Industry News

VADMO Presents VIRGO Awards to Outstanding Tourism Initiatives in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Richmond VA:  The Virginia Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (VADMO), an association supporting destination marketing organizations and the development of tourism and travel professionals in Virginia, announced awards to the winners of the 2023 VIRGO Awards

VIRGO Advertising and Promotions Award for budgets of more than $1 Million:  Visit Williamsburg with the Life At Your Pace campaign

VIRGO Advertising and Promotions for budgets of less than $1Million:  Smithfield/Isle of Wight for ShopTalk "Let's Dish" video series.

VIRGO Niche Tourism Award: Culpeper Tourism and their Right the Record campaign.

VIRGO Regional Marketing Initiative Award:   Gloucester County for their Marketing Plan 2022.

VIRGO Destination Event of the Year Award:  Suffolk Tourism – 44th Annual Suffolk Peanut Fest

VIRGO Tourism Professional of the Year Award:  Paige Read, Culpeper Tourism and Economic Development

VIRGO Visitor Center of the Year Award: Gloucester County Virginia.

VIRGO Creative Pandemic Marketing Award:  Suffolk Tourism for Love Local, Buy Suffolk; A Hospitality Community & Consumer Outreach Program Campaign.

The VIRGO Awards, now in their 12th year, celebrate the success of destination marketing organizations along with their respective staff members and volunteers.  

Theresa Earles, Tourism Development Manager with Suffolk Tourism, manages the VIRGO Awards on behalf of VADMO, and said “Each year, VADMO honors the best and brightest in Virginia’s tourism industry.  Whether it is an innovative marketing campaign, a wildly successful destination event, or a top-notch tourism professional; the VIRGO Awards showcase the immense talent and dedication of VADMO’s members.”

Judges for the awards were industry peers.  Submissions were evaluated on the quality of the submission, economic efficiency, and the economic or community impact.  The awards were for projects, campaigns, and efforts completed between January through December 2022 

Learn more about VADMO at www.vadmo.org .

Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley (September 10, 2018) – The Shenandoah Valley Tourism Partnership (SVTP), a collaborative effort among 11 tourism offices up and down the Valley, today announced the 2017 economic impacts of tourism in the region. This report showcased direct tourism spending in excess of $1.45 billion and local tax revenues of $43.2 million. Collectively, this tourism spending represents a 3.9% year-over-year increase across the Valley.

This spending can be felt at the household level across the region. As a result of the taxes generated by tourist spending in the Shenandoah Valley, the average household spent $543 less in local and state taxes in 2017. In other words, if tourism did not exist, each of the 195,223 households in the Shenandoah Valley would have to pay an average of $543 more in state and local taxes to replace the taxes generated by tourist spending.

Other highlights of the report include data showing that tourism in the Shenandoah Valley generated 13,667 jobs in 2017, produced $278.6 million in worker income & paychecks, and that tourism spending has increased 15% since 2013.

The data, which is released by the United States Travel Association (USTA) is based on domestic visitor spending from trips taken 50 miles or more away from home.

“Virginia’s tourism industry is an important diversifier for our economy as it continues to grow and flourish in multiple regions of our Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam. “Travelers are coming to Virginia from across the country and the globe to experience our rich historic attractions, unmatched outdoor recreation offerings, eight oyster regions, world-class food and craft beverages, beautiful landscapes, and exciting arts and culture. These visitors are spending millions of dollars a day, injecting critical funds back into our community coffers and helping to make Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“Our tourism industry is an important and vital component of economic growth and job creation in Virginia,” said Brian Ball, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “As the tourism sector continues to grow and new product is developed, our communities across the state become even more dynamic and vibrant. Tourism is fortifying towns and cities across the Commonwealth, engaging and unifying our communities, and making it easy to for travelers to discover for themselves why Virginia is for Lovers.”

The Shenandoah Valley Tourism Partnership, which formed in 2016, includes 11 tourism offices: Augusta County, Clarke County, Front Royal & Warren County, Harrisonburg, Buena Vista & Rockbridge County, Page County, Rockingham, Shenandoah County, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Winchester & Frederick County. The Shenandoah Valley, which begins at the top of Virginia, is approximately 140 miles long with the Blue Ridge to the east and the Alleghenies to the west. Well known as a peaceful and scenic destination, Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley also offers world-class outdoor adventures, scenic roads, authentic mountain towns, underground caverns, fascinating historic sites and unique lodging. Each member region within the partnership individually posted an increase in tourism revenue as well.

For a video on Virginia’s record-breaking year, click here.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency responsible for marketing Virginia to visitors and promoting the Virginia is for Lovers brand. Virginia is for Lovers is the longest-running state tourism slogan in the country. Virginia is for Lovers will celebrate 50 years next year, and promotes the state as the ideal destination for loved ones to completely connect on a great vacation. Virginia is for Lovers was named one of the top 10 tourism marketing campaigns of all time by Forbes and was inducted into the National Advertising Walk of Fame in 2009.

ABOUT THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY TOURISM PARTNERSHIP

The Shenandoah Valley Tourism Partnership is a professional collaboration among 11 marketing partners representing destinations from Winchester to Lexington, and their shared goal is to promote the region as an outstanding year-round destination. To begin planning your visit and to learn more about these sites and all the adventures that await you in the Shenandoah Valley, please check out www.virginiasshenandoahvalley.com.

According to the US Travel Association, tourism in Virginia generated $22.4 billion in travel spending. Tourism also supported 216,900 jobs in the Commonwealth and $1.5 billion in local taxes, an increase of 5.6 percent compared to 2013. The increase is largely attributed to Virginia’s authentic, local travel experiences and surging culinary scene.

Tourism was again an important contributor to the local economy in 2014. Tourism revenue for Harrisonburg reached $112,731,885, a 0.9 percent change over 2013. Local tourism-supported jobs totaled 1,097 while local tourism-related taxes were $4,078,029. All data was received by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) from US Travel Association and is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from trips taken 50 miles or more away from home.

“Tourism revenues in Harrisonburg have increased once again in 2014. New business development has created more jobs to stimulate our local economy,” said Mayor Christopher Jones. “Harrisonburg is one of the first designated Arts & Cultural Districts and the first Culinary District in Virginia offering travelers 19th century architecture, bike-friendly streets, family-friendly museums, innovative foodie spots, and year-round festivals and events. Our continued participation in great travel programs; along with our unsurpassed culinary scene has brought travelers back time after time. All of this has had a positive economic impact on our local businesses and put us on the map as a great travel destination in the Shenandoah Valley.”

"These new figures illustrate the importance of investing in tourism, an industry which is helping to build a new Virginia economy, creating solid, good-paying jobs for our residents,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “Travelers are coming to Virginia to experience our oysters, wine, craft beer and cider, as well as exceptional opportunities for outdoors lovers, history buffs, and people who just love adventure."

“Tourism is an instant revenue generator for the Commonwealth, attracting millions of visitors every year looking to discover why Virginia is for Lovers,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “2014 was another exciting year for the travel and tourism industries in Virginia, and we are thrilled to see such continued improvement in our tourism economy. Tourism is a driving force of Virginia’s economy--it creates jobs, generates economic impact, and benefits businesses and communities across the state.” 

For Immediate Release (Warrenton, VA) – The Virginia Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (VACVB), an association supporting destination marketing organizations and the development of tourism and travel professionals in Virginia, announced the winners of the 2014 VIRGO Awards at their Spring 2014 Meeting held in Loudoun County, VA on April 10 and 11.

The VIRGO Awards, now in their sixth year, celebrate the success of destination marketing organizations along with their respective staff members and volunteers. In describing the awards, VIRGO Program Chair Theresa Earles of Suffolk, Virginia, said “For the past five years, VACVB has been honoring the best work being done by our local tourism professionals.  This friendly competition among Virginia’s destination marketing organizations provides an excellent opportunity for statewide recognition, as well as peer assessment. “

The VIRGO Awards are split into numerous categories and a good number of nominations were submitted for consideration this year.  The awards are determined based on the quality of the submission, economic efficiency, quality, and the economic or community impact.  The winners of the 2014 VIRGO Awards for their respective categories are listed below.

• Advertising & Promotions - DMO Budget UNDER $1 million: Combination: Abingdon CVB  for “It’s Always Play Time in Abingdon”
• Advertising & Promotions - DMO Budget UNDER $1 million: Online & eMarketing: Staunton CVB for their Online & E-Marketing Campaign
• Advertising & Promotions - DMO Budget OVER $1 million: Combination: Visit Fairfax: Historical Figures Campaign
• Advertising & Promotions - DMO Budget OVER $1 million: BROADCAST: Charlottesville Albemarle CVB -   CACVB Videos & Radio Commercials
• Advertising & Promotions - DMO Budget OVER $1 million: INTERACTIVE: for Discover Prince William & Manassas Launches DiscoverPWM.com
• Heritage Tourism: Halifax County Department of Tourism:  Halifax County Herritage and Antique Machinery Festival
• Public Relations Initiative: Visit Fairfax: Ambassador Program
• Regional Marketing Initiative: Virginia By Rail campaign – Visit Norfolk, Richmond Region Tourism, Discover Prince William & Manassas, and Fredericksburg Area Tourism
• Visitor Center of the Year: Halifax County Tourism Department for their amazing new visitor center!
• Sales Manager/Team of the Year: Virginia Beach CVB  for Virginia Beach’s Sports Marketing Campaign
• Visitor Center Manager of the Year: Kevin Sary of Suffolk Division of Tourism
• DMO Rising Star:  Tracy Kellum, Charlottesville Albemarle CVB
• Peer Selected “Best in Show”: Staunton CVB for their Online & E-Marketing Campaign

“Our members continue to impress and challenge each other with the new programs they develop each year.  The judging remains tough and we continue to see the economic impact of these various campaigns impress our peer-judges from neighboring states,” said VACVB Operations Manager, Brian Gorg.  

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The Virginia Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus is a not-for profit 501(c)(6) membership organization made up of destination marketing organizations, visitor bureaus, and the companies that support them.  Since it started in 1978, the organization has been promoting professionalism within the Virginia tourism industry and has worked on behalf of its members to make sure that tourism and travel continue to be strong economic drivers in the Commonwealth’s economy.  For more information about VACVB please visit www.vacvb.com or contact the organization at +1 540 904-4710. 

In an important step for our industry, the Obama Administration has announced the first-ever National Travel and Tourism Strategy. The strategy elevates the travel industry as a national priority, and recognizes travel for its fundamental contribution to our economy...Read More Here from the USTA

Be Visible - 2012 Consumer Outreach Marketing Program, managed by the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association, still has space available. Last year, over one and half million people visited the shows and over 21,000 Virginia Travel Guides along with CVB and attraction brochures were distributed. The program was a sell out last year, so please act now to secure your space.

Click here for more information or to view the 22 shows selected for 2011-2012. Ready to sign up? Download the 2012 participation form (DOC) today.

What is the COMP Program?

• Virginia booth at national
• 1.6+  million attendance at shows along the eastern seaboard
• Over 21,000 Virginia Travel Guides & partner brochures distributed
• Award-Winning booth designs that engage show attendees
• Travel industry participants can volunteer to work the shows

Consumer Outreach Marketing Program

• COMPliments that marketing of our travel industry partners...
• Outdoes the COMPetition...
• Through COMP, we deliver one unified tourism destination voice!  

Questions Please Contact:

• Jim Mathias, Show Coordinator, 804-314-3451, gjmathias@verizon.net

Online travel agencies lost a major case in Texas earlier this month and, after poring over the judge’s findings, at least one hotel distribution consultant says the ruling will set a precedent in how municipalities collect tax on hotel rooms sold through online merchant models.

Click here to read to the full news article.

Kevin Costello developed a thriving tourism plan for the county.

Botetourt County Tourism Coordinator, Kevin Costello, has resigned his position to assume the duties of Executive Director of the Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau, starting August 1.

In five years, Costello built a tourism program for Botetourt from scratch. The Wine Trail, Downtowns of Botetourt, and the Upper James River Water Trail were notable accomplishments. The first event of the Wine Trail Summer Concert series he created attracted 900 people. He developed an award-winning website and brought more than $200,000 in grant money to support his projects.

He built working partnerships with local organizations, serving on the boards or as an officer in such groups as: the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association, Southeast Tourism Society, Wilderness Road, Fish Virginia First and numerous others.
Costello feels the new position is an opportunity to move forward with his personal tourism career plan. He will oversee a staff of seven, manage a larger budget, and will support the local visitor center. Working for the Town of Abingdon, he will market special events such as the Highland Festival, the Heartwood Artisan Center and the Barter Theater.

Botetourt County staff has initiated a search for Costello’s replacement. The County Administrator hopes to have a new Tourism Coordinator on board in August.

For more information, contact

Gerald A. Burgess, County Administrator
(540) 473-8223

Richard “Pete” Peters, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
(540) 473-8326

RICHMOND – Virginia bucked a national trend and posted a 16 percent increase in visits from overseas travelers in 2009, despite the recession and an overall decrease in international visitors nationally.  Data from a recent U.S. Department of Commerce report showed that Virginia posted the greatest percentage increase for international visitors amongst the states and territories surveyed.

The news comes from the 2009 Overseas Visitation to U.S. States, Cities and Traveler Characteristics Data report, detailing how various destinations fared and which origin markets and characteristics contributed to those results. Of the 20 states/territories for which estimates are available, double-digit declines were suffered by 10 states. Virginia visitation increased by 16 percent, leading growth among the six states posting growth in 2009.   International visits to Virginia grew from 329,000 in 2008 to 380,000 in 2009.  Virginia moved up from 18 to 14 in ranking for overseas visitors to U.S. states.

“This is tremendous news for Virginia. Even in a difficult economy, individuals from across the world are seeking out Virginia for business and vacation.” said Governor Bob McDonnell.  “Our commitment to expanding resources for tourism and aggressively marketing Virginia overseas will help us further capitalize on this growth and increase the revenue generated by visitors to our state. The more visitors we welcome, the more jobs we create and the quicker our economy will rebound.  By taking proactive steps, such as opening new trade offices in Great Britain, China and India in the year ahead, we will build on this positive development.”

Virginia markets to international travelers through Capital Region USA, a partnership between Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland.  The alliance encourages travelers coming into the nation’s Capitol to visit surrounding areas including Virginia.  Dulles International Airport is located in Virginia.  This major international hub serves 47 international destinations with 443 weekly arrivals.

“Virginia is reaping the benefits of Dulles International Airport and our proximity to the nation’s Capitol,” said Alisa Bailey, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.  “International travelers stay longer and spend more money per trip, helping to increase revenues through tourism for Virginia.”

Tourism is one of Virginia’s most powerful industries – generating $19.2 billion in revenue, supporting 210,000 jobs and providing $1.28 billion in state and local taxes.

The international visitation report from the U.S. Department of Commerce is available online.

For more information about travel in Virginia, visit www.Virginia.org or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.