McAlester Tourism and Buffalo Run Pro Disc Golf Course Earn State’s Highest Awards | News

Two McAlester organizations have been recognized as the best in Oklahoma.

McAlester Tourism and Buffalo Run Pro Disc Golf Course recently won the RedBud Awards, the highest honors given in Oklahoma’s tourism industry to celebrate the efforts of organizations that have made significant contributions to Oklahoma’s tourism sector. the state. The awards are presented by the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association (OTIA) in partnership with Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation.

This is the ninth tourism award presented to McAlester in the last seven years, including seven in the last three years alone. Since 2017, McAlester has received seven RedBud Awards and two Merit Awards for various events, attractions, publications and websites.

“My goal is for McAlester to be featured every year with other premier destinations, travel and tourism partners,” said Billy Sumner, McAlester Tourism Director. “I’m proud of what McAlester has accomplished and it’s my job to support and highlight the things that make our region unique.” Our local event organizers, community partners and supporters deserve to be honored and recognized for their hard work, not only at the local level but also at the national and state levels.

Buffalo Run owner Matt House said he was thrilled to receive the RedBud Award for Outstanding Event in recognition of the course’s 10th annual golf tournament which hosted nearly 200 players representing nine states and four countries in a event becoming an A-level tournament in 2023. .

“This award was matched against some heavyweights, so it’s an exciting time for disc golf in Oklahoma and I felt honored to represent McAlester at the state level,” House said. “It is very special that my personal investment and contributions in 2014 in the creation of this course receive awards and recognition.”

House said he is grateful for the local support and commitment to making Buffalo Run a premier disc golf course in Oklahoma, but also for the great partnerships with the city of McAlester, Sumner and sponsors. He said the tournament wouldn’t be possible without Daniel Cuevas and Buffalo Run disc golf tournament director Mike Delloro.

House graduated from McAlester High School in 1998 and won state baseball titles with the Buffaloes in 1996 and 1998 before playing college ball at Eastern Oklahoma State College and Northeastern State University while majoring in health and in kinesiology. He discovered disc golf in 2009 while playing competitive softball and living in California and registered with the PDGA in 2010.

He has several career victories and competed in the PDGA Pro Disc Golf World Championships, returning to design the Buffalo Run course which opened in 2014. Buffalo Run rests under shady trees between the Stipe Center and McAlester Regional Health Center, and it is open to everyone. golfers of all levels at any time of the week.

House and Cuevas, who graduated from McAlester High School in 2002, work with Delloro to organize the tournament each fall. Delloro, owner of BigFoot Disc Golf Shop in Durant, praised House and Cuevas for their dedication to promoting and growing the sport. He also thanked Sumner, City of McAlester Community Services Director Doug Basinger, and the City of McAlester teams for their partnership in making the event a success.

“The pride and passion that each of you feel for the city of McAlester is truly commendable,” Delloro said.

McAlester Tourism won the RedBud Award for Best Big Budget Website.

This prestigious distinction recognizes excellence in the tourism industry and highlights McAlester’s efforts in promoting its rich heritage, vibrant community and diverse attractions through an exceptional digital platform, created by ITI Digital and launched late 2023.

For over 30 years, ITI Digital has worked with destinations across the United States to promote economic development through tourism marketing. By providing and simplifying web content management through automation and cutting-edge technology, ITI creates better online user experiences that inspire travelers to discover new destinations and encourage them to return to sites more frequently and destinations. ITI’s creation of a new virtual welcome center and website for McAlester Tourism was a positive step forward for the department and the ability to promote McAlester.

“Tourism is dynamic, moving and always moving,” Sumner said. “Our new website brings everything together in one place. It highlights McAlester in ways we never could before, including promoting our events, attractions and businesses. I love change and am excited about the opportunities we have with it moving forward. You should definitely check out travelmcalester.com! »

The award-winning website is a comprehensive resource for visitors and locals, providing detailed information on events, attractions, accommodation, restaurants and much more. The site’s user-friendly design, engaging content and smooth navigation have significantly improved users’ online experience, leading to increased tourism and economic growth for the city.

McAlester Tourism would like to express its gratitude to OTIA, the local community and all partners who contributed to this achievement. The department looks forward to continuing its mission of promoting McAlester as a premier travel destination and welcoming visitors from near and far.

“OTIA and the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation are incredible partners and supporters of not only our industry, but also individual communities, like McAlester. I love having the opportunity to learn and work with everyone in both organizations,” Sumner said. “These awards are truly an honor and a testament to the hard work that not only my department but everyone in the community puts in to improve our industry and our community. I’m excited and ready to see where we go from here.