NJTIA Destination Champion Award

The NJTIA Destination Champion Award honors a mayor or municipal leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in positioning their city or town as a premier destination in New Jersey. This award recognizes forward-thinking vision, innovative strategies, and impactful partnerships that elevate a community’s visibility, attract visitors, and enhance the overall tourism experience.

Recipients of this award have successfully leveraged local assets—including arts and culture, events, history, dining, recreation, and placemaking—to create vibrant, engaging, and welcoming environments for both visitors and residents. Through meaningful collaboration with local businesses, tourism organizations, and community stakeholders, they have strengthened economic impact while fostering a strong sense of identity and pride.

The Destination Champion Award celebrates leaders who understand tourism as a powerful economic driver and who actively work to position their communities as must-visit destinations in the Garden State.