VisitNorfolk & The Norfolk Tourism Foundation Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week

NORFOLK, VA (May 16, 2024) – VisitNorfolk and The Norfolk Tourism Foundation alongside our presenting partner the Norfolk International Airport are proud to celebrate another year of the U.S. Travel Association’s National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW). The goal of NTTW is to spread awareness of the power of tourism and the vital role the hospitality industry plays in our local community.

Tourism plays an invaluable role in our economy, generating $1.3 billion in economic impact and sustaining over 8,000 local jobs. These jobs provide essential livelihoods for workers and contribute significantly to our community’s overall prosperity. Additionally, tourism generated $90.4 million in local and state taxes in 2022, resulting in tax savings of $1,282 for every household in Norfolk. Beyond its economic contributions, tourism provides access to world-class attractions, cultural experiences, events and recreational opportunities that make Norfolk an even more desirable place to live, work and play.

Throughout May 19 – 25, the foundation will be honoring 15 different members of the hospitality industry, awarding them with a Champion of Hospitality award. These winners are nominated by individuals who work alongside them or those who have personally experienced the incredible service they provide. Along with these winners, one is awarded the Peter G. Decker Jr., Hospitality Associate of the Year in recognition of their dedication to continuously providing excellent service in their field.

Our winners below and all those who work in the hospitality industry are the backbone of our favorite restaurants, hotels and attractions and logistically make our time here as visitors and residents better. We are thrilled to be able to honor these incredible hospitality workers;

Champions of Hospitality:

• Rob Asbury – Bartender, Todd Jurich Bistro
• Chrysler Museum Visitor Services Team – Visitor Services at The Chrysler Museum of Art
• Scott & Corrie Bateman – Co-Founder/Owner & Manager COVA Brewing Company
• Drazey Carvajal – Front Desk Supervisor, DoubleTree Norfolk Airport
• Hannah Coats – General Manager & Brew Master, Grain
• Rebecca Kelley – Pastry Chef, The Stockpot Norfolk
• Sydney Mears – Owner/Chef of Syd’s FishPig Cafe
• Chris Perry – Assistant General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Norfolk
• Carla Plummer – City of Norfolk Parking
• Mary Ryder – Supervisor, Allied Universal Security Services
• Lori Santiago – Lobby Greeter, Hilton The Main
• Dave Walker – Team Lead, Downtown Norfolk Council
• Vinson M Wilson – Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, ACT/NATO

Peter G Deck Jr. Award Winner:

• Michelle Buting – Michelle is an outstanding employee in the laundry department of the DoubleTree Norfolk Airport. She has been fluffing and folding laundry for guests for over 30 years and is always willing to help out and work extra hours. She is well-liked and so kind to everyone that she exudes the spirit of hospitality all the way and never looks for recognition!

Special Awards:

• Rookie of The Year – John Carter, Sales & Catering Coordinator, Hilton The Main
• Best Tourist Shuttle – F.R.E.D (Free Ride Every Day), Downtown Norfolk Council

“Hospitality is a people business, it requires showing up every day wanting to make someone else’s day better,” said Kelsey Backe, Director of the Norfolk Tourism Foundation. “It is a talent that starts in your heart which is why we like to refer to the professionals in our industry as the ‘Heart of Hospitality.’”

Transportation plays a vital role in the tourism industry, in 2022 transportation brought in $567 million in 2022. We are grateful to have the Norfolk International Airport just outside the city providing visitors with a convenient mode of transportation. The Norfolk International Airport offers daily arrivals and departures to major cities throughout the United States, and presently ranks in the top 14% of the country’s airports in terms of passengers served annually, with over 4 million passengers and over 75,000 flight operations in 2022.