Danny Lafayette Wins Tourism Excellence Award

AUGUSTA, Maine - Danny Lafayette, president of Lafayette Hotels in Bangor, was presented with the Award for Tourism Excellence during the Governor's Conference on Tourism Awards Dinner in Augusta recently.

Danny Lafayette, president of Lafayette Hotels was presented with the Award for Tourism Excellence during the Governor's Conference on Tourism Awards Dinner held recently in Augusta. Pictured L to R: Governor John Baldacci, Danny and Carla Lafayette, Maine Office of Tourism Director Patricia Eltman.

The awards, which are sponsored by the Maine Office of Tourism and the Maine Tourism Commission, are presented to those in the tourism industry who lead by example. Nominated by their peers in the tourism industry, the individuals and businesses honored at the dinner were selected in a juried process.

Governor John Baldacci and Maine Office of Tourism Director Patricia Eltman presented the awards.

"Danny Lafayette has a remarkable mix of business savvy and commitment to the Maine communities where his properties welcome guests," Eltman said. "He is a role model for his employees, and a leader in Maine's tourism industry."

Lafayette Hotels owns 21 properties in 13 Maine cities and towns from Wells Beach to Augusta and Bar Harbor. Including properties in two other states, Lafayette's company employs more than 1,000 people.

Lafayette Hotels pledged $1 million toward Eastern Maine Medical Center's CancerCare of Maine facility in Brewer. Last year the Lafayette Family Cancer Center opened at CancerCare of Maine. The company is now helping to raise another $1 million to create an endowment for cancer research.

Each year the Governor's Conference on Tourism is an opportunity for Maine's tourism industry to come together for professional development and to recognize those whose service and dedication is commendable.