The North Dakota Department of Commerce recognized six outstanding tourism professionals and organizations at the Governor's Travel and Tourism Awards Breakfast held April 15, 2026, honoring their contributions to the state's tourism and hospitality industry.

Allison Limke of Jamestown Frontier Attractions and Frontier Village received the Sakakawea Award for behind-the-scenes work strengthening operations and reshaping the site into a more interactive, family-focused destination. Madi Lee, Ticketing and Reservations Manager at Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, earned the Heritage Award for front-line service and for serving as an ambassador for North Dakota tourism.

Funatix Events of Bismarck received the Trailblazer Award for revitalizing the city's event landscape, including the restoration of the historic Bismarck Depot. Visit Fargo Moorhead's Sports Awareness Campaign won the Amplifier Award for marketing excellence, and Jessica Ackerman of Citizens Alley in Minot received the Flint Firestarter Award for transforming an underused alley into an engaging downtown gathering space. Doug Bolken, Director of McKenzie County Tourism, received the Legend Award for nearly 15 years of leadership advancing western North Dakota as a premier destination.

Congratulations to all of this year's honorees. For more on the award categories and this year's winners, visit the North Dakota Department of Commerce's award page.