|
January 12, 2024
Dear Valued Tourism Partners,
Congratulations to Executive Director Martha Davenport and the board of the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association (VBRA) for an amazing event earlier this week during the launch of “The Recipe.” The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts was buzzing with excitement at the debut of this photographic journey through the Virginia Beach restaurant scene. More than 200 attendees joined in the celebration of this exhibit which is a collaboration between the VBRA and Mr. Nathan Beck of Beck Images. The 82 photos created by Mr. Beck grace the walls of the second and third floors of this venue. Free and open to the public, you can find out more about this unique exhibit here.
Another exciting launch occurs this Monday for the VBRA with the start of Virginia Beach Restaurant Week 2024. Read more about this signature event, which is celebrating its 19th year, later in this newsletter.
CVB Sales Activity and News: The CVB team supports the bureau’s strategic pillars of Engagement, Growth, Brand Development, Culture, and Accountability.
It has been a week of solid engagement and growth for our M&C Sales and Services Team. Scott Warren was part of a contingency representing Virginia this week in San Antonio, TX for the Religious Conference Management Association’s EMERGE 2024 conference. Meanwhile, Amy Overstreet, Dee Mittman and Sally Noona were in San Diego, CA attending the Professional Conference Managers Association Convening Leaders 2024 conference with more than 5,000 attendees.
We are excited to see Virginia Beach featured in these recent media hits:
January offers something for everyone at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The year starts with the Hampton Roads International Auto Show which begins today and runs through the weekend. On Monday more than 1,300 people will attend the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast for the Urban League of Hampton Roads. Following that, set up begins for the Tidewater RV Show, the Mid-Atlantic Home & Outdoor Living Show, and the Uniquely Yours Bridal Show. Ultimately, we hope to welcome more than 35,000 guests to the building in January alone.
This weekend, Virginia Beach is set to host a trifecta of thrilling sporting events, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of our sports scene. Kicking off the action is the 2024 VA Showcase Track and Field event at the Sports Center, where over 4,000 athletes are expected to display their prowess in various track and field disciplines. Concurrently, the 2024 NXT East Coast Box Lacrosse Championships will be heating up the VB Field House with 910 athletes competing in this high-energy sport. Rounding out the weekend, the USTennis Association’s Boys 12, 16 & Girls 12's L3 Closed Tournament will be held at the Virginia Beach Tennis Center, bringing together 100 young tennis talents. Each event promises to be a showcase of skill and sportsmanship, making for an unmissable weekend for sports enthusiasts and participants alike.
Virginia Beach Restaurant Week Returns January 15 - 21, 2024 - Join in this weeklong celebration of the Virginia Beach culinary scene highlighted by specially designed menus with pre-fixe pricing, discount hotel options, and The Pineapple. Restaurants will incorporate The Pineapple into their décor, beverage, or menu options. Members of the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association are the only restaurants permitted to participate in this special event. Patrons are encouraged to check menus and days/hours of operation and to make reservations where available. Click here for more details and a current list of participating restaurants, menus and offers.
Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant Openings and Webinars - Virginia Tourism Corporation is opening the Marketing Leverage Program, DMO Marketing Program, and the Special Events & Festivals Program grants on Thursday, Feb. 8. Interested applicants may sign up to attend a webinar to find out more information about these programs here
CVB Loonie Savers Program Now Accepting Offers for 2024 - The CVB invites all partners to participate in our 2024 special offers program designed exclusively for our Canadians guests. The Loonie Savers digital pass program will further support the CVB’s efforts to be recognized as a year-round destination and will give our industry partners the opportunity to receive free exposure for your businesses products and services. Once your offers are loaded and approved, someone from our team will contact you to confirm any details. Click here to sign up.
Virginia Aquarium Announces New Exhibit - The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center recently announced its new changing exhibit, Rainforest Adventure. Opening to the public on Sunday, Jan. 21, this new exhibit will venture guests through the layers of the forest while learning about fun facts about the species that live there. This interactive play maze will have kids zip lining, climbing, and more as they uncover the sights and sounds of the tropical rainforest. Click here for more information.
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
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 December 24 - December 30: Virginia Beach’s hotel occupancy rate for the week of December 24 – December 30 was down -6.4% at 39.5% occupancy and down -3.5% for the running 28-day trend. ADR was down -8.3% at $102.31 and down -0.7% for the running 28-day trend. RevPAR was down -14.2% at $40.45 and down -4.1% for the running 28-day trend.
| 
