The 2026 Georgia Tourism Excellence Awards were presented at the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (GACVB) Annual Conference, held at the Atlanta Marriott Gateway Hotel in partnership with the ATL Airport District. The annual awards program recognizes outstanding achievements across Georgia’s tourism industry, celebrating the individuals and organizations setting new standards in marketing, leadership, innovation, and community impact.

This year’s honorees exemplify the forward-thinking strategies, creative execution, collaborative spirit and passion that continue to strengthen Georgia’s tourism economy.

Photographs from the awards ceremony can be found here.

Award winners are as follows:

Excellence in Marketing Strategy Award
Recognizing a bold and effective marketing initiative that elevates a destination’s brand and drives results.

●     Budget Below $500,000
Visit Marietta earned top honors for developing a rebrand rooted in community insight, centered around its historic square as the heart of the destination. Through strategic storytelling, partnerships, and events, the campaign increased engagement, visitation, and local pride.

●      Budget Over $500,000
Visit Savannah was recognized for its collaboration with Saks Fifth Avenue and LoveShackFancy. By blending travel with retail and lifestyle branding, the campaign reached new audiences through immersive experiences and influencer engagement, generating nearly 29 million impressions and exceeding performance benchmarks.

 Tourism Innovator Award
Presented to an individual or organization enhancing the visitor experience through creative product development, infrastructure, or programming.

●      Visit Perry received the award for its “We Speak Perry” program, which evolved from a training initiative into a community-driven movement that encourages authentic, person-to-person storytelling and sparks new, tangible marketing tools.

 Champion of Policy and Progress Award
Recognizing a government leader whose advocacy and leadership have advanced tourism in their community.

●      Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, CEO of DeKalb County, was honored for integrating tourism into broader community development through initiatives tied to global events, expanded arts access, and support for local businesses.

 Tourism Leadership Award
Honoring an individual whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the tourism industry.

●      Beth Bailey of See Clayton County was recognized for her career-long commitment to advancing tourism, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing the visitor experience in her community.

Tourism Rising Star Award
Celebrating an emerging leader already making a meaningful impact in the industry.

Abby Smith of Visit Marietta was recognized for her work in elevating the destination through creative initiatives, including enhancements to the Welcome Center and support of local arts and makers.

Tourism Legacy Award
Honoring an individual with a distinguished career of more than 30 years in tourism.

●      Jo Ann Haden-Miller of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau was recognized for her decades of leadership in shaping Atlanta’s tourism landscape, advancing cultural initiatives, and mentoring future industry leaders. 

Destination Marketing Organization of the Year
Recognizing a DMO whose strategy, creativity, and partnerships have driven exceptional results.

●      Visit Athens received this distinction for promoting major developments like Akins Ford Arena, supporting new attractions and events, and driving visitation through strategic storytelling and partnerships.