ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — The annual HOT Host Luncheon, or Heroes of Tourism, was held Wednesday at the Grace Museum. He praised the efforts of local businesses and organizations to welcome visitors.
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Last year, it generated $555 million in economic impact for the city, created 3,630 jobs, and brought in $16 million in local taxes. Robert Lopez, vice president of Abilene Tourism and Tourism and event organizer, told KTAB/KRBC that this year the event will recognize those behind the scenes.
“Front-line staff, who perhaps sometimes don’t get recognized, are also involved. So we’ve added awards for each hotel’s front desk representative, housekeeping, sales director, etc., but that’s not our vote.” said Mr. Lopez. “Tourism is a huge driver and it contributes greatly to the overall vitality of Abilene.”
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The awards ceremony praised companies that brought in more than 100 guests to major cities. Shay Thompson, who won the sales award, said it’s nice to see him and his colleagues recognized and that working in the Abilene community makes his job easier.
“These are people who are kind of our backbone and don’t get the visibility and recognition that they should,” Thompson said. “Just being a part of this community. We go to as many events as we can, get to know as many people as we can, bring them to the hotel and make sure we can provide the best service possible.” do my best.”
Last year, 85 conferences hosted by 64 organizations brought significant economic growth to the city.
