MYSTIC, CT (May 29, 2013) — The Eastern Connecticut Regional Tourism District/Mystic Country announces the 2013 Pineapple Award winners from Connecticut’s Eastern District. Pineapple Awards are State of Connecticut tourism industry awards recognizing excellence in tourism.
The awards were given out by Randy Fiveash, Director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism, at the Connecticut Conference on Tourism, Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Pineapple Awards go to people and businesses in the state’s three tourism regions. The 2013 winners and nominees from Eastern Connecticut are:
Excellence in Tourism Image. An organization recognized for effectively promoting its business as a part of Connecticut’s tourism product.
Winner: Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme
Nominees also included: Coventry Regional Farmer’s Market, Coventry; USS Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum, Groton
Tourism Ambassador. An organization recognized for consistently supporting tourism with value added contributions.
Winner: Waterford Hotel Group, Waterford
Nominees also included: Olde Mistick Village Merchants’ Association, Mystic; WINY Radio, Putnam
Excellence in Tourism Service and Hospitality. An individual recognized for consistently providing exceptional service to the visitor and who understands the true meaning of hospitality.
Winner: Linda Auger, Taylor Brooke Winery, Woodstock
Nominees also included: Michael Creighton, Mystic Marriott, Mystic; Leslie Ricard, Mystic Hilton, Mystic
Volunteer of the Year. An individual recognized for furthering the tourism industry by his or her volunteer efforts, time and commitment.
Winner: Rita Schmidt, Mystic
Nominees also included: Lori Woll, Saybrook
Lifetime Achievement Award. An individual who, throughout his or her career, has had a profound positive impact on Connecticut’s tourism industry.
Winner: Peter Glankoff, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Public Affairs at Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation.
Mystic Country is a destination that blends the tranquility of classic New England seascapes and scenic rolling hills with rich cultural heritage and sophisticated, top-flight entertainment. Home to Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mohegan Sun and National Scenic Byway Route 169, Mystic Country covers the eastern third of Connecticut — 42 towns easily reached by car, bus or train (Amtrak) from Boston, Providence and New York, and accessible from all regional airports. Visit the website at http://Mystic.org.