People — The Heart of Southern Hospitality

Behind every successful tourism initiative is a team of dedicated professionals — from marketing leaders to community advocates — working to elevate their destinations. In this second part of our Shining Example Awards spotlight series, we celebrate four winners whose people-centered approaches have made lasting impressions.

Featured Winners:

🏆 Kyle Edmiston – FiredUp! Culture Beacon Award
With more than two decades in tourism, he has earned national recognition as State Tourism Director of the Year and one of the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Marketing. But all of those accolades, as impressive as they are, pale in comparison to the leadership demonstrated this year. 

In 2024, this recipient received a cancer diagnosis, a challenge that would have caused many to step back. Instead, he never missed a beat, leaving his entire team in awe. While undergoing treatment, he has continued to support his team, whether in the office, by text or through thoughtful emails. His door stayed open, his phone always available, and his commitment unwavering.

🏆 Visit Hickory – Tourism Office of the Year: Less than $1 Million in Total Revenue
Over the past 18 months, this tourism office has navigated one of the most transformational periods in its history, proving that a small team can make a big impact. While overseeing the renovation and expansion of the Convention Center, the team kept events thriving, hosting 179 meetings and generating $656,000 in revenue. 

At the same time, the team organized and launched the first-ever destination branding project. This bold, welcoming identity gave the area its first visitor-facing voice. The brand was integrated in all facets of the visitor experience, including the rollout of a new website, Destination Guide, ads and so much more. The second phase of launch was celebrated during the 2025 NC State Tourism Conference, marking the first time the destination served as host for North Carolina’s largest gathering of tourism professionals.

🏆 Visit the Northshore – Tourism Office of the Year: More than $1 Million in Total Revenue
While navigating a full renovation of their Visitor Center, this small but mighty team launched bold campaigns, expanded partnerships and delivered record-breaking results. 

Tourism hit new heights, welcoming 2.8 million visitors and generating $1.3 billion in spending, ranking the destination third in the state for tourism revenue. This impact supported nearly 14,000 jobs, $426 million in earnings and $127 million in state and local taxes. 

The launch of their “Shore to Be” campaign showcased the area’s outdoor adventures, festivals and culinary gems. And when Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour came to New Orleans, this office seized the moment with the “Shore to Be the Best Era” campaign using Spotify ads, geofenced social media and even rideshare car wraps.  

But the innovation didn’t stop there. They launched a podcast, debuted a new website and partnered with local businesses to launch co-branded local products including coffee, ornaments, apparel and craft beer.

🏆 Tyler Duplantis – Rising Star
Since joining the team as the Destination Sales manager, this award recipient has become a driving force behind tourism in the area. With creativity, energy, and an authentic love for his hometown, he has transformed the way group travelers experience the county. 

From student groups, international travelers and everything in between, he has a craft for developing immersive and thoughtful group itineraries tailored to every visitor. He doesn’t just hand off a brochure, he personally curates each itinerary, taking the time to understand what a group is looking for and finding creative ways to connect them with local experiences. From swamp tours and museum visits to cooking demos, live music and hands-on cultural activities, he takes the everyday and turns it into something memorable.

These winners remind us that people are at the heart of every success story. Their dedication continues to shape the future of tourism throughout the Southeast.

💡 Join us for Part 3, where we’ll spotlight destinations partnerships and programs leading with purpose and innovation.