Fall Promotions on Virginia.org
Virginia.org needs specific listings for its popular Virginia Fall Foliage feature pages, which highlight fall getaways, fall packages, apple picking and corn maze events, fall festivals and fall outdoor activities, such as birdwatching, biking and trail events. For questions with your listings, please contact Angela Wiggins at 804-545-5553 or awiggins@virginia.org.

Events Deadline for the 2007 Travel Guide
Be sure to add your 2007 events to Virginia.org by Aug. 1, 2006 if you want them to be considered for publication in the 2007 Travel Guide. If you have the same event year after year, you might just need to click on "make changes" and add the 2007 dates to your listing instead of creating an entirely new record. For questions, please contact Angela Wiggins at 804-545-5553 or
awiggins@virginia.org.

Summer = Peak Travel Season
It's officially summertime and peak travel season, so be sure you have everything you need to assist our Virginia travelers. The 2006 Virginia Travel Guide is still available for our industry partners, so order your supply today. Email
publications@virginia.org or submit your request online here.

Film Industry's Highest Economic Impact
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced Friday, June 3, that the film and video industry had an economic impact of more than $221 million in Virginia in 2005, the highest ever reported, which also represents a 14-percent increase over the 2004 figure. The Central Virginia region alone totaled more than $89 million. Read all about it on the home page at /

New Fall Ad Co-op
Participate in the Virginia Living September/October ads that feature an accompanying sweepstakes. Limited space is available. Deadline to participate is July 17. Please see the magazine one-sheet (PDF) for more information in Advertising on vatc.org.

What's New in 2007?
VTC's Public Relations department is again collecting information for its exciting "What's New" list to send to hundreds of print, broadcast and electronic travel media. The list highlights new or expanded/renovated attractions, lodging and other travel services. To be included in this year's list, complete the downloadable form. If you have questions, please contact Richard Lewis at rlewis@virginia.org or 804-545-5574.

New MapQuest Features on Virginia.org
Attractions, Accommodations and Dining icons will soon appear on MapQuest maps of destinations listed on Virginia.org. The new icons will show visitors just how close local amenities are to your destination. Plus, your destination will appear on other destinations' maps. First, check your listing on Virginia.org and make sure the physical address is correct. Then, click on the "map it" icon at the bottom of the page to see how it maps. If it is plotted wrong, please contact MapQuest:
http://help.mapquest.com/jive/mqconsupport.jspa

Attend Economic Development and Workforce Development Planning Meetings
You are invited to join Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Patrick Gottschalk and the Governor’s Senior Advisor for Workforce, Daniel LeBlanc, for a meeting in your region to develop the Governor’s Economic Development and Workforce Development Strategic Plans.  Each of the meetings will be held from 9 a.m. sharp until 12:30 p.m., and will feature special sessions devoted to workforce and economic development topics.  To ensure that these important plans include the voice of all Virginia’s people and regions, please plan to attend and share your knowledge and expertise to contribute to the Commonwealth’s future.  Click here for the schedule for the meeting near you. 

Merchandise of the Month

This Virginia bib apron is great to wear for outdoor grilling. It features a large front pocket and measures 23"W x 34"L. Embroidered with "Virginia is for Lovers" logo on center chest. Colors: Black, White, Navy, Burgundy or Hunter. $17.50.



Go to the Virginia is for Lovers Shop to order.

Website Visitation
Through June 2006
UP 41% YTD

Virginia Welcome Center Visitation
Through May 2006
DOWN 6.0% YTD

Lodging Occupancy Rates
Through May 2006
UP 0.7% over same period of 2005

Car Rentals
Through May 2006
UP 3.7% over same period of 2005

Gas Sales
Through March 2006
UP 0.1% from the same period of 2005

Click to download the PDF for more...

Best of the Best Virginia Destinations

Cedars of Williamsburg, the Inn at 802 also in Williamsburg, and the Long Hill Bed & Breakfast in Winchester were the South's winners in the Best of BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online bed and breakfast directory and reservation network, featuring the most comprehensive database of inns and B&Bs worldwide. Congratulations!

VTC is looking for other mentions in the media for the Best of the Best in Virginia. If your destination has received a distinction from the media, please contact Sandy Westmoreland at swestmoreland@virginia.org for an ongoing feature article on Virginia.org.

Admin Tool Tip
Images are an important asset to a listing.  They are the consumer’s first impression of you and what you have to offer.  When adding an image, please keep in mind that the image must be 100k or less in file size.  It must be a BMP, GIF or JPG file.  General rule is to size the image at 300 pixels wide or 4 inches wide at 72 dpi.  For questions, please contact Angela Wiggins at 804-545-5553 or awiggins@virginia.org.

If you have comments or suggestions for future issues of The Dashboard please contact Sandy Westmoreland at swestmoreland@virginia.org or 804-545-5557.

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