News Releases
2007
December 20, 2007
What's New for Virginia Travel in 2008
The Virginia Tourism Corporation polled travel destinations across the state to see what’s new and exciting for visitors to experience in 2008. From new exhibits at some of the state’s 700 museums to new spas, wineries and hotels, Virginia continues to thrill travelers with a passion for travel. Here are some of the newest additions, also found on www.Virginia.org, to include in a getaway to Virginia in 2008.
December 5, 2007
Win a Winter Getaway from the Virginia Tourism Corporation
- Virginians and visitors can register online for the Virginia Winter Fun Pick Your Passion Sweepstakes -
Virginia is one of the coolest winter destination on the East Coast, with mountain resorts, 130 wineries and whale watching getaways that will entice travelers with a passion for wine, snow sports, luxury and natural wonders.
December 3, 2007
Hot Ideas for Cool Winter Getaways in Virginia
-Whales, wine trails, snow sports and resorts make winter a cool season in Virginia-
Virginia is one of the coolest winter destinations on the East Coast, with mountain resorts, 130 wineries and whale watching getaways that will entice travelers with a passion for wine, snow, luxury and natural wonders.
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November 19, 2007
Shop with a Passion this Holiday in Virginia
~Ten Tips for Enjoyable, Stress-free Gift Buying Getaways~
If the mad rush of the holiday gift-buying season has you singing Blue Christmas, never fear. Virginia, the state that's for lovers, shopping lovers especially, has ten tips to help people add some passion to their shopping this season with enjoyable, stress-free gift-buying getaways.
October 29, 2007
Virginia's New Exhibits and Iconic Sites Renew Patriotic Passions this Veterans Day
Virginia's rich military traditions and iconic historical sites make the state a moving destination to honor those who fought for freedom. At www.Virignia.org/VeteransDay, discover new exhibits and national memorials, battlefields and museums to renew passions for patriotism this Veterans Day.
October 25, 2007
Virginia Wins 2007 Odyssey Award for International Tourism Marketing
The Virginia Tourism Corporation received the 2007 Odyssey Award for International Tourism marketing Excellence from the Travel Industry Association (TIA) on Tuesday. Virginia received top honors for Virginia's Royal Welcome, a public commemoration of the historic visit of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II to Virginia.
October 25, 2007
Virginia Makes Meetings Easy with New Planning Directory
The Virginia Tourism Corporation is ready to help meeting planners organize successful events with the new 2008-2009 Virginia Meeting Planners' Directory.
October 25, 2007
New Group Travel Planner Now Available from Virginia Tourism Corporation
The 2008-2009 Virginia Group Travel Planner is now available from the Virginia Tourism Corporation and is packed full of information to help plan for memorable and uniq2ue group trips in Virginia.
October 1, 2007
Wine Lovers Toast October as Virginia Wine Month
- Virginia's $17 billion tourism industry celebrates 130 wineries and national accolades -
October is officially Virginia Wine Month and wine lovers across the state are ready to celebrate the 2007 harvest. Virginia, home to more than 130 wineries, is the fifth largest wine producing state in the country. Wineries, restaurants and destinations across the state will celebrate Virginia Wine Month with special events throughout October
September 25, 2007
Governor Kaine Announces Tourism Economic Impact Figures for 2006
~ Visitor spending brings $17.7 billion into Virginia ~
Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that visitor spending in Virginia reached $17.7 billion in 2006, a 7.2 percent increase over 2005. Tourism, one of Virginia' largest industries, provided 208,200 jobs for Virginians in 2006 and generated $706.8 million in state taxes and $503 million in local tax revenue.
September 7, 2007
Leaf Peepers and Wine Seekers Head to Virginia for Fall Getaways
-Wineries, foliage and festivals make Virginia a brilliant fall destination-
Virginia is a brilliant fall destination, with more than 15 million acres of foliage bursting into color, 120 wineries celebrating the harvest and 2,500 miles of breath-taking scenic drives. For families and friends looking to make the most of fall, here is a taste of what makes autumn the perfect time to visit Virginia.
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August 10, 2007
Explore Virginia's Coal Country Along New Byway
Virginia Coal Heritage Trail offers unique cultural experience
More than 300 miles of scenic roadways meander through the heart of Virginia's coalfield region, offering travelers glimpses of a culture shaped more than a century ago when commercial coal mining in the commonwealth first began. These picturesque miles stretch through seven counties and recently were designated by the Virginia General Assembly as the Virginia Coal Heritage Trail, an official Virginia Byway.
July 11, 2007
Travel + Leisure Names Virginia as "One of Five Up-and-Coming Wine Regions" in the World
- Magazine's wine and spirits editor cites state's wineries, authentic cuisine and accommodations as factors that make Virginia the only American destination named -
Virginia is one of the top five new wine travel destinations in the world, according to the July issue of Travel + Leisure magazine. Virginia was the only American region to be featured in the Wine-Lover's Guide: 5 Wine Regions to Visit Now article, highlighting some of the globe's hottest new wine destinations.
June 29, 2007
- Program to Stimulate New Partnerships, Increase Visitor Spending -
The Virginia Tourism Corporation announced on Tues., June 26, the successful applicants for the Spring 2007 funding cycle of the VTC Marketing Leverage Program. The VTC Marketing Leverage Program stimulates new, statewide tourism marketing programs through the creation of tourism partnerships.
June 28, 2007
Outdoor Journalists' Meeting Impacts Virginia Economy
To get an idea of the economic impact of the recent Outdoor Writers of America conference in Roanoke, one only has to chat with Tom Brown, fishing manager at Orvis's Roanoke retail store.
June 27, 2007
Jamestown Sails into History with New Bermuda Postage Stamps
-Two stamp designs commemorate Americas's 400th Anniversary and Bermuda's unique ties to Jamestown Settlement-
Today Bermuda marked America's 400th Anniversary commemoration with the release of "Bermuda to Jamestown" postage stamps. Bermuda officials presented the special stamps commemorating the anniversary and the unique connection between Bermuda and Jamestown at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator John Warner accepted the stamps on behalf of Virginians.
June 15, 2007
African American Music Festivals Make for Cool Summer Nights in Virginia
Visitors longing for a cool way to spend hot summer evenings are finding solace in Virginia's rich and spirited African American music festivals. Nationally known musicians perform throughout the summer at beautiful destinations from the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue ridge Mountains, making these festivals the perfect getaway for music lovers.
June 14, 2007
Virginia Hosting National Outdoor Writers
- Roanoke Conference Results from "Team Virginia" Effort -
The Commonwealth of Virginia and the city of Roanoke kick off the 80th annual conference of the Outdoor Writers Association of America in Roanoke on Sat., June 16. Approximately 450 registrants will participate in a diversity of workshops and networking events as well as programs that provide exposure to Virginia outdoor experiences.
June 1, 2007
Visit Virginia’s Juneteenth Celebrations for a Weekend of Heritage, Music and Culture
- Four centuries of African American heritage make Virginia a top destination for Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, African slaves in Texas finally received word of freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Virginia marks this important day, now known as Juneteenth, with vibrant celebrations across the state featuring reenactments, music and incredible food. Virginia’s four centuries of African American heritage, dating back to 1619, make the state a top destination for Juneteenth celebrations.
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April 26, 2007
Virginia Launches Royal Walkabout Lottery
~108 people will receive VIP spots for Queen’s visit to State Capitol on May 3~
Virginia today launched a lottery for 108 people to receive VIP spots along The Queen’s walkabout on Capitol Square. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, will visit Virginia’s State Capitol on May 3 as part of their trip to Virginia marking the 400th anniversary of Jamestown.
April 26, 2007
Virginia Tourism Prepares for Royal Enthusiasts
As Virginia prepares to welcome Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Virginia Tourism Corporation also readies itself to extend its best welcome to travelers coming for The Queen's visit to the Commonwealth, May 3rd and 4th.
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April 25, 2007
Governor Kaine Announces Virginia’s Royal Welcome at Capitol Square
~ Public invited to welcome The Queen with celebration of Virginia’s musical heritage ~
Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced Virginia’s Royal Welcome at Capitol Square, a day of musical performances by Virginia artists in honor of the visit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This free, public event will be held May 3rd to coincide with The Queen’s visit to the State Capitol in Richmond. Capitol Square will open to the public at 11:00 a.m., with musical performances beginning at 1:00 p.m.
April 24, 2007
Governor Kaine, Legislative Leaders Announce that Queen of England has Accepted Invitation to Address Virginia General Assembly on May 3
~ Virginia General Assembly dates back to 1619 and Jamestown House of Burgesses ~Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced today that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has accepted an invitation to address a special joint session of Virginia’s General Assembly at the State Capitol in Richmond on May 3.
April 17, 2007
Virginia Invites Visitors to Weigh In on Jamestown - The Most Intriguing Story of America's History
-As National Debate about Prominence of Jamestown Heats Up, New Web Site Engages Online Visitors on Powhatan, John Smith, Pocahontas and Who Really Deserves Thanks for Our Nation-
Suppose you are Chief Powhatan living along Virginia's coast in the early 17th century and see your tribal lands invaded - or imagine you're one of the first 1607 English settlers, like Gabriel Archer, to feel the sting of the natives' arrows. Would you - as part of either group -- be able to retain a calm and positive nature in the midst of the volatile situation? Gabriel Archer survived his wounding through both hands at the landing in Cape Henry to become the colony's secretary and an admirer of Virginia Indians' skills. Powhatan risked the long-held respect of approximately 30 tribes reporting to him by practicing diplomacy and trading with the English, sometimes saving them from starvation while his kinsman Opechancanough opposed his generosity.
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February 15, 2007
Virginia Earns High Marks as National Food and Wine Destination
- Culinary travelers rank Virginia 8th for wine tourism and 15th for food-related travel –
For years people have traveled to places like California and New York in search of great food and wine, but a recent national travel study indicates that Virginia is among the top culinary travel destinations in the country. The first-ever national culinary tourism report from the Travel Industry Association (TIA) rates Virginia 8th for wine tourism and 15th for food-related travel.
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February 5, 2007
Virginia Bluegrass Music Venues Go High Tech with Ground-Breaking Travel Web Site
-Online visitors can build a bluegrass lyric, send to a friend, and enter to win guitar, mandolin and trip to Virginia’s Crooked Road -
The Virginia Tourism Corporation today launched the first-ever travel Web site that uses “sing back” technology to invite travelers to visit bluegrass destinations. At www.crookedroadvirginia.com, visitors can build a personalized bluegrass lyric to send to friends, family or coworkers. The new site promotes the sights and sounds of The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail.
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February 2, 2007
Virginia Tourism Promotes Black History Month
-State invites visitors to experience Virginia's four centuries of African-American heritage-
As Virginia marks the 400th anniversary of jamestown, Black History Month is a special time to experience and honor Virginia's four centuries of African-American heritage. Across the commonwealth, communities and destinations will celebrate Black History Month with special events and exhibits.
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January 25, 2007
2007 Virginia Travel Guide Celebrates America's 400th Anniversary
The Virginia Travel Guide 2007 provides thousands of creative ideas for activities to do and sights to see in the Commonwealth during this year's commemoration of the founding of Jamestown in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. The cover of the special 400th-anniversary guide features an image of the replica of The Godspeed that made East Coast port calls last summer. The original Godspeed was one of the three ships bringing the first permanent English settlers to the shores of Virginia, landing first at Cape Henry at Virginia Beach before proceeding up the James River to what became Jamestown.
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January 10, 2007
Virginia Annual Calendar of Events On-Line
Come to Virginia in 2007 to celebrate America's 400th Anniversary with special events all year long. Queen Elizabeth II will be our guest in May, and Anniversary Weekend is May 11-13, 2007.
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January 9, 2007
Virginia Announces New Romance Getaways for Passionate Travelers
-The Lovers State Offers Romantic Trip Ideas, Travel Packages and Deals –
Just in Time for Valentine’s-
For nearly 40 years, the Virginia is for Lovers slogan has inspired romantic visions for travelers across the globe. Today the Virginia Tourism Corporation announced six new romantic getaway ideas to take romance travel to a new level and help visitors heat up their passion for travel – and each other, in the only state built for lovers, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
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