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November 9, 2023
Dear Valued Tourism Partners,
Thank you to those partners in the tourism industry who are also valued military veterans. Your service and sacrifices to our community and nation are invaluable, and it’s my honor to work with you.
Our offices, including our Visitor Centers, will be closed on Friday, November 10 in observance of Veterans Day. The Visitor Centers will reopen on Saturday, November 11 at 10 am and our offices will reopen on Monday, November 13 at 8 am.
Congratulations to the North American Sand Soccer Championships team for their recent designation as a 2023 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism Award winner in the Large Market category by Sports Destination magazine. Their annual contributions and tireless efforts have helped place Virginia Beach on the world’s stage as a sports epicenter with their event, which was recognized for generating a total economic impact of $13.9 million. Read more about this major accomplishment here.
VB Sales Activity and News: This week, Virginia Beach becomes a buzzing hub of sports once again showcasing talent and the competitive spirit with three exciting events drawing in over 1,800 athletes. The thrills start at Landstown High School, which is proud to host the 2023 VHSL Field Hockey State Championships. At the Oceanfront, the Virginia Beach Sports Center turns into a dynamic battleground for the 2023 Monsters at the Beach/Fall BIG Money volleyball tournament. Adding to the week’s excitement, the Champions Cup softball event will unfold, featuring top-tier teams in a thrilling showcase of fast pitches, powerful hits, and fielding. From the turf to the hardwood and onto the diamond, Virginia Beach is the place to be for sporting events this week. Athletes will bring their best, fans will cheer passionately, and the city will revel in the spirit of sportsmanship.
The VBCC welcomed two Marine Corps Balls this week in celebration of the Marine Corps birthday. The Minority Business Expo and Ambition Dance Workshop rounded out the week. Next week the facility welcomes 3,000 government procurement professionals for the Public Procurement Forum, and the CVB Summit.
Governor Youngkin Announces 131 Local Tourism Programs to Receive Public-Private Marketing Funds to Bolster Tourism Microbusinesses - Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that more than $757,000 in matching grant funds will be awarded to 131 small businesses, Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), downtown business associations, and chambers of commerce as part of the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program (MMLP).The program is designed to leverage local marketing dollars with matching state funds to increase visitation and traveler spending in the off-season. This funding cycle, local partners will commit more than $1.1 million in private-public sector funds to match the VTC funding, providing more than $1.9 million in new marketing activity focused on small businesses and off-season visitation. The funding awarded to the 131 marketing programs will ultimately impact 655 combined partners, and support more than 1,300 jobs. A full list of funding recipients can be found here. VTC will have additional Marketing Program grant and sponsorship rounds opening throughout 2024. Organizations and businesses that are interested in applying may visit vatc.org/grants for more information.
Road Closure Notice for the 2023 Tidewater Veterans Day Parade - This annual tribute is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, November 11, and will impact traffic flow in Resort areas along Atlantic Avenue, Pacific Avenue, and Virginia Beach Boulevard between the hours of 7:00 am & 11:00 am. In addition, 19th Street in front of the Virginia Beach Convention Center will be closed until approximately 2:00 pm. Please see the Road Closure Notice here and feel free to reach out with questions or concerns to Zach Cannon at 757.385.6636.
Due to the parade road closure, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) advises that the bus lineup at 19th Street and Parks Avenue will be relocated to Virginia Beach Blvd and Parks Ave (in front of the Oceanfront Library). In addition, HRT Routes 20, 33 and 960 will detour from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. Customers should expect delays due to increased traffic.
Virginia Beach Jeep Fest 2023 Set for November 10 - 12 - This weekend, Jeep enthusiasts unite for Virginia Beach’s Second Annual Virginia Beach Jeep Fest. Enjoy sunrise beach cruises or push the limit on the sand obstacle course. Show off your ride, check out the latest Jeep accessories, and immerse yourself in all things Jeep! Vendors, Show & Shine, Beach Cruise, Beach Sand Course and more. For additional information, visit vabeachjeepfest.com.
Coastal Virginia Auto Show Returns November 17 - 19 - The Coastal Virginia Auto Show rolls back into town in 2023 as the largest car show of its kind with all the makes, models, clubs, and cultures gathered under one roof. Elite, classics, customs, antique, trucks, motorcycles, after-market, and even bicycles will be on display at this incredible indoor show. For the car enthusiasts who can’t display their vehicle for the entire weekend, there will be a special one-day show on Saturday, November 18 in front of the Convention Center on 19th Street from 10 am to 4 pm. The 2023 Coastal Virginia Auto Show will also include celebrity appearances, displays and demonstrations, live entertainment, lots of giveaways, prizes, a children’s area, and much more. This family-friendly event has something for everyone! Get all the details here. Please note there will be a Road Closure on 19th Street on Saturday from 8 am to 5:30 p.m. in conjunction with the outdoor car show.
‘Tis The Season To Start Planning Your Holiday Fun - From new lighted displays at the Oceanfront to a tree illumination at Town Center, there are many merry ways to catch the holiday spirit this season. Time to make some plans!
Looking for a great way to get some exercise, kick off a beloved local holiday tradition and reduce your carbon footprint, all at the same time? You can do just that on Thursday, November 16 starting at 5:30 p.m. Grab your bicycles and bring the entire family to the Virginia Beach boardwalk for the BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach, presented by Food Lion Bike Night. Enjoy riding your bike through jumping fish, musical crabs, and jolly elves dancing in lights against the backdrop of the moonlit Atlantic Ocean. This year, enjoy new displays, two additional blocks of lights, and a new 600 ft. LED tunnel. This special night is free and open to the public. Want to go? Get all the details here.
Can’t make Bike Night? Not to worry! There are plenty of opportunities to participate in this beloved local tradition. Click here for a list of dates and times for the show which runs through Monday, January 1, 2024.
Plan your holiday visit to Town Center and join in the fun during the most wonderful time of the year. Beginning November 24, come out to celebrate the very best of the season and join in festivities including the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, and first-ever illumination of the Town Center holiday tree on December 1st. Back this year to everyone’s delight is the Town Center Snowglobe Spectacular, a collection of more than 15 magical life-size snow globes each filled with unique and creative holiday scenes. Also, on tap are roving musicians, dancing elves and more! Check out the complete list of Town Center holiday events here and be sure to get in on all the fun!
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
The CVB Events Calendar for July 1 - December 31, 2023 may be found here. To view the Resort area entertainment schedule, click here. For easy access to all of Town Center’s events and activities, including free movie nights, click here.
My team and I are committed to you and our industry and are here to help any way that we can. Please let me know how we can assist you.
Sincerely,
Nancy Helman
CVB Director
CVB Strategic Pillars:
Engagement|Growth|Brand Development|Culture|Accountability
Hotel Occupancy Data for the Week of October 16 - 22: Virginia Beach’s hotel occupancy rate for the week of October 22 – October 28 was up 9.6% at 60.8% occupancy and up 0.5% for the running 28-day trend. ADR was up 6.9% at $123.21 for the week and up 3.3% for the running 28-day trend. RevPAR was up 17.1% at $74.92 and up 3.8% for the running 28-day trend.
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