Visit Galveston Wins Top Honors in Public Relations and Marketing Awards Competitions
GALVESTON ISLAND, Texas (June 29, 2026) — Visit Galveston's year-long campaign commemorating the 125th anniversary of the 1900 Great Storm has earned the tourism organization two top honors, receiving both the Grand Excalibur Award from the Houston Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Judges' Choice Award from the Houston American Marketing Association (AMA).
The integrated communications campaign honored the lives lost in the nation's deadliest natural disaster while showcasing Galveston's resilience through strategic storytelling, earned media, community partnerships and a large-scale public activation. The campaign culminated with more than 6,500 people gathering along the Galveston Seawall to commemorate the anniversary and secure a Guinness World Record recognizing the seawall as the world's longest continuous walkway.
The campaign also earned a PRSA Gold Excalibur Award in the Events and Observances category and four AMA Crystal Awards, including the Judges' Choice Award and honors in the Special Event Promotion and Marketing, Public Relations Campaign and Business-to-Consumer Marketing Campaign categories.
"Galveston has a story unlike anywhere else, and we are fortunate to have a talented team capable of sharing that story with audiences across the country," said Marty Miles, CEO of Galveston Park Board. "The honors we received this year are a testament to the creativity and dedication of our staff and partners. Behind every campaign are professionals who care deeply about this island and work tirelessly to showcase what makes Galveston special. Their efforts continue to position our community as Texas' premier coastal destination."
The Visit Galveston team, a division of the Galveston Park Board, is dedicated to growing tourism to the island through four core functions: marketing, public relations, group sales, and on-island visitor engagement. Each year, Galveston welcomes millions of visitors, and the Visit Galveston team plays a critical role in ensuring those visitors are aware of all the island has to offer.
"The work our team does directly supports tourism and helps grow the island's economy," said Tony Lyle, Executive Director for Visit Galveston. "We challenge ourselves to be better every day, and these awards are proof that we are doing just that. We are industry leaders making a measurable difference in the Galveston community and in the tourism world. We strategically seek out new opportunities to show how tourism impacts our community and our visitors, and we are grateful for the professional recognition that confirms we are doing our jobs well."
About Galveston Island
Galveston Island, a charming barrier island along the Gulf Coast, just 50 miles from Houston, welcomes millions of visitors each year. With 32 miles of sandy beaches, unique shopping in the Strand Historic District, and the fourth-busiest cruise port in the U.S., Galveston offers something for everyone. The island's vibrant festivals, theme parks, attractions, museums, and acclaimed food scene draw visitors year-round. Known for its Victorian architecture and as the birthplace of Juneteenth, Galveston is a perfect getaway for history, culture, and adventure lovers. Learn more at visitgalveston.com.
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