Virginia Tourism Corporation
The Virginia Tourism Authority, doing business as the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is an organization of more than 70 professionals working in the Richmond office and at 12 Welcome Centers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The overriding goal of all of VTC’s activities is to “serve the broader interests of the economy of Virginia by supporting, maintaining and expanding the Commonwealth’s domestic and international inbound tourism and motion picture production industries in order to increase visitor expenditures, tax revenues and employment.”
Or, stated another way, our goal is “more people, staying longer, spending more money.”
News
- What's New in Virginia in 2009?
Each year, the Sales and Public Relations departments compile What's New, a compilation of new, renovated or expanded attractions, accommodations, meetings spaces, sports venues and travel services opening in Virginia. What’s New in 2009 will cover openings from late 2008 through 2009. Let us know by July 15th by filling in the form located here.
- Virginia Green Travel Site
www.VirginiaGreenTravel.org, a new Web site dedicated to environmentally friendly travel in Virginia was recently launched. The new travel site supports Virginia Green, a partnership between the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that promotes environmentally friendly practices in Virginia’s tourism industry.
- Gas Deals Wanted
Media and consumers are looking for travel deals in Virginia that off-set the high cost of gas. Please consider developing a special package or discount and post on Virginia.org. Packages could include "$20 off a two night stay for travelers from 20 miles away or more", "free $20 gas card with two night stay", or how about "$5 off admission for families of four or more traveling from out of state". Log in to the Administration Tool to add your deals.
- Tourism Week May 10-18
Passionate About Spreading the Word Awards
In honor of Tourism Week, Virginia Tourism Corporation will recognize outstanding efforts by the Virginia travel industry to educate elected officials and the public about the benefits of tourism to Virginia. Winners will be announced at the 2008 VA-1 Conference. Get all the information here.
- Tourism Week PR Tool Kit
VTC has created a tool kit for DMOs to help localities spread the word about the economic impact and importance of tourism in Virginia. The kit includes a sample news release, graphics, a sample letter to legislators and other helpful items. Get the Tool Kit here.
- Join The Commonwealth’s Campaign to Promote Environmentally-Friendly Practices in Virginia’s Tourism Industry
Virginia Green is a partnership program between Virginia DEQ, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), and Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association (VHTA). Virginia Green promotes practical pollution prevention techniques in all sectors of Virginia’s tourism industry. Learn more here.
- FY2007 Virginia Visitor Profile – detailing trips taken between July 2006 and June 2007 – is now available to Virginia’s travel industry. The 17 pages worth of information includes: purpose of travel, travel party characteristics, destinations visited, activities engaged in, visitor origins, trip satisfaction, and much more. Customized visitor profiles are also available for larger regions and segments. To learn more please go to http://www.vatc.org/research/visitation.asp
- Workshop Opportunities:
The VTC Tourism Development Division is working to bring workshops to help you with your tourism attractions and businesses.