Rebecca Wood, president of Six Flags Great Escape Theme Park and Lodge Resort in Queensbury, is the recipient of the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association’s (NYSHTA) Outstanding Tourism Executive of the Year award.
Wood received the award at the Six Flags Great Escape property on Feb. 28.
The Tourism Executive of the Year award is part of NYSHTA’s annual Stars of the Industry program. Stars of the Industry celebrates the exemplary professionalism and exceptional service of individuals in the hospitality and tourism industry.
The award recognizes an executive who has demonstrated outstanding contributions of leadership and service to the industry and to his/her community.
“Every year, the state’s hospitality and tourism industry nominates its most outstanding individuals. After reviewing all the nominations submitted, the judges agreed that Rebecca Wood was the best of the best,” said Mark Dorr, NYSHTA president. “Rebecca Wood is a star in every sense of the word and a shining example of what New York state hospitality and tourism is all about.”
“Lake George is one of the great places on earth,” he said.
NYSHTA is the country’s oldest state lodging association and offers programs and services to the statewide hospitality and tourism industry. NYSHTA’s mission is to lead and protect the New York State hospitality and tourism industry by providing advocacy, education and resources.
“This past year was nothing short of a series of challenges followed by amazing celebrations because of you guys,” she said, recalling the difficulty finding workers during the pandemic.
“We chose this industry not because of how easy it is, but because of how fun and rewarding it is,” Wood said to the staff. “This is not my award. You guys make this job so ridiculously rewarding.”
Gina Mintzer, the president of the Lake George Chamber of Commerce nominated Wood for the award. Wood started at the park in 2009 in marketing area and was named president four years ago.