Traverse City, Mich. — The people who make the Traverse City area one of the top travel destinations in the Midwest were honored yesterday at the Traverse City Tourism Annual Meeting. Eleven people were recognized with High Five Hospitality Awards at the City Opera House.
Now in its third year, the awards recognize people who stand out in lodging, attractions, restaurants, beverage service, and festivals. “This region is home to so many amazing people who pour their talent and energy into this industry. They are essential to creating the welcoming environment for millions of visitors each year, and this is our chance to shine a spotlight on those efforts,” said Traverse City Tourism President, Trevor Tkach (tah-KACH).
The Community Impact award was given to the co-owner of Crystal Mountain, Chris MacInnes. “Chris has demonstrated a lifetime of supporting the hospitality industry and community service, not just locally, but throughout the state,” added Tkach. The Community Impact award was decided by the Traverse City Tourism Board of Directors.
Other High Five Hospitality Award winners are:
- Kristen Warba, Front of House – All Venues – Trattoria Stella
- Ann Pettyjohn – Front of House – Lodging – Chateau Chantal
- Peter Krupka – Back of House – All Venues – Chateau Chantal
- Caroline Rizzo – Back of House – Marketing & Finance – Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
- Molly Kreykes – Group Sales & Meeting Services – Crystal Mountain
- Leah Moerdyk – Tastemaker – Black Star Farms Winery
- Christa Brenner – Cheer Leadership – Shorts Brewing Company
- Mandy DePuy – Festival & Events – National Cherry Festival
- Scott Firman – Hospitality All Star – Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
- Sarah Bobier – Inspiration Award – Artisan Restaurant & Delamar
Award recipients received a certificate of recognition from the state and a gift package that allows them to enjoy hospitality experiences in the region.
The annual meeting reported that travel to the Traverse City area pumps in over $1 billion in direct spending to the local economy. While most visitors come to the area come from within Michigan, other top states for visitors include Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Texas, Wisconsin, and California.
A Community Report from Traverse City Tourism noted its outreach activities attracted over 2.3 million users to its website with over seven million page views. Social media activity was also strong, with over 270,000 followers and over 10 million video views. The area has received numerous accolades from top-tier media. The recognition included:
- Food City of the Year – Midwest Living
- Best of the Best Beaches (in the world) – TripAdvisor
- Best Beach Escape – Good Housekeeping Magazine
- “Napa of the Midwest” – Travel + Leisure
- Top Small US City for Food and Drink – Food & Wine Magazine
- The Best Dining Destination in 2026 – Eater
Tkach noted the growth in recognition of the area’s food and beverage scene, as emphasized by the Traverse City Food & Wine event that was staged last August. “We are no longer an undiscovered culinary destination; we have been discovered,” Tkach said. “The unique connection between the agriculture community and its ties to restaurants and creative beverage craftsmen is bearing fruit.”
More information about Traverse City Tourism is available at http://www.traversecity.com./
If you missed Trevor’s recent ‘Michigan Business Beat’ interview, check it out:
