AWARD CATEGORIES

TRAVEL

The Travel Awards Category is open to all Virginia Attractions, Destinations, DMOs/CVBs, campgrounds, etc.

Attraction of the Year Award
Recognizing an Attraction for contributions to Virginia’s tourism industry—by implementing innovative ideas and/or demonstrating passion for enhancing travel to its community. 

Charlie Buser Award for Attraction Employee of the Year Award
Recognizing an individual for his/her extraordinary contributions and commitment to his/her community and attraction–and its guests. Named for Charlie Buser who set the highest of standards in dedication and love of this industry. 

Jim Ricketts Award for DMO/CVB Employee of the Year Award
Recognizing an individual for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s tourism industry and his/her region’s visitors.

LODGING

The Lodging Awards Category is open to all Virginia Hotels, B&Bs, other lodging, etc. 

Hotel of the Year Award

Recognizing a hotel for extraordinary contributions to the hotel industry by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the industry and its community.
 

Hotelier of the Year Award
Recognizing a hotel Owner, GM, Manager, or Senior Management Team member for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s hotel industry and his/her hotel–and its guests.
 

Hotel Employee of the Year Award
Recognizing a hotel employee, other than senior management, for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s hotel industry and his/her hotel–and its guests.

RESTAURANT

The Restaurant Awards Category is open to all Virginia Restaurants, Food Trucks, etc.

Restaurant of the Year Award
Recognizing a restaurant for extraordinary contributions to the restaurant industry by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the industry and their community.

Jim Wordsworth Award for Restaurateur of the Year
Recognizing an Owner, GM, Manager, etc. for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s restaurant industry and his/her restaurant–and its patrons.

Restaurant Employee of the Year Award
Recognizing a restaurant employee, other than senior management, for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s restaurant industry and his/her restaurant–and its patrons.

Chef of the Year Award
Recognizing an individual chef who has shown exemplary commitment to his/her employees and growing Virginia’s diverse restaurant and culinary industry.

Bartender of the Year Award
Recognizing an individual bartender who has shown a commitment to advancing the art of bartending and to providing his/her guests with an exemplary experience.

BEVERAGE PRODUCER

The Beverage Producer Awards Category is open to all Virginia Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries

Brewery of the Year Award
Recognizing a brewery for extraordinary contributions to the Virginia tourism and brewing industries by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the industries and their community.
 

Winery of the Year Award
Recognizing a winery for extraordinary contributions to the Virginia tourism and wine industries by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the industries and their community.
 

Distillery of the Year Award
Recognizing a distillery for extraordinary contributions to the Virginia tourism and distilled spirits industries by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the industries and their community.

OTHER AWARDS

Supplier the Year Award
Recognizing a supplier company for its exceptional service to the hospitality and tourism industry of Virginia. 

Rising Pineapple Award for Outstanding Hospitality and Tourism Student of the Year
Recognizing a high school or collegiate level student who has made extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry through his/her studies, an internship program, or paid position. 

Legislator of the Year Award

Recognizing a Virginia Delegate or Senator who has shown exceptional support of the hospitality and tourism industry. Note: this award recipient is chosen by the VRLTA staff and board. 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognizing a VRLTA member who has a lifetime of success in the hospitality and tourism industry and has also made important and lasting contributions to the Association. Note: this award recipient is chosen by the VRLTA staff and board.

NEW IN 2020! Hospitality Hero (Individual Employee)

Recognizing an individual in the tourism or hospitality industry that has gone above and beyond to innovate, support frontline workers, provide assistance in the community, or act selflessly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEW IN 2020! Hospitality Hero (Business or Organization)

Recognizing a business or organization in the tourism or hospitality industry that has gone above and beyond to innovate, support frontline workers, provide assistance in the community, or act philanthropically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NOMINATION PROCESS

TIMELINE

• Nomination forms must be received by Monday, August 17, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
• Award finalists will be notified by email on or before Friday, September 11, 2020.
• Recipients will be recognized at the Awards Event on Tuesday, September 29, 2020.

CRITERIA

• Award Nominations are open to members and non-members of VRLTA.
  
• The eligibility period for the 2020 Ordinary Awards is from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
  
• There is no limit to the number of individuals that can be nominated. Self-nominations are allowed.
  
• If nominating more than one individual, separate nomination forms are required.
  
• Recipients, nominees, and nominators are encouraged to attend the Awards event on Tuesday, September 29, 2020. Tickets and pricing to be announced.
• Inclusion of substantiating materials and photos are strongly encouraged within the submission.
  
• Interested in submitting a recorded video nomination? Contact marketing@vrlta.org.