FREEPORT — Vaughn Stinson, chief executive officer of the Maine Tourism Association, was recently honored with the 2012 Special Service Award by the Maine Innkeepers Association at its 91st annual meeting and conference held at the Grand Summit Resort and Conference Center in Newry.

MEIA Executive Director Greg Dugal presented Stinson with the award, which is presented to a person who has actively contributed to the hospitality industry as a whole.

Stinson began his tourism career with Delta Air Lines in 1968 in Miami, Fla., holding positions in customer service, sales and marketing in several cities, including Portland. Stinson was director of tourism for the state of Mississippi before returning to Maine to take over as chief executive officer of the Maine Tourism Association located in Hallowell.

Stinson’s responsibilities heading up the association include publishing tourism guides to promote Maine as a tourism destination.