Best of Show Winners honored at HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala — Photo by HSMAI
HSMAI Adrian Awards Best of Show for Public Relations Presented by Roger Dow and Bruce Himelstein to Hilton Hotels & Resorts — Photo by HSMAI
The Leader in Sustainable Tourism Award from HSMAI and National Geographic Traveler presented to Namibia and Sustainable Travel International — Photo by HSMAI
The HSMAI Adrian Award Best of Show for Advertising 2010 was presented to Barbados Tourism Authority and MMG Worldwide — Photo by HSMAI
HSMAI Adrian Awards Best of Show for Digital Marketing Presented to the New Mexico Tourism Department and M&C Saatchi — Photo by HSMAI

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) presented the winners of its 54th annual Adrian Awards at the New York Marriott Marquis on Monday night.

A crowd of more than 800 industry and agency professionals gathered to honor the top companies and individuals in hospitality, travel and tourism industries for achievements in the fields of advertising, public relations and digital marketing. The evening also featured specialty awards from American Express, DEPARTURES, National Geographic Traveler, and TRAVELCLICK.

“This year’s Adrian Awards highlighted an unprecedented level of talent and creativity from travel and hospitality sales and marketing professionals,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “HSMAI congratulates all of the 2010 Adrian Award winners.”

The 2010 Adrian Awards received nearly 1,200 entries from around the globe. The prestigious Platinum winners were judged to be the most extraordinary entrants from the field of Gold winners. Chosen from the Platinum winners, the highest distinction of Best of Show for the divisions of advertising, public relations and digital marketing went to:

  • Advertising “Best of Show” - Barbados Tourism Authority and its agency MMG Worldwide for their “Long Live Life” campaign
  • Public Relations “Best of Show” - Hilton Hotels & Resorts for its “Up in the Air Film Partnership”
  • Digital Marketing “Best of Show”- New Mexico Tourism Department and M&C Saatchi for its “Day of Enchantment” entry

HSMAI Adrian Awards Gold Award winners were honored throughout the Gala and displayed during the Gold Award Gallery Reception, presented with partner Expedia Media Solutions prior to the Gala.

In addition to its Adrian Awards, HSMAI recognized the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing and presented two individuals with the top honor of Lifetime Achievement. The awards recognized the recipients for their significant contributions and lasting impressions on the hospitality and travel industry.

HSMAI's annual Albert E. Koehl Award for advertising and marketing was awarded to J.W. Marriott, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. The Winthrop W. Grice Award for public relations excellence was bestowed upon Nancy Friedman, founder, Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations.

"I'm so proud to accept this award on behalf of our 12,000 + sales and marketing and reservation executives around the world,” said Mr. Marriott in accepting the award from last year’s honoree, Sir Sol Kerzner, Chairman and CEO of Kerzner International. "We've been active members of HSMAI since those early years and will continue on," he added.

Nancy Friendman, after accepting her award from last year’s honoree, Vivian Deuschl, Corporate Vice President of Public Relations, Ritz-Carlton, said, "My mother once said that I majored in travel in college, and… like most mother’s …she was right. Being able to marry my passions has provided me with a lifetime of very enriching memories. Thank you all who helped me achieve and receive the prestigious Winthrop Grice Award from HSMAI tonight. It has truly been a magic carpet ride."

A new addition to the Adrian Awards line-up was the HSMAI and National Geographic Traveler “Leader in Sustainable Tourism” award. The inaugural Platinum award was presented to Namibia and Sustainable Travel International.

The DEPARTURES Luxury Marketing Achievement Award was presented to Barbados Tourism Authority and MMG Worldwide.

TRAVELCLICK paid tribute to the best integrated eMarketing program in the hotel industry with the eMarketer of the Year award, presented to KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort.

The first American Express Loyalty Award went to Hotels.com, Welcome Rewards by Hotels.com, and Y&R Chicago.

Founded in 1957, the Adrian Awards embraces every segment of the industry, including hotels, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, destinations, credit card companies and more. Winners are selected from a field of 1,100 entries by senior industry and media experts. For more information, visit .

About HSMAI

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry's leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as the Commercial Strategy Conference, Sales Leader Forum, and Adrian Awards. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org.

Bo Morris
Edelman for HSMAI
407-377-6867
HSMAI

Meet HSMAI at