Discover Prince William & Manassas Recognizes Industry Partners at National Travel and Tourism Week Event

Discover Prince William & Manassas Recognizes Industry Partners at National Travel and Tourism Week Event

Prince William, VA- Discover Prince William & Manassas held its annual National Travel and Tourism Week Luncheon Event on May 9, at the Old Manassas Courthouse.  New this year the tourism marketing agency held an industry award ceremony that honored individuals and organizations which contributed to the promotion and development of Prince William & Manassas as a tourism and group destination. The four Industry Awards were sponsored by the Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association. The award winners were chosen by a local evaluation committee of industry professionals.

The 2014 Industry Award Winners are:

Partner of the Year - The National Museum of the Marine Corps, represented by Gwenn Adams, Public Affairs Chief

Tourism Champion Award - City of Manassas Mayor Harry “Hal” Parrish II

Tourism Leader Award - Joann Barron, Weems-Botts Museum

Stellar Service Award - Peggy Lanham, Hampton Inn Manassas

 “The introduction of our national tourism week awards at this year’s event further identifies the individuals, leaders and businesses who stand out as making a positive difference to tourism over the past year.” said Ann Marie Maher, President/CEO of Discover Prince William & Manassas. “Great tourist destinations don’t just happen…it takes the dedication and collaboration of our elected officials, business leaders and community members to make Prince William & Manassas a unique place to visit, live, work and play.”

Keynote speaker, Rita McClenny, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, emphasized the link between local and state partnerships to the economic impact of tourism to the commonwealth in 2012. In attendance were more than 75 tourism partners, local businesses dependent on travel and tourism and elected officials including Virginia delegate, Del. Richard Anderson (R-51).

U.S. Travel Association’s National Travel and Tourism Week, is an annual celebration during the first week in May, to promote the impact travel has on local economies, businesses, and individuals. In its 31st year, more than 150 communities across the country host events which showcase the positive impact of travel and tourism.

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