The Latest from Bristol - TN/VA

Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Bristol Convention & Visitors Bureau Bring Home State Tourism Award

BRISTOL, TN/VA - Tourism initiatives in Bristol gained recognition at the state level at the Virginia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (VACVB) Tourism Summit held April 20-22 at Wintergreen Resort in Central Virginia.

The organization’s Virgo Travel & Tourism Awards were established to pay tribute to individuals, groups, businesses and destination marketing organizations that significantly contribute to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s economy through tourism promotion and development.

Of the twelve awards presented on April 21, two are now at home in Bristol: one at the headquarters of the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, the other on display at the Bristol Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion was named “Best Destination Event of The Year.” Celebrating Bristol’s musical heritage for a full decade, the Rhythm & Roots Reunion had a successful start in 2001, and has only become more refined and popular as it ages. Nearly 600 volunteers and countless musicians, on stages or gathered on corners, help welcome the over 30,000 visitors who arrive from throughout the country and around the globe to revel in country music’s past as a portal to its future.

“This award is a tribute to the commitment from our city leaders, sponsors and community who have embraced our festival and helped to make Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion an award winning event of which we can be proud,” said Leah Ross, Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival Director.

The Bristol Convention and Visitors Bureau earned top honor for “Heritage Tourism,” for the self-guided historic walking tour of Downtown Bristol. The walking tour leads visitors through thirteen historic stops in downtown, including the country music mural, the Paramount Center for the Arts, the historic Bristol Sign, and several other off-the-beaten-path locations.

“The walking tour project marries extensive historical research and MP3 technology to provide a unique combination of travel excursion and historical preservation that fits in the palm of your hand,” said Matt Bolas, Executive Director of the Bristol Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The walking tour was created by the Bristol Convention and Visitors Bureau with assistance from AdeoTours, local historian Bud Phillips, Believe in Bristol, Branding Iron Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations in Bristol, Birthplace of Country Music Alliance and George McNerlin.

"Branding Iron is very honored that the Downtown Walking Tour won such a prestigious award. This award brings great recognition to our region. We were proud to play a role in the project and more importantly are proud to be a part of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce," said Scott Emerine Co-Owner of Branding Iron.
More than 5,000 map brochures, MP3 rentals and online downloads have been utilized since the program began, resulting in an economic impact of $375,000 to the community in its first year.