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December 1, 2023
Dear Valued Tourism Partners,
Welcome to December! We are thrilled that our destination has so many unique and fun ways to celebrate this special time of year. Read on in this newsletter for a sample of some memory-making ideas to share with staff and guests.
I am proud to announce that the Virginia Beach CVB won Silver and Bronze Adrian Awards from Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for travel public relations excellence in the category of Public Relations/Communications – Feature Placement Online or Print for both consumer and trade media audiences. The VBCVB was awarded a Silver Adrian Award for the July 2nd Boston Globe article, “Go Find Your Happy in Virginia Beach, Pharrell Williams-Style,” and a Bronze Adrian Award for the March 16th Sports Travel magazine article, “New Premier Sports Event Ramps Up Interest in Virginia Beach.” Find out more about the awards here.
VB Sales Activity and News: This week, the majority of the M&C Sales and Services Team is busy engaging and partnering with our stakeholders while continuing to grow our opportunities to promote our brand and sell the destination. For the first time ever, we hosted the annual meeting of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federationat the Convention Center this week; our Services team provided the group with stellar transportation services. Also this week, Amy Overstreet and Scott Warren traveled to DC to engage with colleagues and industry leaders at Connect DC and Connect Faith. Amy, Scott and Dee Mittman held a special client event on Tuesday evening, exemplifying CVB’s culture of the finest in hospitality. To support future growth, Sally Noona and Dee Mittman are attending the Holiday Showcase in Chicago and Jamie Rawls will be in Richmond for the Virginia Society of Association Executives’ annual holiday luncheon and awards.
We are pleased to share the following press hits which foster brand development and heighten awareness of our destination:
This week, Virginia Beach is bustling with excitement as we play host to three major sporting events, bringing together over 3,000 athletes from various disciplines. The 2023 Gymstrada Invitational at Ocean Lakes High School will showcase the grace and agility of gymnasts in a display of skill and athleticism that is a highlight for the gymnastics community. At the Virginia Beach Sports Center, the 2023 Virginia Beast Invitational marks the start of the indoor track and field season, promising a showcase of speed, strength, and endurance. Meanwhile, the soccer fields at the Hampton Roads Soccer Complex will be alive with the competitive spirit of the 2023 Atlantic Cup Soccer Tournament. Each event embodies the spirit of competition and sportsmanship, making this week an unforgettable showcase of talent in our vibrant sports community.
The VBCC finished November strong with the 42nd Annual Christmas Craft Show over Thanksgiving weekend and the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation convention in-house this week. The Farm Bureau enjoyed Chef Desiree’s creative take on locally-sourced products and capped the conference with Governor Youngkin as their closing keynote speaker. Next week the facility welcomes the Urban League’s annual Holiday Toy Drive and the first of our holiday parties.
Recruit. Collaborate. Connect: VRLTA Announces Launch of Seasonal Connect 2.0 - The Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association (VRLTA) is pleased to announce that their partners at Seasonal Connect recently released version 2.0 of their interactive platform. If you’re interested in recruiting seasonal workers, collaborating with other employers, and connecting with employers and workers, click here for more information.
Santa’s Town Center Arrival and Grand Illumination - Santa Claus is coming to Town (Center)! Kick off the holiday season at Town Center of Virginia Beach's Fountain Plaza tonight (Friday, Dec. 1) for a Grand Illumination and the arrival of Santa Claus! Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive for the illumination by horse-drawn carriage at 6 pm followed by holiday entertainment in life-size snow globes from 7 - 9 pm. For more information, click here.
Holiday Parade at the Beach - Kickoff is tomorrow evening (Saturday, Dec. 2) at 5:30 pm for the 2023 Holiday Parade at the Beach. The Resort will come alive with over 100 parade units making their way down Atlantic Avenue from 15th - 25th Streets in a joyous celebration of the holiday season. Giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, performing dance groups, motorcycles, and more joined forces to present a dazzling and entertaining night of fun for all ages! And, best of all, Santa himself will make a grand appearance to greet all his loyal fans! Kickoff is at 5:30 pm. Click here for more information. Please note that Resort area traffic will be temporarily impacted; see the Road Closure Notice for details.
The 2023 BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach, presented by Food Lion - This beloved holiday tradition delights with new displays, two additional blocks of lights, and a fantastic new 600 ft. LED tunnel. Jumping fish, musical crabs, and jolly elves dance in lights against the backdrop of the moonlit Atlantic Ocean. Highlighted by a Surfing Santa, color-changing archways, and light fixtures that pay tribute to the region’s Armed Forces community, the 2023 BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach offers wondrous fun for the entire family. Find ticket information and learn what to know before you go here.
Bon Secours Presents The 2023 BayPort Credit Union Surf N Santa 5 Miler & Rudolph’s 1K - Experience the magic of the season with a run through the holiday lights on the Boardwalk before you celebrate your run at the indoor post-race party. Grab your race swag at the Convention Center during packet pickup on Friday, Dec. 15 between 4 and 7 pm or Saturday, Dec. 16 between 2 and 4 pm. After picking up your race packet, shop the store for some awesome race swag to commemorate your holiday weekend in Virginia Beach! For registration, race schedules and all the details, click here. Please note that Resort area traffic will be temporarily impacted; see the Road Closure Notice for details.
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
The CVB Events Calendar through 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, 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 November 12 - 18: Virginia Beach’s hotel occupancy rate for the week of November 12 – November 18 was up 3.2% at 52.2% occupancy but down -1.7% for the running 28-day trend. ADR was up 2.6% at $108.40 and up 2.9% for the running 28-day trend. RevPAR was up 5.9% at $56.61 and up 1.2% for the running 28-day trend.
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