Charleston, W.Va. – This year’s Almost Heaven Achievement Award winners were recognized Wednesday evening during the 2025 Governor’s Conference for Tourism at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place. The annual Almost Heaven Achievement 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.
“The Almost Heaven Achievement Awards Ceremony allows tourism professionals from all around the state to gather together and reflect on the amazing work we are doing to make West Virginia a top-tier travel destination,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “Congratulations to all of our winners and a big thank you to all of our wonderful industry partners who dedicate themselves to helping us share Almost Heaven with the rest of the world!”
The 2025 Almost Heaven Achievement Award winners are as follows:
Marketing & Communications Excellence Categories
- Digital Innovation Award — Visit Mountaineer Country CVB
- Earned Media Excellence — Charleston CVB
- Marketing & Advertising Campaign of the Year — Jefferson County CVB
- Print Media Excellence — Clarksburg CVB
- Special Project of the Year — Oglebay Park Resort
Tourism Industry Honors Categories
- Future of Tourism Award — Visit Mountaineer Country CVB
- Governor’s Award for Regional Tourism Impact — Marion County CVB & Clarksburg CVB
- Mountain State Tourism Development Award — Visit Mountaineer Country CVB
- Spirit of Almost Heaven Award — Candace Wilson, Chuck Mathena Center
- West Virginia Tourism Professional of the Year — Bob Peckenpaugh, Oglebay Park Resort
- West Virginia Tourism Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award — Jeffery Lusk, Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority
For photos of this year’s award winners, click here. When using, please credit the West Virginia Department of Tourism. For award descriptions and criteria, click here.
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