Visit Anchorage members recognized outstanding business and personal contributions in Anchorage tourism and marked a golden anniversary during the Seymour Awards on April 18, 2025. Themed “Striking Success” this year, the Seymour Awards are named for Anchorage’s moose mascot. Each year the awards recognize the achievements that improve the community, expand leisure time opportunities for visitors and residents, and generate more local benefits through tourism. This year’s awards recognized 11 recipients in 10 categories:
Volunteers of the Year - Steve Gillies and Stan Moll
Contribution to the Community - Jin Chen, Vanderlust Vans
Heart of Hospitality - Raquel Edelen, General Manager of the Hotel Captain Cook
Tour Operator of the Year - Alaska Travel Connection
All Alaskan Award - Carol Fraser
Meeting Planner of the Year - Meghan Johnson
Philanthropic Tourism and Hospitality Champion - Cyrus Aldeman, President of Anchorage Trolley Tours
Visitor Industry Advancement - Emily Edenshaw, President & CEO of the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Member of the Year (Small Business ) - Shuttle Services of Alaska
Member of the Year - Alaska Tour & Travel
“Everyone of us in this room should get the credit for helping to make our industry a success and providing those memories of a lifetime for countless visitors and residents,” said Visit Anchorage President & CEO Julie Saupe. “Thank you for every little thing you do to make Anchorage a better place for our guests, and by extension, makes a more enticing and enjoyable place for all of us as residents.”
The 2025 event also served as a celebration of Visit Anchorage’s 50th anniversary.
Congratulations to each of this year’s nominees and Seymour Award recipients.
