Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association honored the tourism industry’s top accomplishments, businesses and individuals Thursday, May 30, to a record crowd during the 27th Annual Pinnacle Awards MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center hosted by Visit Kingsport.

Presented by Bristol Motor Speedway and produced in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, representatives from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association were on hand as top performers who contribute to tourist related community and economic development in the Northeast Tennessee region were honored. The organization broke another record with more than 100 nominations in categories for marketing, advertising, events, attractions, individual achievement, and supporting business awards.

Ranked by a panel of judges within the tourism and hospitality industry across the United States, yet another new record of 44 Pinnacle Awards were given to the top nomination in each category. 

The event also hosted graduates of the Hospitality & Tourism Certificate program in partnership between East Tennessee State University and Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association.

Tourism is the largest economic driver in Tennessee. Northeast Tennessee generates more than $841 million in direct visitor spending, more than $205 million in payroll while employing 6,800 people, and generating $32 million in local sales tax annually.

Pinnacle Awards were given to the following projects, events and individuals in both small and large budget categories:

Among the local winners:

Best Sports Event: Firefly 5K Run/Walk and Bands of America

Print Ad: Elizabethton-Carter County Tourism: American Road Magazine
Visit Kingsport: TN Vacation Guide

Adventure Tourism Outfitter: Hellbender Outfitters (Nominated by Main Street Elizabethton)