Abilene Celebrates Tourism Leaders at the 23rd Annual Heroes of Tourism Awards Luncheon

ABILENE, Texas – May 8, 2024 – The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), an affiliate of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, hosted its 23rd annual Heroes of Tourism (HOT) Awards Luncheon on May 8, 2024, at The Grace, honoring local individuals, organizations, and businesses for their significant contributions to the city's flourishing tourism industry. The event recognized the efforts of community members in promoting Abilene and contributing to its tourism sector.

The HOT Host program celebrated 64 individuals who generated 85 of the 234 meetings and events held in Abilene last year. These events brought in 133,016 delegates, generating 59,931 room nights and $42,677,729 of economic impact for the city.

Belt Buckle Distillery, led by the efforts of Larry Sanders and Keith Sanders, won the 2024 Community Awareness Award for significantly enhancing local tourism and cultural engagement in Abilene.

Austin Connors, general manager of the Abilene Convention Center, received the 2024 Ambassador of Tourism Award for his work in rejuvenating the Center’s entertainment programming, collaboration with local tourism partners, and dedication to community.

Potosi Live received the 2024 Center Stage Award for their role in maintaining Abilene's Music Friendly Community status, supporting local talent, and contributing to the city's live music scene, alongside being nominated for Venue/Nightclub of the Year at the 2024 Annual Texas Regional Radio Music Awards.

Bobby Bhakta was honored with the event’s top tourism honor, the 2024 HATS OFF Award, for his decades-long commitment to the hospitality industry in Abilene, providing exemplary service and fostering a thriving tourism environment through his hotel operations.

The Hotel Sales Award, Hotel Front Desk Award, and Hotel Housekeeper Award were presented to outstanding individuals in the hospitality industry for their exceptional service and dedication. Shaye Thompson with the Residence Inn & Courtyard Marriott South received the Hotel Sales Award, while the Hotel Front Desk Award was given to Brittney Chadwick with the DoubleTree Abilene Downtown Convention Center. Syntisha Helser with the DoubleTree Abilene Downtown Convention Center was honored with the Hotel Housekeeper Award.

The most recent 2022 data provided by Travel Texas, the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Division, shows travel spending contributing $555 million to the local economy. Abilene’s travel industry supports 3,630 jobs and generated local tax revenues of $16 million.

The annual Heroes of Tourism Awards Luncheon is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding organizations and individuals who contribute to Abilene's growing tourism economy, demonstrating the vital role that tourism plays in the city's prosperity.

"We are immensely grateful for the passionate individuals who work tirelessly to showcase the beauty of Abilene and make it a welcoming destination for visitors. Their collective efforts enrich our community and fuel the growth and success of our tourism industry, and we are proud to celebrate them," said Robert Lopez, Vice President of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For more information about the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Heroes of Tourism Awards Luncheon, please call 325-676-2556 or email info@abilenevisitors.com.