During its recent Shining Example Awards ceremony, the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) named the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) the 2011 Travel Attraction of the Year. This marks the first time this prestigious award has been given to a museum and the third consecutive year the Richmond Region has received a Shining Example Award. In 2010, Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (RMCVB) won Internet Excellence, and in 2009 RMCVB won CVB of the Year.
The Shining Example Awards recognize outstanding contributions in tourism in the Southeastern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
“The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts opened in May of 2010 after a transformative $150 million expansion, generating international awareness which is ongoing even now,” VMFA Director Alex Nyerges said. “We are among 13 international buildings to be awarded a Royal Institute of British Architects International Award for 2011, and one of only three sites in the United States. During last year’s blockbuster Picasso exhibition, we had visitors from every state and all corners of the world with record-breaking attendance. Just opened is Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb, a U.S. exclusive from the world-renowned British Museum collection, featuring a 3D movie and more than 100 artifacts, including human and animal mummies. The Virginia Museum is open 365 days a year, and general admission is always free. When we talk about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts we say, ‘It’s Your Art,’ and we deliver on that promise every day.”
Nyerges was represented at the STS awards by Robin Nicholson, Deputy Director for Art and Education.
“What an honor for the Richmond Region to again be recognized for tourism leadership with a Shining Example Award,” RMCVB President and CEO Jack Berry said. “Our heartfelt congratulations go out to the VMFA for being named Travel Attraction of the Year. It is no surprise that this impressive institution took home such an award. From Picasso to Mummies, 2011 has been an outstanding year for the VMFA and for the Richmond Region. We are proud to call VMFA our tourism partner.”
“Shining Example Awards highlight some of the best work in travel and tourism, and winners truly set examples that others in the industry can follow,” STS President and CEO Bill Hardman said. “Showcasing great work is important because tourism is the largest, second-largest or third-largest industry in every Southeastern state.”
About STS
Founded in 1983, the Southeast Tourism Society is dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism to its 12 member states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The membership includes state travel offices, attractions, hotels, motels, resorts, convention and visitors bureaus, airlines, bus companies, car rental agencies, newspapers, magazines and other travel-related organizations.
About RMCVB
The Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (RMCVB), the official destination marketing and tourism organization for the Richmond Region, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Region to meeting planners, tour operators and leisure travelers. RMCVB operates three Visitor Centers located at the Greater Richmond Convention Center downtown, the Richmond International Airport and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Hanover County.
More than 5.7 million people visit the Richmond Region annually, contributing more than $1.7 billion to the local economy. Tourism generates nearly 20,000 jobs in the Richmond Region. For more information, visit www.VisitRichmondVA.com.
About the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
With a collection of art that spans the globe and more than 5,000 years, plus a wide array of special exhibitions, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is recognized as one of the top comprehensive art museums in the United States. The museum’s permanent collection encompasses more than 23,000 works of art, including the largest public collection of Fabergé outside Russia and one of the nation’s finest collections of American Art, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. VMFA is home to acclaimed collections of English Silver and Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, British Sporting and Modern & Contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan and African art. In May 2010, VMFA opened its doors to the public after a transformative expansion, the largest in its 75-year history. Programs include educational activities and studio classes for all ages, plus fun after-hours events. VMFA’s Statewide Partnership program includes traveling exhibitions, artist and teacher workshops, and lectures across the Commonwealth. VMFA is open 365 days a year and general admission is always free. For additional information, telephone 804-340-1400 or visit www.vmfa.museum.