VisitNorfolk Celebrates National Travel & Tourism Week

Norfolk, Va. (April 19, 2011) –VisitNorfolk and the Norfolk Tourism Research Foundation will celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week, May 7 - 15, with a rally entitled “Champions of Hospitality” at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center Tuesday, May 10th from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.  The best and brightest hospitality associates of the city will be honored for their contribution to Norfolk’s tour and travel industry and long-time ambassador for the city, Peter G. Decker Jr., of Decker, Cardon, Thomas, Weintraub & Neskis, PC, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

122 individuals have been nominated in over 15 different categories.  One valuable, hard-working individual will receive the Hospitality Worker of the Year Award.  The 2011 winner will join an elite group of Norfolk employees who have been noted with that distinction since VisitNorfolk held its first rally in 2002.  Two traveling trophies will also be awarded to the “Most Spirited” organizations in attendance at the Rally.

Tom Schaad, Stephanie Harris, Bruce Rader and Nicole Livas of WAVY TV-10 will serve as judges for the “Most Spirited” contest. DJ B*Ryte from 103 JAMZ (Boodah Brothers Morning Show) will also be present at the rally.

The sponsors of this year’s rally are Norfolk Airport Authority, Pete Decker & Partners, MacArthur Center, DIA, Southwest Airlines, 3-way Cafe, and TowneBank.

The “Champions of Hospitality” Rally is open to the public, and Norfolk citizens and businesses are welcome to join VisitNorfolk and the Norfolk Tourism Research Foundation in honoring those who do so much for the city’s travel and tourism industry. For more information about the rally, or National Travel & Tourism Week, visit the Web site of VisitNorfolk at www.visitnorfolktoday.com or contact Kristi Kennedy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

~ Norfolk, Virginia ~

One of the Mid-Atlantic’s most exciting destinations, Norfolk, Virginia attracts thousands of travelers each year to enjoy its lively waterfront downtown which is easily walkable and alive with eclectic dining options, a rich arts scene, high-end shopping and fun, year-round special events. For four hundred years this dynamic heart of Virginia’s storied sea front region has offered a vibrant blend of history and heritage, contemporary attractions, outdoor adventure and the Commonwealth’s most revered cultural institutions.  For more information about Norfolk, visit the city on the Web at www.visitnorfolktoday,com or call 757-664-6620 or toll free at 800-368-3097