Henderson, KY (November 15, 2024) – The Henderson Tourist Commission shone brightly at the annual Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) Traverse Awards in Covington, taking home multiple prestigious honors across a number of categories. With a record-breaking nearly 300 nominations submitted this year, the Commission’s achievements highlight its dedication to creative and impactful tourism marketing initiatives with a goal of drawing economic impact through tourism to Henderson County.
The highlight of the evening was receiving the Award of Distinction, one of the most coveted honors of the awards show, for the Songs of Summer marketing campaign. This campaign highlighted five signature music festivals featured in Henderson’s summertime lineup, utilizing multiple outlets from video and traditional print ads to a robust digital marketing strategy. The Songs of Summer campaign also earned a Gold award in the Marketing Campaign category, recognizing its exceptional reach and effectiveness.
Other notable wins included:
- Gold in Digital: Gnomes of Audubon State Park social media campaign
- Silver in Destination Management: Welcome, Viking Cruisers!
- Bronze in Video/Podcast: “Take Flight” Audubon bird brand video
Additionally, the Henderson Tourist Commission collaborated on and executed several multi-county projects that garnered high praise:
Best in Show: Kentucky After Dark
- Gold in Marketing Campaign: Kentucky After Dark
- Gold in Digital: Great Big Kentucky Adventure
- Gold in Radio or TV Broadcast Advertising: Kentucky After Dark :15 spot
- Gold in Video or Podcast: Great Big Kentucky Adventure Zaza video
- Gold in Video or Podcast: Kentucky After Dark social series
- Gold in Website: Great Big Kentucky Adventure
Henderson’s leadership of and contributions to these regional initiatives further demonstrate the power of collaboration in showcasing Kentucky’s diverse tourism offerings.
- Silver and Bronze awards recognized excellence in digital marketing, destination management, PR initiatives, and more:
- Silver in Digital: West Kentucky BBQ Belt digital campaign
- Silver in Specialty Item: Kentucky After Dark passport
- Silver in PR Initiative: Kentucky After Dark PR campaign
- Silver in Video or Podcast: “Tune In” promotional video for the Bluegrass, Blues & BBQ Region of Western Kentucky
- Silver in Website: Kentucky After Dark website
- Bronze in ARPA funded projects: Great Big Kentucky Adventure
- Bronze in Destination Management: West Kentucky BBQ Belt
- Bronze in Marketing Campaign: Bluegrass, Blues & BBQ Region of Western Kentucky “Tune In” regional campaign
- Bronze in PR Initiative: Great Big Kentucky Adventure PR initiative
- Bronze in Website: West Kentucky BBQ Belt website
“These awards underscore the passion and creativity of our small but mighty team and partners,” said Abby Dixon, executive director of the Henderson Tourist Commission. “With nearly 300 nominations this year, we’re proud that our work continues to stand out and inspire travel to Henderson County. To be recognized among the best in a state full of incredibly talented tourism leaders is an achievement that all Hendersonians can be proud of.”
The KTIA Traverse Awards celebrate excellence in tourism marketing and innovation across the Commonwealth. Both Dixon and Marketing Director Ellie Kellen were on hand to accept the awards.
Comments