News Release
February 22, 2011
Contact: David Blandford
Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau
(206) 461-5806/
dblandford@visitseattle.org
Seattle’s Tourism Community to Present Award for 2011 Tourism Ambassador of the Year
Nomination Deadline: 5 p.m.,Tuesday, March 8
SEATTLE – Nominations are now open for the 2011 Seattle Tourism Ambassador of the Year Award. The award will be presented on behalf of Seattle’s tourism industry at the 2011 Tourism Outlook, the annual meeting of Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, March 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Washington State Convention Center.
This year’s recipient will be selected by a regional judging committee that represents a cross section of the tourism industry – from hotels and attractions, to tour operators, retail establishments and other tourism businesses. Judges will review nominees who display or embody the following attributes and actions:
- Maintains direct contact with visitors and regularly goes above and beyond to serve and assist them
- Represents the tourism industry with the highest professional standards and serves as an example to peers and a mentor to new tourism industry professionals
- Loves their job and is a natural promoter of the city and region
- Routinely displays Seattle’s high service standards
- Serves as an example of achievement and success within the tourism industry
Anyone may submit a nomination of one or more individuals. Simply fill out and submit an online nomination form at
www.regonline.com/tourismoutlook2011 no later than 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2011.
Christi Smither, 2010 Seattle Tourism Ambassador of the Year, is expected to be on hand to present this year’s award. Smither is Senior Onboard Supervisor at Clipper Vacations, the largest tour operator in the Pacific Northwest. During the past year, Smither has represented the tourism industry at civic events, in regional advertisements and media stories and throughout the industry’s broad-reaching Why Tourism Matters campaign.
“My job is perfect for me,” said Smither. “I love people and I love working on the water. The smell of salt water makes me happy. And I love the fact that I promote a place I love to live in. Tourism has enabled me to have the kind of life I wanted to have.”
In addition to this award, the Tourism Outlook will also feature presentation of the inaugural Tourism Leadership Award to Frank K. Finneran, Chairman of the Washington State Convention Center. The event’s keynote address will be presented by Roger Dow, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. To reserve a table register independently, visit
www.regonline.com/tourismoutlook2011.
Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, a private, nonprofit marketing organization, has served as Seattle/King County’s official destination marketing organization (DMO) for more than 50 years. The goal of these marketing efforts is to enhance the employment opportunities and economic prosperity of the region.
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