Vicki Freed, CTC and senior vice president of sales, trade support and services for Royal Caribbean International, has dedicated her career to supporting travel agents who sell cruise vacations. And last night, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) South Florida recognized Freed’s commitment to industry excellence with the chapter’s Hospitality Legend award.

President of HSMAI South Florida, and Project Manager of Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, Carmen Ackerman presented Vicki the award at the association’s Best in Hospitality banquet to benefit the HSMAI South Florida scholarship fund for future hospitality leaders.

“We are delighted to name Vicki HSMAI South Florida’s Hospitality Legend,” said Ackerman. “HSMAI South Florida is leading professional association for sales and marketing professionals involved in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry. Our work also supports students who are pursuing careers in hospitality sales and marketing, management or revenue management, through the HSMAI South Florida scholarship fund.”

In her community, Vicki serves on the board of the Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options (JAFCO) and she is a trustee of the United Way of Miami-Dade County. Previously, she served on the Florida Commission on Tourism for 10 years, the board of directors for the South Florida Chapter of Make-a-Wish Foundation for nine years and the board of directors for the Association for Travel Marketing Executives.

HSMAI South Florida is an association for sales and marketing professionals involved in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry in South Florida. All segments of the hospitality industry are represented, but HSMAI also has five special interest groups that connect members with common interests including Hotel Director of Sales & Marketing, Resort Marketing, Revenue Management, Travel Internet Marketing and Sales & Marketing Faculty.