BETHEL – The people behind the rapid success of Sullivan County’s tourism industry were honored at the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) 2023 Tourism Excellence Awards dinner on Wednesday, December 6 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

The evening highlighted the past year’s motto, “soaring to new heights” in tourism. SCVA Vice-Chair Scott Samuelson noted that the revenue raised by tourism this year surpassed $894 million in visitor expenditures, and highlighted a number of people and organizations who helped make the industry a success.

The event invited guests to share in the tourism-based community and highlight award winners, each for their different contributions to the industry. The honorees included, Rick Lander of Lander’s River Trips (STAR Award for Individual Achievement), Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (STAR Award for Business Achievement), Adam Jacobson, Villa Roma Resort (TOAST Award for Exceptional Service), The Black Library (Emerging Business Award) and Claire Marin, Catskill Provisions (Sullivan Catskills Ambassador Award). Long-time SCVA member Bill Sipos also took home the President’s Pinnacle Award and received a standing ovation.

The award winners and those who accepted on behalf of the honored organizations addressed the crowds, thanking the community for their support in boosting the tourism industry in the area.  

In addition to honoring the award winners, a silent auction at the event generated roughly $4,000, with all of the proceeds going towards the non-profit Ride 2 Survive, a charity group that specializes in assisting with transportation expenses for individuals diagnosed with cancer or pre-malignant conditions.

Serving locally produced drinks to guests was Seminary Hill Cidery. Following a musical performance by local musician Kali Seastrand, who also assists in teaching music for Bethel Woods’ youth programs, guests were invited to board a bus for a complimentary ride through the staple holiday light show, Peace, Love and Lights.

SCVA President and CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood touched on the raging success of the recent promotion of tourism.

“This year’s theme is just a reflection of what 2023 has been, and shows where we are going to be heading in 2024….Behind those incredible numbers lies the hard work, dedication and passion of our 750 plus members,” Byron-Lockwood said. 

“Because of our marketing and each and every one of your commitments to excellence, we’ve achieved such remarkable success.”