Pike Place Market fishmonger named Seattle's Tourism Ambassador of the Year

May 12, 6:14 PMSeattle Travel ExaminerSue Frause

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  Justin Hall holds his award for being named 2009 Tourism Ambassador of the Year by Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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A popular and long-time fishmonger at Seattle's Pike Place Fish Market took a break from tossing fish on May 12. Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau, on behalf of the tourism industry, presented Justin Hall with the first annual 2009 Tourism Ambassador of the Year award. Hall, who has served during the past year as one of the featured Tourism Ambassadors for the Why Tourism Matters community outreach campaign, was thrilled. The award ceremony took place at Westlake Park during the Tourism Day in Seattle rally, held in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week. A crowd of around 200 people showed up for the rally, which included such local luminaries as former Evening Magazine host John Curley. Hall was selected by a judging committee comprised of members of the region's tourism industry including hotels, airlines, attractions and other tourist-friendly businesses. The nominees were judged according to the following attributes and actions:

• Maintain direct contact with visitors and regularly go above and beyond to serve and assist them;
• Represent the tourism industry with the highest professional standards and serve as an example to peers and a mentor to new tourism industry professionals;
• Proudly proclaim tourism's benefits and serve as an advocate to advance the industry;
• Give back to community on behalf of the tourism industry.

Hall started his job as a fishmonger at Pike Place Fish Market at the young age of 13 -- more than 23 years ago. So it's no surprise that he was selected as one of the original Tourism Ambassadors for the Why Tourism Matters campaign that showcases working tourism professionals on the job. Since the campaign was launched last year, photos and interviews with Hall have appeared in newspaper and magazine ads, editorial stories, on web sites, posters and even in storefront windows in downtown Seattle. He's become somewhat of a local celebrity.

When accepting the award, Hall explained, "I want to be a tourist, I just imagine that I'm them!" He treats people like they want to be treated and respects the tourism industry. "Tourism is not a thing," said Hall. "It's the way you live." So if that means picking up garbage on the street so that the city looks better, so be it. "It's about helping that person who looks lost," said Hall. "It's about being a good person."

Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau is a non-profit economic development agency responsible for competitively marketing Seattle as a destination for meeting and convention groups and leisure travelers. As a membership-based organization, SCVB connects more than 800 local businesses with the visitor market.