FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Richard See III, Director of Room Operations with

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center,

Receives Rising Star Award

(Austin, TX), September 26, 2011 – In honor of his exceptional leadership in the Texas tourism industry, Richard See III, with The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center, was presented with the Rising Star Award by the Texas Travel Industry Association (TTIA) on September 21, 2011. The award was presented at the association’s annual Travel Summit Conference at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel.

As Director of Room Operations for The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center, Richard is quickly becoming a recognized leader in the Texas tourism industry and TTIA. As part of the TTIA Future Leaders Committee, Richard represents the young professionals involved in the Texas tourism industry. He is also actively involved with the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association.

Richard has won several honors for his work in hospitality. He is a five time recipient of the Disney "Great Service Fanatic” award and was named supervisor of the quarter (Q1 2009) for the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Under Richard’s leadership, the San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center has continued to achieve excellence in customer service and hospitality and recently received the AAA Four Diamond Award for the 12th consecutive year.

In addition to his work in Texas tourism and hospitality, Richard is an active volunteer with the Galveston Salvation Army and regularly works with hospitality students in A&M’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Sciences program. 

"We are lucky to have so many bright and dedicated young leaders in TTIA. Richard is an inspiring example of this and truly a Rising Star in our industry,” said David Teel, TTIA President and CEO.

The TTIA Rising Star Award was created to recognize young industry professionals working in Texas travel and tourism as a part of TTIA member organizations. Rising Star nominees are 35 and younger and have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the industry through their accomplishments. Members submitted nominations for the Rising Star Award to the TTIA office. All nomination materials were collected and submitted to a selection committee comprised of TTIA board members. The winner was announced at a special presentation during the annual TTIA Texas Travel Summit held in San Antonio, September 18-21, 2011.

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TTIA is a non-profit organization made up of businesses, organizations, associations and individuals dedicated to developing Texas tourism to its fullest potential. TTIA’s mission is to unify and develop industry leadership that will support and influence the growth of Texas travel and tourism. For more information about the Texas Travel Industry Association, visit www.ttia.org or contact the office in Austin at (512) 328-8842.