Regional tourism partners will gather at Norfolk International Airport from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 10, to celebrate Thank You the Visitor Day with air travelers. The event will feature a variety of mascots, live music, tourism information and giveaways, and will include the Virginia Eastern Shore Tourism Commission.
The ESVA Tourism Committee will be distributing information about the Eastern Shore on Visitor Appreciation Day, including items such as stickers and goodie bags with Shore-related logos.
Emily Machen, marketing director for the ESVA tourism board, said: “The last time I lived in Norfolk or visited Norfolk frequently for many years, I had no idea what it was like to be on our coast. “I talked to a lot of people I didn’t know.” “We also demonstrate a strong regional front with other destinations on the Virginia coast, encouraging people to easily drive through the COVA region for a diverse vacation experience.”
According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), visitor spending in 2022 generated more than $6.77 billion in direct economic impact in coastal Virginia, a 13.5% change compared to 2021. A total of 53,273 tourism-supported jobs were created in Coastal Virginia, and local tourism-related taxes were reduced. 337 million dollars. Additional marketing funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contributed to increased visitor spending.
Coastal Virginia is comprised of 11 unique destinations that offer visitors unlimited experiences year-round.
The Coastal Virginia Tourism Alliance aims to increase awareness of the tourism and hospitality industry as a major economic generator, promote Coastal Virginia as a destination, and encourage the development and growth of tourism and hospitality businesses and venues throughout the region. A forum for local marketing organizations.
