2024 Stars of Almost Heaven Award Winners
The annual Stars of Almost Heaven Awards are an opportunity for the West Virginia Department of Tourism to recognize industry partners across the state for their achievements in advertising, marketing and public relations, as well as their contributions to the tourism industry in West Virginia. Here are this year’s Stars of Almost Heaven Award winners!
Industry Recognition Categories
Governor’s Award for Regional Cooperation
This award is presented to a group of individuals, communities or organizations that have initiated regional tourism development efforts involving two or more parties. These groups will have demonstrated cooperation or collaboration across county lines to strengthen the region’s identity as a travel destination.
Winner
Lewis County Convention & Visitors Bureau – Spring/Summer 2024 Custom Co-Op Plan
Spirit of West Virginia Award
This award is presented to a community or organization that has promoted West Virginia tourism development and enhanced community spirit while preserving the state’s cultural, historical or natural heritage and beauty. Emphasis is given to volunteer and community efforts.
Winner
West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
The Mountain State Award for Economic Development
This award recognizes an event, facility or business that has enhanced its local resources through multi-business cooperatives, creative and innovative development efforts. Emphasis is given to development that creates jobs and/or opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Winner
Woodlands Development & Lending, Tygart Hotel & Taylor Hospitality – The Tygart Hotel/Woodlands Development Group
The Future of Tourism Award
This is presented to an individual or business who has made an outstanding and significant contribution to West Virginia’s tourism workforce development through the creation or expert management of job training programs, internships, apprenticeships or education programs.
Winner
Visit Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitors Bureau – Leave No Trace Education Pilot Program
West Virginia Tourism Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated continued leadership for a significant period of time or substantial contributions to the growth and success of West Virginia’s tourism industry. This individual is considered the “best of the best” in the industry.
Note: This award is not awarded every year.
Winner
Governor Jim Justice – visionary leadership and support of tourism
West Virginia Tourism Professional of the Year
This is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding and significant contribution to West Virginia’s tourism industry, through exceptional job performance, leadership in the industry or development and improvement of tourism facilities and activities. While the panel is encouraged to consider career contributions, emphasis will be placed on contributions during the past year.
Winner
Chef Paul Smith – 2024 James Beard Award Winner
Advertising and Public Relations Categories
Overall Earned Media
This award is presented to the industry partner with the best-earned media coverage — from television and radio to print news, feature stories and social posts. Share with us how your organization was showcased through earned media this year.
Winner
Visit Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Overall Marketing & Advertising Campaign
This award is presented to the organization with the most creative advertising campaign and marketing strategy — including print, radio, television, web, special media and other innovative mediums, if applicable.
Winner
Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau – ‘The Rest’ campaign
Cooperative Advertising
This award is presented to the best single or multi-partner group ad from the Cooperative Advertising Program. Submissions can include print, digital, broadcast, radio and out-of-home.
Winner
New River Gorge Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Southern WV, Visit Fayetteville – Multi-Partner Branding Package
Digital Media
This award is presented to the organization that creates and deploys the best digital media across multiple platforms, including website development and content shared across social media platforms. The winning digital media should include creative content, captivating imagery and innovative online features.
Winner
Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Print Media
This award is presented to the creators of the best-printed piece of tourism content, which could take the form of either print/photography layout in promotional materials or a print article.
Winner
Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau – Greenbrier Valley Visitors Guide
Special Projects
This award is presented to any marketing or creative projects that do not fit into any other advertising and public relations categories. Projects may include but are not limited to creative projects involving visitor center installations, Restaurant Weeks, workforce initiatives, product development, innovative campaigns and experiential endeavors.
Winner
USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships – Charleston CVB
