NATCHEZ &8212; People and organizations related to the Natchez Trace Parkway received two of this year&8217;s top Mississippi Tourism Association Governor&8217;s Conference Awards.

The awards were handed out at the luncheon that concluded the conference, held this year at the Natchez Convention Center.

The Tourism Promotion of the Year Award went to the National Park Service and the Natchez Trace Compact for their promotion of the parkway and its completion last year.

The compact, an organization with members from three states, works to promote attractions along the Trace and nearby towns.

Parkway Superintendent Windell Simpson was named Governmental Friend of Tourism for his work with the compact and other public and private entities to promote the parkway.

But Simpson, who accepted both plaques, downplayed his role after the luncheon concluded.

&8220;The completion of the Trace was the result of hard work by a lot of people, some of whom came along way before me, and I accept this on behalf of all of them,&8221; Simpson said.

Natchez Tourism Director Walter Tipton, a member of the Trace Compact, gave Simpson much credit for working well with the organization.

&8220;It&8217;s truly been a great partnership,&8221; Tipton said.