Visit Rancho Cordova is accepting nominations for its second annual Destination Legacy Awards. Photo courtesy of Visit Rancho Cordova

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Visit Rancho Cordova is accepting nominations for its second annual Destination Legacy Awards, recognizing businesses, events, organizations and individuals that contribute to the city's tourism industry.

The awards cover the 2025-26 fiscal year and are intended to recognize attractions, events, restaurants, hotels, tourism professionals and community partners that have contributed to Rancho Cordova's visitor economy.

Nominations are open through Sept. 30, and self-nominations are permitted. Winners are expected to be notified in October and will be recognized during Visit Rancho Cordova's annual Tourism Summit on Friday, Nov. 6.

“Visit Rancho Cordova is so excited to honor another group of deserving individuals, organizations and business owners making a strong impact on Rancho Cordova's tourism economy at this year's Tourism Summit,” Kristen Achziger, director of marketing and communications for Visit Rancho Cordova, said. “We encourage residents and community leaders to nominate their favorite local attractions, events and things to do that make our destination a truly compelling place to visit.”

Ten award categories are planned for this year's program.

The Attraction of the Year Award recognizes a local business, venue, event, hotel or tourism-related site that attracts visitors and provides a notable experience in Rancho Cordova.

The Signature Event of the Year Award is intended for a major event or festival that draws regional visitors, contributes to the local economy and builds partnerships within the community.

The Community Partner of the Year Award recognizes a business, organization, event, hotelier or tourism professional for collaboration and contributions to Rancho Cordova's tourism industry.

Volunteer of the Year recognizes an individual who contributes time, expertise and support to tourism-related events, programs or visitor experiences.

The Inclusion Advocate of the Year Award recognizes an event, leisure-based business, tourism organization or tourism-related professional that works to create welcoming and inclusive experiences for people of different backgrounds and identities. The award also recognizes efforts to develop programs, practices and partnerships intended to foster a sense of belonging among visitors.

The Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging leader, business, event or organization showing promise within Rancho Cordova's tourism community. Nominees may include those that are new to the city or have recently gained greater visibility through their work, creativity or involvement in the local tourism industry.

The Hospitality Excellence Award recognizes a Rancho Cordova hotel or hotelier for customer service and guest experiences.

The Innovative Marketing Award is intended for a business, event, organization or tourism professional that has used creative marketing to promote Rancho Cordova and attract visitors.

The Cultural Stewardship Award recognizes efforts to preserve, promote or celebrate Rancho Cordova's culture, heritage and arts through experiences available to residents and visitors.

The Sustainability Leader Award focuses on businesses, organizations and tourism professionals that have adopted environmentally responsible practices, improved resource efficiency or promoted sustainability within the local tourism industry.

Nominees generally must be associated with Rancho Cordova's tourism economy and have operated for at least one year. Eligible nominees can include attractions, hotels, events, breweries, restaurants and tourism-related organizations or professionals.

Previous winners cannot receive the same award again within two years.

Nominations may be submitted by residents, community leaders, businesses or other members of the public. Submissions should identify the nominee and award category and include supporting information and photographs requested by Visit Rancho Cordova.

A committee made up of Visit Rancho Cordova board members and staff will review the nominations. Winners will be selected based on eligibility, their impact on local tourism and the strength of the nomination.

The Destination Legacy Awards were introduced in 2025 as a way to recognize businesses, organizations, events and individuals involved in Rancho Cordova's tourism industry and visitor experience.

The 2026 winners will be announced following the judging process and publicly recognized during the Nov. 6 Tourism Summit.

For more information and to submit a nomination visit visitranchocordova.com/destination-legacy-awards/.