2024 Hospitality Heroes

Hotel and Restaurant Professionals Honored

In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, Experience Fayetteville, the city’s destination marketing organization, recognized hotel and restaurant workers and professionals from local attractions for outstanding work in welcoming visitors.

Experience Fayetteville CEO Molly Rawn, Vice President of Destination Services Julie Pennington, and Visitor Services Manager Eden Moore surprised 15 hospitality professionals with the honor of Hospitality Hero last week.

John Berry- Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Kristen Carl- Courtyard by Marriott & Hyatt Fayetteville
Ann Owens- Fairfield Inn
Kendra Mattal- Hilton Garden Inn
Jennifer Irwin-Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce
Lisa Branson-Fayetteville Fire Department
Kristi Andrews- Clinton House Museum
Emilie Hook- University of Arkansas Union & Events Faculty
Christy Gillespie- Staybridge Suites
Brenda Rouse- Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Excursions
Joseph Enkoff- Newk’s Eatery
Todd & Nickki Golden- Isabella’s, Mermaids and TJ’s Sandwich Shop & Hugs Ice Cream
Laci Prince and Hallie Cartwright- Arkansas Air and Military Museum
Renee Turner- Cheers at the OPO
Chrissy Sanderson- Mockingbird Kitchen

“Tourism is a vital industry in our nation and in Fayetteville,” Pennington said. “The hospitality sector is not only an economic driver, but it also contributes to the unique character of the city we love. We’re grateful to these professionals dedicated to rolling out the welcome mat for Fayetteville.”

About Travel and Tourism Week

Established in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual celebration of the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day. Travel is a $2.8 trillion industry that supports nearly 15 million American jobs while fueling other important industries like manufacturing, health care and agriculture—all which depend on travel to generate business, spur innovation and support education.