Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI) will host its 11th Annual Awards of Distinction ceremony at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park, N.Y. This prestigious event recognizes outstanding contributions to the tourism industry in Dutchess County, honoring individuals and businesses — hotels, restaurants, attractions and experiences — that have positively impacted the Hudson Valley’s expanding tourism sector.

Melaine Rottkamp, DTI president and CEO, congratulated the finalists, stating, “Our success in Dutchess County is the result of an incredible collaboration among our tourism businesses, local communities, and passionate leaders. Together, we’ve created experiences that resonate deeply with visitors, which has led to another record-breaking year — over three quarters of a billion dollars in visitor spending in 2023. This achievement reflects the hard work, creativity, and dedication of everyone involved, and I couldn’t be prouder to recognize these remarkable 22 individuals and businesses that make Dutchess County a destination like no other.”

The Mary Kay Vrba Spirit Award will be presented to David Bova of Millbrook Vineyards and Winery. Bova has demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting Dutchess County’s tourism and hospitality scene, reflecting the spirit of innovation and community that Mary Kay Vrba, former president and CEO of DTI, embodied throughout her career. Bova has been a key figure in the Hudson Valley's wine industry since co-founding Millbrook Vineyards & Winery with John Dyson in 1983. As Vice President and General Manager of Millbrook Vineyards, Bova has overseen the winery’s growth to an annual production of over 15,000 cases, with 35 acres of vinifera vines planted in the Hudson Valley. His leadership has made Millbrook a premier destination for wine lovers, enhancing the region's reputation as a leading wine-producing area. Bova served on DTI’s Board of Directors from 2016 to 2023; he served as board chair in 2021 and 2022 and as past chair in 2023.

The event will also feature remarks from Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “From world-renowned attractions to our hidden gems, Dutchess County has something special for everyone. Congratulations to all the winners, who make it possible for our region to shine as a destination that visitors from near and far cherish,” Serino said. “Their efforts not only enhance our county’s appeal but also play a vital role in supporting our local economy.”

The 2024 Awards of Distinction Finalists:

The Dutchess County Executive’s Award for Overall Distinction recognizes businesses and organizations that have continued to grow, innovate or make other significant investments that make our county a destination that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. The finalists are: 

• Barton Orchards, Poughquag
• Mount Gulian Historic Site, Beacon
• Omega Institute, Rhinebeck

Each nominee for the Newcomer Award of Distinction must be a tourism-related business or attraction that opened between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of 2023 and is located in Dutchess County. While newly opened, these nominees are already making quite an impression on our visitors and community. The finalists are:

• Dassai Blue Sake Brewery, Hyde Park
• The Inn at Bellefield, Hyde Park
•  Willa Bar, Millerton

Nominees for the Event Award of Distinction hosted events that occurred in Dutchess County that brought in visitors through creative, engaging and entertaining experiences and made a positive impact on the tourism economy. These events hosted by these organizations exemplified the very best of what Dutchess County has to offer to its visitors. The finalists are:

• Folklórico de Poughkeepsie’s La Guelaguetza de Poughkeepsie, Poughkeepsie
• Millbrook Vineyards & Winery’s Bernie Williams Jazz in the Vineyard, Millbrook
• Pawling Concert Series, Pawling

Nominees for the Collaboration Award of Distinction are businesses in Dutchess County that have worked together with other local businesses and/or community partners through unique partnerships, integrating products and ingredients or bringing to life an interesting theme to significantly drive tourism to the area and strengthen their businesses. These collaborative endeavors highlight Dutchess County's continuing efforts to present new and exciting events, attractions and locally made products that keep visitors coming back again and again. The finalists are:

• Big Gay Hudson Valley Pride in the Sky Event, Poughkeepsie
• Boutique Wines, Spirits and Ciders, Fishkill
• Howland Cultural Center, Beacon

Nominees for the Storytelling Award of Distinction have demonstrated a unique perspective and ability to connect with visitors when sharing the site’s history, heritage and culture. The finalists are:  

• The Dutchess County Historic Tavern Trail (Dutchess County Department of History), County-wide
• Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Red Hook
• Vassar Alumnae House, Poughkeepsie

The Accessible Hospitality Award of Distinction is awarded to a lodging property, restaurant, attraction or event that goes above and beyond standard Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance to create accessible, supportive and inclusive environments for travelers of all abilities. The finalists are: 

• Hudson Valley Renegades at Heritage Financial Park, Wappingers Falls
• Fisher Center at Bard College, Annandale-On-Hudson
• Trevor Zoo, Millbrook

The Hospitality Service Award of Distinction honors an individual front-line customer service staff member who consistently provides exceptional service to visitors. The finalists are: 

• Cheryl Brown, Executive Housekeeper, Hampton Inn Fishkill
• Mary M. Hackett, Sales and Experience Coordinator, The Inn at Bellefield
• Joseph Caster, General Manager, Shadows on the Hudson

Each finalist is highlighted in featured articles on DTI’s website.

The general public can purchase tickets for the Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction breakfast event at www.DutchessTourism.com/awards. Reservations are required. Attendees will enjoy a breakfast catered by Simply Gourmet featuring donated and locally sourced ingredients, including maple syrup from Soukup Farms, tea from Harney & Sons Teas and dairy products by Hudson Valley Fresh. 

Drawing tickets are also being sold online for a chance to win one of several prize packages, including a Rest & Rejuvenation Retreat at Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, one food enthusiast class at The Culinary Institute of America, a pair of tickets to Mount Gulian Historic Site’s Annual Historic Dinner Event, and gift certificates to Restaurant Six at Curry Estate, Oblong Books, Schatzi's Pub and Bier Garden, and Zeus Brewing Company. In-person attendance is not required to win.

The Awards of Distinction event is supported by diamond sponsors Changing Our World and iHeart Media of the Hudson Valley and platinum sponsors Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott Poughkeepsie, Empire Merchants North, Hudson Valley Renegades, The Inn at Bellefield, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, and Nuvance Health. Sponsorship opportunities at various levels of support are still available for this event. Please contact Colleen Dorney at colleen@dutchesstourism.com for details.