KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) announced a brand-new initiative to recognize hospitality employees, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To honor the travel industry, the VFTCB is putting a particular spotlight on Montgomery County’s 80 hotels by honoring different “Hotel Heroes” each week on the organization’s social media channels, (primarily on Facebook and LinkedIn), platforms that have more than 160,000 VFTCB/Visit Valley Forge followers.
“These bold individuals, and #MontCoStrong leaders, are being recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty in their lodging responsibilities, making them legends among their peers,” said Mike Bowman, President & CEO of the VFTCB. “The standout superstars will showcase a variety of hotel staff from sales directors to housekeeping attendants, and culinary team members all across the county.”
Those nominating the Hotel Heroes will be asked to answer three questions: background on the nominee, what they’ve done to go above and beyond during COVID, and why they love what they do.
The VFTCB’s first honoree is Litsa Balaska, Front Desk Supervisor at the DoubleTree Philadelphia West in Plymouth Meeting, nominated by Ashley Ridolfi, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Balaska moved to the United States from Greece three years ago. Married and expecting her first child in December, she has worked tirelessly while in her 2nd trimester, is always on call whenever her co-workers need anything, and goes above and beyond for all guests, including making sure one guest in for medical treatment had everything his doctor ordered for him to be able to travel for necessary treatment, according to Ridolfi.
“Litsa fully embodies the meaning of hospitality, and everything our industry stands for,” Ridolfi said. “She loves being around people, helping people, and making sure everyone is well-taken care of.”
The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) is a nonprofit, membership-based sales and marketing organization that actively promotes Valley Forge and Montgomery County, PA as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by encouraging patronage of its 500+ member hotels, restaurants, attractions, and services. The award-winning website links visitors, meeting planners, tour operators, and residents to a diverse portfolio of brands focused on reasons to visit the region.
