Hartford — Two of the region's leading tourism figures were honored Tuesday during the Connecticut Governor's Conference on Tourism, an all-day event that focused on the state's $14 billion industry.

Stephen White, Mystic Seaport's president and chief executive officer, was named Tourism Leader of the Year, while Mitchell Etess, chief executive officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, received the Tourism Legacy Leader award in recognition of his contributions over nearly two decades.

In opening the conference, held at the Connecticut Convention Center, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy noted that the state spent $32 million on tourism promotion over the first four years of his administration, helping create 5,000 new jobs in tourism-related industries. He did not address his plan to reduce tourism funding in the next two fiscal years.

White, president of Mystic Seaport since 2009, was cited for his vision in leading the museum’s five-year restoration of the Charles W. Morgan, the last remaining wooden whaleship, which the Seaport relaunched in 2013. The Morgan visited historic New England ports last year before resuming its role as the museum’s flagship exhibit.

"I accept this award on behalf of the entire Mystic Seaport community," White said. "Tourism is a team sport. A lot of people worked very hard to bring this (Morgan project) together. It's made for a stronger southeastern Connecticut."

White also won praise for leading the development of new digital educational programs at Mystic Seaport and for finding "unique ways" to partner with Mystic Aquarium, local businesses and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum to attract more visitors to Connecticut.

Etess, described as "a champion of travel and tourism efforts," has been a Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority executive since 1996, having also served as president and CEO of Mohegan Sun, the authority’s flagship casino, and the Connecticut Sun women’s basketball team. As an active member of the state’s tourism advisory council, he has been an advocate for statewide tourism marketing.

"It's been great to be part of the tourism industry here," Etess said. "To be honored along with Stephen White is very meaningful to me."

Etess, who is to receive the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s Citizen of the Year Award, is set to retire later this year.

b.hallenbeck@theday.com

Twitter: @bjhallenbeck