CONCORD — Southern Grace Distilleries was named North Carolina Visitor Attraction of the Year by the N.C. Travel Industry Association in this year’s Tourism Achievement Awards.

The award recognizes a visitor attraction that exemplifies excellence and sets the standard for an exceptional visitor experience, according to the association.

The Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau earned a gold award in the competition.

“Since opening, Southern Grace has actively engaged the Cabarrus County CVB and the community to create partnerships, expand the reach of our story and give back,” said Donna Carpenter, president and CEO of the visitors bureau. “We’re proud that Southern Grace Distilleries calls Cabarrus County home and look forward to the future of this outstanding attraction.”

The CVB received a gold award in the meetings and conventions marketing category for its personalized approach to showcasing a destination and building relationships with meeting planners with tours over the past year.

“Our team works diligently to illustrate the caliber of experience and service planners can expect here and attract them to Cabarrus County for their next event,” said Carpenter. “We’re honored to be recognized for our efforts to further contribute to the positive impact of tourism through meetings and conventions.”

Recipients were honored during the association’s annual conference on Thursday in Concord.

The Tourism Achievement Awards are designed to honor and showcase innovation, best practices, creativity and the results of marketing strategies.