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FORKS, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown Tourism was the recipient of the Tourism Organization of the Year award during the 2016 North Dakota Travel and Tourism Conference in Grand Forks.

Seven Governor’s Travel and Tourism awards were distributed during the annual event, which focuses on the different aspects of tourism in the state as well as new technology and services. During the event, Jamestown was announced as the Tourism Organization of the Year. Below is the description of the award and why Jamestown Tourism was the recipient.

“[Jamestown Tourism] has gone through some major changes in the last year and a half; from rebranding to the very name of the organization. This year, Jamestown Tourism partnered with smaller surrounding communities on ads and projects to lift up multiple communities at the same time. One such project was “Lunch & Learn” in Sioux Falls, S.D. for 30-plus international tour operators as part of the RMI Roundup. Additional partnerships were formed to help improve and promote outdoor opportunities and the marketing program at the local university to help generate a greater interest in the hospitality industry.”

Executive Director of Jamestown Tourism Searle Swedlund was ecstatic about receiving the award, stating that the community was also responsible for the award.

“We are thrilled to announce Jamestown Tourism was awarded the Tourism Organization of the Year. It’s a huge honor and accomplishment for our agency and for the Jamestown community.” Swedlund stated.

Tourism is North Dakota’s third-largest industry, attracting 24 million visitors and bringing in $3.6 billion to the state each year.