The Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau will be holding our 3rd Annual Tourism Banquet, also known as the “Pineapple Awards” on May 2, 2016. The banquet is held to recognize the “Best of the Best in Hospitality” in our local tourism industry and serves as the kick-off event to this year’s tourism season.
Have you ever wondered why the pineapple is the symbol of hospitality and tourism? The pineapple has been a welcoming sign since the days of early American colonies. There is an old legend that captains of New England who sailed the Caribbean Islands would return to their colonies bearing their cargo of spices, rum, and fruits. According to the legend when the captains would return home they would spear a pineapple on a fence post outside of his home to let his friends know that he had returned safe.
The pineapple on the post was an invitation welcoming all of their friends and family to come visit, enjoy a drink together, and to listen to all of the tales from the captains voyage. The legend grew and the pineapple became very popular in advertisements, carvings and inns across New England. It has now became the most frequently used symbols in hotels and restaurants to signal the presence of hospitality.
So of course this is the perfect symbol for this banquet honoring those with the most hospitality. This fun Tourism Banquet allows for our community to recognize those who go above and beyond for the job task in the hospitality and tourism industries. You can recognize your employees, co-workers, volunteers and your managers for their excellence by completing a nomination form.
During the banquet also known as the “Pineapple Awards” the Ross-Chillicothe CVB recognizes the “best” in hospitality in Ross County. An award is also presented to an individual from each category. These categories include Director/Inn Keeper of the Year, Front Line Associated of the Year, Behind the Scenes Associate of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.
Don’t miss out on the chance to nominate those who you feel are deserving of these awards for all of their hard work! All nominations must be received by April 10, 2016.
