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July Updates for the Virginia Travel Industry
Co-op Reimbursement Materials due 7/31
July 31 is the deadline for submitting reimbursement materials for Facebook/Instagram and Google Search programs that ran January-June 2022. Please refer to the program’s application for a list of required documentation. Reimbursements will be issued by August 31.
Welcome Grey Walters!
The Brand Team is excited to welcome Grey Walters as the new videographer on the creative team. Grey is a graduate of the VCUarts Cinema program at Virginia Commonwealth University and has since worked on numerous television series filmed in and around Richmond. At the same time, Grey was also the owner of his own media company servicing clients all over Virginia. As a member of the Brand Team, Grey will work to elevate our video capabilities and open the door to new types of high-end video content for our owned channels.
Host the 2023 Visitor Center Seminar
Bring more than 100 dedicated tourism professionals to your city/county by hosting the 2023 Visitors Centers Seminar. Work closely with VTC to spotlight your tourism assets and help to educate the industry. If your CVB/DMO/Chamber is interested in hosting this seminar and would like more information, please contact Noelle Baker at nbaker@virginia.org.
Partnership Marketing and Advertising (PMAP) Renewal
PY23 (July 2022-June 30, 2023) enrollment for the Partnership Marketing and Advertising Program at the Virginia Welcome Centers and Safety Rest Areas will open soon. As a reminder, we will be doing auto-renewals for all marketing items that were enrolled for the PY22 cycle. If you do not wish to be automatically invoiced, please let us know at customerservice@virginia.org. Visit our website, www.welcomeva.com, for account information. For more information and pricing please contact Gary Jeffrey, 276-730-4582 or gjeffrey@virginia.org.
Bring LOVE to your Destination or Event
There is still time to request our popular LOVEwork for your upcoming event! Please submit the LOVEwork application request form if you would like to rent the Pride LOVEwork or the Standard LOVEwork. For questions, contact Noelle Baker – (804) 545-5520 or nbaker@virginia.org
(VTC) Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program opening on August 4, 2022
VTC will open a Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program grant round on August 4. The focus of this grant round will be small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees and shoulder season travel marketing. DMOs and NGOs are also eligible to apply. Maximum award is $5,000.
Virginia Black Business Expo is August 5-7, 2022 in Fredericksburg, Virginia
VTC will have a booth at the Virginia Black Business Expo in Fredericksburg on August 5-7, 2022. Staff will be available to discuss grant programs, marketing, and VTC services. There is booth space available at the event for businesses who wish to participate.
Groups, Sports and Meetings
ARPA Sports Marketing and Meeting & Convention Incentive Program Updates
Application awards will be announced for both programs on July 15, 2022. The application period for the Meeting & Convention Incentive Program has been extended. The Meeting & Convention Portal will reopen on July 25, 2022. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis – apply ASAP!
For more information on both programs, to view the educational webinars and to apply, visit /www.vatc.org/marketing/groupsmeetingssports.
Student Friendly?
In preparation for the Student and Youth Travel Association Conference, please add your Student Performance Venue or contact Stephanie to update your current listing. Send information ASAP on your student friendly educational (especially STEM) programs, activities or dining to Joni.
Add or Update Your Virginia.org Group Friendly Listings ASAP!
Our new website has enhanced search capabilities that require updated information under Meeting Facilities, Sports Facilities and Suggested Itineraries. Update your listing today. Please take a moment to update all your listings to ensure you have maximum visibility and show in all relevant searches.
Capital Region USA (CRUSA) Global Travel Exchange
Capital Region USA's inaugural Global Travel Exchange will be an annual marketplace designed to connect the region's travel suppliers, overseas buyers, travel trade media, and receptive operators in face-to-face appointments, regional familiarization tours and engaging networking events. The event takes place October 10-12 at The Madison Hotel in Washington, DC. For more details or to register for the event, please visit theglobaltravelexchange.com.
Lodging Reports
VTC partners with Smith Travel Research (STR), a leading lodging industry research company, to provide weekly and monthly lodging data for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The report provides an analysis for the state, tourism regions, and various segments around the state defined by STR.
Ready to Get Certified of Re-Certified as a Virginia Green Travel Partner? Two partner levels -- (1) Commitment Level and (2) Fully-Certified. Download your checklist application, fill it out and submit. VGTA staff will assist and soon you'll be recognized as a certified Virginia Green Travel partner!
VTC’s public relations team continues its ongoing efforts to promote Virginia as a premier travel destination through placements in local, regional, and national media. In June, VTC’s earned media coverage resulted in more than 509 Million impressions, with coverage in Southern Living, Ebony, Fodor’s Travel and more. For more June press coverage, please click here.
Virginia Tourism Partner News
Calling All Virginia Photographers!
Scenic Virginia seeks photographer’s best works to show off Virginia’s scenic vistas and natural assets. The Virginia Vista Photo Contest accepts works from Virginia photographers in the following categories:
Cities & Towns; Coastal & Chesapeake Bay; Farms & Open Spaces; Highways and Byways; Mountains & Valleys; Rivers & Waterways; Scenic Trees; and Vistas Featuring Wildlife. All submissions are due on July 31.
Order Your Virginia is for Lovers Merchandise!
Check out our sale on Virginia is for Lovers merch!
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