Quad Cities Wins Prestigious Sports Tourism Award

Visit Quad Cities has been recognized as one of the top sports tourism destinations in the country, taking home the prestigious Event Partnership of the Year award from Sports ETA. The honor was bestowed upon them for their outstanding work in hosting the Professional Disc Golf Association's (PDGA) Tim Selinske U.S. Masters Championship event.

The award, which is given annually to organizations with populations under 500,000, recognizes Visit Quad Cities' dedication to creating a world-class sports experience for athletes and spectators alike. The championship, which took place on September 8-11, 2022, drew nearly 300 professional and amateur players from 37 states across the country.

According to Sports ETA's award selection committee, Visit Quad Cities demonstrated exceptional partnership-building skills by working closely with local businesses, including Iron Lion Disc Golf Supply, to ensure a seamless event experience. The committee praised their efforts in providing amenities such as food trucks catering to multiple dietary restrictions, American Sign Language interpreters, and adequate water and recycling facilities.

"We are incredibly grateful and humbled by this recognition from Sports ETA," said Dave Herrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. "Sports tourism is a vital part of our community's culture, and we're proud to have been recognized for our collaborative approach with the PDGA."

The award was accepted by Joan Kranovich, Vice President of Business Growth and Director of Sports QC, on behalf of Visit Quad Cities at the annual Sports ETA Symposium in Kansas City, Missouri.

Visit Quad Cities' commitment to partnership-driven sports tourism is reflected in their values of people, partnerships, and personality. The organization relies heavily on local relationships to support its efforts and create world-class events that exceed expectations.

"We share this recognition with Iron Lion Disc Golf Supply, the Quad Cities disc golf community, and our Sports QC Advisory Group," said Kranovich. "We're proud to be part of a region that values sports tourism and is committed to creating unforgettable experiences for athletes and spectators alike."

As a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Visit Quad Cities' Sports QC division operates as the official sports commission, attracting and hosting sporting events, tourism, and opportunities for the region. The organization's work has earned them recognition as a leader in the sports tourism industry.

Sports ETA is the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, serving over 600 member organizations and 2,400 sports event professionals. Their mission is to deliver quality education, networking opportunities, and exceptional event management and marketing know-how to their members.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/national-recognition