Spirit of Hospitality Award Honorees

The Spirit of Hospitality Award is the highest recognition presented annually to individuals and organizations that show exceptional dedication and commitment to the travel and tourism industry.

Past Honorees

  • 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