Statewide Tourism Awards Announced

(Warrenton, Virginia) April 26, 2018:  The Virginia Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (VADMO), an association supporting destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and the development of tourism and travel professionals in Virginia, announced the winners of the 2017 VIRGO Awards at their 2018 Tourism Symposium held at The Omni Charlottesville Hotel in Charlottesville, Virginia on April 22-24, 2018.

The 2017 competition incorporated the new categories debuted in 2015, which accurately reflect the type of cutting-edge promotional campaigns being showcased throughout Virginia. All entries represented projects, campaigns or a body of work completed between August 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017.  The Virgo Awards pay tribute to individuals, groups, businesses and destination marketing organizations that have significantly contributed to the Commonwealth of Virginia's economy through tourism promotion and development.

Judges for the awards were industry peers from Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Theresa Earles, Tourism Development Manager with Suffolk Tourism, presented the Virgo Awards on behalf of VADMO.  Submissions were evaluated on the quality of the submission, economic efficiency, and the economic or community impact. The winners of the 2017 VIRGO Awards are listed below.

• Advertising & Promotions - DMO Budget UNDER $1 million: Print  Chesapeake Tourism for the Chesapeake Virginia Visitor Guide

• Advertising & Promotions - DMO Budget UNDER $1 million: Broadcast  Discover Bristol for the Webisode Commercials

• Advertising & Promotions – DMO Budget OVER $1million: Broadcast Discover Loudoun for the DC 101 LoCo Ale Trail/Visit Loudoun Partnership 2017 Commercial

• Advertising & Promotions – DMO Budget UNDER $1 million: Online and eMarketing  Chesapeake Tourism for the Ray Wicker Video on Facebook

• Advertising & Promotions – DMO Budget UNDER $1 million: Combination  Massanutten Resort for the “Play, Dine & Dance the Summer Away” Campaign

• Destination Event of the Year: Arlington Convention and Visitors Service for “Monumental Views – IPW, 2017 Travel Trade Reception”

• Niche Tourism - Eco/Adventure  Visit Fairfax for the “Travel for the Birds!” Campaign

• Niche Tourism - Culture/Heritage  Culpeper Tourism for the “Trolley Tours” Initiative

• Regional Marketing Initiative: “Shenandoah Spirits Trail” Campaign submitted by Clarke County Economic Development and Tourism; Front Royal Community Development and Tourism; Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services; Page County Economic Development and Tourism; Rockingham County Economic Development and Tourism; Shenandoah County Tourism and Economic Development; and, Winchester Frederick County CVB.

• Visitor Center Manager of the Year: Magi Van Eps the Prince Edward County Tourism and Visitor Center Coordinator

• Visitor Center of the Year: Tazewell County Tourism for the June H. Brown Visitors Center

• Peer Selected “Best in Show” Award: Shenandoah Valley Tourism Partnership