Excellence in Tourism Awards
Annually, visitors in Lincoln County, Nebraska spend more than $125 million, generate over $10 million in state and local taxes, and support more than 1,500 jobs with a payroll of just under $25 million. Our local tourism partners – hotels, restaurants, retail, attractions, and events continued to greet visitors with warmth, hospitality, and professionalism throughout all of 2022.
During the Excellence in Tourism Luncheon scheduled for May 10, 2023, as a part of National Travel and Tourism Week, Visit North Platte will be presenting five ‘Excellence in Tourism’ awards. The categories for ‘Excellence in Tourism’ awards are for employees of Hotels or other lodging establishments, Restaurants or other food service establishments, Events, Attractions, and Retail. In addition to the five Excellence in Tourism awards, Volunteer of the Year and Hero of Tourism awards will be presented.
Annually, nearly 600,000 visitors will make the trip to North Platte. What attracts these visitors, keeps them coming back and inspires them to tell their friends to visit North Platte? North Platte’s events and attractions are part of the equation, but the single most important factor in making visitors feel welcome and have a positive experience is excellent customer service.
The nominees for the Excellence in Tourism Customer Service awards will be employees (or volunteers) in any of the above categories within Lincoln County who go above and beyond expectations. Anyone with experience of an employee who exhibits exceptional customer service skills at any of these locations is encouraged to submit an award nomination. Nominees for Volunteer of the Year and Hero of Tourism will be individuals who made a significant contribution to the tourism industry in Lincoln County.
Nominations are now closed for 2023 and the winners have been announced and may be viewed below. This page will be updated when it is time to make nominations for the 2024 Excellence in Tourism Awards.
Previous Winners
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Hero of Tourism: Matthew Pederson, Pederson Law Office
Volunteer of the Year: Barb Baldridge, North Platte Pickleball
Excellent Service at an Event: Char Swalberg, North Platte Pow Wow
Excellent Service within a Hotel: Charlotte Korn, Holiday Inn Express
Excellent Service within a Restaurant: Daniel Mages, North 40 Chophouse
Excellent Service within a Retail Establishment: Kelli Nisley, Oasis Travel Center
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Hero of Tourism: Jennifer Priest, Super 8
Volunteer of the Year: Downtown Association Board
Excellent Service at an Event: Jason Bryant, Flatrock Baseball
Excellent Service within a Hotel: Arlene Markley, Hampton Inn
Excellent Service within a Restaurant: Pals Brewing Company
Excellent Service within a Retail Establishment: Sarah Talbott, The Flower Market
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Hero of Tourism: Kirsten Parker, Golden Spike Tower
Volunteer of the Year: Elena Ramos, Buffalo Bill Brawl Boxing Tournament
Excellent Service at an Event: D&N Event Center
Excellent Service within a Hotel: Irene Pearson, Tru by Hilton
Excellent Service within a Restaurant: The Cedar Room
Excellent Service within a Retail Establishment: Jeff Caldwell, Whitetail Cycle Sport
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Hero of Tourism: Dusty Barner, Dusty Trails
Volunteer of the Year: Jack Morris, NEBRASAland Days Buffalo Bill Rodeo
Excellent Service at an Event: Christmas Village Committee, Lincoln County Historical Museum
Excellent Service within a Hotel: Tammy Burkert, Tru by Hilton
Excellent Service within a Restaurant: Lori Bergman, Double Dips Ice Creamery
Excellent Service within a Retail Establishment: Brittany Jepsen & Aaron Adams, Brittany's Boutique