Tourism Celebration Held To Honor Award Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWPORT NEWS, VA, May 14, 2026 – Visit Newport News announced the winners of the Gregory Cherry Tourism Professional of the Year Award and Breakthrough Experiences Award during the annual Newport News Tourism Celebration on May 5 at the Newport News Amtrak Transportation Center.
The 2026 Gregory Cherry Tourism Professional of the Year Award was presented by City Councilman Robert Coleman and awarded to Renee Wells, Group Rooms Coordinator at the Newport News Marriott.
The Gregory Cherry Award is given annually to a hospitality industry employee who demonstrates superior customer service while also promoting travel and tourism in the city. It was named in memory of Greg Cherry, a former travel counselor at the Newport News Visitor Center and owner of the James A. Fields House, who passed in 2007.
The Breakthrough Experiences Award is presented to an attraction, restaurant, establishment, or entrepreneur who goes above and beyond to build new opportunities in Newport News. This year’s award was presented to The Mariners’ Museum and Park, which connects people to the world’s waters through shared history, creating experiences that resonate long after a visit.
In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Tourism Office is holding a social media contest on Instagram and Facebook from May 1 - May 17. Participants can enter for a chance to win tickets, gift cards, hotel stays, and more. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 19 via direct message.
For additional information about National Travel and Tourism Week, contact Janie Tross, Newport News Visitor Center Manager, at (757) 886-7777.