The Receptive Services Association of America is proud to recognize excellence in the international inbound community through the annual Stanley Awards. Named in honor of Stanley Fisher, founder of Allied Tours and recognized as a founder of the U.S. inbound receptive industry, Fisher himself was recognized by the Travel Industry Association of America (now U.S. Travel Association) as a U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders recipient in 1992. Stanley Fisher’s contribution to the creation of the U.S. Receptive industry cannot be overstated. As a Board member of the U.S. National Tourism Organization, Fisher was a leading voice for receptive tour operators in the United States.
The Stanley Awards are given to today’s industry leaders…leaders that promote excellence and professionalism in the international inbound market.
The nominations process takes place in November/December each year, with the awards presented at RSAA’s Summit, the leading receptive tour operator marketplace in the U.S.
Awards Criteria
The Award for Excellence in Sales and Marketing, Hotel & Non Hotel
Criteria: Does this organization communicate with the receptive operators in a clear and concise manner? Do they provide information in a timely manner in regard to reservations, close‑out dates, renovations, etc? Do they effectively market their product overseas while still protecting the interest of receptive operators? Is this person knowledgeable about the inbound market ‑ its specific needs and requirements? Have they, through their sales and marketing efforts over the past year, contributed to the growth and development of inbound tourism?
The Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Operations, Hotel & Non Hotel
Criteria: Does the operation staff of this organization communicate effectively with the receptive operators? Do they understand the particular needs of receptive operators? Do reservations for groups and individuals flow smoothly from one department to another? Is the front‑line staff of the facility capable and helpful to the end consumer? Are questions and complaints handled in an efficient manner? Does the supplier provide effective training for staff with regard to foreign passengers?
Chairman’s Award for Cooperating with RSAA Receptive Tour Operators - Hotel & Non Hotel
Criteria: This special award recognizes an organization for their outstanding support in working with receptive tour operators in accommodating the needs of the international traveler. It honors the suppliers loyal to the receptive services industry. Did this company refuse to engage in a bypass? Does this organization recognize the special relationship between receptives and suppliers?
Stanley Fisher Award - Outstanding Travel Professional of the Year
Criteria: In honor of Stanley Fisher’s contribution to RSAA and the travel industry, this award recognizes an individual for his or her outstanding contributions and dedication to the RSAA and the inbound industry over the past year. This is the only honor awarded to an individual so the recipient must additionally reflect overall excellence.
Past Winners
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Sales and Marketing (Hotel)
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Loew's Hotels
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1996
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Swissotel North America
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1998
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Millennium Broadway
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2000
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Omni Hotels
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2002
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Intercontinental Barclay New York
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2004
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Chicago's Essex Inn
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2006
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| Roosevelt Hotel |
2009 |
| InterContinental Hotels Group |
2011 |
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Roosevelt Hotel 2012
Intercontinental Barclay New York 2013
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Sales and Marketing (Non-Hotel)
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Theatre Direct
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1996
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World Yacht
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1998
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New York Apple Tours
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2000
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Restaurant Associates
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2002
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Corning Museum of Glass
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2004
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New Orleans CVB
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2006
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World Yacht
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2009
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Bike and Roll NYC
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2011
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ALON Marketing Group 2012
Accent on Dining 2013
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Field of Operations (Hotel)
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NY Marriott Hotels
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1996
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Chicago Hilton and Tours
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1998
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Starwood Hotels
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2002
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Choice Hotels
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2000
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Empire Hotel Group
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2004
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Choice Hotels
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2006
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Wyndham Hotels
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2009 |
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Affinia Hotels
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2011
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Chicago's Essex Inn 2012
Hilton Worldwide 2013
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Field of Operations (Non-Hotel)
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Gray Line NY Tours
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1996
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Theatre Direct
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1998
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Windows on the World
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2000
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Academy Bus
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2002
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City Pass
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2004
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Planet Hollywood International
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2006
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| Court of Two Sisters |
2009 |
| Bateaux New York |
2011
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World Yacht 2012
Philadelphia CVB 2013
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President's Award (Hotel)
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Choice Hotels
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1998
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Marriott International
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2000
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Hotel Beacon
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2002
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Kimpton Hotels
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2004
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NY Marriott Marquis Hotel
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2006
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| Hotel Beacon |
2009 |
| Hiltons of Washington |
2011 |
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Blair Hotels 2012
Choice Hotels 2013
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President's Award (Non-Hotel)
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Mayor Rudy Giuliani
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1996
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Philadelphia CVB
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1998
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World Yacht
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2000
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Liberty Helicopters
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2002
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San Francisco CVB
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2004
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Tourisme Quebec
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2006
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Liberty Helicopters
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2009
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Bateaux New York
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2011
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New Orleans CVB 2012
Red & White Fleet 2013
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Travel Professional of the Year
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Noreen Weber (Spirit Cruises)
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1998
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Bob Hofmann (TDI)
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2000
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Barbara Friedman (Omni)
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2002
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Robert Chafey (Cendant)
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2004
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Lucille Yokell (Wellington Hotel)
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2006
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Barbara Friedman (Omni Hotels)
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2009
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Amie Weber (Starwood Hotels and Resorts)
Desiree Blum (Escalante Travel)
Sean Bayliss
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2011
2012
2013
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