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Department of Tourism
Ali Center Chosen Best New Attraction
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2006) )-- The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville has been honored with the 5-Star Award for Best New Attraction by the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) . Nearing its first full year of operation later this month, the Ali Center is a unique downtown attraction founded by Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie that, since its opening, has welcomed nearly 85,000 visitors from around the state and the world.
The 5-Star Award was chosen by vote of the NATJA membership consisting of more than 500 travel writers, editors, authors and broadcasters. According to NATJA President Dan Schlossberg, there were more than 50 other attractions named on the write-in ballots and that many of them received multiple votes.
“All of us at NATJA are very pleased at the selection of the Muhammad Ali Center for a prize in our 5-Star Awards program,” said Schlossberg. “The Ali Center was chosen because it is a new and exciting venue in a city that is enhancing its reputation far beyond the Kentucky Derby.”
Michael Fox, president and CEO of the Center said, “We could not be happier with this distinction. Knowing that NATJA writers have experienced other outstanding new attractions all over North America and chose the Ali Center as its 5-Star winner only reinforces that our 2-1/2 levels of exhibits are as compelling, inspirational, and affecting as we had always envisioned. We hope that this honor will only help the Commonwealth of Kentucky increase its cultural tourism reputation around the world resulting in greater visitation to our wonderful state.”
“We’re excited about the Ali Center’s potential for serving as a catalyst for tourism growth in Louisville and throughout Kentucky,” said Tourism Commissioner Randy Fiveash. “This award underscores the center’s unique qualities as a must-see tourism attraction.”
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The Muhammad Ali Center is a destination site and international cultural and educational center that is inspired by the ideals of Muhammad Ali. Featuring a non-traditional visitor experience, educational and public programming, global initiatives and distance learning, the Ali Center will reach beyond its physical walls to fulfill its mission: To preserve and share the legacy and ideals of Muhammad Ali, to promote respect, hope and understanding, and to inspire adults and children everywhere to be as great as they can be.
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NATJA was founded in 1991 and today, is the second largest association of writers, photographers, editors, and media relations professionals dedicated to redefining professional development for the travel industry. Its programming and services include the annual Conference & Marketplace focusing on professional development, the annual NATJA Awards travel journalism competition, Travelworld Magazine, which is affiliated with MSNBC Travel and features stories from NATJA members, in-depth media intelligence found in the member extranet Resource Center, and an exclusive eWire service. NATJA’s inclusiveness and focus on meeting the demands of the changing travel industry have enabled the organization to grow to more than 500 members.
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The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy.
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