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ESTO Awards

Meet the 2025 Finalists

The U.S. Travel ESTO Awards celebrates creative excellence across two distinct programs:

Destination Awards (formerly Destiny) – Honoring destination marketing offices (DMOs) that push the boundaries of marketing and promotion.

State Awards (formerly Mercury) – Recognizing state and territory tourism offices for standout destination marketing initiatives.

We’re thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 ESTO Awards!

These organizations represent the very best in destination marketing—bringing bold ideas, data-driven creativity, and deep community impact to life through their work. Their campaigns and leadership reflect the future of our industry, and we can’t wait to celebrate their achievements at ESTO in Phoenix. Explore the full list of finalists below.

Destination Finalists

Bridging Communities Award Multiuse Event Center
Bridging Communities Award Tampa Bay’s Story in Color
Digital Brilliance Award Explore Natural Martin Video Series
Digital Brilliance Award Play Coastal Mississippi
Excellence in Print Marketing 2024-2025 GULF TO BAY MAGAZINE
Excellence in Print Marketing 2025 VisitNorfolk City Guide
Immersive Experiences Award Immersive Experience Award (Big Dam Party)
Immersive Experiences Award Surprisingly Savannah Mobile Tour
Innovation Award Newport Beach is Calling
Marketing Momentum Award: Overall DMO Marketing Budget Less Than or Equal to $5 Million Celebrating 40 Years of Cityhood: How Visit West Hollywood invited the world to experience this Iconic destination
Marketing Momentum Award: Overall DMO Marketing Budget Less Than or Equal to $5 Million Have Your Day in Cleveland
Marketing Momentum Award: Overall DMO Marketing Budget Less Than or Equal to $5 Million Visit Jackson: Little Light of Mine
Marketing Momentum Award: Overall DMO Marketing Budget Less Than or Equal to $5 Million Visit KC’s 2024 “From the Heart” Campaign
Marketing Momentum Award: Overall DMO Marketing Budget More Than $5 Million LET’S SHINE IN ST. PETE-CLEARWATER
Marketing Momentum Award: Overall DMO Marketing Budget More Than $5 Million Miami Beach Spring Break Reality Check
Marketing Momentum Award: Overall DMO Marketing Budget More Than $5 Million There’s Only One DC

State Finalists

Placeholder Award Placeholder Title
Bridging Communities Award Sunflower Summer
Excellence in Print Marketing Nevada Adventure Guide by Travel Nevada
Excellence in Print Marketing Wyoming’s Road Trip Sticker Program
Marketing Momentum Award: Overall State Marketing Budget More Than $10 Million Elevating Colorado’s Peak Culinary Scene
Marketing Momentum Award: Overall State Marketing Budget More Than $10 Million Star of the North – Spring/Summer Tourism
Marketing Momentum Award: Overall State Marketing Budget More Than $10 Million Tennessee Playcation Kid's Guide with Dolly Parton