Kingsland, Georgia - September 3, 2012 - Georgia tourism industry professionals were recognized by their peers this week at the 2012 Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference. The joint tourism industry conference was hosted by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau in Atlanta, Aug. 27-29. More than 500 tourism industry professionals from Georgia's convention and visitors bureaus, attractions, hotels and more attended the annual conference.

"One of the state's strongest assets is its draw as a tourism destination for millions of domestic and international visitors," Deal said. "This $45 billion industry directly employs more than 391,000 Georgians and I thank them for their immeasurable contribution to the state."

2012 award recipients, nominated by the Georgia tourism industry, include:

Tonya Rosado, executive director of the Kingsland Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), received the Larry Allen Tourism Leadership Award, given in memory of the late Larry Allen, general manager of Stone Mountain. In her role as the president of the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus she helped to raise awareness of CVB organizations across the state.

Information on the award:

Larry Allen Tourism Leadership Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates excellence in leadership skills and abilities. Given in memory of Larry Allen, who was General Manager of Stone Mountain and exemplified all around friendship, support and leadership in the tourism industry.