Community and visitors invited to recognize those who made a difference in Highlands County tourism during 2026
SEBRING, Fla. (October 6, 2026) – Who helped make Highlands County a great place to visit in 2026?
Visit Sebring/Highlands County Tourist Development Council (TDC) is seeking nominations for its annual Winner’s Circle Tourism Awards, recognizing the people, businesses and volunteers who went above and beyond to strengthen tourism and hospitality throughout Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Placid during 2026.
Whether it was providing exceptional service, creating a memorable visitor experience, developing an innovative new idea, supporting sports tourism or simply going the extra mile, the awards celebrate those who help make Highlands County a welcoming and memorable destination.
Nominations are being accepted in eight categories:
• Attraction Service Champion
• Hotel Service Champion
• Restaurant Service Champion
• Rising Star Champion
• Volunteer Champion
• Innovation Champion
• Sports Tourism Champion
• Humanitarian Champion
Community members, visitors and tourism industry partners are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals or organizations. Nominations should include specific examples of how the nominee positively impacted tourism, hospitality or the visitor experience in Highlands County during 2026.
Not sure who makes a great Tourism Champion? Take a look at the individuals and organizations honored at the 2026 Tourism Insights & Awards Breakfast for inspiration. Last year’s recipients included tourism professionals, volunteers, businesses and community partners who demonstrated outstanding service, innovation and commitment to Highlands County tourism. See last year’s Tourism Award recipients at https://tinyurl.com/TourismChampions2026
Award recipients are selected from nominations submitted throughout Highlands County and evaluated by an independent panel of judges from outside the county.
This year’s winners will be announced and recognized in 2027 at Visit Sebring’s annual Tourism Insights & Awards Program (date TBA), which brings together tourism partners and community leaders to celebrate the industry’s accomplishments and share the latest tourism information and trends.
To submit a nomination, first review the Winner’s Circle Tourism Awards Rules & Guidelines and then complete the online nomination form at VisitSebring.com/Tourism-Awards.
The deadline to submit nominations is March 31, 2027.
