Tourism is a nearly $3 billion industry in Sussex County, and more than 23,000 jobs in the area are tourism-related.

Tourism revenue saves each Delaware household more than $1,600 in taxes each year. This is due, in large part, to the county’s fortunate geographical location and its beautiful five-star beaches. However, it’s also the result of a lot of initiative, creativity, planning and hard work by the many people and organizations that strive to keep up with changing travel trends, and create and provide the types of attractions, events, activities and services that drive visitors to Sussex County.

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 2024 and October 2025. Nominations must be completed and submitted by Friday, Nov. 7, to be considered. The winners will be announced in December.

“Tourism is a huge economic engine for Sussex County,” said Scott Thomas, Southern Delaware Tourism executive director. “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.”

Previous nominees who have not won an award are eligible for another nomination.

The categories and criteria for each are:

Best Event will be presented to an event held in Sussex County during the eligibility period and is based on visitation draw, uniqueness, out-of-area promotion and helping spotlight Sussex County as a destination.

Best New Event (for first-time events only) will be presented to an event held for the first time in Sussex County during the eligibility period and is based on visitation draw, uniqueness, out-of-area promotion and helping spotlight Sussex County as a destination.

Best Attraction will be presented to a tourism attraction in Sussex County and is based on visitation draw, tourism economic impact to the community, group friendliness and collaboration with accommodations. 

Philanthropic Award will be presented to an individual, business or organization and is 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.

The 2024 recipients of the annual awards were: Best Event, Coastal Delaware Running Festival; Best New Event, Delaware Seafood Festival; Best Attraction, James Farm Ecological Preserve; and Philanthropic Award, Mariah Calagione, co-founder of Dogfish Head, social impact leader, Boston Beer Company.

Past recipients of the annual awards also include Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Festival; Rehoboth Beach Main Street’s Margarita Crawl; Jolly Trolley; Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce; 302 Day; Schellville Enchanted Winter Celebration; Delaware Botanic Gardens; Joshua M. Freeman Foundation; La Vida Hospitality; Winter Delmarva Dogfish Birding Weekends; Ashley Houdbert - Visit Rehoboth/Visit Lewes; Freeman Arts Pavilion; Rehoboth Beach Main Street Inc.; Delaware Sea Grant College Program/University of Delaware; Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall, American Legion Family of Post 17, Lewes; Cinema Art Theater, Rehoboth Beach Film Society; Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival; Delaware Beach Life magazine; Mid Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival; Fire & Ice Festival; Ladybug Music Festival; Freeman Arts Pavilion; Delaware State Parks; Dogfish Dash; Winter Wonderfest; Lefty’s Alley & Eats; Delaware Beach Book; Return Day; First Annual BooBQue by the Sea; Cape Henlopen State Park’s Gordons Pond Trail and Junction & Breakwater Trail; Western Sussex Tourism Committee; Nassau Valley Vineyards; Apple Scrapple Festival; Dogfish Head Brewery Tours; Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival; Lewes Maritime History Trail; Ocean to Bay Bike Tour; Eating Rehoboth Walking Food Tours; and Sea Witch Halloween and Fiddlers’ Festival.

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