Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
For Immediate Release:
September 28, 2010
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Contact: Ibbie Hedrick
Phone: 804-786-2078
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Contact: Tamra Talmadge-Anderson
Phone: 804-545-5573
Email: ttanderson@virginia.org
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BOLLING ANNOUNCES TOURISM MARKETING GRANT FOR NORTHERN NECK
-Regional partnership secures $7,500 grant to promote area to visitors-
Richmond, VA - Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling traveled to Montross today to announce a $7,500 tourism marketing grant to help fund an advertising and outreach campaign to promote the Northern Neck as a tourism destination. The grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation is designed to assist local and regional tourism entities to leverage local marketing dollars. The successful grant application was a partnership between the Northern Neck Tourism Commission, Westmoreland County, Richmond County, Northumberland County and Lancaster County. The local partners provided a $15,000 match for the grant, making a total of $22,500 available to market the Northern Neck to potential visitors.
“Tourism is a proven revenue producer in Virginia. This grant will help the Northern Neck region increase its tourism revenue and give it greater exposure to prospective visitors.” said Lieutenant Governor Bolling. “I congratulate the local organizations on their successful partnership for the benefit of the region.”
The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Marketing Leverage Program is designed to stimulate new tourism marketing through partnerships and to extend the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand. The objective of this program is to leverage limited marketing dollars, resulting in increased visitor spending. A minimum of three entities must partner financially to apply. Partners may consist of Virginia towns, cities, counties, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other not-for-profit entities. In total, VTC awards approximately $1 million annually - matched and leveraged on average three to one by partner dollars - to more than 80 communities across the Commonwealth.
“Our agency is proud to support local and regional partnerships like this that will bring greater attention to the Northern Neck and its many tourism destinations.” said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “This grant is a positive step to help the region market itself to prospective visitors.”
The Northern Neck is one of the most historic regions in Virginia and is the birthplace of George Washington, James Monroe and Robert E. Lee. The waters of the Potomac River, Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay provide a haven for boaters and water enthusiasts and have supported a fishing industry for generations. Colonial architecture, small town charm, Bed & Breakfast inns, wineries, historic sites, marinas and retail shops are among the valuable assets that attract visitors to the area. The marketing grant will help support advertising and outreach through magazines as well as participation in the VTC Consumer Travel Program.
Tourism generates $19.2 billion in revenue for Virginia, supports 210,000 jobs and provides $1.28 billion in state and local taxes for communities.
For more information about the Northern Neck area and travel and tourism in Virginia, visit www.northernneck.org andwww.Virginia.org or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.
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