U.S. Travel Honors Destination Marketers with Destiny, Mercury Awards at ESTO 2024

U.S. Travel Association announced recipients of the 2024 Destiny and Mercury Awards at the 40th annual ESTO conference (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations), held August 11-13 in Columbus, Ohio. Winners were announced at a closing night awards dinner and presentation at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

"The Destiny and Mercury Awards not only recognize creative achievement in destination marketing but also the outstanding effort to inspire visitation and promote travel in savvy and imaginative ways," said Ellen Davis, U.S. Travel Executive Vice President, Business Strategy and Industry Engagement. "Our destination community works every day to grow travel in ways that benefit local economies and communities. Congratulations to all the winners of this year's awards."

Honors in 18 categories were awarded for excellence and creativity in destination marketing and inspiring visitation, a critical component of the continued growth of the travel industry.

Destiny and Mercury Awards

Destiny Awards recognize excellence in destination marketing on the local and regional level, while Mercury Awards recognize achievements on the state level. A panel of nearly 60 esteemed marketing experts selected this year's honorees.

Award categories included: broadcast advertising; video, film or podcast series; public relations campaign; integrated marketing and messaging campaign; and destination website, among others.

View the 2024 Destiny and Mercury Award winners gallery here.

ESTO is an annual conference for destination marketing professionals from city, regional, and state tourism offices. Each year the conference is held in a different destination and features three days of educational sessions, networking opportunities and industry awards.

Also at U.S. Travel's ESTO, in addition to Destiny and Mercury awards, the National Council of State Tourism Directors awarded the 2024 State Tourism Director of the Year to Mike Mangeot, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism.

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation's economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for more information.