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Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette Logo Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette

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Berlin wins three top tourism awards

(Nov. 27, 2014) As if this year were not cool enough, Berlin capped its charmed 2014 with a trio of tourism awards.
Designated “America’s Coolest Small Town” winner by Budget Travel magazine, Berlin came up with three top honors during last week’s Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City.
The Maryland Tourism Council gave Berlin a nod for “Best Social Media Campaign” for its movement to become the “coolest.” The town also came up in the “Best Product or Event Award” given to the “Horses at the Beach Campaign,” as well as the “Visit Maryland Award” given by the Maryland Office of Tourism to Worcester County Department of Tourism Director Lisa Challenger.
“Visit Maryland” highlights individuals and businesses that elevate Maryland’s image as a tourism destination.
“It was a great showing for Worcester,” Challenger said. “The Coolest Small Town effort was just a winner all the way around. It means a lot to all involved to be officially recognized in front of tourism officials and peers across the state.
“I have to say it is very nice getting the recognition, especially here in Ocean City,” Challenger continued. “It’s always nice to let the public know what we’ve been up to.”
Worcester County also took home the Cooperative Partnership Award for its Wallops Island Space Tourism Initiative, recognizing cooperative efforts between multiple agencies.
“Our partnerships continue to keep us cool,” Mayor Gee Williams said in a press release. “We could not have won these awards without the support of the Worcester County Office of Tourism, especially Director Lisa Challenger. She nominated us for the Budget Travel contest. She was the catalyst.”
Angela Reynolds, managing director at Hotels at Fager’s Island and a volunteer on the Department of Agriculture’s Horse Industry Board’s Horse History Committee, figured heavily in the “Best Product” honor.
“Horses at the Beach,” a horse history trail designed to preserve Maryland’s equine tradition, is the first of its kind in the state and includes several locations in Berlin.
“Congratulations to Lisa and Angela on a job well done,” Williams said. “I am proud of the work they’ve done to enhance the economy of our community. They are helping co-create an even brighter future.”