City of Staunton

March 21, 2025 – Visit Staunton received the 2024 Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) “Brochure of the Year” Award for its Visitor Guide publication. The award was presented during Virginia Tourism Corporation’s 2025 Visitor Centers Seminar held March 11-12 at Hotel Madison.

The award celebrates excellence in print advertising and highlights the impact of an innovative, well-designed publication that inspires travel and enhances the visitor experience. Brochures were evaluated on several criteria, including design, readability, engagement, and the integration of digital elements. The 2024 Staunton Visitor Guide received high marks for its curated photography, immersive storytelling, and interactive QR codes that provide valuable insights into visitor engagement.

“We are honored to receive the 2024 Brochure of the Year award,” said Jessica Williams, Sales & Marketing Manager for Visit Staunton, who oversaw development of the publication. “This recognition highlights our dedication to showcasing Staunton’s unique charm and rich history. A heartfelt thank you to Virginia Tourism Corporation for this incredible honor and to our amazing team and partners who helped bring Staunton’s story to life.”

Gretchen Long, Creative Director of Queen City Creative, played a key role in transforming the concept into a visually captivating and engaging guide. Kathy Moore of Moore Public Relations provided her expertise in content writing and editing, ensuring the storytelling remained both compelling and informative. The cover image was produced by Kate Simon Photography.

Director of Consumer & Partner Services at Virginia Tourism Corporation Gary Jeffrey, emphasized the renewed importance of print in travel marketing. “Print is experiencing a renaissance. What was once considered a low-effort, cost-effective form of advertising is now recognized as a high-impact, trustworthy way to connect with in-market travelers,” said Jeffrey. “Savvy marketers like Visit Staunton understand the power of a strong first impression through print, using brochures to engage visitors, offer promotions, and seamlessly transition them to digital platforms where the conversation can continue.”

VTC helps tourism businesses reach in-market visitors at an affordable cost. With the support of VTC, brochures and other enhanced advertising materials are distributed across Virginia’s 12 Welcome Centers and 29 safety rest areas, ensuring that travelers have access to high-quality, relevant information as they explore the Commonwealth. Visit Staunton’s winning brochure was selected by popular vote from Virginia Welcome Center staff statewide. Visitor Guides can also be requested here.

According to Visitor International:

• 72% of consumers use printed visitor brochures, maps, and guides to plan and navigate their trips.
• 82% of travelers prefer printed brochures over digital versions.
• 88% of visitors use their mobile devices to act on information they read in a brochure.
• 90% of users share their brochures with an average of 2.3 additional people, extending their reach and influence.
• 98% of travelers agree that brochures provide trustworthy visitor information.

During the last decade, Visit Staunton has received multiple awards and accolades. In 2021, the Staunton Visitor Guide received an award from the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) for excellence and creativity in destination marketing.

About Visit Staunton
Staunton is positioned beautifully between the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains; offering a friendly combination of small-town America and a vibrant cultural scene. As seen in their award-winning Visitor’s Guide, it’s the place you go to stroll red brick sidewalks, admire stunning architecture and shop locally-owned downtown boutiques. It’s also the place you go to experience world-class music festivals and intimate theatre performances. Visitors and locals can unwind side by side at trendy breweries, dig into fresh culinary creations, take-in a dose of nature in the nearby Shenandoah National Park, or relax with a view aboard the Virginia Scenic Railway. In Staunton, you can find magic in every moment. Learn more at visitstaunton.com.

About Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.