The ninth annual edition of Hospitality University took place at the Greenbrier Resort, January 26th through the 28th with over 250 industry professionals and students in attendance. This annual educational event is a partnership between the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association and the West Virginia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus. “Tourism. The Key to the Future” was the theme for this years conference and the event was supported by a record 39 corporate sponsors.
Monday’s closing luncheon was highlighted by the presentation of the annual Awards for Excellence in Tourism. These five awards include the following categories:
Excellence in Tourism Education
Winner - Tami Maynard, WV HEAT
Excellence in Tourism Entrepreneurship
Winner - Nikki Bowman, New South Media Inc.
Excellence in Tourism Development
Winner - The Asam Family, Bavarian Inn
Excellence in Tourism Advocacy
Winner - Charles S. Trump IV, WV Senate
Excellence in Tourism Customer Service
Winner - Tammy Shoemaker, Pocahontas County CVB
According to Christian Asam, President of the Bavarian Inn
"The last 2-3 years have been an exciting time of transition and carefully orchestrated changes at the Inn. We realized a change in visitors wants and needs. Instead of just a nice meal and a comfortable bed visitors want amenities, activities, itineraries. We made a decision to change our direction from a “Country Inn” to what we are branding as a “European Inspired Boutique Resort”. Several years ago we added “Infinity 101”, an infinity edge pool and bar that was a huge hit from day one and a must do “Instagram Selfie Location”. Opening in early 2019 we are unveiling a new soft seating lounge, a brew pub and state of the art brewery. We are also working better then ever with other tourism entities in our community from outdoor recreation, golf and down town shopping. We have been very careful to preserve the traditional Bavarian Inn experience that we have offered for the past 42 years, and now also offer new and exciting amenities that will entice the next generation of guests to visit."
