Champions of Tourism Awards
Celebrating the People & Places That Make Gulf County Shine
The Champions of Tourism Awards are your chance to help spotlight the businesses, individuals, and experiences that make Gulf County truly unforgettable. From friendly faces at your favorite local hangout to newcomers making waves in the industry, these awards recognize those who go above and beyond in creating a memorable Gulf County experience.
🗳️ How It Works
Step 1: Nomination Round
September 10 – September 20 at 5:00 p.m. ET
We’re kicking things off with an open nomination round! Community members and visitors are invited to submit nominations for their favorite tourism-related businesses, people, and places across five award categories.
- Each form submission allows one nominee per category
- You may submit as many nomination forms as you'd like
- Top 3 nominees in each category will advance to the final round
Step 2: Final Voting Round
September 29 – October 10 at 5:00 p.m. ET
Once the nomination period ends, the top three finalists in each category will move on to the public voting round. This is where the final Champions of Tourism are selected by popular vote.
- One vote per category per form submission
- Multiple submissions allowed
Step 3: Awards Presentation
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Winners will be announced during the 2025 Champions of Tourism Awards presentation, held at the Annual Meeting at the St. Joseph Bay Golf Club. It’s a celebration of the best in our tourism community—those who go the extra mile and make Gulf County a place people love to return to.
🏆 Winners will receive an official 2025 Champions of Tourism Award—and some serious bragging rights.
To qualify:
- The business/organization must reside in or be a resident of Gulf County, employed or otherwise associated with tourism, travel or hospitality.
- Must contribute to the growth of the local tourism industry.
- Implement innovative sales, marketing, public relations, and social media initiatives to enhance Gulf County's image.
- May not be an elected official or a TDC agency-affiliated member or organization.
- Tourism-associated businesses are defined as travel-related provided by entities that generate bed-tax collection, including; shops, restaurants, retailers, outriggers, tour guides, charter captains, attractions, event planners, equipment rental and/or other visitor resources.
