Recognizing Louisville’s Finest in Tourism & Hospitality
Exceptional & dedicated front-line employees to be celebrated at annual awards event
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (November 7, 2025) – Louisville Tourism will recognize the hospitality industry’s biggest local contributors at the highly anticipated ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) awards ceremony on Thursday, November 13 at The Louisville Palace. The annual event, which has been held for over 30 years, recognizes dedicated front-line representatives of the hospitality industry who make Louisville a successful destination city by enhancing the city’s visitor experiences.
The highlight of the ceremony is the presentation of the ROSE Award winners. There are 63 finalists this year representing eleven sectors of the industry.
The categories are:
Attractions
Behind the Scenes
Culinary Arts
Event Services
Food & Dining Experience
Guest & Retail Services
Hotel Services (over 201 rooms)
Hotel Services (under 200 rooms)
Rising Star
Spirits
Transportation & Tours
Additional Awards:
The Louisville Hotel Association will sponsor the Spirit of Hospitality Award again this year, recognizing an “overall service champion,” of the 63 finalists.
The Dan Mangeot Lifetime Achievement Award, presented annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of tourism and has a history of supporting the hospitality industry throughout their professional lifetime.
The Partner of the Year Award, which honors a partner who has played a pivotal role in advancing tourism initiatives.
The Ambassador Awards will be given to individuals who have significantly contributed to Louisville Tourism’s sales and service initiatives by helping to retain and bring convention business to Louisville.
“The ROSE Awards give us an opportunity to publicly recognize our hardworking community members who dedicate their professional lives to make Louisville an outstanding place to live, work and visit. The individuals we honor today help give Louisville an edge among other destinations in hospitality and service,” said Cleo Battle, Louisville Tourism President & CEO in 2024. “They are making an impact as they create positive experiences for our visitors, which ultimately contributes to the economic vibrancy of Louisville.”
The travel and tourism industry is the third largest industry in Louisville, currently supporting over 70,000 jobs in the city area.