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Happy Friday!
We continue to forge ahead with the safe & clean messaging and are pleased to report since our last update we have had more Virginia Beach businesses take the Summer Smarter pledge!
The CVB has taken – and continues to take – steps to ensure visitors feel safe and at ease. As we mentioned last week, additional language about the state’s mask usage requirement has been added to the commercial; a social media ad about mask requirements has been produced that will run through October; state-mandated public health and safety messaging "pop-up" to VVB.com; and the team has designed "No Mask, No Service" signage that will be distributed to area businesses.
Earlier this week the Governor announced that the Commonwealth is launching a new grant program for small businesses and nonprofits called “Rebuild VA.” The program will provide grants of up to 3 times the applicant's average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum award of $10,000. More details about the program, including eligibility criteria, may be found by visiting https://www.governor.virginia.gov/rebuildva/. The application will become available on August 10, 2020.
The Norfolk/Virginia Beach DMA continues to lead the country in hotel occupancy recovery through July 19 out of the Top 25 markets. July month-to-date (July 1-25) hotel occupancy is down 14% over last year and average daily rate (ADR) is down 4.3%, so we are anticipating a strong month. Sandbridge partners are reporting strong bookings through 2020 and into 2021.
In light of Canadian travel restrictions, the CVB has canceled an annual contract for Canadian public relations management. These services will be managed in-house and integrated into our overall communications strategy with FINN Partners.
Sincerely,
Bill Hanbury, CVB Executive Advisor
bhanbury@visitvirginiabeach.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
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