National Travel & Tourism Week is next week, May 7-13 and to celebrate, the Newport News Tourism Development Office has planned a few special events for the week!

On Tuesday, May 9, participants in the hospitality field are getting a view of Newport News from behind the scenes with the Familiarization Tour. This is a fast-paced, comprehensive overview of all Newport News attractions for front-line personnel, as well as visitor center staff members and other hospitality industry professionals in the region.

Wednesday, May 10 is a special Awards Luncheon where the recipient of the 2016-2017 Gregory Cherry Tourism Professional of the Year award is being announced, as will tourism scholarship recipients selected by the Newport News Hospitality Association. Invited guests enjoy samplings from some of the finest restaurants in Newport News at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center.

In addition, the annual “Where in the World” contest kicks off May 7. This year’s contest is dedicated to the memory of Ella Fitzgerald, who was born in Newport News in 1917 and would have just celebrated her 100th birthday this past month. To enter, simply match the correct clue number to the corresponding Newport News location on the contest entry form. A large variety of amazing prizes are at stake so make sure you’re ready to participate. You can find more details in an upcoming issue of N3!

For additional information about National Travel & Tourism Week in Newport News, contact Janie Tross, Consumer Marketing/Visitor Center Manager, at 757-886-7777 or by e-mail at jtross@nnva.gov.