CVB Update
Visit Savannah communications leaders Supriya Christopher and Tanvi Chauhan have been named recipients of the inaugural Public Relations Society of America Women of Impact Awards, the group announced on August 11.
Christopher, Visit Savannah’s Director of Public Relations, received the award in the Travel & Tourism category, while Chauhan, Communications Manager, was honored with the Rising Star Award. They were recognized during the PRSA Women of Impact Summit & Awards held Aug. 6 at the Union League Club of Chicago.
The national awards celebrate women whose leadership, innovation and influence are strengthening organizations, advancing the communications profession and creating opportunities for others. Honorees represent a range of career stages and practice areas from across the country.
“This national recognition is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the meaningful stories we have the privilege of sharing about Savannah and Tybee Island,” Christopher said. “I am especially proud to be recognized alongside Tanvi, whose creativity, determination and commitment to excellence represent the very best of the next generation of communications leaders.”
“This award is incredibly meaningful because it recognizes not only professional achievement, but also the importance of continuing to learn, grow and create opportunities for others,” Chauhan said. “I am grateful to PRSA, to Supriya for her leadership and mentorship, and to the entire Visit Savannah team for encouraging bold ideas and thoughtful storytelling.”
Hillsborough County Public Schools, in partnership with Visit Tampa Bay, celebrated a major milestone in preparing the next generation of hospitality professionals with the expansion of hospitality and tourism education programs at Jefferson High School and Sumner High School. Community leaders, educators, students, and industry partners gathered at Jefferson High School Aug. 6 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling the district’s first Magnet School of Hospitality and Tourism.
Building on its successful launch of the Travel and Tourism Program in January 2024, Hillsborough County Public Schools and Visit Tampa Bay continue to invest in creating meaningful career pathways for students interested in one of the region’s most vital industries. Jefferson High School’s Magnet School of Hospitality and Tourism is the first and only magnet
The celebration also recognized the unveiling of the newly enhanced Hospitality and Tourism Classroom at Sumner High School, made possible through sponsorship from TECO. The reimagined learning space features a vibrant custom mural by local artist Quinn Cale, creating an engaging environment that reflects the energy and diversity of Tampa Bay’s hospitality industry.
“The future of Tampa Bay’s tourism starts in our classrooms,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “By investing in students today, we’re creating opportunities for young people to discover rewarding careers while strengthening one of our region’s most important economic drivers. We’re proud to partner with Hillsborough County Public Schools to inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders.”