Visit Tri-Cities’ Launches 2022 Excellence in Service Award

Visit Tri-Cities is now accepting nominations for outstanding individuals or businesses who have enhanced the tourism industry through their excellent customer service skills. One outstanding individual or tourism-related business will receive the Excellence in Service Award, a prestigious acknowledgement that celebrates members of the Tri-Cities tourism and service industry for their ongoing commitment to go above and beyond in providing outstanding customer service.

“Excellent customer service is more important than ever as we anticipate 2022 being the best year for leisure tourism in the Tri-Cities,” said Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities. “We know that customer service will be just as important to visitors as the attractions and amenities available in our community. We look forward to recognizing those individuals and businesses that give the Tri-Cities a competitive edge by providing amazing experiences not just for leisure travel, but for conventions, meetings and sports events.”

Visitor spending in the Tri-Cities hit $489.3 million in 2021, which sustains 4,739 jobs in Benton and Franklin counties and supports a thriving local business economy. Visitors also generated $51.2 million in State and local taxes. The tax revenue generated by visitors helps fund police and fire, teachers and schools, the maintenance of our roadways and the beautification of our parks and reduces individual Tri-Citians household tax burden by over $500. In short, the visitor economy enhances quality of life that touches every single Tri-Citian.

The deadline for nominations is September 1, 2022, at that time nominations will be reviewed by the Visit Tri-Cities nominating committee. Once selected, the recipient will be honored at the Visit Tri-Cities Annual Meeting on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, where they will accept the award, as well as receive a $500 gift card sponsored by Battelle.

Kathy Nutt, Wine Club Concierge of Frichette Winery, earned the honor in 2021. Kathy not only provides an amazing customer experience, but she is also a true Tri-Cities ambassador. By enthusiastically sharing local experiences and recommendations for dining out, outdoor recreation, performing arts, and more with visitors, Kathy creates a memorable experience and earned this prestigious recognition. Previous winners include The Lodge at Columbia Point, Red Mountain Trails, the Tri-City Dust Devils, Frost Me Sweet and more! It’s a wide range of businesses but what they all have in common is their commitment to providing an enhanced visitor experience and when visitors experience outstanding service, we all benefit!

For more information or to fill out a nomination form, visit: VisitTri-Cities.com/TCexcellence.