File Photo Wheeling Park Commission CEO Bob Peckenpaugh was named West Virginia Tourism Professional of the Year on Wednesday at the Almost Heaven Achievement Awards.

WHEELING — The West Virginia Department of Tourism has announced its awards for tourism excellence in 2025, and Oglebay Park Resort in Wheeling took home two major honors.

The Almost Heaven Achievement Award winners were announced Wednesday night during the Governor’s Conference for Tourism at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place.

Bob Peckenpaugh, president and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission, received commendation as West Virginia Tourism Professional Of The Year. The park also was recognized as having the Special Project Of The Year.

The annual Almost Heaven Achievement Awards are an opportunity for the West Virginia Department of Tourism to recognize industry partners across the state for their achievements in advertising, marketing and public relations, as well as their contributions to the tourism industry in West Virginia.

According to information provided by the State Department of Tourism, the West Virginia Tourism Professional Of The Year award is presented to an individual “who has made an outstanding and significant contribution to West Virginia’s tourism industry through exceptional job performance, leadership in the industry or development and improvement of tourism facilities and activities.”

Special Project Of The Year, meanwhile, is presented to any marketing or creative projects that do not fit into any other advertising and public relations categories. Projects may include but are not limited to creative projects involving visitor center installations, restaurant weeks, workforce initiatives, product development, innovative campaigns and experiential endeavors.

“The Almost Heaven Achievement Awards Ceremony allows tourism professionals from all around the state to gather together and reflect on the amazing work we are doing to make West Virginia a top-tier travel destination,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “Congratulations to all of our winners and a big thank you to all of our wonderful industry partners who dedicate themselves to helping us share Almost Heaven with the rest of the world.”