FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWPORT NEWS, VA - (April 21, 2026): The Virginia Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (VADMO), an association supporting destination marketing organizations and the development of tourism and travel professionals in Virginia, announced the winners of the 2026 VIRGO Awards at their Annual Meeting and Spring Symposium on April 14, 2026, in Warrenton, Virginia.
Visit Newport News was named a winner for its entry in the Best in Niche Tourism: Art/Music/Culture/Heritage category, submitted by Janie Tross, Tourism Coordinator and manager of the Newport News Visitor Center.
The winning entry, the African American Cultural Experiences (AACE) program, serves as a hub for visitors and residents to discover the depth of African American culture in Newport News. It highlights the city’s history, arts, Black-owned businesses, and cultural accomplishments, inviting exploration of historic landmarks and museums. Through AACE, visitors experience and connect with the city’s rich heritage firsthand.
The VIRGO Awards, now in its sixteenth year, honor the best and brightest in Virginia’s tourism industry. Whether it is an innovative marketing campaign, a successful and impactful destination event, or a top-notch digital or print promotion, the VIRGO Awards showcase the immense talent and dedication of destination marketing organizations across the Commonwealth.
Industry peers located outside of Virginia served as judges for the awards and the submissions were evaluated on the quality of the application, economic efficiency, budget, purpose and objective of the initiative or event, and the economic or community impact.
Projects, campaigns, events, and efforts completed between January and December of 2025 were eligible for submission.
For more information about VADMO, visit www.VADMO.org.