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April 26, 2024
Dear Valued Tourism Partners,
Kudos to our partners at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center (VAQ) for capturing two awards at the 11th Annual Virginia Green Travel Conference. Held recently in Chesterfield, VA, the VAQ was honored during the conference with a win in the Most Innovative Green Project category as well as being named a 2024 Virginia Green Travel Leader. Congratulations!
CVB Sales Activity and News:
The CVB team supports the bureau’s strategic pillars of Engagement, Growth, Brand Development, Culture, and Accountability.
Virginia Beach is once again at the forefront of sports tourism, hosting two major events that are set to draw athletes and spectators from across the nation. The action-packed week begins with the 2024 Battle at the Beach Softball event at the Princess Anne Athletic Complex. With 780 athletes ready to compete, this event promises to be a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship in the world of softball.
Simultaneously, the Virginia Beach Sports Center is proud to host the 2024 Atlantic Coast Grand Prix volleyball tournament. This event will feature top-tier volleyball teams vying for the championship in a state-of-the-art facility, designed to offer both players and fans an unparalleled sporting experience.
Adding to the excitement, our Virginia Beach Sports Tourism team has just returned from the annual SportsETA Symposium in Portland, Oregon. The symposium was a productive week of professional growth, idea exchange, and strategic discussions aimed at enhancing sports tourism in our community. Our team's efforts to promote Virginia Beach as a leading destination for sports were highlighted by our finalist nomination for the Event Impact of the Year award. This nomination celebrated the success of JACKALOPE Virginia Beach, an event that has made significant contributions to the community. This includes a partnership with Virginia Beach Public Schools and fundraising initiatives supporting mental health across the country, in collaboration with advocate Chad Caruso.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to champion sports tourism and bring exciting events to our beautiful city!
It was great to see the following media coverage this week:
- USA Today’s 10Best reader poll is open for voting through 5/13 with winners announced 5/22
The M&C Sales & Services Teams are in the midst of another busy week filled with successful weekend business, and exciting sales engagement. Virginia SkillsUSA enjoyed growth during another exciting event at our Convention Center this past weekend and Dee Mittman conducted a site visit with the National Domestic Workers Alliance. Amy Overstreet is heading to New Orleans with our Economic Development partners where they will be announcing that Virginia Beach will be hosting the 2025 citywide event for Oceantic Network’s 2025 Spring program. Go Team!
The Tourism team recently hosted a familiarization tour for group leaders from Star Destinations, a national tour operator based in Carroll, Iowa. The group spent three days visiting and getting to know Virginia Beach.
This week the Convention Center staff held an Earth Day event for colleagues and clients. They were also honored to host the Virginia Beach Fire Academy graduation. This weekend’s events include the Submarine Birthday Ball, the Hampton Roads Realtors Association Award Gala, and the SGK Gun Show. Next Thursday, the venue will be the backdrop for the 2024 National Travel and Tourism Week Awards luncheon and celebration.
Audacy's Oceanfront Concerts Return to Virginia Beach Starting Tonight - It all goes down at the Oceanfront starting tonight with a full weekend of entertainment, including live music from national and local Hip Hop acts and DJs, as well as delicious food and beachfront activations. Check out the free music at 17th Street Park & 24th Street Park each day from 12 - 5 pm, then head over to Audacy's Oceanfront Concerts on the sand next to Neptune's Park tonight (Fri., April 26) and again tomorrow night (Sat., April 27). To find out more, click here.
Signal Work, Temporary Traffic Stoppages at the Oceanfront - There will be temporary traffic stoppages on Mon., April 29 from 11 am to 12 pm at the intersection of Pacific Ave. at 20th Street. During this time, the intersection of Pacific Ave at 20th Street will be temporarily closed to traffic. City of Virginia Beach police will be on-site to assist with traffic control in this area. This work is weather-dependent, and the schedule is subject to change. For additional information and questions, contact Ace Ermlich with W.M. Jordan Company at 757-596-6341.
Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program - The next round of VTC’s Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program (MMLP) will open June 11, 2024 – close July 23, 2024. VTC is offering these grant funds to spur economic activity and travel across the Commonwealth to support tourism-oriented small businesses and organizations. These grants are part of an ongoing effort to drive shoulder season visitation and overnight visitation during the months of September to May. Click here for more information on the MMLP program.
Provide Input on Draft Policies That Will Guide Future Development in Virginia Beach - After gathering input from stakeholders, the Virginia Beach Comprehensive Plan team has developed policy ideas centered around different areas of the city and previously established themes. Now, it is time to solicit feedback on these proposed policies during one of five open-house-style meetings where attendees can provide input on draft policies that will guide future development in Virginia Beach. Come to a workshop and tell the City what you think!
- Wednesday, May 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Point O'View Elementary School, 5400 Parliament Dr.
- Thursday, May 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Trantwood Elementary School, 2344 Inlynnview Road
- Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Zeider's American Dream Theater, 4509 Commerce St.
- Monday, May 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Landstown High School, 2001 Concert Dr.
- Thursday, May 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Kellam High School, 2665 W. Neck Road
Reach out to the Comprehensive Planning team with any comments or questions at CompPlan@vbgov.com or call 757-385-4319. If you're attending the May 11 meeting, here's additional information about where to park at Zeider's American Dream Theater.
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
Click here to view the 2024 CVB Events Calendar. To view the Resort area entertainment schedule, click here and for easy access the Town Center of Virginia Beach events and activities listing, 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 April 7 - 13 : Virginia Beach’s hotel occupancy rate for the week of April 7 - 13 was down -11.3% at 56.8% occupancy and down -2.2% for the running 28-day trend. ADR was down -8.2% at $130.53 and down -3.3% for the running 28-day trend. RevPAR was down -18.5% at $74.08 and down -5.4% for the running 28-day trend.
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