Visit Jacksonville recently hosted its 2010 Tourism Awards at the Times-Union Performing Arts Center in downtown Jacksonville. Winners were recognized for their contributions and success in driving tourism to Northeast Florida, an industry that has a $1.6 billion impact on our local economy each year!

If you missed the awards, here’s a rundown of the 2010 winners.

• The Partner of the Year award had many contenders, including the Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront, Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, Bistro AIX Lounge, East Coast Transportation, Tidbits, Downtown Vision Inc., and Memorial Hospital, but it was the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens that took home the grand prize
• Hometown Ambassador Award – Dr. Orrin Mitchell and Dr. Chester Aikens for helping bring the National Dental Association convention to Jacksonville
• Client of the Year – All-Star Challenge, a cheer and dance organization that hosts a city-wide event each year in Jacksonville resulting in more than 5,000 booked hotel rooms
• Tourism Advocate – Mayor John Peyton for his work trying to secure a new convention center and launching the medical tourism initiative
• Margo Dundon Leadership Award – The Hon. Richard Clark of the Jacksonville City Council for his work securing funding for Visit Jacksonville
• Hall of Fame – Tony Boselli for his work with Team Teal and reviving the Jacksonville Jaguar pride

Congratulations to all those who won and a thank you to everyone who helps make Jacksonville a better place to live, work, play – and visit!!