With February, comes Valentine’s Day, along with the candy, hearts, and flowers associated with it. What a perfect time to show the love for Huntsville and the hospitality industry!

Judy Ryals: Hospitality workers “deserve to be celebrated for the outstanding job they continue to do for our city.” (Photo/Steve Babin)

Despite the pandemic, the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau is rolling out its eighth annual #iHeartHsv social media campaign. It runs Feb. 1-14.

Folks are invited to celebrate all things hospitality in the Rocket City by using #iHeartHsv on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

As Huntsville’s biggest “digital lovefest,” #iHeartHsv offers participants an opportunity to share what they love about Huntsville and Madison County. The spotlight is on the “Heroes of Hospitality.”

“Each year, this campaign, we do a little something different.” said Kristen Pepper, marketing director for the bureau. “This year we’re changing the focus, we’re showcasing the people who make the Rocket City so great. Those that work every day to provide the uniquely Huntsville experience to visitors to show them the hospitality that we’re known for and to keep them coming back time and time again.”

The bureau worked with videographer Austin Spencer to create a daily video series, highlighting the local “Heroes of Hospitality.” The goal of the series is to introduce the area’s hospitality and tourism employees and show the importance of hospitality for the local economy, culture, and quality of life.

“This year, after the challenges that the pandemic brought to our industry, we really want to focus on the people that make our city great,” said bureau President/CEO Judy Ryals. “Behind each experience, every impression we leave on our guests and visitors, is a hospitality worker who’s working hard to present Huntsville in the best light possible. They deserve to be celebrated for the outstanding job they continue to do for our city.”

Kristen Pepper: :We are hospitality, we’re still standing, and that’s just what we do. We keep on going.” (Photo/Steve Babin)

Questions will be posted daily with a “Hospitality Hero” video spotlight. Those who respond with the hashtag #iHeartHsv have a chance to win prizes.

Winners will be selected at 8 p.m. everyday. They will be selected based on the use of the #iHeartHsv, relevance to the daily prompts, and creativity. The prize is $150 prize toward a locally owned or operated Huntsville-Madison County attraction, restaurant, or hotel stay of their choice.

A kickoff tweet at 4 p.m. Friday will begin the promotion with the official start at 8 a.m. Monday.

“This is going to be one of the best campaigns ever,” said Pepper. “We are hospitality, we’re still standing, and that’s just what we do. We keep on going.”

For more information, visit huntsville.org/iHeartHsv.