The Dubois County Visitors Center & Tourism Commission is celebrating National Tourism Week and Visit Indiana Week with its annual Spring Tourism Luncheon on Thursday, May 17, 2007 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDT at Sultan’s Run in Jasper.

The theme for this year’s luncheon is: Tourism in Dubois County: A Celebration of 15 Years! This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Dubois County Tourism Commission and also serves as a celebratory year for three Dubois County communities in regards to tourism.

Local guest speakers will highlight tourism success stories featuring Jasper Strassenfest, pictured on the front cover of the 2007 Indiana Festival Guide; Huntingburg Fourth Street, recently named to the National Register of Historic Places; and Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, celebrating its 140th anniversary this summer.

New to this year’s luncheon is the Lowell Glendening Hospitality Award, which will be given to one deserving individual in the tourism industry who has enriched and promoted the heritage of Dubois County. The award will be given in memory of Glendening, one of the original founders of the Dubois County Tourism Commission.

Kristen Ruhe, executive director, will present an update and overview of the tourism industry in Dubois County and share the Commission’s goals for the upcoming year. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Reservations to attend the luncheon are required and may be made by calling the Dubois County Visitors Center at (812) 482-9115 by Monday, May 14. The cost for lunch is $8 per person and may be paid at the door.