2007 Virginia Travel Guide - America's 400th
Anniversary Issue

The 2007 Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide commemorates the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown in 1607. A replica of the Godspeed, one of three ships that sailed from England in 1606 to the Virginia shore, graces the cover of the guide.

Inside, there is a special nine-page section dedicated to the Jamestown 400th Anniversary activities and events that take place in 2007, new exhibits and attractions at Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne, as well as information on Virginia’s Indian tribes. Click here to order Bulk Travel Guides.

Virginia Welcome Center Demonstrations & Events
Don’t forget to include a Virginia Welcome Center in your marketing plans for 2007.  With the anticipated increase in visitation for ’07, a demo day at a welcome center is an ideal opportunity to showcase your destination or organization. Increase awareness and gain valuable hands-on exposure with Virginia visitors without participation fees or monetary investment.  Remember, we’ll have two new welcome centers opening in ’07 so schedule your demo day soon, as calendars are filling up!
For more information on the Virginia Welcome Center Demonstration Program, visit http://www.vatc.org/consumer/Demonstrations.html

Virginia Festivals and Events Association Seminar
VFEA’s The Art of Communicating is scheduled for Feb. 9–10, 2007 in Fairfax, Va. This exciting one-day program features TV, radio and print media experts who will train attendees on interview preparation, on-camera training, building partnerships and guerilla marketing. Also, newcomer sessions are offered on event basics, PR, communications and operations. Visit http://www.vfea.com/2007conferencedetails.html for details and registration.

 Save the Date - March 22-23
Join us at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel in historic Staunton on March 22-23 for the 2007 Local Regional Visitor Centers Seminar. This year's seminar promises to be an event you won't want to miss. Look for details and registration starting this month on http://www.VATC.org

New Features on Virginia.org
New and updated features this month include: King Neptune in Virginia Beach, Virginia Battle Reenactments 2007, January in Virginia, Winery Events in January, Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail, B&Bs in Virginia, Motorsports in Virginia, Hispanics and Latinos in Virginia and Virginia Indians. More features about Virginia: http://www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?FeatureID=197

Merchandise of the Month

Virginia "Horse Lovers" Shirt

This shirt is a must-have for the horse enthusiast. Features a red, white, and blue "Virginia is for Horse Lovers" print on chest. $16.

Go to the Virginia is for Lovers Shop to order.

Admin Tool Tip
Maintaining Your Listings.  With a bright new year upon us, now is the perfect time to make sure that your listings are consumer-ready. Logon to Virginia.org with your User ID and Password.  Then, click Preview to see if the listings in your account are current and up-to-date.  Click Make Changes to update any outdated information.  Click Delete to delete any listings for businesses that have closed and events that will no longer be held.  This will ensure that consumers who are planning to visit your destination have the best vacation experience.  
For questions, please contact Angela Wiggins at 804-545-5553 or awiggins@virginia.org.

Website Visitation
Through December 2006
UP 48% YTD

Virginia Welcome Center Visitation
Through November 2006
DOWN 18.9% YTD

Lodging Occupancy Rates
Through November 2006
DOWN 1% over same period of 2005

Car Rentals
Through November 2006
UP 1.5% over same period of 2005

Gas Sales
Through July 2006
DOWN 0.4% from the same period of 2005

Click to download the PDF for more...

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