FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.—Visit Fairfax president and CEO Barry H. Biggar has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the Tower of Dulles Award, which is presented annually by the Committee for Dulles to individuals or organizations whose meritorious service enhances Dulles International Airport (IAD) and the Dulles Economic Corridor. The award will be presented to Biggar at the committee’s annual awards gala on November 15.
Since joining Visit Fairfax in 2008, Biggar has been a driving force behind the growth of the tourism economy in Fairfax County. During that time, the Fairfax County economy has doubled—annually contributing more than $3 billion to local businesses, leading to significant state and local tax revenue.
Biggar is a fierce advocate and steadfast supporter of the Dulles Economic Corridor as the gateway to international tourism and overall visitation for the Washington, D.C. metro area, continually working to bring awareness to Virginia and Dulles International Airport as an entry point to the United States. The region continues to see the impact of his efforts in international economic development missions, ongoing discussions with leaders from emerging markets with the intent of opening up additional flights, and collaboration with state and local business leaders.
A respected community leader, Biggar is internationally recognized as a certified destination management executive, and has served on the board of directors for Destinations International, Virginia Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and Workhouse Arts Center. In addition, Biggar currently is a board director for ArtsFairfax and treasurer of Northern Virginia Tourism Partnership.
The Tower of Dulles Award has been presented annually since 1994 and is the highest recognition offered by the Committee of Dulles. Biggar joins a list of impressive past recipients, including the architect of Washington Dulles Airport, Eero Saarinen; the namesake of Fairfax County’s Smithsonian Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy; the former president of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Jack Potter; former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe; and senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, among others.
