Honoring Excellence in Destination Leadership and Marketing
Each year at ESTO, we recognize the visionaries, trailblazers and creative minds shaping the future of destination marketing. Through two prestigious award programs — the State Tourism Director of the Year Award and the ESTO Awards — we celebrate the leaders and teams driving innovation, inspiring travelers and elevating the industry.
These awards honor the bold ideas that travel, engaging communities and redefining what’s possible in destination marketing.
ESTO Awards
The ESTO Awards spotlight the most forward-thinking and effective destination marketing campaigns across the country. With categories that evolve alongside the ever-changing travel marketing landscape, these awards highlight the creative strategies and transformative campaigns that don’t just promote a place, but inspire and stand out.
These awards celebrate excellence in two key categories and are open to all industry colleagues:
- Destination Awards – Recognizing DMOs that push the boundaries of marketing, branding and promotion to elevate their destinations.
- State Awards – Honoring state and territory tourism offices for groundbreaking destination marketing initiatives that drive visitation and economic growth.
Whether recognizing an inspiring leader or a campaign that redefines destination storytelling, the ESTO stage is where the best and brightest are celebrated.
State Tourism Director of the Year Award
Presented by the National Council of State Tourism Directors, this distinguished honor recognizes a state tourism director who has made a lasting impact on travel and tourism in the United States. Selected by their peers, the recipient exemplifies outstanding leadership, strategic vision and a relentless dedication to growing travel to and within their state. Their work not only shapes their destination but also sparks ideas and inspiration for the industry at large.