NEW YORK—With a crowd of more than 800 industry and agency professionals, The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) presented the winners of its 55th annual Adrian Awards at the New York Marriott Marquis recently to the top companies and individuals in hospitality, travel and tourism for achievements in advertising, public relations and digital marketing. Founded in 1957, the Adrian Awards embraces every segment of the industry, including hotels, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, destinations, credit card companies and more.
Within this distinguished framework, Costa Rica’s Parador Resort & Spa and its agency, Andria Mitsakos Public Relations (AMPR) received the Platinum award for “Leader in Sustainable Tourism.” Chosen by a judging committee from National Geographic Travel and HSMAI, Parador was upheld as a leading example of sustainable leadership in tourism and hospitality, having shown demonstrable leadership and innovation in preserving and communicating an authentic sense of place through its wisely managed tourism campaign.
This year, there were more than 1,000 entries for awards. “It’s an honor to be recognized among so many deserving participants with this prestigious award,” said Andria Mitsakos, president and CEO of AMPR. “We are committed to providing the best service possible to each and every client, as is Parador Resort & Spa. They are truly unique in their class, with an incredible dedication not only to conservation and preservation, but to making the guest experience as amazing and unforgettable as it should be.”
Platinum Winners Also Gold Winners
The prestigious Platinum winners were chosen as the most extraordinary entrants from the field of Gold winners. Nominees were judged by how their efforts preserve the environmental, cultural and historic integrity of their destination, and how the program demonstrated leadership, innovation and accomplished its goals.
“The fact that National Geographic Travel was a part of the judging committee and chose us as Platinum winners takes our breath away,” said Marja Schans, president of Parador Resort & Spa. “We put our heart and soul into our resort and our commitment towards sustainable tourism, community outreach and education. We are thrilled and want to thank HSMAI and National Geographic Traveler for this honor.”
Winners will also be recognized in a National Geographic Traveler and USA Today ad announcement, plus National Geographic will design a custom created ad unit in a spread in Traveler’s May issue celebrating the winners with photos from the Gala Awards event.
Go to Parador Resort & Spa and AMPR.
