Release Date: Oct. 27, 2009

Tourism Bureau Wins RUBY

CINCINNATI, OHIO — At last week’s annual Conference on Tourism, hosted by the Ohio Travel Association (OTA), the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism won a RUBY Award for the brochure Arts & Quilts of Amish Country and Citation of Excellence for the travel planner Hearts & Hands.

 

The annual Ruby Awards competition is OTA’s way of honoring those who have found the most innovative and creative ways to market their destination, attraction or services. In the twelfth year of the RUBY (Recognizing Uncommon Brilliance) Awards, OTA recognizes outstanding artistry in the diverse field of travel and tourism marketing and advertising.

 

OTA members and travel and tourism entities within Ohio submitted their best material in 15 categories. More than 140 entries were submitted this year alone. Five professionals representing marketing, advertising and public relations firms volunteered to serve as judges.

Winners in each category receive the RUBY Award. Runners-up receive the Citation of Excellence. The RUBY Awards are sponsored by Ohio Magazine and awarded at the annual Conference on Tourism.

 

Shasta Mast, Executive Director of the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, attended this year’s conference Oct. 21 – 23 in Cincinnati. The Conference on Tourism, the state’s annual conference for the travel and tourism industry, provides educational programming and networking to industry professionals. Leaders in the tourism industry are recognized for their work.

 

“While I was thrilled and honored to accept the RUBY and Citation of Excellence, the success we achieve is due to a fantastic team who constantly looks for better ways to promote Amish Country. I look forward to coming into the office every day to work with Bonnie, Andrea and Danara. We’re also so lucky to have the support of our Tourism Council and Chamber Board who encourage us to try new things,” Mast said.

 

Arts & Quilts of Amish Country and Hearts & Hands were designed by Kleidon & Associates.

 

Delegates to this year’s conference attended educational programs highlighted by keynote addresses from Jim Brody, TripAdvisor; Bruce Turkel, TURKEL; Jason Weaver, Sway, Inc.; and Ohio’s State Tourism Director Amir Eylon.

 

Annual visitors spend $38 billion in Ohio and generate $2.5 billion in state and local tax revenue.

 

The Ohio Travel Association is the largest travel and tourism industry association in Ohio. Members include travel and tourism professionals representing hotels, restaurants, attractions and destination marketing organizations, as well as representatives from tour companies that package and sell group tour vacations. OTA provides its members with legislative representation and educational and sales opportunities. For more information on OTA, visit its website at www.ohiotravel.org.