LOVEwork

Dear Tourism Partners,

Virginia’s tourism industry reached $25.2 billion in visitor spending in 2021, an increase of 44% from 2020 and recovery to 87% of pre-pandemic levels. In 2021, travelers spent $69 million dollar every day in localities across the commonwealth. The travel spending supported 185,000 jobs, $7.1 billion in salaries and wages, and $1.8 billion in state and local tax revenue.

After the devastating impact of the pandemic in 2020, it was domestic leisure travel that led the recovery as travelers sought for outdoors and drivable destinations. Coastal Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, and Blue Ridge Highlands contributed significantly to the overall recovery in the commonwealth. 80 out of 133 Virginia localities have fully recovered to 2019 levels of spending and many grew even further.

Questions? Contact Pratiksha Bhattarai

VA-1 Recap

Rita at VA1

Thank You for Joining us at the 2022 Governor's VA-1 Tourism Summit

On Tuesday, November 15, the sold-out Governor's VA-1 Tourism Summit in Norfolk closed with an invitation from Coach Ted Lasso of Richmond (UK) AFC football club to attend VA-1 2023 in Richmond. While we strongly suspect Coach Lasso was Richmond (VA's) Jack Berry in disguise, it was just the tip of the iceberg of a particularly eventful conference.

From Governor Glenn Youngkin's kickoff celebrating the VTC grant program, to the wonderful keynote speeches and a wealth of valuable breakout sessions, Virginia's tourism community was able to come together fully with an incredibly positive spirit and forward-looking anticipation for the first time since the COVID pandemic's inception. And with Rita McClenny's encouraging message that Virginia tourism will be 100% back by the end of Q4 2023, we look forward to an even bigger celebration at next year's VA-1. A heartfelt thank you to all who made the 2022 Governor's VA-1 Tourism Summit one to remember.

Update your Winter and Holiday Content on Virginia.org

We Need Your Winter and Holiday Events and Packages

It's almost holiday season in Virginia! Update your winter and holiday events, deals and packages on Virginia.org. Contact Robin with questions, rmamunes@virginia.org. Don’t have an account? Create one by filling out the Extranet Request Form.

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VTC Welcomes Kelli Williams

VTC is delighted to introduce Kelli Williams as our new Destination Development Manager! Kelli will be based in Harrisonburg and will work with our tourism industry partners in the Shenandoah Valley region, and the western part of Northern Virginia.

Kelli has previously worked with the City of Harrisonburg Tourism, Shenandoah County and with Laurel Ridge Community College. She is a graduate of James Madison University, and holds a Masters from Shenandoah University.

Virginia Green Travel

The new, automated Green Travel Business Directory and partner portal is now LIVE! Certified Virginia Green Travel Partners can now manage their directory listings, access certificates, upload applications/renewals, update profiles, and pay for certification processing fees all through this new system. 
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Hmble Hstle - The Outdoors Are Better Together 

Xavier brings together his eye for fashion and his love of the outdoors with his latest merchandise collaboration with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

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Visit VATC.org for up-to-date information.