|
March 28, 2025
Dear Valued Tourism Partners,
It was exciting to receive the news that the Virginia Beach Sports Center (VBSC) has officially received certification from World Athletics for its state-of-the-art 200M hydraulic indoor track. This certification acknowledges that the VBSC track meets all technical requirements outlined by the World Athletics Rules, positioning it among the most elite indoor track venues globally.
Becoming certified by World Athletics is not only a momentous achievement, but also a testament to VBSC's commitment to excellence in hosting track and field events. This certification ensures that VBSC’s facility adheres to the highest international standards, allowing it to host record-eligible performances. For athletes, organizations, and governing bodies, the certification represents an opportunity to compete in a regulation-compliant, world-class environment right here in Virginia Beach. With this certification, VBSC is poised to attract a range of high-profile sporting events, drawing world-class athletes and organizations. Beyond the recognition, the impact of this achievement will also drive sports tourism in Virginia Beach, delivering significant economic benefits to the local community and further establishing the city as a global hub for athletics and competition.
This weekend, Virginia Beach takes center stage once again as the Sports Tourism team proudly welcomes a series of events that showcase our city as a premier destination for athletes, families, and fans from across the country.
Leading the charge is the 36th Annual National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) High School Nationals, taking place Friday through Sunday at the Virginia Beach Sports Center. Known as the largest wrestling tournament in the country, this marquee event brings together over 5,300 elite high school and middle school wrestlers from 47 states to compete for national titles and coveted All-American honors. In addition to high-caliber competition, the NHSCA Nationals include a free college recruiting fair, making it a vital opportunity for student-athletes to further their careers. The impact and prestige of this event solidify Virginia Beach's reputation as a wrestling hub and a leader in youth athletics.
Meanwhile, the Virginia Beach Convention Center will bring the energy as it hosts a dynamic double feature of events. From Friday through Sunday, the 2025 Encore Dance Competition returns, drawing around 600 talented dancers ready to hit the stage with show stopping routines. Sharing the spotlight on Saturday and Sunday is the Royal Dual Beach Nationals, welcoming approximately 1,000 cheer and dance athletes from across the region. Together, these events will transform the Convention Center into a hub of movement, music, and fierce competition.
In addition to our full slate of weekend events, the Sports Tourism team had the pleasure of hosting the Stonewall Sports Committee last week for an exciting site visit. The group toured several of our top tier venues and amenities, including the Hampton Roads Soccer Complex, Virginia Beach Sports Center, Convention Center, Pinboy’s at the Beach, various beachfront parks, and multiple hotel properties. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of our partners who extended warm hospitality and informative tours, your efforts helped create a welcoming and memorable experience for our guests. We're optimistic that Virginia Beach left a strong impression as a potential future host city for Stonewall Sports events.
As always, we are proud to continue creating impactful moments through sports and showcasing the very best of what Virginia Beach has to offer.
In CVB sales news, Jim Coggin recently attended PBA Marketplace 2025. Over 600 group leaders representing 19 Pennsylvania Bus Operators were in attendance. Group leaders were very excited about booking their groups in Virginia Beach.
The M&C Sales & Services Team has been “hopping” busy – ‘tis the season! Sales and engagement have been in full swing with site visits, sales missions and more! This week, CVB Vice President of Sales & Services Anissa Ladd arranged for Virginia Beach to co-op a luncheon with four other 2nd tier cities. We delighted invited meeting planners from across the nation’s capital at DC’s Hay-Adams Hotel. Sally Noona, Amy Overstreet, and Dee Mittman accompanied Anissa. Dee and Amy remained in DC to conduct additional business while Scott Warren and Sally conducted site visits with potential Virginia Beach clients. Go M&C!
This weekend the Convention Center welcomes the Encore Dance Competition, which opened today, and the Royal Beach Dual Nationals Cheer Competition, which opens tomorrow. Both run through Sunday. Tomorrow the facility is assisting with the NHSCA Wrestling Annual High School Nationals by hosting weigh-ins for the Middle School athletes, which will be taking place at the Sports Center. The weekend is capped off with a celebration of the end of Ramadan on Sunday.
VRLTA’s Ordinary Award Nominations Open Through June 30 - A huge thanks to those of you who took the time to nominate someone for a local NTTW award. Now that our awards nominations have closed and you’re already in a “nominate a rock star” state of mind, I encourage everyone to participate in the 2025 Virginia Restaurant Lodging & Travel Association’s (VRLTA) Ordinary Awards. The Ordinary Awards celebrate and honor all of Virginia’s restaurants, lodging establishments and hotels, DMOs, attractions, and more. They shine a light on the incredible restaurateurs, hoteliers, attractions, establishments, and employees that represent some of the best our industry has to offer. Do you know someone in your network who is worthy? Nominations are now open through June 30, 2025, and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on September 8, 2025. Find out more about the awards and the process for nominating someone at the link provided here.
Family Fun is Blossoming at Town Center - Treat your family (don’t forget the four-legged ones!) to a trip to Town Center of Virginia Beach and enjoy all there is to see and do. Find the fun happenings in the latest edition of Town Talk found at this link.
U.S. Travel Industry News - According to a Harris Poll, 76% of Americans plan to travel in 2025. Read the whole article and find the latest travel industry news in the March 26th edition of U.S. Travel's SmartBrief newsletter found here.
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
Find the 2025 CVB Event Calendar here, the Virginia Beach Events entertainment schedule here, and a link to the events at Town Center of Virginia Beach here.
My team and I are committed to you and our industry and are here to help in any way we can.
Sincerely,
Nancy Helman
CVB Director
nhelman@visitvirginiabeach.com
CVB Strategic Pillars:
Engagement|Growth|Brand Development|Culture|Accountability
Hotel Occupancy for February 2025 - Virginia Beach’s hotel occupancy rate for the month of February was down -6.5% from Feb. 2024, at 46.2% occupancy, and down -4.1% year to date. ADR was down -1.9% from Feb. 2024, at $109.12, but up 0.7% year to date. RevPAR was down -8.3% from Feb. 2024, at $50.38, and down -3.4% year to date.
Source: STR, LLC. Republication or other reuse of this data without the express written permission of STR, LLC is strictly prohibited.
| 
