Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
wins Shining Example Award for marketing efforts

The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing has received the coveted “Best Marketing” Shining Example Award (Category 3) at the Southeast Tourism Society’s annual Connections conference, held last week in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The team won the top prize for their “Missed Milestones” campaign, which tapped into the concept that everyone experienced some sort of missed celebration over the past year and a half—from postponed weddings and honeymoons to canceled birthday trips, derailed graduation ceremonies, and more.

Through the Missed Milestones program, travelers who booked a two-night stay at participating properties in Martin County by December 31, 2020 received a complimentary night stay to redeem at any point in 2021, once they felt comfortable traveling again.

“This innovative program invited potential visitors to celebrate in Martin County with an extra free night when the time was right, all while supporting the local hospitality industry and keeping the destination top-of-mind,” says Ian Centrone, Tourism Public Relations and Community Liaison for Martin County.

The recognition was one of 16 Shining Example Awards presented last week during the annual conference. Headquartered in Roswell, Georgia, the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) is an association that works to unite all segments of the travel and tourism industry through its four pillars of education, advocacy, recognition, and networking. Established in 1983, STS is an engaged network of members from 13 states and the District of Columbia including Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

“We were absolutely elated to accept the prestigious Shining Example Award for our ongoing marketing efforts,” says Nerissa Okiye, Tourism Director of Martin County. “It is truly an honor to see Martin County celebrated alongside such esteemed destinations throughout the Southeast, and we are deeply appreciative for the recognition and ongoing support.”