Visit Wichita honors six for 2015 efforts

Visit Wichita last week recognized a group of businesses and people for their contributions to the tourism industry in the area last year, according to a news release.

During the meeting, which took place Thursday at the Holiday Inn Wichita East I-35, Visit Wichita honored six “industry award winners” for contributions made to the area in 2015. The honorees in each category were as follows.

Innkeeper of the Year: Hotel at Old Town; Destination Promotion: Intrust Bank Arena (Garth Brooks concert series); Corporate Partnership: Wichita Park & Recreation Department; Hometown Hero: High Touch (Special Olympics National Softball Tournament); Distinguished Service: Parvan Bakardiev, President/CEO Wichita Grand Opera; Lifetime Achievement: Bob Hanson, Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission.

“Our staff is fortunate to work with a fantastic group of partners dedicated to making our city a great place to live and visit,” said Visit Wichita President and CEO Susie Santo in the release. “The Visit Wichita tourism awards are a wonderful way to highlight a handful of exceptional people, businesses and organizations.”

This story was originally published February 1, 2016 at 3:52 PM with the headline "Visit Wichita honors six for 2015 efforts."