Story Featuring City’s Ice Cream Shops Garners Bronze Award in Prestigious Travel Industry Competition
Visit Plano received a Bronze Adrian Award in 2024 for excellence in travel marketing. The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) recognized a feature highlighting Plano’s independent ice cream shops. Published in Texas Highways, the story showcased local dessert destinations and helped promote Plano as a place to explore unique culinary experiences.
Visit Plano took home a Bronze Adrian Award in the PR/communications online print feature category. Highlighting the city’s many independent local ice cream shops, the winning story ran in the digital edition of Texas Highways in July, which is National Ice Cream Month.
“The timing was perfect to shine a light on one of Plano’s lesser known but most delicious assets and position our city as the ‘capital of cool’ during a record heat wave,” said Visit Plano Executive Director Mark Thompson, CMP, CDME. “We are proud that our initiative garnered national, industry-wide recognition.”
“The Adrian Award celebrate the innovation and ingenuity that fuel our success and recognize the marketing leaders whose extraordinary efforts literally ‘open the doors’ to exploration and excitement,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBS, president and CEO of HSMAI. “Their work inspired the world to get out and create memories through travel, and HSMAI is proud to honor them.”
Beyond this recognition, Visit Plano continues to showcase the city’s dining, attractions, and visitor experiences. In addition, awards like the Adrian Awards highlight the value of creative storytelling in destination marketing. Ultimately, these efforts help introduce more travelers to what Plano has to offer. Visit https://adrianawards.hsmai.org/ for more information on the event and competition.
Find more dining and sweet treat options in Plano, here.
