POCONO MOUNTAINS VISITORS BUREAU RECOGNIZES TOURISM HEROES AT TOURISM ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS LUNCHEON

04/15/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alicia M. Quinn
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Phone: 570.421.5791
alicia@poconos.org

POCONO MOUNTAINS VISITORS BUREAU RECOGNIZES TOURISM HEROES AT TOURISM ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS LUNCHEON

POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA, April 14, 2009 - Travel and tourism serves as the largest industry in the Pocono Mountains. This identifies the need for remarkable hospitality and service by employees across the Pocono Mountains region. The main goal is to ensure that each visitor receives the best Pocono Mountains experience. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) will be honoring employees who set this standard at the Pocono Mountains Tourism Achievement Awards Luncheon on May 13, 2009, as part of Pocono Mountains Tourism Day at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware, PA. 

Awards will be presented to individuals for the following categories:
Brand Hero Awards are given to employees who have shown exemplary skills when in contact with guests, have been recognized for service skills and have been trained in the Pocono Mountains Enculturation Program. The Outstanding Tourism Employee of the Year is presented to an employee who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an employee who has longevity in the Pocono Mountains tourism industry and has been a longtime contributor to the success of their property.

PMVB member properties will be awarded in the following categories:
The Community Service Award will be presented to a property for their demonstrated commitment to the community through fundraising, in-kind donations and service to organizations. The Brand Champion Award will be given to a property that has the highest percentage of employee completion of the Pocono Mountains Brand Enculturation Training Program. The Green Award will be presented to the PMVB member that demonstrates environmental stewardship through their operations, programs and services.

Plan to attend Pocono Mountains Tourism Day on May 13, to learn about "Turning Green into Green" and find out how being green makes sense environmentally and financially. Tourism Day is also a great opportunity to network with other tourism industry professionals. 

Register now for Tourism Day and the Tourism Achievement Awards Luncheon by visiting www.800poconos.com/tourismday. Cost to attend Tourism Day is $75/members and $95/non-members, which includes the luncheon.  Tickets to attend the Awards Luncheon are only $25 each.

For more information on the Tourism Achievement Awards, contact Ann Pilcher at 570-421-5791 or email ann@poconos.org.        

Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).  The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.  

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