October- Governor Glenn Youngkin Proclaims 104 Local Tourism Programs to Obtain Marketing Grants to Enhance Journey Throughout Virginia

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin introduced right this moment that 104 native tourism packages will obtain greater than $625,000 in matching-grant funds to spice up the interval between peak and off-peak season journey throughout the Commonwealth, supporting Virginia’s continued progress as an all-season tourism vacation spot. 

“Virginia’s recent record-breaking tourism numbers reflect the strength and potential of this industry to drive economic growth across the Commonwealth,” mentioned Governor Glenn Youngkin. “These grants will expand that impact by helping destinations and small businesses market themselves more effectively, thrive during the shoulder season, and welcome travelers year-round. From small towns to big cities, and from outdoor recreation to cultural and historic treasures, these programs will showcase the very best of Virginia as we build momentum toward the VA250 commemoration. With this milestone on the horizon, we have a unique opportunity to share Virginia’s history, natural beauty, culinary excellence, and craft beverage traditions with visitors from across the nation and around the world.” 

The $627,877 in awards is funded by three Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) packages: the Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program, the VA250 Tourism Marketing Program, and the Vacation Starts with VA DMO MMLP Co-op Program. Local companions dedicated greater than $729,992 to match the VTC grant funding, producing greater than $1.3 million in new advertising and marketing initiatives. In complete, the packages will profit 624 tourism companions statewide. 

These packages are administered by VTC and are designed to leverage restricted native advertising and marketing {dollars} with state funds to drive journey and customer spending within the fall, winter, and early spring. Harnessing the long-lasting Virginia is for Lovers model, these packages use the hub-and-spoke tourism mannequin to foster partnerships and create participating itineraries to increase customer stays and generate larger financial affect. 

Each grant program performs a definite position in advancing Virginia’s tourism progress: 

• Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program – Helps small tourism-related companies with 20 or fewer full-time workers amplify advertising and marketing efforts throughout the shoulder season (September to May).
• Vacation Starts with VA DMO MMLP Co-op Program – Supports vacation spot advertising and marketing organizations in executing focused, research-driven campaigns utilizing VTC’s flagship Vacation Starts with VA model and toolkit.
• The VA250 Tourism Marketing Program – Builds consciousness for the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence by selling Virginia’s unmatched cultural and historic legacy beneath the theme America: Made in Virginia.

“Leveraging public-private partnerships is a model that works well for Virginia,” mentioned Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “Channeling dollars back into our cities, counties, and towns through tourism marketing grants is an instant revenue generator. With tourism as the front door of economic development, these grants are a critical part of Virginia’s growth strategy to increase revenue and create jobs. From part-time, front-line jobs for students to full-time executive positions in hospitality, Virginia is leading the way in activating tourism as an economic development strategy.” 

VTC will open extra advertising and marketing grant packages on a quarterly foundation in 2026. Organizations and companies which might be considering making use of for these grant alternatives can go to vatc.org/grants for extra data. 

A full checklist of funding recipients for all grant packages will be discovered here. 

About Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) 

Virginia is for Lovers is without doubt one of the most iconic and recognizable journey manufacturers on the earth. Using that highly effective model fairness, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with selling the Commonwealth as a premier journey vacation spot by showcasing all there’s to like in a Virginia trip. The {dollars} spent by vacationers gasoline the financial system, present jobs for Virginians, and enhance communities throughout the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a terrific place to reside, work, and go to. Learn extra at virginia.org.