2026 Newsmakers of the Year: Atlantic Park Surf

The Groups Today “Newsmakers of the Year” initiative recognizes the individuals, organizations, associations, and companies that have recently made the biggest impact on the group travel industry. From tour operators and advisors to destinations, suppliers, and industry leaders, this feature spotlights those who’ve shaped important conversations, introduced new ideas, closed impressive deals, or drove meaningful change within the group travel space.

Keep reading to learn more about Atlantic Park Surf, a 2026 Newsmaker!

Photos courtesy of Wavegarden and Atlantic Park Surf.

Located in Virginia Beach, Atlantic Park Surf has been making waves, literally and figuratively, ever since its August 2025 opening. The centerpiece of the $350-million Atlantic Park district, Atlantic Park Surf is a first-of-its-kind development that offers more than 10 acres of surfing, shopping, working, live entertainment and boutique lodging in the heart of the Virginia Beach oceanfront. 

Centrally located and integrated within an urban environment adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic Park Surf is unlike any other surfing lagoon in the world, offering unlimited wave profiles to cater to all levels.

Photos courtesy of Atlantic Park Surf.

"Atlantic Park Surf has elevated the level of experiences available to group travelers along the East Coast,” said Nate Stevens, General Manager of Atlantic Park Surf. “With the first Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon in North America, Atlantic Park Surf provides groups of all skill levels with a world-class surfing experience in a controlled and consistent environment, right in the heart of Virginia Beach.”

The Wavegarden Cove system (the most energy-efficient wave-generation technology in the world) can generate up to 1,000 waves per hour and more than 20 types of waves, ranging from one to six feet in height and is tailored to beginners, intermediate, advanced and expert surfers. Atlantic Park Surf has already welcomed visitors from all 50 states and more than 30 countries.

Photos courtesy of Atlantic Park Surf.

Click here to read more from the rest of Groups Today’s 2026 Newsmakers of the Year.

Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.

Main photo courtesy of Wavegarden and Atlantic Park Surf.