For Immediate Release
INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 26, 2025) – Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) earned top honors at the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) 33rd Annual Awards Competition. IDDC was named Destination of the Year by NATJA in addition to winning Gold and Silver awards in the Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO) section.
NATJA awards special recognition to publications, destinations, journalists, and photographers who excelled in various competition categories. IDDC submitted several promotional initiatives from this past year, which all scored highly during judging, earning IDDC the DMO special recognition; Destination of the Year. This, along with the two awards accompanying it placed IDDC in three out of the four categories for the DMO section.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this prestigious recognition,” said Elaine Bedel, IDDC Secretary and CEO. “These awards are a testament to our continued mission of elevating the perception of Indiana, our passionate tourism partners across the state, and the experiences that make Indiana a must-visit destination.
In 2024, IDDC and Indiana’s tourism industry made great strides. These awards underscore the statewide effort to put Indiana on center stage. Along with being named Destination of the Year, IDDC was awarded a Gold award in the Creative Marketing Campaign category for the Total Eclipse IN Indiana 2024 campaign. This initiative showcased Indiana as a prime destination for witnessing the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, featuring a strategic combination of digital storytelling, interactive content, and partnerships with communities across Indiana.
IDDC earned another top spot in the Visitors’ Guide category, earning a Silver award for the 2024 Indiana State Travel Guide. The guide, along with its engaging storytelling and striking visuals, serves as a key resource for Indiana visitors and residents.
Since its inception, IDDC has played a pivotal role in elevating Indiana’s tourism industry, driving economic growth, and enhancing the state’s reputation and perception. Through innovative marketing campaigns, adapting to industry trends and traveler expectations, and compelling storytelling, IDDC continues to be a driving force in Indiana’s success as a destination.
“We are proud of the winners of this year’s competition, many of whom are members of NATJA, which speaks to the caliber of talent and professionalism in our organization,” said Helen Hernandez, NATJA CEO. ” Congratulations to all!”
Judges for the competition included award-winning newspaper and magazine editors as well as educators from across journalism disciplines. Founded in 1991, NATJA is a travel journalism industry leader that fosters high-quality journalism by supporting the professional development of its members, providing exceptional program benefits and valuable resources, honoring the excellence of journalism throughout the world, and promoting travel and leisure to the general public.
