We’ve long said that anyone who walks Natchez streets, eats in restaurants or even drives around town is part of the tourism industry.

That’s because the experience of a tourist isn’t confined to the hotel lobby and visitor center. The tourism experience is their exposure to everything Natchez, from the courtesy of other motorists to the people at the adjoining restaurant table who smile and say, “Hello.”

Those brief, but important interactions, are periphery to the core of the tourism experience. A central cast of characters that includes restaurant wait staff, house tour guides, hotel clerks and others handles that core function.

And that function is extremely important and often overlooked. Those people are tourism all-stars.

A few of those all-stars were recognized as being the best in their class Tuesday by the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce’s annual travel and tourism awards reception.

Those honored dedicate much of their lives and in many cases stake their livelihoods on the success of Natchez’s tourism story.

Natchez has long been blessed to have dedicated business owners, employees and volunteers who work hard to make the Natchez experience extra special for tourists.

For their hard work and dedication, we say, “Thank you.”