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September 26, 2025
Dear Valued Industry Partners:
I am excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Virginia Beach State of Tourism program. Please join us for a complimentary breakfast on Thursday, November 6th to hear the latest tourism economic impact data as well as an overview of our visitor demographics from renowned industry experts. We will also be celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the opening of our Convention Center. I hope everyone will join in the festivities! The doors open at 7:30 a.m. for coffee and networking with the program beginning at 8:30 a.m. Register here for your seat today!
2025 marks the 51st anniversary of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival and beginning today, it’s Boardwalk Weekend! A beloved tradition among locals and visitors, every year thousands celebrate during the festival weekend’s many offerings along more than 30 blocks of our famous Boardwalk. Shop with over 200 artisans displaying handmade works and enjoy daily concerts at two festival stages featuring 20+ performances from local and national bands and DJs. Find 22 magnificent sandsculptures created by world-renowned international sculptors at Neptune’s International Sandsculpting Championship at the tent entrance on 7th Street. Other weekend events include Neptune’s 8k Race, Grand Parade, Dock Dogs, Touch-a-Truck, Poseidon’s Playground, Volleyball Tournament, Surfing Classic, Atlantic Regatta, Youth Art Show, and more! Find all the details and information you need here for a fun-filled weekend celebrating the beach life!
Partners, did you know that all past editions of the Weekly Industry Message can be easily accessed online? If you have missed one or two, or need information that has been previously shared, find all editions (by date) on the Partner News and Updates page found at the following link: https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/partners/partners-news-updates. If you need assistance or have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Diaz, Partner Development Manager, at tdiaz@visitvirginiabeach.com or by phone at (757) 385-6631.
The M&C Sales Team was back on the road this week representing our destination by engaging with a variety of prospects. Dee Mittman was in DC in her capacity as a member of the board of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners and attended State of Black Tourism in the DC Region. She also represented Virginia Beach at the American Society of Association Executives’ Annual Summit dinner. The Power of Associations 2025 Summit Awards recognize outstanding associations that work beyond their missions to benefit America, its workforce and the world. Next, Sally Noona, Jamie Rawls and James Caralivanos were in Richmond with four partners to attend the Virginia Society of Association Executives’ Annual Fall Conference. The conference featured exhibits, keynote sessions, breakouts and many opportunities to connect with peers and partners from across the Commonwealth. The team was delighted to bring cool vibes to Richmond by hosting a reception break featuring ice cream from Lolly’s Creamery located in the Virginia Beach ViBE Creative District.
Locally, Kelli Norman and Shantese Putman represented the team at the dedication of the nation’s first Nautilus Lookout Tower, The Whorl, at Owl Creek Landing.
Sports Tourism is excited to welcome more than 400 athletes and their families to the Virginia Beach Sports Center for the 2025 Hooptober Classic, hosted by ETC, this week. Over two action-packed days, more than 50 high school basketball teams from Virginia and neighboring states will hit the court for preseason competition. This highly anticipated event not only showcases regional talent but also gives teams a valuable opportunity to gear up for the upcoming basketball season.
At the same time, the Virginia Beach Sports Center continues to demonstrate its versatility by hosting events beyond the world of sports. On October 3rd, the venue will transform for A Showgirl Celebration: A Taylor Swift Listening Party, a community gathering filled with music, creativity, and fun. The celebration will include a silent disco, trivia, karaoke, costume contests, and more, bringing together fans of all ages for an interactive and memorable evening.
Together, these events illustrate the unique role our facilities play in the community. From showcasing regional athletic talent to providing space for cultural and entertainment experiences, the Virginia Beach Sports Center highlights how sports venues can be dynamic, flexible spaces that serve a wide range of audiences. This dual identity not only strengthens our city’s reputation as a premier sports destination but also underscores its commitment to fostering community connection through diverse and engaging events.
The Convention Center welcomes Ramiscal Equitan Advisors Dinner this weekend while they prepare to host the annual Public Defender Conference for the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission next week. The video walls have been removed from prefunction and work continues to upgrade all the drinking fountains to ones with bottle fillers. As September draws to a close, they are deep in preparations for all the fall favorites – car shows, craft shows, and races are coming!
📣 Partner with Us on Social! We’re excited to share the latest efforts from the CVB Marketing Team across Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook. By following Visit Virginia Beach on these channels, you'll stay up to date on our newest content, campaign rollouts, and stories that showcase the spirit of our destination.
🤝 We’d love for you to engage with us, share posts that resonate with your audience, and help amplify Virginia Beach’s message. When sharing, be sure to tag @visitvabeach so we can highlight and celebrate you in return!
Marina District Remains Open During Construction: The local businesses, restaurants, and attractions in the Marina District at the Oceanfront remain open and ready to serve everyone during City construction on Winston Salem Avenue. The project will improve pedestrian access and connectivity between Mediterranean Avenue, the Rudee Loop Walkway, and Pacific Avenue.
- For a complete list of businesses and more information on the project, click here.
- Those interested in getting email updates and news from the City on this project can sign up here.
- Support the Marina District during construction – download a flyer with the best routes to the Marina District or request printed copies by emailing WinstonSalem@vbgov.com.
Free Family Fun at Town Center Continues - Movies in the Plaza is a series of free outdoor movie screenings each Saturday night at sunset, presented on a large outdoor screen in the recessed area of the Town Center Fountain Plaza. Limited seating is available on a first come first served basis. Participants are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets (if necessary) and prepare for an evening of family-friendly fun. There will also be free treats (while they last). All movies start at sunset; the times listed below are approximate. Please note that viewer discretion is advised and these events are weather-permitting. Visit www.cbda.net to learn more.
Here's the movie title for tomorrow and the lineup for October:
September 27 @ 6:30 PM – Sonic the Hedgehog 3
October 4 @ 6:30 PM – If
October 11 @ 6:30 PM – Captain America: Brave New World
October 18 @ 6:00 PM – Finding Nemo
October 25 @ 6:00 PM – Wicked
Virginia Aquarium Hosting Two Spook-tacular October Events - The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (VAQ) will be hosting two spook-tacular Halloween events in October. Guests can explore a spooky night with creepy areas for various age ranges. For an adult-only Halloween experience, the Aquarium’s Sharks After Dark Halloween Night will be on October 2nd from 6 - 9 p.m. Guests who are at least 21 years old can dress up in their Halloween costumes for an unforgettable event with specialty cocktails such as poison appletini, nightmare on bourbon street, and witches brew lemonade. For families looking for a howling fun, family-friendly Halloween outing, Fins & Frights will be on October 17th & 18th from 6 - 9 p.m. For more information, visit https://virginiaaquarium.com.
8th Annual Mural Festival to Feature 10 New Murals in 10 days Oct 3rd - 12th, 2025 - Presented in partnership with the City, the ViBe Creative District invites the public to experience the eighth annual ViBe Mural Festival. This year the Mural Festival kicks off with ViBe’s 10th Anniversary Block Party on First Friday, Oct 3rd from 6 - 9 p.m., where a neighborhood-wide celebration centers on 18th Street, the newest roadway completed in Central Beach. First Friday also includes Utopia Feni in ViBe Park, VB Flea in The Alley on 19th St and art exhibitions at the Virginia Beach Art Center and The Creative Well Arts Foundation. A total of 10 new murals will be painted by 10 different artists at properties throughout the arts district. Free public programming and events are offered during the festival. Complete details on the festival are available at Mural Festival - ViBe Creative District.
Virginia Beach Fire Department Seeks to Educate Public During Fire Prevention Week October 5 - 11: This year’s Fire Prevention Week™ campaign, “Charge Into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” focuses on educating the public about the importance of safe practices when buying, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in devices such as laptops, scooters, power tools and systems that the public and first responders use or interact with daily. While these batteries provide an effective and efficient source of power, the likelihood of them overheating, catching on fire, and even leading to explosions increases when they are damaged or improperly used, charged, or stored. To learn more, visit fpw.org.
VTC Fall Round of VA250 Marketing Leverage Program Grants Open Through October 23rd - Virginia Tourism Corporation is accepting VA250 Marketing Leverage Program grant applications through October 23, 2025 for those Virginia businesses who meet the eligibility criteria. For details on the criteria, and to apply, visit the link provided here. For questions, email VTCMLPGrant@virginia.org.
Partner Professional Development Opportunities - To support our strategic pillar of accountability to the industry, we are pleased to share information about upcoming opportunities for professional development:
VRLTA Offers Professional Development Opportunities- The Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association (VRLTA) offers a variety of hospitality industry training opportunities including online courses, career and technical education programs, and certification programs. Visit https://www.vrlta.org/hospitality-training/ for more information.
2025 Miles Partnership Professional Development Dates for Remainder of 2025: November 18th marks the end of the 2025 Miles Partnership professional development webinar series with the presentation of Stewardship & Sustainability Insights, Powered by the State of the American Traveler. For more information and registration, visit https://www.milespartnership.com/how-we-think.
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
Find the CVB Event Calendar for the second half of 2025 here, the Virginia Beach Events entertainment schedule here, and a link to all the fun 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
Virginia Beach STR Data for August 2025 - Virginia Beach’s total hotel occupancy for the month of August was 77.8%, which is a 0.8% increase year over year. Year to date occupancy is running behind -0.1% to same time last year. ADR for the month of August was $218.37, a growth of 3.2% year over year. Year to date ADR is up 4.0% to same time last year. RevPAR for the month of August was $169.95, which is a 4.0% growth year over year. This is also a growth of 1.1% year to date compared to same time last year.
Source: STR, LLC. Republication or other reuse of this data without the express written permission of STR, LLC is strictly prohibited.
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