Knox County's convention and visitors bureau took home two honors at the Ohio Travel Association's RUBY Awards, presented Oct. 8 at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, according to Knox Pages.
The bureau won for Best Travel Guide & Planner and for Best New Experience, the latter tied to the Knox County Coffee Trail. It was also named a finalist in the Newsletter category.
Its 2026-2027 Adventure Guide finished ahead of entries from Akron, Mansfield and Dayton in the travel guide competition, the report said.
Executive director Olivia Toth said the bureau was honored to be recognized alongside strong peer organizations from around the state. She described the guide as a major marketing vehicle meant to build community pride and steer visitors toward unexpected destinations. Toth said this year's edition dropped advertising in favor of lists, narrative and tips drawn from local residents, keeping the publication focused as a travel planning resource. She thanked area residents who contributed interviews and photography, and credited editorial photographer Nicole Leone Miller, noting more than six years of work with the bureau.
Organizers reported a record 276 entries in 17 categories. Ohio Magazine sponsored the awards, which were handed out during the Ohio Conference on Travel. Out-of-state and regional marketing professionals from academia, consulting and advertising judged entries on concept, results and creativity.
OTA executive director Melinda Huntley said the winners represent the top of Ohio travel industry marketing strategy and design. The association describes itself as a statewide nonprofit trade group serving tourism-related businesses.