MESQUITE — The Nevada Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada) honored rural Nevada’s top tourism supporters for their dedication to the state’s tourism industry at the Excellence in Tourism Awards dinner at the 30th annual Rural Roundup conference held April 12, 2023 at Eureka Casino Resort in Mesquite.
Seven awards were announced, one from each of the state’s tourism territories, as well as the Larry J. Friedman Industry Partner of the Year.
“It is my privilege to recognize these esteemed tourism professionals and honor them with these awards,” said Brenda Scolari, Director, Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs. “Nevada’s tourism industry is stronger than ever, and the efforts this group has contributed to the state is remarkable. We thank them for their dedication to the industry and all partners for their ongoing collaboration and support.”
Excellence in Tourism Award Winners
Cowboy Country Territory
Paula Tomera executive director of the Lander County Convention & Tourism Authority, has been promoting tourism throughout Cowboy Country and the State of Nevada for several years. She has worked various consumer shows to introduce Lander Country to potential visitors and share information about the territory.
Larry J. Friedman Industry Partner of the Year Award Winner
Sheree Tibbals spent 28 years at the Winnemucca Events Complex. As the Fairground’s Operation Supervisor, Sheree was instrumental in designing and producing advertising for special events. For the last 20 years, she has held the treasurer position for Cowboy Country Territory to help promote northern Nevada communities from Lovelock to Wendover.
Hosted by Travel Nevada, the state agency charged with promoting tourism of the Silver State, Rural Roundup is an annual conference for Nevada’s tourism industry. The event includes speakers and panel discussions, training workshops, and networking opportunities with a goal to help Nevada’s rural communities develop and market themselves as destinations, resulting in increased visitation, developing local economies, and strengthening Nevada’s position in the tourism market.
Rural Roundup is set to return in 2024 in Lake Tahoe.