Five local frontline tourism-industry employees were recognized as Hospitality Heroes by Visit Pensacola officials at the inaugural National Travel & Tourism Week luncheon on Wednesday afternoon at New World Landing.
Customer satisfaction and loyalty in the hospitality and tourism industry greatly depend on frontline service providers — employees who are in direct contact with the customer. Visit Pensacola created the Hospitality Hero Awards to recognize the Pensacola Bay Area’s outstanding frontline staff at the annual National Travel & Tourism Week luncheon.
The Hospitality Hero Awards went to:
Attractions & Venues – Dan Bizzell with the Pensacola Lighthouse & Museum
Lodging – Tarnecia “Necy†Johnson with Ashton Inn & Suites
Restaurant/Dining – Blair Durant with Pot Roast & Pinot
Shopping – Marindy Bush with the Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar
Transportation – Darius East with Beach Bum Trolley
To celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week, Visit Pensacola is hosting events all week aimed at showcasing Pensacola’s tourism assets and energizing the community.
On Monday, Visit Pensacola organized the Hospitality Olympics at Blue Wahoos Stadium to encourage team building and networking. Frontline staff from businesses around the Pensacola Bay Area competed in five sporting event categories for the chance to win the Hospitality Cup: the Toilet Paper Toss, the Pillowcase Relay, the Pineapple Relay, the Waiter Dash and the Suitcase Relay.
On Wednesday during the luncheon, the Hospitality Olympics winning team was announced and the Hospitality Cup was awarded to the Margaritaville Beach Hotel.
On Friday, May 6, the Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key Visitors Centers will host open houses from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tourism ambassadors will be available to help visitors discover exciting places, events and programs to enjoy here in the Pensacola Bay Area.
On Saturday, May 7, locals will have the opportunity to tour Downtown Pensacola on the Beach Bum Trolley for free (an $18 value). The trolley will have two tours leaving from the Pensacola Visitor’s Center at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Customers will be admitted on a first come, first served basis. A valid local driver’s license is necessary to ride. Children are also welcome.