Cooling off At Water Country USA
 eNewsletter for the Virginia Tourism Industry
June 2006 

In this issue

  • Data Sharing with Virginia.gov
  • New Joint Advertising Ops
  • Jamestown Advertising     Information Update
  • VTC Orientation June 14
  • Celebrate Cultural Tourism     Partnerships
  • Bulk Order Travel Guides
  • Broadcast Opportunity
  • New Features on Virginia.org
  • Hampton Bay Days
  • Industry News
  • Merchandise of the Month
  • Administrative System Tool Tip

  • President's Notes

    Governor Kaine recently announced the positive impact and growth of tourism spending in Virginia. Now is the ideal time for the Commonwealth’s tourism businesses, communities, regions and travel associations to increase their partnerships in tourism development, marketing and customer service. Together, we can create superior tourism experiences and long-lasting relationships with travelers.

    A great example of this will take place in Abingdon, June 12 & 13, at the “New Economy in Southwest Virginia – Celebrating Cultural Tourism Partnerships" conference. Southwest tourism partners will explore and showcase the cultural assets and opportunities of Southwest Virginia and learn about the emerging creative economy with some of the region's leading artisans, educators, community leaders and economic strategists. To learn more about working with VTC towards these efforts, check out our VTC Services Guide, located at www.VATC.org

    Alisa Bailey

    Virginia Tourism Update

    Data Sharing with Virginia.gov
    The Commonwealth of Virginia's new Website
    spotlights a "Visit Virginia" section on their homepage and links directly to Virginia.org's listings. This month highlights the Getaways, June in Virginia and Summer Festivals & Fairs. This dynamic partnership emphasizes all the more reason to list your destination and on Virginia.org. For questions, please contact Angela Wiggins at 804-545-5553 or awiggins@virginia.org.

    New Joint Advertising Opportunities
    Upcoming new co-op advertising opportunities can be found at www.vatc.org in the Advertising section and includes information on the New Yorker Insert of 9-25-06 and Saveur, the October 2006 issue, with limited space available for both. Also, it's your last chance for the October issue of Good Housekeeping (deadline June 21) magazine.

    Jamestown Information Update
    Endless Vacation's September/October issue will feature a Jamestown editorial, and VTC will run a Jamestown-themed ad in this issue. Sign up now for Fall 2006 co-ops, space closings are listed here:
    www.vatc.org/advertising/coopadprog/partneradvertising.htm

    VTC Orientation - June 14
    We have a few spaces left for the June 14 VTC Orientation in Richmond. Visit www.vatc.org and download the registration form. For more information, please contact Polly Bozorth at 804-545-5580 or pbozorth@virginia.org

    arrowCreating a New Economy in Southwest Virginia – Celebrating Cultural Tourism Partnerships
    June 12 & 13, 2006 in Abingdon
    Join us as we explore and showcase the cultural assets and opportunities of Southwest Virginia. Learn about the emerging creative economy with some of the region's leading artisans, educators, community leaders and economic strategists. Get more information by calling 276-492-2080 or visit www.roundthemountain.org or www.thecrookedroad.org.

    Bulk Order Travel Guides
    Stock up on travel guides for the busy summer season. Visit www.vatc.org and complete the online order form, or email your order with your complete mailing address — no post office boxes — to publications@virginia.org

    dotBroadcast Opportunity
    Offer a Package and get a Broadcast Opportunity! Vicki Mabie, director of business partners for the nonprofit, Christian radio stations 89.9 and New 90.5, www.positivehits.org, is looking for a few good vacation packages across Virginia. In exchange, she's willing to give an on-air product announcement, with length depending on the package submitted (if it's selected as a giveaway). Inquire by calling 540-222-1717 or submit packages to her at Vicki@positivehits.org.

    dotNew Features on Virginia.org
    Some new and updated features include: June in Virginia; Winery Events in June; Summer Festivals & Fairs; Celebrate Freedom in Virginia; 4th of July Events; Virginia's Summer Music Scene; Godspeed Sail; Virginia is for Music Lovers and Elliott Yamin, Virginia's American Idol! For a complete current listing of features go to
    www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?featureID=197

    dotAttention Tour Operators!
    Hampton Bay Days celebrates its 24th year, Sept. 8-10, 2006. This popular hometown event features headliners Delbert McClinton, Morris Day and Charlie Daniels. To book your tour, please contact Trudy O'Reilly at 757-727-1641. Visit the Website: http://www.baydays.com

    Merchandise of the Month

    VIFL beach towel
    Ready for fun in the sun! This velour beach towel features a 2-color printed "Virginia is for Lovers" logo. Size: 60"L x 29.5"W. $20.


    Go to the Virginia is for Lovers Shop to order.

    Tourism Dashboard

    Website Visitation
    Through May 2006
    UP 38% YTD

    Virginia Welcome Center Visitation
    Through March 2006
    DOWN 8.0% YTD

    Lodging Sales
    Through Q2 2005
    UP 1.9% over same period of 2004

    Food Service
    Through Q2 2005
    UP 6.1% over same period of 2004

    Car Rentals
    Through April 2006
    UP 4.1% over same period of 2005

    Gas Sales
    Through February 2006
    up arrow UP 0.8% from the same period of 2005

    Click to download the PDF for more...


    Industry News

    CNNMoney.com Recommends Richmond

    Richmond was named as one of "7 summer trips that won't break the bank." With JetBlue's competitive fares, the city's rich history, Paramount's Kings Dominion theme park and Class IV white water on the James River, Richmond is a great family vacation. Read More


    bullet Admin Tool Tip

    Description Field
    Please keep in mind that the Description Field on each listing on Virginia.org is where you "sell" your offerings to the consumer. Use it to your full advantage. What would entice you to visit this event, attraction or accommodation? Each Description Field on Virginia.org allows a maximum of 850 characters before the system cuts off mid-sentence. Check the character counter just above the description field before you submit your listing. For questions, please contact Angela Wiggins at 804-545-5553 or awiggins@virginia.org.


    bullet 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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