Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) awarded more than $2.7 million for 259 local and regional tourism marketing programs across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for Virginia’s localities through tourism.
VIR received a $20,000 grant for its Virginia is for Racing Lovers Grand Prix IMSA race. The IMSA race provides a significant boost to the Southern Virginia economy as VIR welcomes many thousands of fans from across the East Coast. IMSA also brings televised races and more digital feeds so it provides a great opportunity to feature not only Southern Virginia but the Commonwealth as a whole.
“We’re honored Virginia Tourism has found such value in our IMSA race and they’ve chosen us worthy of this grant as part of their partnership for the Virginia Is For Racing Lover’s Grand Prix” said Connie Nyholm, co-owner and CEO of VIR. “This event brings tens of thousands of people to Southern Virginia and we love showcasing all this region has to offer.”
“These grant funds provide an important opportunity for communities across the Commonwealth to accelerate recovery efforts and continue with their best-in-class marketing initiatives to attract new travelers,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism. “Increased visitation translates directly into revenue generation, underscoring tourism’s important role in stimulating economic growth and expansion”
The VTC Regional Marketing Program aims to help Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) drive overnight visitation and to supplement funding for economically significant special events and festivals in order to increase overnight visitation. The DMO funding is projected to drive more than 125,000 room nights over the next 18 months.
More information on VTC’s Regional Marketing Program can be found at vatc.org.
About VIRginia International Raceway
VIRginia International Raceway is one of America’s premier road courses, offering professional and amateur racing for modern and vintage classes while providing contemporary resort amenities. A prominent test facility for the automotive industry, VIR has the distinction of being named one of the top six courses in North America by Car and Driver Magazine, and southern roots and hospitality make it one of the friendliest. Conveniently located at the Virginia/North Carolina border, VIR is centrally located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic with 15 million people within 150 miles. For more information, visit www.VIRnow.com, Facebook or Twitter.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.
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