George Washington University Awards Loudoun Tourism Collaboration
The President and CEO of Visit Loudoun, Beth Erickson, and Loudoun Economic Development’s Agricultural Development Officer, Kellie Hinkle, were awarded the 2017 Tourism Innovator Award from the George Washington University. The award was presented at the George Washington Tourism Alumni Network Spring Colloquium on May 1 and was accepted by Hinkle and Jackie Saunders, VP of Marketing for Visit Loudoun.
“Visit Loudoun’s collaboration with the department of economic development in the creation of the LoCo Ale Trail, the Artisan Trail, and the Loudoun Restaurant/Producer Marketplace embodies the spirit of innovation the award was designed to showcase. This collaboration between the tourism industry and the agriculture heritage of the county resulted in an enhanced tourism experience that also supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth of the region. We hope other destinations can learn from this partnership to replicate the innovation in their communities,” said Dr. Don Hawkins of the GWU School of Business.
Ben Taylor, a former marketing staff member at Visit Loudoun now working with Visit Oakland, nominated Erickson and Hinkle for the awards. “In the nomination, I pointed to programs like the development of the LoCo Ale Trail, and Restaurant and Producer Marketplace, as well as the Artisan Trail as examples where the collaboration was vital,” Taylor wrote.
To qualify for the award, the nominees had to have implemented initiatives in the previous five years that used the power of tourism to support one or more of the following goals:
- Inclusive and sustainable economic growth;
- Social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction;
- Resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change;
- Cultural values, diversity and heritage;
- Mutual understanding, peace, and security.
“‘Innovative’ is a an important way to describe the programs that have been put in place, but it’s the close working relationship between Visit Loudoun and DED that have let these ideas flourish. This is another example of how Loudoun County serves as a model for the rest of the country,” Erickson said.
“The collaboration between Loudoun Economic Development and Visit Loudoun has set the framework for tremendous success for local businesses that are supported by Loudoun’s thriving tourism industry,” Hinkle said. “It has been such a pleasure to with work Visit Loudoun to execute these trendsetting and innovative programs for our county.”
About Visit Loudoun
Visit Loudoun is the destination management organization for Loudoun, Va., known as DC’s Wine Country®, located 25 miles from Washington, DC. This not-for-profit organization develops and implements programs that promote tourism and travel to Loudoun and its towns, to increase visitation and generate visitor spending. The organization showcases Virginia’s culinary and heritage assets, including award-winning vineyards, horse country, scenic byways, and towns and villages steeped in history. Visit VisitLoudoun.org for more information.
About Loudoun County Department of Economic Development
Loudoun County, Virginia is the home of Dulles International Airport and anchors Washington D.C.’s technology corridor. Loudoun is also home to the largest data center market in the world. Named by New York-based SmartAsset as having the highest quality of life of any major county in America, Loudoun also has the most business investment for counties of its size in America. Find out how we can help you make business success #LoudounPossible: 1-(800)-LOUDOUN, biz.loudoun.gov.