Marco “Shines” at 2022 CVB Awards

“And the winner is” was hailed through the banquet hall at the Naples Grande Beach Resort fourteen times on November 21st as the 2022 Paradise Coast Tourism Star Awards were presented. These “Shining Stars” of hospitality, restaurant, sports, arts and culture, eco adventure and more were recognized for their superior quality to enhance the decisions to visit southwest Florida.

Opening remarks were presented by the Paradise Coast Convention and Tourism Executive Director, Paul Beirnes. He joined the team in December 2020 and delivered a positive message regarding the future of the Naples, Marco Island and Everglades regions. Paul’s experience is second to none, having worked as Director of Destination Marketing for the Hilton group, 16 years as director of Global Marketing at Visit Orlando and 10 years in leadership roles at Disney’s Marketing Division.

Beirnes’s message was loud and clear. In spite of Covid and several natural disasters, this coast is rebounding quickly and will once again become a destination for visitors from around the world to enjoy.

More than seventy nominees were selected in the fourteen categories to represent the “best of the best” in the Naples, Marco Island and Everglades region and twenty-five of those nominated were from Marco Island. As you might expect JW Marriott and Marriott Crystal Shores lead the way with representation in multiple categories.

Three of these Marco individuals representing their companies walked away with the distinguished honor of “Shining Stars”. And the Marco winners are:

In the category of Arts and Culture, with stiff competition from several Naples’ institutions, the Marco Island Center for the Arts came away with the award, represented by Hyla Crane. Hyla has a history of working in the cultural field and is skilled in non-profit organization, fundraising, marketing, event management, visual and performing arts and a very strong business development ability. She is a major asset to the Marco Island Center for the Arts and has represented this elite program well. Congratulations to Hyla Crane’s magnificent performance.

In the category for the Eco Adventure Award, Marco’s Dolphin Explorer took home the trophy for the region. I was present to accept this on behalf of the amazing team here. With a motto of “Passion, Integrity, Education” the team of two Master Naturalists, Marine Biologist, Environmental Scientist and marketing pros assure that the public will learn about our fantastic ecosystem and become a Citizen Scientist for a day, helping with the area’s 17-year dolphin study program that distributes reports across the globe. Congrats Team Dolphin Explorer for setting an example for eco attractions!

The Director’s Partnership Award went to JW Marriott and was accepted by Amanda Cox, Director of Sales and Marketing. The Marriott’s “Preserve Paradise” theme has proven to enhance visitor experiences to our Island, as well as working with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to attract individuals, families and conventions to the region. Congratulations JW Marriott!

All of the nominees deserve accolades for their efforts to enhance the nature and culture here in Southwest Florida. They are all winners in this program.

Everyone involved with the Paradise Coast Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau puts forth a first-class effort to draw guests to the region. What a great team with Paul Beirnes at the helm.

The Bureau describes it best: Paradise Coast is where the Gulf of Mexico’s sparkling water meets white sand, wild islands and downtowns filled with artful treasures, culinary delights and countless other discoveries.

Thank you, Paradise Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau for attracting visitors of all kinds to our Southwest Florida gem. Congratulations to the three Marco Island winners and kudos to all of the nominees for representing the area and your businesses. They are all Shining Stars!