Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland, receives the 23rd Annual Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Central Florida Gene T. Hassett Award
Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland, was recently selected as the recipient of the 23rd Annual Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Central Florida Gene T. Hassett Award in recognition of dedicated service to the growth and prosperity of the Central Florida hospitality industry.
The Gene T. Hassett Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen fields and have devoted time and energy to their communities.
McHugh took over the reins at Gatorland in 1996 and has since introduced over 32 new attractions and exhibits. at Orlando’s only attraction with bite and attitude. They range from free-flying lorikeets, animal encounters, Gator Gully Splash Park and the world’s largest White Alligator Exhibit opening in February 2009. The shows are typical Mark McHugh projects: exciting, entertaining, and unprecedented.
Aside from his professional accomplishments, McHugh is an active member of the community having volunteered to serve on a number of boards and spearheading many community initiatives such as his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, executive committee member of myregion.org, chairman of the Florida Attractions Association, Board of Directors for the Osceola County Foundation for Education, and Relay for Life Champion.
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shops, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.
# # #