T.F. Green Airport has been nominated by USA Today’s expert panel for their 2021 “10 Best Reader’s Choice travel awards” as a contender for Best Small Airport.

In 2020 the airport placed second in the competition. Now it is looking for voter support to take home top honors.

Kellie Wright, director of marketing and chief marketing officer of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, said she’s “encouraging fellow Rhode Islanders and regional supporters to vote for us. At the end of the day it comes back to helping our state recover and bringing national recognition to our beautiful and wonderful airport that we know is the best.”

Wright emphasized the importance of a contest like this, as it “provides a boost in state tourism and economic development,” she said in an interview. “If we claim the number one spot, it’ll help us recover quicker, bring in more travelers, jobs, and income into the state.”

T.F. Green Airport is currently third in the competition, and Wright says even that is a “huge achievement.” It is trailing Huntsville, Alabama and Myrtle Beach, SC although the website offers no statistics. Fifteen small airports are competing for bragging rights.

“To be recognized like this is huge. A number of commercial airports throughout the country have gone through big, expensive terminal updates,” said Wright.

Wright thanked “everyone who voted last year, and thanks in advance to those who vote for us this year. But a big thanks to all the essential workers who are keeping the airport running safe and smoothly during this time.”

Individuals can vote once a day, everyday throughout the contest at votepvd.com. Voting ends on Feb. 1, 2021.