Raystown Lake Region Destination Excellence Awards

The Destination Excellence Awards are presented to individuals or organizations that demonstrate excellence welcoming travelers to our destination.

Nominations CLOSE March 10, 2026!

 

Employee of the Year

The Destination Excellence Award for Employee of the Year honors an employee who goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities. Nominees are judged on outstanding service to their place of employment, customers and the community.

 

Volunteer of the Year

The Destination Excellence Award for Volunteer of the Year honors exemplary volunteer service by an individual to make Huntingdon County and the surrounding area a clean, safe and welcoming destination for travelers. Nominees are judged on showing outstanding leadership qualities and dedication to service within a volunteer organization, community or land management agency.

 

Community Impact Award 

The Destination Excellence Community Impact Award celebrates a business's or organization's significant and noteworthy contributions to the tourism industry and community at the local, state, national or global levels.

 

Tourism Innovation Award

The Tourism Innovation Award recognizes a business, organization or individual that has introduced new ideas, programs, technology or experiences that significantly enhance Huntingdon County’s tourism industry. Nominees demonstrate creativity, problem-solving and forward-thinking leadership that drives growth and visitor engagement.

 
Lifetime Achievement Award 

The Destination Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award honors a person whose lifetime body of work has positively impacted the tourism industry and Huntingdon County as a travel destination.

 

Trail Excellence Award

The Trail Excellence Award recognizes a trail, trail system or trail organization that demonstrates outstanding quality, visitor appeal and long-term value to Huntingdon County’s tourism experience.

Recipients of the 2025 Raystown Lake Region Destination Excellence Awards
2025 Raystown Lake Region Destination Excellence Awards Recipients Front Row (L-R): Priscilla Gibboney (Standing Stone Coffee Company, Manager of the Year Award), Patricia B. Swigart (Lifetime Achievement Award), Lori Walters (Timber Run Campgrounds, Employee of the Year Award) Back Row (L-R): April Hearn Feagley (Volunteer of the Year Award), Lonnie Smith Jr. (Free Museum Day, Event of the Year Award), Brad Esposito (on behalf of the East Broad Top Railroad, Community Impact Award)