RICHMOND — The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) celebrated the best of the hospitality and tourism industry during its 2024 Ordinary Awards dinner on Thursday, Sept. 12, and the winners included some with local ties.
An audience of nearly 300 from across the state gathered at the Richmond Downtown Marriott to celebrate winners across 26 categories that recognize excellence in Virginia’s restaurants, hotels, lodging establishments, Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), attractions and more, the organization said.
“This was an exceptional year for the Ordinary Awards, which is one of our favorite nights of the year” said Eric Terry, President of VRLTA. “Our judges certainly had their work cut out for them this year with nearly 200 nominations! On behalf of the Association, staff, and board, we applaud the efforts of our 2024 nominees, finalists, and winners for the incredible work they have done and continue to do. Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industries truly have some extraordinary individuals.”
Acccording to the VRLTA, each year, nominations are open to both members and non-members, and nominees are judged by a group of VRLTA members and industry professionals. The Lifetime Achievement and Legislator Awards are determined by the VRLTA staff and Board.
Winners with local ties include:
- Campground of the Year — Anvil Campground
- Restaurant Employee of the Year — Enrique Linares, Second Street Bistro
- Golden Pineapple Lifetime Achievement Award — Marcel Desaulniers
- Restaurant Manager of the Year — Nitesh Arora, Amiraj: Modern Indian Kitchen
For more information on the Ordinary Awards, visit ordinaryawards.com.
