The Ordinary Awards feature 24 individual and organizational awards within four primary categories. Each award will be given to an honoree who demonstrates exemplary passion for the hospitality and travel industry. All awards (except the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Legislator of the Year Award) are determined through a nomination process and judged by VRLTA members/industry professionals.
The Lifetime Achievement and Legislator Awards are determined by the VRLTA staff and Board. VRLTA added two new awards in 2020 — Hospitality Hero (Individual Employee) and Hospitality Hero (Business or Organization) — to recognize those who have made a positive impact in the community through exceptional service.
Travel Awards
The Travel Awards Category is open to all Virginia Attractions, Destinations, DMOs/CVBs, campgrounds, etc.
Attraction or Venue of the Year Award
Recognizing an Attraction or Venue 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 or Venue Employee of the Year
Recognizing an individual for his/her extraordinary contributions and commitment to his/her community and attraction or venue – 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
Recognizing an individual for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s tourism industry and his/her region’s visitors. This award is named in honor of Jim Ricketts, who dedicated so much of his time and life—over 40 years—to Virginia Beach Tourism and the state.
Lodging Awards
The Lodging Awards Category is open to all Virginia Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, 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 or GM for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s hotel industry and his/her hotel—and its guests.
Hotel Manager of the Year Award
Recognizing a hotel manager or senior manager 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.
Campground of the Year Award
Recognizing a Virginia campground for extraordinary contributions to the industry by implementing innovative ideas and/or through demonstrated passion for the Virginia campgrounds community.
Restaurant Awards
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 its community.
Jim Wordsworth Award for Restaurateur of the Year
Recognizing an Owner, GM, etc. for his/her extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s restaurant industry and his/her restaurant–and its patrons. Named for Jim Wordsworth who continues to set high standards for commitment to Virginia’s Restaurant and Tourism Industry.
Restaurant Manager of the Year Award
Recognizing a restaurant manager or senior manager 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 Awards
The Beverage Producer Awards Category is open to all Virginia Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries, Cideries, etc.
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 its 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 its 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 its community.
Other Awards
Supplier of the Year Award
Recognizing a supplier company for its exceptional service to the hospitality and tourism industry of Virginia.
Supplier Employee of the Year Award
Recognizing an employee of a supplier company who has provided 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.
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 year.
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 year.
ProStart Teacher of the Year Award
Recognizing a dedicated educator who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and impact in culinary arts education, inspiring students through innovative teaching methods, mentorship, and contributions to the ProStart program in Virginia.