Southern Delaware Tourism Awards nominations due Nov. 12

Tourism is a $2 billion and growing industry in Sussex County.

In fact, more than 16 percent of all jobs in the county – almost 20,000 of them - are tourism related, and tourism revenue saves each Delaware household over $1,500 in taxes each year. This is due in large part to the state’s fortunate geographical location and the beautiful 5-star beaches, but also the result of a lot of initiative, creativity, planning and hard work. Many people and organizations strive to keep up with changing travel trends in order to create and provide the types of attractions, events, activities and services that drive visitors to Sussex County.

Doing all of this suddenly became much more challenging when the pandemic began in March 2020, and the challenges remain. In recognition of that, Southern Delaware Tourism has retooled its award categories this year to reflect the incredible ingenuity, resilience and community spirit that its tourism partners have demonstrated duringthe last year and a half.

Area residents and businesses are asked to nominate groups or individuals who have made significant contributions to the tourism industry in Sussex County between October 2019 and October 2021. To be considered, nominations must be completed and submitted by Friday, Nov. 12. The winners will be announced in December.

“Tourism is a huge economic engine for Sussex County,” said Scott Thomas, executive director of Southern Delaware Tourism. “This is our way of honoring those that have gone above and beyond to contribute to the tourism industry in our area. We encourage everyone to consider who they think may be worthy recipients of these awards, and to nominate them.”

Organizers encourage both new nominations and resubmission of previous entries that have not yet won an SDT award.

Categories and criteria for each are:

The Pioneer Award will be presented to an individual, business or organization and based on a new tourism product developed to meet changing consumer behavior and demands. Nominees should highlight their innovative approach to being the first to apply a new activity or service that caters to visitors of Sussex County.

The Perseverance Award will be presented to an individual, business or organization and based on continued effort to overcome obstacles resulting in a successful tourism venture. Nominees should highlight obstacles encountered, work ethic, perseverance and results achieved.

The Pivot Award will be presented to a business or organization and based on adjustments brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic to better cater to visitors and guests. Nominees should highlight the changes made and how those changes helped the business survive and even thrive during this dynamic and unprecedented period.

The Philanthropic Award will be presented to an individual, business or organization and based on contributing to and promoting the welfare of the community that makes Sussex County a better place to visit. Nominees should highlight all relevant resources and assistance provided to make the county a better destination.

Tourism Partner of the Year Award will be presented to an individual, business or organization and based on collaborative efforts working with Southern Delaware Tourism and/or chambers of commerce in Sussex County. Nominees should highlight shared resources used to develop tourism products, services or attractions.

2019 recipients of the annual awards included:

• Best New Event: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall, The American Legion Family of Post 17, Lewes
• Best Attraction: Cinema Art Theater, Rehoboth Beach Film Society
• Best Event: Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival (SoDel Fest), Creative Coastal Connections Corp
• Tourism Partner of the Year: Delaware Beach Life magazine.

Past recipients of the annual award also include Mid Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival, Fire & Ice Festival,Ladybug Music Festival, Freeman Stage, Delaware State Parks, Dogfish Dash, Winter Wonderfest, Lefty’s Alley & Eats, Delaware Beach Book, Return Day, Cape Henlopen State Park’s Gordons Pond Trail and Junction & Breakwater Trail, Western Sussex Tourism Committee, Freeman Stage at Bayside, Nassau Valley Vineyards, Apple-Scrapple Festival, Dogfish Head Brewery Tours, Lewes Maritime History Trail, Eating Rehoboth Walking Food Tours, and Sea Witch Halloween and Fiddlers’ Festival.

To learn more and obtain nomination forms and instructions, go to VisitSouthernDelaware.com or call 302-856-1818.