San Diego and Tourism Authority Win Multiple Awards in 2013

San Diego and the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) received numerous awards throughout 2013 for attractions, museums, hotels, parks, beaches and pizza, as well as recognition for SDTA's marketing efforts from tourism industry organizations and leisure media outlets.

Some of the awards San Diego received since July 2013 include:

Meetings & Incentive Industry Awards

In Nov. 2013, the San Diego Tourism Authority was recognized as "The Best of the Best" by Meetings & Conventions Magazine, receiving the Gold Service Elite Award for the 30th year in a row!

In Oct. 2013, San Diego was awarded the Best Destination for Cultural Tourism: North America by The Business Destinations Travel Awards, showcasing excellence, sustainability, and products and services that represent the pinnacle of the meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry. Voters included corporate travel and MICE managers from Fortune 500 companies; members of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), and other influential members of the business community.

In Sept. 2013, Prevue magazine awarded the San Diego Tourism Authority a Pillar Visionary Award, winning the category Return on Collaboration (ROC) for the most inspired example of a hotel or Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) partnering with the local community. The award recognizes forward-thinking tourism initiatives, voted on by the meeting and incentive community.

In Sept. 2013, San Diego ranked #5 in the nation for meeting and event bookings in an annual ranking by event management technology provider Cvent Inc. The company ranks the Top 50 Cities based on event booking activity through its Cvent Supplier Network platform.

Media Recognitions

In August 2013, San Diego ranked #5 in a list of the Top 25 Happiest, Healthiest Cities in America according to a study done by Prevention Magazine.

In July 2013, San Diego ranked #1 in a list of America's 10 Best Cities for Families to Visit by Parents Magazine.

Reader's Choice Awards

According to the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards in Oct. 2013, almost half of the 20 Best Southern California Resorts are located in San Diego County. They include Rancho Valencia Resort (#5), Rancho Bernardo Inn (#8), the Lodge at Torrey Pines (#10), L'Auberge Del Mar (#11), Grand Del Mar (#12), Park Hyatt Aviara Resort (#14), Omni La Costa Resort & Spa (#15), Hotel Del Coronado (#18) and the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa (#20).

In August 2013, San Diego ranked #1 in a list of the Top 10 American Cities for Pizza by TripAdvisor; top spots were determined by the highest average rating by city for all restaurants that serve pizza.

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego's offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org or call 619-236-1212.

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Theresa Cunningham

Vice President of People, Culture & Purpose Discover

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