Bryce Riggs, President & CEO of the Seneca County Collaborative, was awarded the Ohio Travel Association’s Emerging Leader Award on Friday, October 3, during the 2025 Ohio Conference on Travel at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake in Ashtabula County.
The Emerging Leader Award honors promising travel professionals with fewer than 10 years of experience in the industry who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a strong vision for advancing Ohio’s travel economy. Winners are selected through a competitive statewide process led by a panel of past Ohio Travel Association presidents. To be considered, nominees must meet strict eligibility criteria, including at least five years of experience in the Ohio travel industry, professional development participation such as the Ohio Travel Leadership Academy, and recognition for efforts beyond their organization.
This year marked Riggs’s first year of eligibility for the award, following five years in the travel and tourism industry. His selection highlights the meaningful contributions he has made in that time to both Seneca County and Ohio’s travel industry.
Riggs was recognized for his leadership in elevating Seneca County’s tourism profile, strengthening statewide partnerships, and ensuring that tourism has a seat at every conversation in the county. Under his direction, Destination Seneca County has earned 14 statewide awards over the past four years, launched innovative campaigns, and brought fresh energy to how Seneca County tells its story.
He spearheaded signature initiatives such as Elope at the Eclipse, which drew 150 couples from 11 states and received national media coverage in The New York Times, NBC Nightly News, and Good Morning America. He also established the Seneca County Tourism Council and expanded marketing strategies that have significantly increased website traffic, visitor engagement, and community participation.
Beyond his local work, Riggs is an active leader across the state. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Travel Association and is a 2021 graduate of the Ohio Travel Leadership Academy. His statewide involvement reflects a deep commitment to advancing the travel industry not only in Seneca County, but throughout Ohio.
