Botetourt Tourism Director Kevin Costello has been recognized for his work promoting tourism.
The Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau (RVCVB) presented Costello with its 2010 Tourism Ambassador Award when it celebrated its 25th anniversary last week.
The annual Tourism Ambassador Award is presented to an individual for outstanding dedication toward the promotion of tourism within the region, according to the RVCVB.
“This year’s recipient has forever changed the perception of Botetourt County as a tourism destination,” the RVCVB said in announcing the award. “(Costello’s) direction and leadership resulted in the award-winning ‘Start Exploring’ marketing campaign that perfectly captures the beauty, history and charm of Botetourt County.”
The RVCVB also noted that Costello partnered with the three local, family-run wineries to form the Wine Trail of Botetourt County and secured funding for a website, brochure and promotional video.
“His most recent and most ambitious tourism initiative produced under his leadership is the Upper James River Water Trail. The blueway’s recently released website and associated promotional material is receiving rave reviews from state and local tourism officials as it creatively touts one of Botetourt County’s most treasured natural resources, the James River,” the RVCVB said in its announcement.
“Kevin has also contributed to the success of numerous regional and statewide tourism projects such as the Wilderness Road and the Fish Virginia First campaigns. Kevin’s work truly characterizes the criteria for this award as an Ambassador of Tourism for our region.”
Franklin County received the Golden Star Award that is presented to an organization or individual in recognition of their contribution to the growth and development of the tourism industry in the Roanoke Valley and the economic benefits derived as a result.
The RVCVB Presidents’ Tourism Excellence Award was presented to John Dudley, general manager with the Residence Inn and president of the Roanoke Valley Hospitality Association. This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies leadership, service and commitment to the tourism industry in the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
