Destination Niagara USA President & CEO John Percy receives NYS Tourism Excellence Award in Leadership

Destination Niagara USA Press Release

Destination Niagara USA President and CEO John Percy has been honored with the prestigious 2024 New York State Tourism Excellence Award for Excellence in Leadership: Career/Lifetime Achievement by the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA). The award, presented at a ceremony on Sept. 12 at the historic Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs, recognizes Percy’s exemplary leadership, significant contributions to the tourism industry, and lasting impact on the Niagara County community and beyond.

The award comes on the heels of remarkable economic data released by Tourism Economics, which revealed that traveler spending in Niagara County surpassed $1 billion in 2023. Under Percy’s leadership since 2006, Destination Niagara USA has played an instrumental role in shaping the tourism landscape of Niagara County. Today, the hospitality and tourism industry employs 15,169 individuals, representing 23% of the total workforce in the county.

“This award is a testament to the dedicated team at Destination Niagara USA and our valued partners who make Niagara Falls USA a world-class destination,” Percy said. “I’m honored to be recognized by my peers, and remain committed to elevating Niagara County as a premier destination for visitors from around the world.”

Percy has continually demonstrated a commitment to innovation and collaboration within the tourism sector. In 2023, he launched the Tourism Employee Spotlight Awards, which coincided with National Travel and Tourism Week. This initiative was designed to honor outstanding hospitality and tourism employees who consistently go above and beyond in their roles. By encouraging local partners to nominate deserving individuals, Percy fostered stronger relationships between Destination Niagara USA and the industry workforce, further enhancing the visitor experience in the region.

Throughout his career, Percy has also been a champion of Niagara Falls USA on a national stage. His leadership extends to several industry boards, including the U.S. Travel Association board of directors, the Destinations International Foundation board of trustees, and the board of directors for the American Bus Association (ABA), as well as numerous local boards such as the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce and Community Missions of the Niagara Frontier. His involvement in these organizations has helped raise the profile of Niagara Falls USA, bringing new opportunities and recognition to the region.

The New York State Tourism Excellence Award for Excellence in Leadership: Career/Lifetime Achievement is awarded to a tourism professional who has demonstrated outstanding initiative, made a lasting impact on their organization and community, and inspired others through their work. Percy’s visionary leadership, commitment to collaboration, and passion for the local tourism industry have made him a natural choice for this honor.

The mission of Destination Niagara USA is to expand the economic prosperity of the Niagara Falls USA communities by generating individual and group visitation. For more information, visit www.niagarafallsusa.com.