The International Inbound Travel Association is proud to recognize excellence in the international inbound community through the annual Stanley Awards, named in honor of Stanley Fisher, founder of Allied Tours and recognized as a founder of the U.S. inbound industry.
The Stanley Awards are presented to today’s industry leaders…leaders that promote excellence and professionalism in the international inbound market.
2019 IITA Stanley Award Categories and Criteria
Award Categories and Criteria:
The previous year’s award recipients are not eligible for nomination in the following award categories.
Nomination – This award category will receive nominations from member Inbound Operators. Nominations must be made in writing with a brief description of how the nominee meets the awards criteria. Voting – The top three nominees, as determined by number of nominations, will be on the final ballot. This award will be voted on by member Inbound Operators. Award Criteria: Recipients of the Award for Excellence in Inbound Destination Marketing will demonstrate excellence in international marketing, operations and collaboration with inbound operators. When making nominations for this award, IITA inbound operator members may consider the following: o Has the DMO through their sales and marketing efforts over the past year, contributed to the growth and development of inbound tourism? o Is the organization’s staff knowledgeable about the inbound market, its specific needs and requirements? o Has the DMO helped its staff and the community prepare for international visitors? o Do they effectively market their product internationally while protecting the interest of inbound tour operators? o Does the DMO partner/collaborate with inbound operators to develop markets and grow international visitation? o Does the organization communicate with inbound tour operators in a clear and concise manner?o Are questions and complaints handled in an efficient manner?
Nomination – This award category will receive nominations from member Inbound Operators. Nominations must be made in writing with a brief description of how the nominee meets the awards criteria. Voting – The top three nominees, as determined by number of nominations, will be on the final ballot. This award will be voted on by member Inbound Operators. Award Criteria: Recipients of the Award for Excellence in Lodging will demonstrate excellence in international marketing, operations and collaboration with inbound operators.When making nominations for this award, IITA inbound operator members may consider the following: o Do they provide information in a timely manner regarding reservations, closeout dates, renovations, etc.? o Do they effectively market their product overseas while still protecting the interest of inbound tour operators? o Do they understand the particular needs of inbound tour operators?o Do reservations for groups and individuals flow smoothly from one department to another? o Are quotes, questions and complaints handled in an efficient manner? o Has the organization through their sales and marketing efforts over the past year, contributed to the growth and development of inbound tourism? o Is the organization’s staff knowledgeable about the inbound market, its specific needs and requirements? o Has the lodging property helped its staff and the community prepare for international visitors?
o Does this organization communicate with Inbound Operators in a clear and concise manner?
Nomination – This award category will receive nominations from member Inbound Operators. Nominations must be made in writing with a brief description of how the nominee meets the awards criteria. Voting – The top three nominees, as determined by number of nominations, will be on the final ballot. This award will be voted on by member Inbound Operators. Award Criteria: o Do they effectively market their product internationally while protecting the interest of inbound tour operators? o Does the organization communicate with inbound tour operators in a clear and concise manner? o Do they understand the particular needs of inbound tour operators? o Do reservations for groups and individuals flow smoothly from one department to another? o Are quotes, questions and complaints handled in an efficient manner? o Does the organization provide effective training for staff regarding international visitors? o Has the organization through their sales and marketing efforts over the past year, contributed to the growth and development of inbound tourism? o Is the organization’s staff knowledgeable about the inbound market, its specific needs and requirements?o Is service personal professional in behavior and appearance?
Recipients of the Award for Excellence in Transportation will demonstrate excellence in international marketing, operations and collaboration with inbound operators. When making nominations for this award, IITA inbound operator members may consider the following:
o Does this organization communicate with inbound tour operators in a clear and concise manner?
Nomination – This award category will receive nominations from member Inbound Operators. Nominations must be made in writing with a brief description of how the nominee meets the awards criteria. Voting – The top three nominees, as determined by number of nominations, will be on the final ballot. This award will be voted on by member Inbound Operators Award Criteria: o Does this organization communicate with inbound tour operators in a clear and concise manner? o Do they provide information in a timely manner regarding reservations, closeout dates, renovations, etc.? o Do they effectively market their product internationally while protecting the interest of inbound tour operators? o Does the organization communicate with inbound tour operators in a clear and concise manner? o Do they understand the particular needs of inbound tour operators? o Do reservations for groups and individuals flow smoothly from one department to another? o Are quotes, questions and complaints handled in an efficient manner? o Does the organization provide effective training for staff regarding international visitors? o Has the organization through their sales and marketing efforts over the past year, contributed to the growth and development of inbound tourism? o Is the organization’s staff knowledgeable about the inbound market, its specific needs and requirements?
Recipients of the Award for Excellence in Attractions and Experiences will demonstrate excellence in international marketing, operations and collaboration with inbound operators. When making nominations for this award, IITA inbound operator members may consider the following:
Nomination – This award category will receive nominations from member Inbound Operators. Nominations must be made in writing with a brief description of how the nominee meets the awards criteria. Voting – The top three nominees, as determined by number of nominations, will be on the final ballot. This award will be voted on by member Inbound Operators Award Criteria: o Does this organization communicate with inbound tour operators in a clear and concise manner? o Do they provide information in a timely manner regarding reservations, closeout dates, renovations, etc.? o Do they effectively market their product internationally while protecting the interest of inbound tour operators? o Does the organization communicate with inbound tour operators in a clear and concise manner? o Do they understand the particular needs of inbound tour operators? o Do reservations for groups and individuals flow smoothly from one department to another? o Are quotes, questions and complaints handled in an efficient manner? o Does the organization provide effective training for staff regarding international visitors? o Has the organization through their sales and marketing efforts over the past year, contributed to the growth and development of inbound tourism? o Is the organization’s staff knowledgeable about the inbound market, its specific needs and requirements?
Recipients of the Award for Excellence in Dining will demonstrate excellence in international marketing, operations and collaboration with inbound operators. When making nominations for this award, IITA inbound operator members may consider the following:
Nomination – This award category will receive three nominations from the IITA Chairman. Nominations must be made in writing with a brief description of how the nominee meets the awards criteria. Voting – This award will be voted on by the IITA Board of Directors. A tie would be broken with a vote from the chairman. Award Criteria:
This special award recognizes an organization for its outstanding contribution to IITA.
The following awards may be received once in a lifetime.
Nomination – This award category will receive nominations from the IITA membership. Nominations must be made in writing with a brief description of how the nominee meets the awards criteria. Voting – All nominees will be on the final ballot. This award will be voted on by the IITA membership. Award Criteria: o Has the nominee demonstrated leadership through noteworthy or special contributions and achievements within the inbound community or profession? o Has the nominee demonstrated a high level of professional integrity throughout their career? o Has the nominee been dedicated to growing inbound travel to the U.S. and advancing inbound travel standards and practices?
In honor of Stanley Fisher’s contribution to IITA and the travel industry, this award recognizes an individual for his or her outstanding contributions and dedication to the inbound industry over their lifetime. This award may be presented to an individual from a supplier, inbound operator or destination management organization or be an industry leader. When making nominations for this award members may consider the following:
Nomination – This award category will receive nominations from the IITA membership. Nominations must be made in writing with a brief description of how the nominee meets the awards criteria. Voting – All nominees will be on the final ballot. This award will be voted on by the IITA membership. Award Criteria: o Does the nomineedemonstrates exceptional growth and high potential for future impact in the U.S. inbound travel industry? o Does the nominee exhibit characteristics that demonstrate continued success and leadership skills?
This award recognizes an emerging leader for his or her outstanding contributions to the IITA and the inbound industry over their limited career. This individual should demonstrate exceptional growth and high potential for future impact. This award may be presented to an individual from a supplier, inbound operator or destination management organization or be an industry leader. When making nominations for this award members may consider the following:
Leadership Award
2016 Winner – Jonathan Zuk, Amadeo Travel Services
Such Leadership may be manifested in an individual who:
- Implements change in a positive manner and strives to ensure its success;
- Approaches problem-solving with a solution orientation.
- Maintains perseverance in the face of adversity;
- Actively seeks ways to advance beyond the status quo;
- Inspires and encourages personal and professional development in others;
- Builds strong relationships that support a high level of trust and credibility;
Recipients of this award may be from any IITA membership category.
IITA Lifetime Achievement Award
2015 Winner – Richard Kerekes
Nominees should have:
- made a positive impact on the international inbound travel industry
- the respect of professional peers
- general acknowledgement as having reached a pinnacle of their profession or industry;
- demonstrated, over an extended period of time a contribution which has included industry achievement, professional leadership and/or service to the inbound travel community, and
- personal integrity.
Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award may be from any membership category.
Past IITA Awards
The Award for Excellence in Sales and Marketing, Hotel & Non Hotel
2018 Winner – Hilton Worldwide | ![]() |
2018 Winner – NYC and Company | ![]() |
- Award CriteriaDoes this organization communicate with the receptive operators in a clear and concise manner? Do they provide information in a timely manner in regard to reservations, close‑out dates, renovations, etc? Do they effectively market their product overseas while still protecting the interest of receptive operators? Is this person knowledgeable about the inbound market ‑ its specific needs and requirements? Have they, through their sales and marketing efforts over the past year, contributed to the growth and development of inbound tourism?
- Past Winners
Sales and Marketing (Hotel)Loew’s Hotels1996Swissotel North America1998Millennium Broadway2000Omni Hotels2002Intercontinental Barclay New York2004Chicago’s Essex Inn2006Roosevelt Hotel 2009 InterContinental Hotel Group 2011 Roosevelt Hotel 2012 Intercontinental Barclay New York 2013 The Helmsley Sandcastle 2014 Caesars Entertainment 2015 Starwood Hotels and Resorts Starwood Hotels and Resorts
2016 2017
Sales and Marketing (Non-Hotel)Theatre Direct1996World Yacht1998New York Apple Tours2000Restaurant Associates2002Corning Museum of Glass2004New Orleans CVB2006World Yacht2009Bike and Roll NYC 2011ALON Marketing Group 2012 Accent on Dining 2013 Greater Palm Springs CVB 2014 New Orleans CVB 2015 Accent on Dining Accent on Dining
2016 2017
The Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Operations, Hotel & Non Hotel
2018 Winner – Hilton Worldwide | ![]() |
2018 Winner – Entertainment Cruises | ![]() |
- Award CriteriaDoes the operation staff of this organization communicate effectively with the receptive operators? Do they understand the particular needs of receptive operators? Do reservations for groups and individuals flow smoothly from one department to another? Is the front‑line staff of the facility capable and helpful to the end consumer? Are questions and complaints handled in an efficient manner? Does the supplier provide effective training for staff with regard to foreign passengers?
- Past Winners
Field of Operations (Hotel)NY Marriott Hotels1996Chicago Hilton and Tours1998Starwood Hotels2002Choice Hotels2000Empire Hotel Group2004Choice Hotels2006Wyndham Worldwide2009 Affinia Hotels2011Chicago’s Essex Inn 2012 Hilton Worldwide 2013 Best Western International 2014 IHG 2015 Hotel Beacon Wyndham Hotel Group
2016 2017
Field of Operations (Non-Hotel)Gray Line NY Tours1996Theatre Direct1998Windows on the World2000Academy Bus2002City Pass2004Planet Hollywood International2006Court of Two Sisters 2009 Bateaux New York 2011World Yacht 2012 Philadelphia CVB 2013 Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters 2014 Choose Chicago 2015 Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters Broadway inbound
2016 2017
Chairman’s Award for Cooperating with IITA Inbound Tour Operators – Hotel & Non Hotel
2018 Winner – Blair Hotels | ![]() |
2018 Winner – Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau | ![]() |
- Award CriteriaThis special award recognizes an organization for their outstanding support in working with receptive tour operators in accommodating the needs of the international traveler. It honors the suppliers loyal to the receptive services industry. Did this company refuse to engage in a bypass? Does this organization recognize the special relationship between receptives and suppliers?
- Past Winners
Chairman’s Award (Hotel)Choice Hotels1998Marriott International2000Hotel Beacon2002Kimpton Hotels2004NY Marriott Marquis Hotel2006Hotel Beacon 2009 Hiltons of Washington 2011 Blair Hotels 2012 Choice Hotels 2013 Caesars Entertainment 2014 Venetian/Palazzo 2015 Hilton Worldwide Starwood Hotels and Resorts
2016 2017
Chairman’s Award (Non-Hotel)Mayor Rudy Giuliani1996Philadelphia CVB1998World Yacht2000Liberty Helicopters2002San Francisco CVB2004Tourisme Quebec2006Liberty Helicopters2009 Bateaux New York2011New Orleans CVB 2012 Red & White Fleet 2013 Broadway Inbound 2014 Las Vegas CVA 2015 Accent on Dining St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches
2016 2017
Stanley Fisher Award – Outstanding Travel Professional of the Year
2018 Winner – Peter van Berkel, President, Travalco
- Award CriteriaIn honor of Stanley Fisher’s contribution to IITA (formerly RSAA) and the travel industry, this award recognizes an individual for his or her outstanding contributions and dedication to IITA and the inbound industry over the past year. This is the only honor awarded to an individual so the recipient must additionally reflect overall excellence.
- Past Winners
2015Gail Sayadian (Choice Hotels) and Malcolm Smith (US Travel)Travel Professional of the YearNoreen Weber (Spirit Cruises)1998Bob Hofmann (TDI)2000Barbara Friedman (Omni)2002Robert Chafey (Cendant)2004Lucille Yokell (Wellington Hotel)2006Barbara Friedman (Omni Hotels) 2009 Amie Weber (Starwood Hotels & Resorts 2011 Desiree Blum (Escalante Travel) 2012 Sean Bayliss (GTA) 2013 Lisa Cully (Best Western International) 2014 Gail Sayadian (Choice Hotels), Malcolm Smith (US Travel) 2015 Rafael Villanueva (Senior Director of International Sales with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority) Etty Scaglia (Owner and Founder, Accent on Dining)
2016 2017