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Nominate the Best in Hospitality & Tourism for the 2026 Ordinary Awards |
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Nominations for the 2026 Ordinary Awards are open! Help us shine a light on the best and brightest Virginia's tourism and hospitality industries offer, and nominate deserving candidates from your organization. The Ordinary Awards will occur on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump. |
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The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, June 19, 2026 |
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The 2026 Ordinary Awards will recognize individual or business achievements across 26 different categories. Nominations are open to both members and non-members of VRLTA, and each award will be given to the honoree who demonstrates an exemplary passion for hospitality and travel. NEW FOR 2026 - We’re excited to launch the addition of two new awards to our program: New Lodging Property of the Year and New Restaurant of the Year! Eligible for businesses opened on or after September 1, 2025 - these new categories will up us recognize even more of the incredible professionals making an impact on Virginia’s hospitality landscape. Here are all the categories: |
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- Attraction of the Year
- Attraction Employee of the Year
- DMO/CVB Employee of the Year
- Lodging Property of the Year
- Hotelier of the Year
- Lodging Employee of the Year
- Lodging Manager of the Year
- Campground of the Year
- New Lodging Property of the Year*
- Restaurant of the Year
- Restaurateur of the Year
- Restaurant Employee of the Year
- Restaurant Manager of the Year
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| - Chef of the Year
- Bartender of the Year
- New Restaurant of the Year*
- Brewery of the Year
- Winery of the Year
- Distillery of the Year
- Supplier of the Year
- Hospitality Student of the Year
- Legislator of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Hospitality Hero (Employee)
- Hospitality Hero (Business)
- ProStart Teacher of the Year
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Why Would You Call the Awards...Ordinary? |
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Chinn’s Ordinary, considered “the oldest original inn in America," was built around 1728 in what is now Middleburg, Virginia. The building was uniquely situated halfway between Alexandria and Winchester, making it an ideal location for an inn and tavern catering to travelers. Although it's been renovated and renamed several times over the years, it has operated as the Red Fox Inn & Tavern since 1937. This history of Chinn’s Ordinary speaks to the three pillars of VRLTA's membership: restaurants, lodging, and travel. These industries are anything but ordinary, and this juxtaposition is too good to pass up. The true goal of these Awards is to honor those in our industry, individuals and companies, that are truly Extraordinary. |
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Interested in Sponsoring the 2026 Ordinary Awards? |
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Our team is currently exploring sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Ordinary Awards. If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor, please contact Brittany Wojdyla today! |
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