News Summary
Governor Glenn Youngkin announced over $2 million in matching grants to support 197 local tourism programs across Virginia. This funding aims to enhance local economies through increased tourism by 2026, benefiting small businesses and promoting Virginia’s image as a travel destination. Key projects include initiatives from Jolly’s Mill Pond and the Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association, part of a larger investment to stimulate overnight visitation and collaborative marketing efforts.
Richmond, Virginia – A total of more than $2 million in matching grants has been awarded to 197 local tourism programs across Virginia, a move aimed at boosting local economies through increased tourism by 2026. The funding announcement was made by Governor Glenn Youngkin and includes significant projects such as those from Jolly’s Mill Pond and the Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association (WARA).
The grants come from three primary programs under the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC): the Marketing Leverage Program, the Destination Marketing Organization Grant Program, and the VA250 Tourism Marketing Program. Together with local partners who are matching the state funds with more than $2.74 million, the initiative represents a total investment of over $4.76 million directed toward marketing and event production.
The initiative primarily aims to foster increased overnight visitation across all nine GO Virginia regions, which spans a variety of communities and attractions. This effort is projected to benefit approximately 1,130 small businesses and nonprofits state-wide, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to economic development through tourism.
In his announcement, Governor Youngkin emphasized the significant role that tourism plays in Virginia’s economy, highlighting its capacity to create jobs and support small businesses throughout the state. The grants are designed to encourage public-private partnerships, thereby enhancing local economies while promoting Virginia’s image as an attractive travel destination.
The awarded grants will support a variety of programs intended to stimulate tourism and traveler spending. For instance, WARA’s grant will be utilized to enhance the Williamsburg Eras Tour program, which aims to educate visitors about the rich history of Williamsburg. Similarly, Jolly’s Mill Pond will apply its funds toward the A Taste of History program, which seeks to provide an engaging exploration of Virginia’s culinary past.
Additionally, the grant programs help leverage limited marketing funds, enabling localities to stimulate tourism through collaborative partnerships. This aligns with the well-known “Virginia is for Lovers” brand, which seeks to appeal to visitors in search of diverse experiences in the state.
In line with the state’s focus on workforce development, Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Juan Pablo Segura, noted the grants’ potential to generate employment opportunities for students, seasonal staff, and workers in the hospitality sector. This approach reflects Virginia’s commitment to a robust tourism economy that not only attracts visitors but also provides vital job opportunities for residents.
The VTC has announced plans to open additional rounds for the Marketing Program grant and sponsorship opportunities throughout 2025 and 2026, indicating an ongoing investment in the tourism sector. Organizations and businesses interested in applying for these grants are encouraged to visit the VTC’s website for more detailed information.
A comprehensive list of grant recipients has also been made available through VTC, allowing stakeholders and the public to see where these investments are being allocated. This initiative reflects a concerted effort from the state and local partners to revitalize and innovate Virginia’s tourism industry as a crucial driver of economic growth.
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Additional Resources
- News Leader
- Wikipedia: Tourism in Virginia
- CBS19 News
- Google Search: Virginia tourism grants
- Augusta Free Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
- News Virginian
- Google News: Virginia tourism grants
- WYDaily
- Google Scholar: Virginia tourism
