The Go Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau recognized five people and groups at its 2013 Annual Meeting that made significant advancements in Wichita’s tourism and hospitality industry. The Go Wichita Industry Awards were presented Thursday, Jan. 23 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport.

Go Wichita Industry Awards were presented in the following categories:

Innkeeper of the Year – Holiday Inn Wichita East I-35. This award honors a hotelier that has gone above and beyond the call of duty to its clients, Go Wichita and the community

Destination Promotion Award – Wichita Festivals. This award acknowledges an attraction or company that has demonstrated an outstanding effort to promote the Wichita area

Corporate Partnership Award – Greater Wichita Sports Commission. This annual award recognizes an organization that has been an outstanding partner with Go Wichita to promote area travel and tourism

Distinguished Service Award – Matt Dolan, Hilton Garden Inn General Manager. This award recognizes an individual who has significantly given time, talents and resources to promote tourism locally, regionally and on a statewide basis

Lifetime Achievement Award – Bobbi Hansen, Sunflower Travel Owner. This rarely given honor recognizes an individual with an unsurpassed commitment to Wichita’s travel and hospitality industry

“2013’s achievements would not have been possible without these exceptional partners,” said Go Wichita President and CEO Susie Santo. “It is an honor to work with these dedicated groups and individuals to highlight the best of our wonderful city.”

About Go Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau
Go Wichita markets the greater Wichita area as a major convention and tourism destination, thereby enhancing the economic development of the city, county, region and state. Go Wichita is led by president and CEO Susie Berglund Santo. In 2012, nearly $1 billion was spent by visitors to the Wichita area. # # #