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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 in order to strengthen the region’s identity as a travel destination.

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.

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.

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.

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.