National Travel & Tourism Week
VisitNorfolk has been recognizing top hospitality workers at the award-winning National Travel & Tourism Week "Norfolk Champions of Hospitality Rally" for nearly 20 years. Let us know who stands out to you by nominating a hospitality and tourism star today! Click here to nominate someone. This years' rally has been postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19.
Each year, during the first full week in May, thousands of travel and tourism professionals across the country unite to celebrate the value travel holds for our economy, businesses and personal well-being.
The travel and tourism industry employs more than 7,500 Norfolkians in the city. We may not always realize it, but popular tourist spots like The Norfolk Botanical Garden and others like Nauticus and the Virginia Zoo, restaurants and even historic sights like the Hunter House Victorian Museum are the backbone of Norfolk. These places, and our neighbors and friends who work there, not only grow our local economy and support our workforce but also give so many visitors a lifetime of memories.
Last year, VisitNorfolk awarded the top hospitality workers at the award-winning National Travel & Tourism Week "Norfolk Champions of Hospitality Rally."
2019 Champions of Hospitality Winners
Darrell Rodgers, Front Desk Associate of the Year, Norfolk Waterside Marriott
Charlene White, Military Associate of the Year, NAVY
Lori Santiago, Concierge of the Year, Hilton Norfolk the Main
Hernan Montoya, Housekeeping Associate of the Year, Navy Lodge Norfolk
Fidel Ramos, Maintenance Associate of the Year, NSA Hampton Roads
Tatia Hansen, Beertender of the Year, O’Connor Brewing Co.
George Jackson, Kitchen Associate of the Year, D’Egg Diner
Lashaun Roberts, Parking Associate of the Year, SP+ Corporation
Macy Jordan, Host of the Year, Chrysler Museum of Art
Myles Holly, Steward of the Year, Norfolk Waterside Marriott
Danny Espino, Banquet Associate of the Year, DoubleTree by Hilton Norfolk Airport
Sarrah Stevens, Administrative Associate of the Year, Slover Library
Mark Strawn, Valet Associate of the Year, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
Katharine Sahene, Event Coordinator of the Year, Spirit Cruises
Sara Bray, Server of the Year, Blanca Food+Wine
Peter G. Decker, Jr. Hospitality Associate of the Year
Chelsea Jackson, Hilton Norfolk the Main