Destination Toledo executive honored by Ohio travel industry

Lance Woodworth, president and CEO of Destination Toledo, is the recipient of the 2024 Paul Sherlock Legend in Ohio Travel award.

Presented by the Ohio Travel Association, the award is the Ohio travel industry’s highest honor. The non-profit recognizes one individual each year who “exemplifies professional, personal, and career excellence.”

“We are so proud to acknowledge Lance Woodworth with this prestigious award,” Melinda Huntley, Executive Director of OTA, said. “He’s a steadfast advocate and enthusiastic supporter of Toledo, and travel and tourism throughout Ohio. Lance knows the power of this industry and believes in its success.”

The association takes into account the recipient’s “career achievement and tireless efforts toward Ohio travel” when selecting a winner.

Officials described Mr. Woodworth as “a dedicated champion of the travel industry at the local, regional, and state levels with extensive involvement on many industry boards and committees.”

He currently holds positions on the boards of OTA, Ohio Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and Ohio Society of Association Professionals. In 2023 Mr. Woodworth was appointed by Governor DeWine to the Tourism Ohio Advisory Board.

A Northwest Ohio native and graduate of Bowling Green State University, Mr. Woodworth also graduated from the Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy and obtained his Certified Destination Management Executive certification through Destinations International, the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement.