*When nominating in the starred categories, you must indicate whether the property has more than or less than 150 rooms.
Roomkeeper of the Year*
Recognizes exceptional service by a non-management employee in the housekeeping department at a lodging property.
Lodging Employee of the Year*
Honors exemplary professionalism and outstanding service by a non-management employee at a lodging property.
Manager/Supervisor of the Year*
Recognizes the professionalism and outstanding service of a management or supervisory employee. Non-lodging employees are also eligible.
General Manager of the Year*
Honors a hotelier who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism. Examples may include revitalizing or opening a new property, significantly improving performance, or achieving strong repeat business.
Director of Sales of the Year* New Category!
Recognizes a lodging sales leader who has demonstrated exceptional performance in driving revenue, building client relationships, and positioning their property competitively in the marketplace. Nominations should highlight: measurable sales growth, innovative sales strategies, team leadership, and contributions to overall property success.
Hotel Management Company of the Year New Category!
Recognizes a property management company that demonstrates excellence in operations, financial performance, and portfolio growth while maintaining high standards across its properties. Considerations include: quality and consistency of guest experience, employee development, operational efficiency, and impact on the communities they serve.
Tourism Executive of the Year
Recognizes a management or executive-level employee for outstanding leadership and service to the industry and their community. Nominees are judged on efforts that go above and beyond their job responsibilities. Non-lodging employees are also eligible.
Sustainable Property of the Year New Category!
Recognizes a lodging property that demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability through operational practices, resource management, and guest engagement. Nominations should highlight: measurable reductions in energy, water or waste; innovative sustainability initiatives; team engagement; cost-saving efficiencies; and contributions to the local community and tourism industry.
Small/Independent Property of the Year
Celebrates a small or independent lodging property (50 rooms or fewer) that showcases architectural distinction, historic preservation, and/or plays a vital role in promoting local tourism. Considerations include: unique architecture or history, guest relations, community engagement, and tourism promotion efforts.
Large Property of the Year
Honors a large lodging property (51 rooms or more) known for outstanding customer service, well-appointed guest rooms and meeting spaces, cleanliness, and tourism impact. Nominations should highlight: guest satisfaction, renovations, community involvement, and promotional efforts.
Resort of the Year
Recognizes a resort that serves as a comprehensive destination, offering diverse amenities such as dining, spa services, recreation, and entertainment — while significantly contributing to the local tourism economy. Judging criteria include: distinctive architecture, unique amenities, guest relations, reviews, community involvement, and tourism promotion.
Property Marketing Campaign of the Year New Category!
Recognizes a lodging property’s in-house marketing team for developing and executing an outstanding campaign or promotional initiative that successfully increased awareness, visitation, bookings, or community engagement. Campaigns may include property anniversaries, special events, seasonal promotions, rebranding efforts, or other creative initiatives that elevated the property and/or destination. Nominations should highlight: campaign goals, creativity, measurable results, audience engagement, and overall impact on the property and/or local tourism economy.