Spirit of Hospitality Award Honorees

The Spirit of Hospitality is the highest recognition presented annually to individuals and organizations that show exceptional dedication and commitment to the Destinations International Foundation, Destinations International, and the larger travel and tourism industry. This award is presented to an individual or organization for their outstanding service and engagement to the Destinations International Foundation (DIF) during the prior calendar year. 

2024 Honoree: Adam Sacks

For more than 25 years, Adam has worked with destinations, industry associations, and companies around the world in the areas of policy analysis, market assessments, and economic impact.

Adam’s work has provided the foundation for billions of dollars in capital investment decisions by hotel companies, developers, and investors.

Adam also manages the ongoing production of travel forecasts that have consistently guided the travel industry through uncertain times.

He is an authority on measuring the economic impact of visitor activity and his work regularly informs national and local government policy.

Past Honorees

  • 2023 - Too Fly Foundation
  • 2022 - Tourism Cares
  • 2020 - United Airlines
  • 2019 - Samantha Brown
  • 2018 - National Geographic Traveler
  • 2017 - Peter Yesawich, MMGY Global
  • 2016 - U.S. National Park Service
  • 2015 - Brand USA
  • 2014 - James Beard Foundation
  • 2013 - Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
  • 2012 - American Express
  • 2011 - Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association
  • 2010 - Travel Channel
  • 2009 - Anne D. Heller, USAE Custom News
  • 2008 - Arthur Frommer, Frommer's
  • 2007 - Donald S. Freeman Jr., Freeman
  • 2006 - Henry S. Givray, SmithBucklin
  • 2005 - Bruce Harris, CMP, Conferon Global Services, Inc.
  • 2004 - Susan Sarfati, CAE, ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership
  • 2003 - Tom Curley, USA Today
  • 2002 - Jonathan Tisch, Loews Hotels
  • 2001 - The People of Southwest Airlines
  • 2000 - Ted Turner, Time Warner, Inc.
  • 1999 - The Marriott Family
  • 1998 - Roy B. Evans, Jr., CAE, Professional Convention Management Association
  • 1997 - William R. Taylor, CAE, American Society of Association Executives
  • 1996 - Howard F. Mills, Sr., CMP, National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners
  • 1995 - Academy of Travel & Tourism
  • 1994 - Congressman George Thomas, “Mickey” Leland, III