Tourism awards presented during Tuscarawas County open house

The winners of two tourism awards were announced during the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau open house May 6 in downtown New Philadelphia. The event was held to mark National Tourism Week.

The Alpine Hills Museum in Sugarcreek received the Tuscarawas County Excellence in Hospitality Award, while Dennison Mayor Greg DiDonato earned the Tuscarawas County Tourism Ambassador Award.

“The Excellence in Hospitality award goes to a site, a museum or business that really goes above and beyond in welcoming visitors to Tuscarawas County,” said Dee Grossman, executive director of the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The winning organization delivers outstanding customer service and provides meaningful and memorable opportunities for guests while creating an environment that leaves a lasting impression.

“The staff for this museum stands out for its friendly, welcoming attitude, free admission and its role as a visitor information center where guests can find helpful brochures and guides to explore Sugarcreek and Tuscarawas County,” Grossman said.

A nomination for the museum highlighted the knowledge of curator Becky Detwiler, the murals and the rich culture of the community.

“I am just really blown away that we’ve got this award,” Detwiler said. “Because this is my sixth year of being a curator, which is a job that I have never done before. It’s a wonderful gem to have in the village.”

Detwiler said she is always looking for ways to increase recognition for the museum.

“There are some incredible things in that museum. As I have worked at the museum and have learned the stories of the individuals that came to build Sugarcreek, I am just amazed of our forefathers and the ‘can do’ attitude,” Detwiler said.

The Tourism Ambassador Award recognizes an individual or group that best embodies the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s vision of extraordinary leadership and service in promoting Tuscarawas County as a destination.

“This award is for the champions of our county, the people who talk up what makes this place special, who go out of their way to draw visitors in and who lead by example in showing what true dedication to our community looks like,” Grossman said.

Grossman said DiDonato has spent decades promoting and enhancing tourism through public service and has shown a selfless commitment to the greater good.

“His contributions often begin with direct involvement in tourism initiatives such as organizing events, supporting local attractions and helping to ensure that local businesses thrive,” Grossman said.

DiDonato said community pride has played a major role in the village’s progress.

“As many of you know, it’s a new day in the village of Dennison. I don’t say that lightly. We prove it looks different,” DiDonato said.

He pointed to improvements made throughout the village and said renewed pride has helped spark interest in Dennison’s future.

“That is the attitude and the pride that has restored people. Everybody wants to live in a nice community, a nice town, but the people have stepped up and made a difference for everybody,” DiDonato said.

Grossman also announced that Travel Tusc Tickets have returned and are valid from May 5 through Sept. 7 for Tuscarawas County residents to visit participating attractions, although some restrictions apply. A Tuscarawas County Historic Scavenger Hunt also can be completed and entered into a prize drawing.

Representatives from numerous attractions attended the open house to promote upcoming events and activities throughout Tuscarawas County.