Agency seeks tourism nominations

The Governor’s Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) is currently accepting nominations for the 2012 Montana Tourism Awards.

Award categories include: Tourism Person of the Year, Tourism Community of the Year, Tourism Event of the Year and Tourism Partnership of the Year.

The Tourism Awards are an opportunity to highlight and distinguish the people, partnerships, communities and events that contribute to Montana’s successful tourism industry.

“We are proud of the work being accomplished throughout Montana’s tourism industry. Without the dedicated efforts of the individuals involved in travel and recreation, tourism wouldn’t be the thriving industry that it is for Montana,” said Director of Commerce Dore Schwinden.

“The $2.5 billion that out-of-state travelers spend in the state annually helps support the myriad of small businesses that make up our main streets and downtowns. It is always a pleasure to acknowledge the people and partnerships that make tourism such a special and essential part of Montana’s economy.”

The award winners will be announced at the 38th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Recreation scheduled for April 11-13 at the Great Falls Best Western Heritage Inn.

Nomination forms are available from the Department of Commerce – Montana Office of Tourism by calling Carmen Levick at 406-841-2872 or e-mail clevick@mt.gov.

The forms are also available electronically at www.travelmontana.mt.gov/conference/awards.asp. The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. March 14.

The 2011 award winners include: Tourism Person of the Year – Dan Thyer from the Montana Heritage Commission, Tourism Event of the Year –Missoula Marathon, and Tourism Partnership of the Year – Glacier National Park Centennial Committee.