Members of the hospitality industry were recognized for their exemplary customer service and representation of the Lebanon Valley at the second annual Hospitality Star Awards Ceremony hosted by Visit Lebanon Valley earlier this month.
The awards ceremony was held on Thursday, May 9th at the St. James Players Theater in Lebanon Valley Mall.
Visitors to Lebanon County in 2022 spent nearly $300 million on lodging, retail, recreational dining and other tourism-related activities, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Tourism’s Tourism Economic Impact Report. Includes expenditures.
“This number is a 12% increase over Lebanon County’s 2021 report and clearly demonstrates that tourism is a significant economic driver that injects millions of dollars into the economy each year.” Visit Lebanon Valley President Jennifer Kuzo said in a new release.
The Holland County Road region, which includes Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties, will see tourism spending increase from 2021 to 2022, according to the report. It increased by 18.3%.
The Hospitality Star Awards aim to celebrate the significant economic impact and well-being benefits of travel and tourism in the Lebanon Valley.
Award recipients include Karen Barnhart of Kenbrook Bible Camp, Christy Barzona of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racetrack, Becky Bridie of Chef on the Go, Ryan Fretz of Ryan Fretz Arts, and Sinkhole Saloon & Grill. They include Cory Hughes and Jamie LaFleur of Lebanon Valley Craft. Antonio Lambakis of the brewery Buddy’s Breakfast & Lunch, Dwayne Spencer of Timeless Café, Michael Weber of Cornwall Iron Furnace, chef Brian Peffley and pastry arts students from the Lebanon County Career & Technology Center.
“The individuals highlighted at this ceremony have an extraordinary dedication to customer service that not only inspires people to return to the Valley, but also helps our businesses and communities thrive.” Kuzo said.
Daniel Lalam Jr. is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Contact us at DLarlham@LDNews.com or X @djlarlham.
