Help us recognize Thurston County's Tourism Leaders!
Thurston County's tourism industry can only be as successful as the people working behind the scenes planning the events, running the businesses, marketing the area, and of course, making all guests feel welcome and at home here. It's this combined body of work that brings visitors to our area. That said, some individuals truly took hospitality and destination development to the next level in the past 12 months, and these are the people we want to recognize via the 2026 Tourism Awards. The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. Winner's will be recognized on September 30, 2026 at Experience Olympia & Beyond's Annual Meeting.
Please help us by sharing your nomination(s) in the following categories:
Please help us by sharing your nomination(s) in the following categories:
- Boldness in Tourism Award
- Excellence in Hospitality Award
- Patrick Knutson Tourism Legend Award
Please note that the previous two years' winners are not eligible to win the award again!
Boldness in Tourism Award: Amy Evans Harding and Patrick and Christina Costelo
Excellence in Hospitality Award: Chris Murphy and Elise Landry
Patrick Knutson Tourism Legend Award: David Schaffert and George Sharp
Excellence in Hospitality Award: Chris Murphy and Elise Landry
Patrick Knutson Tourism Legend Award: David Schaffert and George Sharp
BOLDNESS IN TOURISM AWARD
This individual brought bold, new ideas and innovative ways of attracting visitors to Thurston County in the past 12 months. They took risks and thought "out of the box," and the result is growing enthusiasm about visiting the iconic destinations in Thurston County.
This individual brought bold, new ideas and innovative ways of attracting visitors to Thurston County in the past 12 months. They took risks and thought "out of the box," and the result is growing enthusiasm about visiting the iconic destinations in Thurston County.
EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY AWARD
This individual is a frontline worker who put in the hours during the past 12 months, made all guests feel welcome, and typified the attributes of a gracious and knowledgeable host. The result of their efforts creates a visitor who is eager to return and visit Thurston County again due to their exceptional customer service.
This individual is a frontline worker who put in the hours during the past 12 months, made all guests feel welcome, and typified the attributes of a gracious and knowledgeable host. The result of their efforts creates a visitor who is eager to return and visit Thurston County again due to their exceptional customer service.
PATRICK KNUTSON TOURISM LEGEND AWARD
The Patrick Knutson Tourism Legend Award honors an individual who has served in the hospitality industry for 10+ years and either currently resides in or has roots in Thurston County. The award winner exemplified the characteristics of leadership, innovation and stewardship in hospitality over his or her lifetime.
The Patrick Knutson Tourism Legend Award honors an individual who has served in the hospitality industry for 10+ years and either currently resides in or has roots in Thurston County. The award winner exemplified the characteristics of leadership, innovation and stewardship in hospitality over his or her lifetime.
It is not necessary to submit a nomination in each category.
Please begin by sharing your contact details and then click "next" to proceed to nominations - there is one award per page.