LIBERTY, NY — Roberta Byron-Lockwood, president/CEO of the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association, has received the Outstanding Tourism Executive of the Year award from the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSHTA). She will be recognized at the Stars Legislative Lunch on November 2 at Crowne-Plaza Albany.

The award recognizes a management/executive employee who has demonstrated outstanding contributions of leadership and service to their community.

“Every year, the NYS hospitality and tourism industry nominates its most outstanding individuals. After reviewing all the nominations submitted, the judges agreed that Roberta Byron-Lockwood was the best of the best,” said NYSHTA President Mark Dorr. 

Byron-Lockwood is recognized for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing incentive programs that encouraged both safety and community engagement, and helping the Sullivan Catskills community sustain small businesses as well as develop activities for future success. 

As COVID regulations loosened, Byron-Lockwood began developing events such as Catskill Cuisine 2023, which brought over 2,000 visitors and $400,000 to the region, according to a news release.