Joanna Zazalli has been awarded the inaugural Tourism Star Award. Zazalli is the coordinator of visitor and member services for the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
 
The award is given by the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) to recognize hospitality and tourism industry professionals who exemplify the spirit of service and leadership, according to a news release. The award was presented during CVB’s Travel Rally Breakfast on May 12, officials said.
 
Zazalli was nominated by Peggy Sloan, director of the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher, for being a dedicated professional who embraces the challenge of creating exceptional experiences for the aquarium’s visitors.
 
“In the context of going the extra mile for visitors, I almost have to ask what Joanna hasn't done,” Sloan said in the release.