was also honored with the Hometown Hero Award for her dedication, leadership, and passion during the X Games.
- Award of Excellence, Custom Published Magazine category, APEX Awards — The 2024 Inspiration Guide received an Award of Excellence in partnership with Wanderlust Content Studio.
- Poppy Award, Best Strategic Partnership category, Visit California — Visit Ventura was selected as the Best Strategic Partnership category winner at the biannual Visit California Poppy Awards Gala, one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in the California travel and tourism industry. The category underscores Visit Ventura’s extensive collaboration with local, regional, and state stakeholders.
- ESTO Destiny Award, Community Engagement category, U.S. Travel Association — For the first time, Visit Ventura received the U.S. Travel Association ESTO Destiny Award for Community Engagement during X Games 2023, recognizing the organization’s creativity and collaboration with key stakeholders, small business owners, and the local community to celebrate the X Games across Ventura.
- Best Place to Work, Pacific Coast Business Times — Visit Ventura has won the award for the Best Place to Work five times, designated by the Pacific Coast Business Times.
- Finalist, Best Professional Sports Event category, SportsTravel Awards — Visit Ventura and X Games Ventura 2024 was honored with a finalist designation by the readers of SportsTravel Magazine.
- Finalist eTSY Award, Best Use of Innovative Marketing in a Campaign category, eTourism Summit — Visit Ventura was honored for the first time with a finalist designation from the eTourism Summit which recognizes the best in tourism marketing, showcasing campaigns that have set new standards for creativity, engagement, and effectiveness.
- Finalist, Destination Branding & Marketing Campaign of the Year category, Sports ETA Awards — Visit Ventura was the only California finalist for the Destination Branding & Marketing Campaign of the Year category.
- Legacy Award, City of San Buenaventura — Auster was honored by the City of San Buenaventura for her outstanding commitment to the community, creating a lasting impression of our community’s charm, inspiring others to discover Ventura for themselves through travel, and building a long-lasting impact on the City’s economy through tourism.
While hanging awards on the wall is exciting, it’s the recognition that shines bright: each accolade reflects the collaborative spirit of Ventura and all the partners, community members, and local businesses that make it up.
“This was an incredible award season not just for our team but for our community as a whole,” Auster said. “When we come together, magic happens. It’s an amazing thing to have a community that supports each other and brings creativity and dedication to the table. We are so thankful for all of our partnerships that allow us to do what we do best: shine a light on our hometown.”
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