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January 27, 2023
Dear Valued Tourism Partners,
Earlier this week I asked for your help by participating in a survey which gives you the opportunity to offer input and suggestions for the future of the VB CVB. This is just a friendly reminder that the survey is due Wed., Feb. 1.
As a recap, we have retained Leadership Synergies, LLC, a consulting firm, to assist the CVB in strategic planning that includes culture- and morale-building and integrates with the city’s long-term planning. Organizational strategic planning actions include:
- Establishing a clear future vision for Virginia Beach as a destination.
- Further positioning the VBCVB as the area’s official destination leader.
- Setting long-term success measurements (separate short-term tactical items from long-term strategic items).
- Setting plan components and align with the city’s strategic plan methodology for 2040.
The survey is confidential, and all responses will go directly to Leadership Synergies, LLC. After the research is completed, responses will be represented in summary form and will not be connected to anyone by name. We need you to be completely candid so Leadership Synergies may gather useful information to help the VB CVB improve in the months and years to come. Thank you for your participation. Your input will make a difference. Please click on the SurveyMonkey link which follows to begin the survey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VB_Stakeholder_Survey.
If you have any questions or difficulties with the e-survey, please contact Georgia Pick, Leadership Synergies, gpick@leadershipsynergies.com.
National Travel & Tourism Week 2023 - The U.S. Travel Association has designated May 7 - 13, 2023 as National Travel & Tourism Week in America. The CVB team has started planning our local celebration and we ask that you please Save The Date of Thursday, May 11, at the Convention Center. Doors open at 11 a.m. Nominations for hospitality heroes are OPEN so be sure to get your nominations in before March 1, 2023 here.
REimagine Rudee Loop Project Community Engagement Opportunities - There are two upcoming opportunities for public input on this exciting project plus a survey opportunity which is open until Jan. 29:
Opportunity: Rudee Loop On-Site Community Engagement Session
Date: Friday, January 27, 2023
Time: 6:30 a.m. – early afternoon
Location: 1st Street Jetty, 96 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Opportunity: Rudee Loop Open House
Date: Tues., Jan. 31, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Kempsville Recreation Center, 800 Monmouth Ln., Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Survey: https://publicinput.com/RudeeLoop (open through 1/29)
For more information about the Reimagine Rudee Loop project, visit Rudee Loop :: VBgov.com - City of Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach Seeks Public Input on Electric Vehicle Use and Charging Infrastructure - The City is encouraging Virginia Beach residents and business owners to complete a public input survey designed to help the Department of Public Works understand the future electric vehicle (EV) charging needs within the city. The survey is now available at publicinput.com/electricvehicle and will be open for comment through 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. Read more about it here.
City of Virginia Beach Development Authority Announces Return of Façade Improvement Grants - The City of Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA) recently announced the return of the Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) program. For two years in a row, this popular program provided financial assistance to businesses and property owners for the improvement of their property, and the results speak volumes. Since the program’s inception, VBDA has awarded $207,498 to 29 small businesses who in return invested $1.3 million. The program, which is administered by the Department of Economic Development, provides matching grants of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses and property owners who are looking to make exterior improvements to their buildings. These improvements can include paint, fencing, parking upgrades, signage, accent or security lighting, and other enhancements that will help to improve the appearance and attractiveness of the property. Read the full news release here.
Convention Center Activity - It was another busy week at the VBCC. Last weekend, in addition to welcoming back over 8000 attendees for the Tidewater RV Show (more than 20% over pre-COVID numbers!), they also hosted approximately 700 people at the Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase. On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, the VBCC was home to a successful City Council retreat. This weekend they’ll host the Mid-Atlantic Home & Outdoor Living Show as well as a conference for 2,200 Groundworks employees.
Sales & Services Activities - It’s a busy week, especially in Tennessee: This week Scott is in Chattanooga, TN for the Religious Conference Managers Association’s (RCMA) Annual Trade Show Emerge and is giving back to their community as well as uncovering new opportunities for Virginia Beach! Way to go Scott and Maria Harless from the Founders Inn who helped build 75 beds and delivered 25!
Also this week Jamie is in Memphis, TN for NorthStar Meetings Group Independent Planners Education Conference’s annual appointment show and Dee and our Services Team are working so hard to make sure Groundworks comes in seamlessly this weekend.
Jim Coggin exhibited at the Pittsburgh Travel Showcase presented by AAA East Central. AAA East Central has 71 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, serving 2.7 million members.
Our Visitors Information staff worked a welcome desk every weekend at the Sports Center throughout January and has coverage planned to assist Convention Services with airport/hotel shuttle to welcome the Groundworks Conference this weekend.
Free Registration For VBHA’s Hospitality Expo - Missed celebrating Mardi Gras this year? Well, there’s another chance! Mark your calendars for Feb. 15 and plan to attend the Coastal Virginia Hospitality Expo 2023 at the Wyndham Hotel at 57th and Atlantic Ave. Everyone is invited to attend and visit with vendors that will be on-site to share their new products and materials. Complimentary attendee registration is now open; please register today here. This is a great networking opportunity so register and plan to come and connect with old friends and meet new ones at this fun, informative industry event.
HRT Announces Free Fares on Transit Equity Day - On Friday, Feb. 3, Hampton Roads Transit will offer free fare on its bus, light rail, ferry, paratransit and microtransit services in honor of Transit Equity Day. On this day, please join RT as they honor Rosa Parks for her courageous act in helping make transit more equitable for all and remember her birthday which is February 4. The work continues and her legacy lives on.
Events & Happenings
Sincerely,
Nancy Helman
CVB Director
Hotel Performance for the week of January 8 - 14: Virginia Beach’s hotel occupancy rate for the week of January 8 – January 14 was up 10.9% at 41.3% occupancy but down slightly down -2.1% for the running 28-day trend. ADR was up 6.9% at $101.27 for the week and up 3% for the running 28-day trend. RevPAR was up 17.6% at $41.81 and up 0.8% for the running 28-day trend. In comparison to January 2019, we have an increase in occupancy of 6% and we also saw an increase in ADR and RevPAR of 31.04% and 39.97% respectively.
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