FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
South County Tourism Council Wins Two Prestigious APEX Awards for Creative Excellence
CHARLESTOWN, R.I. — The South County Tourism Council is proud to announce it has earned two prestigious honors in the internationally recognized 2025 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence, receiving a Grand Award for its 2025 South County, Rhode Island Destination Video and an Award of Excellence for its digital destination guide, Float.
The APEX Awards for Publication Excellence recognize outstanding work in publishing, communications, editorial content, and design from organizations around the world. Each year, thousands of entries are judged on excellence in creativity, graphic design, editorial quality, and the effectiveness of communicating a message.
The Council's 2025 South County, Rhode Island Destination Video received the competition's highest distinction—a Grand Award in the Video Media category. Judges praised the video for its cinematic storytelling and emotional impact, writing:
"The South County Tourism Council has set the standard for immersive destination storytelling. Their destination video is transportive and dreamy, designed to make viewers feel as though they are already there, creating the memories themselves. It offers a clear sense of what a visit would be like, from coastal views and delicious dining to vibrant, colorful nightlife. The piece is highly effective in drawing visitors to South County and inspiring travel, making you feel like a trip to Rhode Island is necessary as your next getaway."
Creative Director Faye Pantazopoulos worked with Tandem’s Dave Sarazen and Charlie Turchetta to produce a compelling visual story that showcase South County's spectacular coastline, acclaimed restaurants, outdoor adventures, charming villages, and unforgettable experiences.
In addition to the Grand Award, the Council's 2025 Destination Guide, Float, received an Award of Excellence in the Magazines, Journals & Tabloids – Electronic category. The beautifully designed digital publication was recognized for its engaging editorial content, striking photography, and inspiring portrayal of South County's relaxed coastal lifestyle.
"This recognition is especially rewarding because it celebrates the creative vision and passion that our team pours into every project," said Faye Pantazopoulos, Creative Director for the South County Tourism Council. "Our mission is to create marketing that allows people to imagine themselves here—to feel the ocean breeze, experience our coastal communities, and begin planning memories before they even arrive. Receiving two APEX Awards affirms that authentic storytelling has the power to inspire travel."
The award-winning video and Float destination guide reflect the South County Tourism Council's ongoing commitment to producing world-class marketing that elevates Rhode Island's southern coast as one of New England's premier travel destinations.
"These awards are a testament not only to our creative team but to the incredible destination we represent," says South County Tourism Council President, Louise Bishop. "Every beach, scenic trail, local restaurant, artist, innkeeper, and small business helps tell the story of South County. We're honored to share that story with travelers around the world."
The South County Tourism Council continues to promote the region's more than 100 miles of coastline, 20 public beaches, scenic hiking and biking trails, historic villages, fresh local seafood, vibrant arts scene, and year-round experiences through innovative marketing campaigns that inspire visitation and support the local tourism economy.
About South County Tourism Council
The South County Tourism Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the towns of Charlestown, Coventry, East Greenwich, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, West Greenwich and Westerly as a single leisure travel destination known as “South County”. For more information, please visit southcountyri.com.
Media Contact:
Faye Pantazopoulos, Creative Director
South County Tourism Council
fpantazopoulos@southcountyri.com
857.225.4261 (mobile)
